🌟 Welcome to Year 5!

Year 5 is an exciting year when pupils build on their Key Stage 2 learning, develop independence and tackle exciting new challenges. Throughout the year, children will explore ancient civilisations, investigate space, study different regions of the world and deepen their understanding of science, history and geography through engaging and memorable experiences. 

📚 English in Year 5

English Adventures
This year our reading and writing will be inspired by a range of exciting texts that encourage imagination, curiosity and thoughtful discussion.
Our core books include:

• Kensuke's Kingdom
• The Matilda Effect
• Street Child 

Guided reading texts include fiction, non-fiction and poetry such as Dr Maggie's Grand Tour of Space, The Wind in the Willows and local poetry linked to the Potteries. 

In English we will help children develop their vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills through narratives, diaries, biographies, persuasive writing, explanation texts and formal letters. 

✝️ Bible Story Focus

Our class Bible story is Abraham and the Starry Sky, which reminds us that:
God loves us and always keeps His promises.
This story encourages faith, trust and hope — values we explore throughout the year in our reflections and daily life. 

Science

Year 5 scientists will explore fascinating topics through experiments and investigations.

We will study:

• Forces – exploring gravity, friction, air resistance and the work of Isaac Newton.
• Earth and Space – investigating the movement of the Earth, Moon and planets.
• Properties and Changes of Materials – discovering how materials change and separate.
• Living Things and Their Habitats – studying life cycles and reproduction in plants and animals.
• Health Education – understanding human growth and development.

Children will work scientifically by observing, predicting, testing, recording and evaluating their findings.

History and Geography

Our humanities topics will take pupils across continents and through some of the most significant periods in history.

History

• Ancient Greece – exploring Greek life, achievements and their influence on the modern world.
• Ancient Islamic Civilisation – discovering how Islamic achievements shaped the world we live in today.
• Local History Study – investigating famous potters from Hanley and their contribution to our local area. 

Geography

• The United States – comparing regions of the UK with the Western USA.
• Brazil – exploring Northern Brazil, its climate, settlements and biomes.
• Biomes and Ecosystems – studying habitats, vegetation belts and wildlife in the UK.
• Fieldwork and advanced map skills using six-figure grid references and geographical data collection. 

Trips and Experiences

Learning in Year 5 extends beyond the classroom through exciting visits and hands-on experiences.

Some highlights include:

• 🌲 Stanley Head Residential
• ⛪ Church Visit (Stafford)
• 📚 Library Visits
• 🎬 Cinema Visit
• 🏺 Middleport Pottery Visit

These experiences help bring our curriculum to life and create lasting memories.

🎭 Pupil Roles & Responsibilities We believe in helping children take ownership of their learning environment. Year 5 pupils can take on a range of important roles that contribute to our school community:

🎨 Arts Ambassadors

🤝 Peer Mediators

🏃 Playground Leaders

🧥 Cloakroom Monitors

📚 Reading Dojo & Book Area Monitors

🙏 Prayer Partners 

💻 Computing

Children will develop their digital skills through:

• Systems and Searching
• Video Production
• Programming and Physical Computing
• Flat-file Databases
• AI Digital Literacy 

🏃‍♀️ PE and Games

• Please ensure children come to school in the correct PE kit on their PE days. Full details can be found in our school Uniform Policy and on your child's Class Dojo.

We are excited for all that this year will bring and look forward to sharing your child’s learning journey. Year 5 is a year of discovery, challenge and achievement — and we’re so glad to be on this journey together.

Warm wishes, The Year 5 Team