Year 5 Term 1 2026-2027
Curriculum Newsletter
Geography
We will develop our mapping and geographical skills by learning how to read and use Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. We will explore map symbols, grid references, scale, contours and four- and six-figure grid references to locate features accurately. We will also put our skills into practice by investigating and mapping our local area, identifying landmarks, human and physical features and using maps to plan routes and navigate our surroundings.
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Science
We will investigate the properties of different materials and explore why particular materials are suitable for different purposes. We will compare materials based on properties such as hardness, transparency, flexibility, solubility, conductivity and magnetism. Through practical investigations, we will learn how materials can be separated, dissolved and changed, while developing our scientific enquiry skills by making predictions, carrying out fair tests, recording results and drawing conclusions.
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Art and Design
We will explore the work of J.M.W. Turner, one of Britain’s most celebrated landscape artists. We will investigate how Turner used colour, light, tone, texture and expressive brushstrokes to capture the power and atmosphere of the natural world. Through studying and responding to his paintings, we will develop our own skills in painting, colour mixing and creating atmospheric effects, experimenting with different techniques and materials before producing our own Turner-inspired landscape artwork.
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Writing - Skellig
We will explore David Almond’s Skellig, developing our writing skills through character and setting descriptions. We will investigate how authors use powerful vocabulary, figurative language, expanded noun phrases and varied sentence structures to create vivid descriptions and atmosphere. We will study the characters and mysterious settings in the novel before planning, drafting and editing our own descriptive writing, using language carefully to engage and intrigue the reader.
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Math
We will develop our understanding of number and place value, working with numbers up to 1,000,000. We will read, write, compare and order numbers, explore the value of each digit and use powers of 10 to multiply and divide by 10, 100 and 1,000. We will also round numbers to different degrees of accuracy and use our place value knowledge to solve increasingly challenging mathematical problems and reasoning tasks.
Religious Education
This term, we are excited to be joining KS1 in using Lighting the Path, our new Catholic Religious Education programme.
