Year 5 Spring 2 Overview

As we move into the second half of the Spring term, our learning journey continues with exciting new topics across all subjects!

Dates for your diary:

14th March 2025 - British Science Week Fair at Whitefields

19th March 2025 - British Museum

21st March 2025 - West Hampstead Fire Station

 

Here’s what we will be focusing on:

English: Narrative Writing with Beowulf

This term, we are delving into the thrilling world of Beowulf, an epic tale of bravery and heroism. Using this legendary story as inspiration, pupils will develop their narrative writing skills. They will explore the use of descriptive language, figurative techniques such as similes and metaphors, and powerful vocabulary to create vivid and engaging stories. Through focused writing exercises, pupils will build suspense, describe intense battle scenes, and bring mythical creatures to life. By the end of the unit, they will craft their own gripping heroic narratives, drawing inspiration from the epic adventures of Beowulf.

Maths

Last half-term, pupils focused on deepening their understanding of fractions, mastering skills such as multiplying fractions by integers and calculating fractions of amounts. They developed their problem-solving abilities by tackling complex fraction-based challenges, building a strong foundation in logical thinking and mathematical reasoning. Building on this knowledge, we now turn our attention to decimals, percentages, and measurement.

Maths: Decimals, Percentages, and Fractions

In Maths, our focus shifts to understanding decimals and percentages. Pupils will be learning how to read, write, and compare decimals up to three decimal places, ensuring they develop a strong grasp of place value and number relationships. They will also explore the connections between fractions, decimals, and percentages, developing fluency in converting between these forms. As they progress, pupils will apply their knowledge to real-world problems, including calculations involving money, measurements, and data interpretation.

Maths: Perimeter and Area

Additionally, pupils will learn how to calculate perimeter and area, understanding how these concepts apply to different shapes and real-life contexts. They will explore strategies for measuring and calculating these properties accurately, ensuring a deep understanding of how space and measurement are used in everyday scenarios. Reasoning and problem-solving will play a crucial role in this unit, encouraging pupils to justify their thinking and deepen their mathematical confidence.

 

Science: Earth and Space

This half-term, we will embark on an exciting exploration of Earth and Space. Pupils will investigate the structure of the Solar System, identifying the planets and understanding their movement in relation to the Sun. They will discover how the Earth's rotation causes day and night and how its orbit around the Sun leads to seasonal changes. Pupils will also learn about the Moon’s phases and how they occur, as well as the science behind eclipses. We will delve into the history of space exploration, discussing key figures and missions that have expanded our understanding of the universe. Through hands-on experiments, model-making, and research projects, pupils will develop a deeper understanding of the forces that govern our Solar System and the vastness of space beyond our planet.

 

   

 

 

 

History: Early Islamic Civilisation – Baghdad and the Golden Age

Continuing our exploration of the early Islamic civilisation, we will now focus on the remarkable city of Baghdad and its Golden Age. Pupils will learn about:

• The founding of Baghdad and why it became a centre of learning and culture.
• The House of Wisdom: a great centre for scholars, scientists, and philosophers.
• The contributions of early Islamic scholars in mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and literature.
• The impact of these advancements on the modern world. Through discussions, research, and creative projects, pupils will appreciate the achievements of this era and its legacy.

 

To bring our learning to life, we have an exciting trip planned to the British Museum to explore the Islamic World Gallery. Pupils will have the opportunity to see historical artefacts, manuscripts, and artworks from this incredible civilisation, deepening their understanding of its cultural and scientific achievements. This immersive experience will help pupils connect their classroom learning to real-world historical treasures, making history come alive in an engaging and memorable way.

 

PSHE: Teamwork and Online Safety

This half-term, our PSHE focus is on teamwork and online safety. Pupils will develop essential skills such as:
• Effective communication and active listening.
• Understanding the importance of staying safe online and how to protect personal information.
• Working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
• Recognising and valuing each other’s strengths in group settings.

To kickstart our teamwork theme, we began with an exciting hook lesson where pupils worked in teams to build the tallest free-standing tower using marshmallows, spaghetti, and tape. They had to plan their structure carefully, communicate effectively, and support one another to achieve their goal. This engaging challenge encouraged strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cooperation. After completing the task, pupils took time to reflect on their efforts in working as a team. They discussed what went well, how they communicated, and what they could do differently next time to improve their teamwork. This reflection process helped them recognise the importance of collaboration and consider ways to enhance their team dynamics in future projects.

 

Through interactive activities, role-playing scenarios, and group projects, pupils will build their confidence in working as part of a team and develop positive relationships with their peers.

R.E.: Religious Symbols and Barnet’s Embrace of All Faiths

In R.E., we will explore the importance of religious symbols in different faiths, understanding their meanings and significance. Pupils will learn about symbols from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism. Additionally, we will look at how our local borough, Barnet, celebrates and respects all religions, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Through discussions and reflections, pupils will gain a greater appreciation of the role of faith and belief in society.

It’s shaping up to be another fantastic half-term, full of engaging lessons, creativity, and opportunities for personal growth!

Year 5 Spring 1 Overview

In Year 5, our term will be packed with exciting topics and engaging activities across all our subjects! Here’s what we’ll be focusing in Spring 1:

English: Exploring Romeo and Juliet

This term, we’ll be diving into Shakespeare’s timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet. Our English work will include:

• Character and Scene Analysis: Pupils will explore the key characters and pivotal scenes in the play, analysing how Shakespeare develops themes of love, conflict, and fate.
• Reimagining the Story: Students will rewrite scenes with a modern twist, considering how the themes of Romeo and Juliet resonate today. They’ll hone their descriptive writing skills while bringing the timeless story into a contemporary context.
• Performance and Expression: To bring the play to life, pupils will practise dramatic readings, focusing on tone, expression, and stage directions to convey the powerful emotions in the story.

 

Science: Human Life Stages

In Science, we’re exploring the fascinating life stages of humans, from infancy to old age. Students will learn about the physical and emotional changes that occur at each stage and how these stages interconnect. Discussions and activities will help them reflect on their own growth and understand the science behind these changes.

Maths: Fractions Mastery

In Maths, we’re focusing on deepening our understanding of fractions. Pupils will develop their skills through the following steps:

• Multiply unit fractions, non-unit fractions, and mixed numbers by integers.
• Calculate fractions of quantities and amounts.
• Use fractions as operators and find the whole.

This unit encourages logical thinking and problem-solving as students tackle complex challenges with confidence.

History: Early Islamic Civilisation

In History, we’re learning about the early Islamic civilisation, focusing on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the key moments that shaped this influential period in history. Pupils will explore:

• The Prophet’s Early Life: Understanding his journey from his birth in Makkah to his role as a leader and teacher.
• Significant Events: Examining pivotal moments, such as the revelation of the Qur’an, the Hijrah, and the establishment of the first Muslim community in Madinah.
• The Legacy of the Civilisation: Investigating the lasting impact of the early Islamic civilisation on science, culture, and philosophy.

Art: Lines, Lights, and Shadows

This project introduces pupils to the visual qualities of line, light, and shadow. They’ll explore the work of Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt, learning about shading techniques and their use of contrast. Pupils will take black-and-white photographs and reimagine these images in shaded drawings using pencil, pen, and ink wash.

R.E.: Pilgrimage and Sacred Places

In R.E., we’re exploring the concept of pilgrimage and sacred places in Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, and other worldviews. Pupils will learn about the significance of pilgrimage, the reasons people undertake such journeys, and the importance of sacred sites in different faiths.

PSHE: Healthy Lifestyles and Building Friendships

This term, our PSHE topics include:

• Healthy Lifestyles: Pupils will explore mental wellbeing, physical health, healthy eating, and preventative health measures, fostering an understanding of how to look after themselves.
• Friendships and Coping with Bullying: Through discussions and activities, pupils will develop skills in building caring and respectful relationships, managing online interactions, and staying safe.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic term in Year 5, with plenty of opportunities for learning, creativity, and personal growth!