Year 5

The children will work on a variety of Learning Projects and have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to many different situations.

Each term the children have studied English following the new curriculum guidelines and the Learning Project ideas.

In Mathematics the children have studied number and calculation, shape, space and measures, and data handling.

The Learning Projects

Alchemy Island

We’re going on a magical journey to find the gold hidden somewhere on Alchemy Island.

This half term, a mysterious visitor will arrive to present us with artefacts from the island. Reading stories set in fantasy worlds will inspire our story openings. We’ll manipulate digital photographs, adding fantastical special effects. Our geography skills will improve as we look closely at maps of Alchemy Island, plotting routes and using coordinates. We’ll examine samples from the island, explore the properties of materials and experiment with changes of state. If we’re going to find gold, we’d better find out all about it! In English we’ll write soliloquies and poems inspired by the island’s magical powers and dramatic landscape. The coding programme Scratch will help us to plot and correct errors in our route, and we’ll use technology to create beautiful digital images. We’ll compose raps and use sound effects and mood music to reflect the atmosphere on Alchemy Island.

At the end of the project, we’ll perform songs about our amazing adventure and present what we have learned. We’ll design a map for a new app and a board game based on our adventures.

Traders and Raiders

Who’s that waving axes and brandishing swords? It’s the Saxons invading Britain’s shores!

During this half term, we’ll start by making sturdy boats to sail the ocean’s fearsome waves. We’ll write reports as an onlooker who witnessed the Saxons’ landing, and we’ll find out about key dates. Using online maps, we’ll plot the location of Roman shore forts and draw our own sketch maps. We’ll make models of Saxon weaponry, homes and jewellery and carefully carve runes using clay tools. When we learn about the Legend of King Arthur, we’ll retell the story, and write character portraits about Alfred the Great. We’ll write poems praising King Olaf, making sure they are complimentary, and learn about the everyday lives of the Saxons and Vikings. Using maps, we’ll identify the places where the invaders came from and locate viking invasion sites. We’ll research Viking beliefs and take part in a scrumptious Viking feast.

At the end of the project, we’ll reflect on what it would have been like to be a child during these troubled times and invite you to a Saxon and Viking art exhibition.

Scream Machine

Roll up, roll up! We’re going on a day trip to a theme park!

This half term, we’ll write poems to capture the excitement of riding a roller coaster and investigate the wonders of centripetal force. After carrying out fair tests to investigate the materials used to make roller coasters, we’ll create prototype rides of our own. Let’s hope we choose the right materials! In our computing work, we’ll upload photographs of rides and examine online theme park maps. Then, we’ll use advanced techniques and commands to search for information on the internet. In English, we’ll write stories, signs and emails about theme parks and investigate forces by making a ride. We’ll design a roller coaster using software such as Scratch and look at online advertising.

At the end of the ILP, we’ll write non-fiction books, using a variety of sources including online information. We’ll use software to write computer programs, and deliver a presentation to advertise a ride. Finally, we’ll make some delicious fairground food for everyone to enjoy!

Gallery Rebels

Pack up your pencils, pick up your paintbrushes and prepare to be amazed by the wonderful work of 19th and 20th century artists.

During this half term, we’ll visit a local art gallery to view an exhibition. We’ll talk about features of the artwork and sketch our favourite pieces. We’ll research important artwork of the 19th and 20th centuries online, choosing a favourite piece of art to describe in more detail. Using maps, we’ll locate art galleries around the world and calculate how much it would cost to get there. When we’ve gathered a range of materials, we’ll make beautiful sketchbooks and use them to collect ideas and inspiration. We’ll create pieces of art inspired by well known artists and use search engines to source images of modern art to put into a digital portfolio. We’ll express ourselves through poetry, stories, music and painting. Art can affect our feelings and emotions, and we’ll investigate whether everyone responds in the same way. We’ll also use found objects to create a surreal sculpture.