Welcome to our Year 5 Class Page.  

Curriculum Information for Parents and Carers – Year 5 Autumn Term 2026

The Autumn Term is here and we would like to share with you a summary of what your child will be learning in class.  We would also like to share some ways that you can support your child at home. 

RE

In RE, we will explore what brings true, lasting happiness by studying the progression of God’s covenants. We will trace God's sacred promises from Abraham and Joseph to Moses at the Burning Bush and Mount Sinai. We will gain a deeper understanding of the Ten Commandments, evaluating how these rules provide positive guidance for living, protect community life, and offer real moral freedom. We will make connections between the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus, recognising how God's laws shape a fair, loving and faithful Christian community. 

Catholic Social Teaching

• Care for Creation: We will learn how God calls us to look after the planet – to be Stewards of Creation.
• Preferential Option for the Poor: We will learn how God calls us to look for those in need and to work hard to support them as best we can.

English

This term in English, our learning will focus on two key texts: Robot Girl by Malorie Blackman and the Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. Through Robot Girl, we will explore the science fiction narrative genre, engage in class discussions and debates, make character comparisons, and craft rich dialogue. Alongside Hidden Figures, we will develop our non-chronological report writing skills and learn how to write formal persuasive letters.

Mathematics

Throughout this term, we will be focusing on a range of mathematical concepts including:

• Number and Place Value - we will learn about Roman numerals, place value to 1,000,000 and negative numbers.
• Addition and Subtraction - we will use our place value knowledge to add whole numbers with more than 4 digits, round to, estimate and approximate, use inverse operations and compare calculations.
• Multiplication and Division - we will find multiples and factors of numbers, learn about prime, square and cube numbers and use place value knowledge to multiply and divide by 10, 100 and 1,000.
• Statistics - we will read, interpret and draw line graphs, use line graphs to solve problems, read and interpret tables and look at timetables.

Science

This half term, we will be learning about Materials with a focus on mixtures and separation. We will explore different types of mixtures and the different methods that can be used to separate them. We will dissolve a range of substances, identify different solutions and investigate how temperature affects the time taken to dissolve. We will design and create a water filter, sieve soil and evaporate solutions.

In the second half term, we will continue learning about materials with a focus on properties and changes. Broadening our experience of the properties of materials, we will investigate hardness, transparency and conductivity and consider how these properties influence the uses of materials. We will explore reversible changes, including dissolving and changes of state. We will compare these to irreversible changes, including rusting, burning, and mixing vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

History

This term, we will learn about Ancient Maya and their civilisation. Throughout this topic, we will develop our research and enquiry skills. We will discuss the reliability of a range of sources and draw conclusions from them.

Geography

This term, we will be learning about the Alps. Throughout this topic, we will be locating the Alps on a map and identifying the countries they run through. We will be locating characteristics, both human and physical in the Alps. We will also be comparing the Alps to our own local area. 

Computing

This half term, we will be learning about search engines. We will be using research skills and finding accurate information.

In the second half term, we will be learning about micro:bits. We will be clipping blocks together in a program and predicting what will happen while making connections with previously used programming interfaces. We will create animations, recognise inputs/outputs, choose appropriate blocks, and break programs down into smaller steps.

French

We will discover the physical Geography of France (major cities and rivers) and the history of our connection with France through our topic on the Battle of Hastings. We will learn to describe our families and to say where we live. We will also learn different sports in French and to express opinions on them, as well as describe the days on which sports are played.

Music

Autumn Half Term 1: Ground Bass - We will be developing our keyboard and composition skills through studying ground bass music (classical music where the bass line repeats throughout the entire piece). We will play one of the most famous ground bass pieces - Pachelbel’s canon - and also compose using bandlab on the chromebooks in the style of a ground bass piece of music.

Autumn Half Term 2: Carol Service - Perform in the Christmas Carol Service. We will refine our singing posture and projection and develop our performance skills.

PE

Tag Rugby: We will explore passing and catching skills to keep possession of the ball when attacking and develop knowledge of the rules of the game.

Football: We will develop competencies in key skills and principles such as defending, attacking, sending, receiving and dribbling a ball. 

Swimming: We will focus on swimming more fluently and with increased confidence and control.

Indoor Athletics: We will learn skills employed in specific indoor athletic events.

Dodgeball: We will improve key skills used in dodgeball such as throwing, dodging and catching. We will learn how to select and apply tactics to the game to outwit an opponent.

Art

In the second half of the Autumn Term, we will investigate self-portraits by a range of artists. We will use photographs of ourselves as a starting point for developing our own unique self-portraits in mixed-media. 

Design and Technology

This term, we will look at mechanical systems and how gears and pulleys function. Pupils will design, create, and evaluate a gear and pulley system, including an eco-gadget bike, while carrying out market research, writing a problem statement and design brief, and refining their final ideas against clear criteria. 

RHSE (Relationship, Health and Sex Education)

This term, we will look at the following topics: Calming the storm, Under pressure, Do you want a piece of cake? and Self-talk. For further information you can visit the Life to the Full portal.

How you can help your child at home

• Daily reading
• MyMaths
• Times Tables Rock Stars
• Comprehension Homework
• Practising the weekly spellings and Year 5 word lists
• Talking about topics of interest