Year 5

Learning to Shine and Be the Best They Can Be

Welcome to Year 5 at Kilnhurst St Thomas Primary Academy! This year marks an exciting stage in your child’s learning journey as they begin to take on greater independence, responsibility and maturity. Year 5 offers pupils the chance to deepen their understanding across the curriculum, develop new skills and grow in confidence as they prepare for the challenges of Upper Key Stage 2.

We work hard to create a warm, supportive and inclusive environment where every child is valued and encouraged to do their best. Throughout the year, pupils will explore stimulating topics, engage in rich discussions and take part in hands‑on learning experiences that promote curiosity and creativity. They are encouraged to become active thinkers, collaborate with their peers and take pride in their learning.

Our Year 5 team is committed to helping every child thrive. We celebrate achievements, nurture individuality and encourage pupils to approach new experiences with resilience and enthusiasm. We look forward to a year filled with exciting learning opportunities, personal growth and memorable moments for all.

Year 5 Curriculum Overview

In Year 5, pupils continue to broaden their understanding across a rich and varied curriculum. They explore history, geography, science and the arts through engaging themes, high‑quality texts and hands‑on learning experiences. This supports the development of independence, confidence and curiosity as they prepare for upper Key Stage 2 and beyond.


English
Year 5 pupils develop greater depth in reading and writing through a wide range of high‑quality texts, including novels, poetry and non‑fiction. They learn to:

  • Read with fluency, expression and increased inference
  • Analyse characters, themes and plot development

Write for a range of purposes, including:

  • Non‑chronological reports
  • Diaries
  • Leaflets
  • Balanced arguments
  • Stories from other cultures
  • Greek‑myth inspired narratives
  • Odes and narrative poems
  • Use increasingly complex grammar and punctuation
  • Edit and improve work with growing independence

Linked novels are used to deepen vocabulary, empathy and understanding of historical and cultural settings.

Mathematics

Year 5 builds on core mathematical knowledge while developing reasoning and problem‑solving skills. Pupils explore:

  • Place value within larger numbers
  • Efficient addition, subtraction, multiplication and division methods
  • Fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Geometry, including properties of shape and angles
  • Measurement, conversions and units
  • Statistics, data collection and analysis
  • Multi‑step problems

Pupils revisit key concepts regularly to strengthen recall and fluency.

Science
Science in Year 5 encourages questioning, investigation and practical exploration. Children study:

  • Forces and mechanisms
  • Earth and space
  • Human reproduction and ageing
  • Properties and changes of materials

Through fair tests, experiments and observations, pupils practise recording data, drawing conclusions and using scientific terminology with accuracy.

History
Pupils explore major civilisations, significant developments and cultural achievements in history. Themes may include:

  • Life and leadership within ancient dynasties
  • Developments and achievements of ancient Greece
  • Historical influences on modern society

Children use historical sources, compare periods, and develop chronological understanding.

Geography
Geographical learning helps pupils understand the world through studies of:

  • Global regions and contrasting environments
  • Food production, farming and sustainability
  • Human and physical features across the world
  • Map skills, grid references and fieldwork techniques
  • Revision and retrieval of key geographical knowledge

Pupils develop awareness of environmental responsibility and global citizenship.

Art & Design
In Year 5, pupils develop their artistic skills through a range of creative techniques, materials and styles. They explore how artists use colour, texture, perspective and expression to convey ideas and atmosphere. Learning includes:

  • Perspective and drawing skills, developing an understanding of depth, scale and viewpoint
  • Textured acrylic work, experimenting with layers, brush techniques and using paint to create surface effects
  • Exploring abstract art, using shape, line and colour to communicate mood and ideas
  • Working with textiles, including dyeing, fabric paints, stitching, beading and resist techniques such as batik
  • Mixed‑media expression, combining natural materials, mark‑making and creative layering

These experiences help pupils develop confidence, refine their technical abilities and express their individuality through increasingly sophisticated artwork.

Design & Technology
DT offers practical opportunities to design, create and evaluate products. Learning includes:

  • Building moving mechanisms
  • Understanding seasonal foods and preparing simple dishes
  • Exploring structures and architectural design

Pupils plan, test and refine their ideas with increasing independence.

Computing
Children deepen their digital skills by:

  • Designing, writing and debugging programs
  • Understanding computer systems and networks
  • Creating digital content for different audiences
  • Learning how to stay safe and respectful online

Computing skills are applied across the curriculum.

Religious Education
Year 5 pupils learn about key beliefs, values and celebrations from several world faiths, including:

  • Christianity
  • Hinduism

Pupils explore how beliefs influence behaviour, ask thoughtful questions and develop spiritual awareness.

Personal, Social & Emotional Education (PSHE)
PSHE supports pupils in developing:

  • Healthy relationships
  • Emotional resilience
  • Responsible decision‑making
  • Respect and understanding of others
  • Awareness of health and wellbeing

Physical Education
Children take part in a range of physical activities designed to promote fitness, confidence and teamwork, including:

  • Invasion games
  • Dance
  • Gymnastics
  • Athletics
  • Outdoor and adventurous activities

Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish)
Year 5 pupils continue to build their skills in Spanish through speaking, listening, reading and writing. In line with the National Curriculum, they:

  • Use familiar vocabulary to ask and answer questions
  • Practise pronunciation and conversational phrases
  • Read simple passages and identify key information
  • Write short sentences using taught structures
  • Develop cultural understanding and confidence in language learning
 
Home learning & Expectations

Home learning in Year 5 supports and reinforces the learning taking place in school while helping pupils develop increasing independence and good organisational habits. At this stage, children are beginning to take more responsibility for managing their own learning, and home learning provides an opportunity to practise these important skills. We value the strong partnership between home and school and appreciate the support families give to help their children succeed.

Reading
Regular reading is essential for progress.
Children should  either read to an adult at least three times each week, with each session recorded in their reading diary. Or , pupils may access an approved online reading programme, allowing them to practise comprehension skills and enjoy a wider range of texts.

English and Maths Practice
Short home learning tasks in English and maths will be sent home to reinforce key skills taught in class. These tasks help pupils deepen understanding, practise methods and build confidence when applying their learning.

Project Work
Occasional project-based home learning runs alongside our wider curriculum, giving pupils opportunities to be creative, research topics and share their learning in different ways.

How You Can Support Your Child

You can make a significant difference by:

  • Talking with them about their current learning and topics
  • Discussing maths tasks and helping them understand what is being asked. Knowledge organisers for your information are found below.
  • Keeping a secure note of login details for school-approved online platforms
  • Listening to them read regularly and recording this in their diary
  • Encouraging a positive mindset so they come to school ready to learn
  • Supporting participation in any additional support sessions, when offered.  
Practical Information


Information about day‑to‑day routines, including PE days, equipment pupils may need, key dates, and how to contact the class or school office, is shared through our school communication platforms. Families are encouraged to check these regularly to stay up to date with the latest notices and reminders.

Addition and Subtraction Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Area and Perimeter Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Converting Units Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Decimals Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Fractions Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Measurement Volume Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Multipliaction and Division Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Number and Place Value Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Position and Direction Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Properties of Shape Year 5 Knowledge Organiser Statistics Year 5 Knowledge Organiser