Welcome to

Year 5  2025 - 26

Welcome to our Year 5 class page.  We will updating our class stories regularly to share with you the engaging work we are completing in year five.

This year, our staff consist of:

Buzzard Class - Miss Yetton, Mrs Reading, Mrs Downs

Magpie Class - Mrs Ward, Mrs Lang and Mrs Reading

We will also have the following teachers working with us over the year:

PE Specialist- Mr Williams (autumn 1, spring 1, summer 1)

Music Specialist- Mrs Heap (autumn 2, spring 2, summer 2)

Useful Class Information

Drop off and pick-up:

The school gates will open at 8.45am for registration at 8.55am. We expect for children to be in the classroom, ready for learning by 8.55am. Pick-up time is 3.15pm. If you would like your child to walk home independently, please pick up a form from the office which allows you to give permission for this to happen.  

P.E:

P.E will be taught this half-term by Mr Williams which will be on Monday. Please ensure that children come to school dressed in their PE kit. We will aim to be outside, weather dependent, so please make sure that your child is suitably dressed. 

Magpie Class will also have swimming this half-term, more details to follow!

Forest School: 

We are extremely lucky to have forest school back on the timetable. For the summer term: 

Magpie Dates are: 

Buzzard Dates are:  

 

Reading:

Oxford Reading Buddy:

We are delighted to tell you that our school uses Oxford Reading Buddy. This is a digital reading service to support children’s reading development at home and at school. It contains hundreds of digital books and book-quizzes all matched to each child’s reading ability. Please log in to Oxford Reading Buddy. Your child has their password in the back of their home-school learning journal. If you don’t have a tablet or PC at home the service works on smartphone as well. For more information go to this address and choose Parent Support: https://support.oxfordreadingbuddy.com/

Your child will also be given a physical copy of a book. This can be looked through when completing their quiz.

In year 5, children should be reading at home five times over a week. We also read every day in school between 8.45-9.15am. This is where children are able to read their book, complete a quiz and change their book once they’ve completed it.

Teachers keep track of individual scores and move on and/or support where necessary. When children complete a quiz, it gives teachers an analysis in how pupils have performed in certain areas such as finding information, making connections and using inference or understanding vocabulary. Teachers can then support appropriately.

The scheme goes up to level 20 which is aimed at Y6 greater depth readers.

Homework:

Homework will be set on a Friday, this could be maths, CLL or topic. This needs to be returned the following Thursday. A copy of the homework will be inserted below on this webpage. 

Water bottles/snacks:

Children are encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep well hydrated.  We ask that each child brings to school a named water bottle and a healthy snack (fruit or veg) each day to school (Fridays are for a small treat). Please remember that we are a nut-free school. 

Communication:

If you need to communicate anything to staff, please contact us (through email or telephone) via the school office.  Alternatively, you may be able to speak with a member of the team during pick-up time.

Best wishes,

The Year 5 Team 

 

Summer Term 1  

 

Communication, Language and Literacy

Year 5 CLL Unit: How Amazing were the Aztecs? 

          Genre: Myths

Over this half-term, pupils will explore the fascinating world of Aztec myths and daily life through engaging texts such as How Music Came to the World and So You Think You’ve Got It Bad? A Kid’s Life in Aztec Times. Through stories and research they will discover how myths were used to explain the natural world and communicate important values, while also gaining insight into what life was really like in Aztec society. By comparing fiction and non-fiction, pupils will deepen their understanding of Aztec culture, including beliefs, traditions and everyday experiences.

As the unit progresses, pupils will investigate the key features of myths, such as characters, problems, and moral lessons and consider how these reflect the values of a society. They will then apply their knowledge creatively by writing their own myth inspired by Aztec storytelling. In their final piece, pupils will explain a chosen school value—such as respect, resilience, or kindness—demonstrating both their understanding of the genre and their ability to connect past cultures with their own school community.

Place and Time (History)

Over this half-term, pupils will travel back in time to discover the fascinating world of the Aztecs. They will learn about where the Aztecs lived, exploring the city of Tenochtitlan, and investigate how the civilisation grew into a powerful empire. Pupils will study daily life (including homes, food, education) and the roles of different people in society, as well as the importance of religion and the many gods worshipped by the Aztecs.

Through a range of sources, pupils will develop their historical enquiry skills by asking questions, examining evidence and comparing the Aztec civilisation with life today. They will explore key aspects such as trade, farming, and achievements, gaining an understanding of how the Aztecs lived and what made their society unique. By the end of the unit, pupils will have built a well-rounded picture of Aztec life and its lasting significance in history.

Place and Time (Geography)

In this Kapow unit, Year 5 pupils will explore the question: What is life like in the Alps?  They will locate the Alps on a map and discover how this vast mountain range stretches across several countries in Europe. Pupils will investigate the physical features of the Alps, including mountains, valleys, and glaciers and learn how these landscapes have been formed over time.

As the unit progresses, pupils will explore how people live and work in this challenging environment. They will examine topics such as tourism, farming, and transport, and consider how humans adapt to life in mountainous regions. Pupils will also reflect on environmental issues, including climate change and its impact on the Alps, developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and the natural world.

 

Maths:

The key areas being taught over this term will include:

• Perimeter and Area
• Statistics
• Shape
• Position and Direction

Children will also have two-minute times table check on a daily basis. This term we will be focusing on x9 and x12. 

 

Jigsaw (PSHE):

Over this half-term, Year 5 pupils will explore the theme of Relationships through the Jigsaw programme, focusing on how to build positive, healthy connections with others. They will learn about friendships, including how to recognise when relationships are supportive or challenging, and develop strategies for resolving conflict calmly and respectfully. Pupils will also consider the importance of trust, respect and communication in maintaining strong relationships.

As part of the unit, pupils will explore how relationships change and grow, including those within families and wider communities. They will discuss peer influence, online relationships, and how to stay safe in different situations. By the end of the unit, pupils will have a deeper understanding of how to form and maintain healthy relationships, alongside the confidence to manage social situations thoughtfully and responsibly.

Faith and Beliefs:

Over this half-term, pupils will explore the question: What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain today? Through this unit, they will develop their understanding of Islam and learn about the beliefs and practices that are important to Muslims, including the Five Pillars and daily acts of worship. Pupils will also discover how faith can influence everyday life, shaping choices, values and can give some people a sense of identity.

Homework: