In Year 5, pupils build resilience, independence, and academic rigour across reading, writing, and mathematics. Maths involves complex multiple step problems with numbers up to 1,000,000 as well as being introduced to decimals and percentages. Writing lessons continue to focus on accuracy in sentence structure, whilst expecting children to develop their writer's voice, selecting the most appropriate sentences or devices for the audience and purpose. Children read a range of high quality and engaging texts through whole class reading, developing a love of reading. 

Children explore a broad and engaging curriculum encompassing Space, Islamic civilisations, humanism in RE, and opportunities with the London Symphony Orchestra. History focuses on the changes through Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Viking Britain and further afield, the Mayan and Early Islamic civilisation. Music, computing, PE and Spanish continue to be taught weekly by specialists ensuring progression throughout the key stage. 

Highlights of the year include a memorable one-night residential stay at Gilwell, individual music tuition in instruments such as the guitar, violin, and flute, as well as whole-class ukulele lessons. 

Homework in Year 5 comprises two brief daily activities designed to reinforce foundational skills through regular practice:

• Daily Reading: Pupils should read for at least 20 minutes each day. We use Accelerated Reader across Key Stage 2 to track home reading, supporting pupils in selecting books at an appropriate level. Reading alongside an adult is strongly encouraged whenever possible to maintain engagement and ensure accuracy as children gain independence.

• Maths & Arithmetic Practice: If children are not yet secure in their times tables (scoring 25/25 on the Soundcheck), they must continue to practise daily. For pupils with secure times table knowledge, weekly arithmetic practice via Google Forms embeds core mathematical skills to ensure accuracy and prepare them for secondary school.

Further details regarding the curriculum covered each term are outlined in the termly overview here.

For detailed guidance on the writing expectations in Year 5, click here.