English

In English, children will write a series of non-fiction text types. This will include a biography on a famous astronaut, a balanced argument related to our text ‘Cosmic’ and a non chronological report depicting life as an astronaut. In fiction, we will write a piece of narrative retelling one of the key events within ‘Cosmic.’

Maths

In maths, we will complete the following units from Power Maths: decimals, properties of shape, position and direction, converting units and volume and capacity.

Science

In Science, the children will begin with a new topic focusing on reversible and irreversible changes. The children will observe and participate in experiments to illustrate these types of changes and then write a scientific explanation of their findings. The next key area year 5 will explore in science will be all about life cycles. The children will explore different stages involved in the development of the different animal classification groups. They will also be given an opportunity to compare and contrast a variety of life cycles. The children will then produce labelled diagrams to illustrate their learning.The life cycles of flowering and non flowering plants will also be explored.

History

In history, children will research the first moon landing and write a diary entry as Neil Armstrong. They will explore key figureheads in space exploration such as the first man/woman to enter space. They will use drama in the form of a green screen production to retell one of these key events. They will also explore the development of NASA and the international space station (ISS)

Geography

In geography, children will create fact files on the different planets, exploring key statistics such as their distance from the sun, how they take to orbit the sun and the composition of their atmosphere. They will compare and contrast the different planets, focussing particularly upon how they differ from Earth. They will demonstrate their learning by producing posters.
Fundamental geography skills about the world around them will continue to be developed.

Design and Technology

In DT, they will design and construct a space rocket considering joining and finishing techniques and the types of materials best suited to each particular component of the rocket. We will have a class launch of the rockets and complete a subsequent evaluation of the effectiveness of them. Children will also create 3D space mobiles of the solar system using papier-mâché. The models will be painted.

Art

As artists, children will consider mixing different colours of paint to create a certain colour in order to paint their papier-mâché solar system. They will also aim to create different shades of the same colour. We will explore pictures of other elements of the solar system, including galaxies and stars, and children will continue to develop their sketching abilities. When studying our class artist, Leonard Da Vinci, we will explore and re create some of his famous self portraits.

Computing

In computing, children will use google maps in order to zoom in on different planets. They will complete filming when creating green screens. They will also conduct independent research into different aspects about space, which will include interpreting statistics presented in databases/tables. Purple mash activities to develop children’s coding abilities will continue to be taught.

Music

In music, children will listen to a variety of space themed pieces of music. They will compare and contrast them according to different criteria. They will also discuss their preferences and the types of mood evoked by the music.

PE

In PE, children will revisit a range of different types of activities involved in athletics in order to develop their skills further in preparation for sports day. They will also participate in a range of gymnastic activities refining skills such as different rolling techniques, shape and balance. The skills of tennis will also be taught.

PSED

In PSHE, children will explore the concept of teamwork, after initially looking at how astronauts aboard the ISS work together. Following an assessment of the skills required to be an astronaut, children will then assess their own particular skills base and consider their own future career paths.