Year 5
Latest Learning 2025-2026!
19.06.26 - Children's University Visit!
This week, a group of children went to a Children's University event at Leeds Trinity University. It was an activity day where the children participated in sporting team building and forest school activities The combination of physical teamwork and outdoor exploration helped to strengthen bonds, build confidence and give everyone a chance to shine in different ways, all while enjoying the calm and creativity that comes from being outside in the fresh air and a natural environment. It was a pleasure to observe the children happily working together within this environment.


12.06.26 - Zoo Lab!
Year 5 were buzzing with excitement during our visit from Zoolab this week. They brought a fascinating collection of rainforest creatures to support our geography topic on the Rainforest. The children had the chance to get up close to animals, and even hold some, such as giant African land snails, stick insects, snakes, and we even saw a tarantula, all of this helping them understand how these species have adapted to life in the humid, densely layered rainforest environment. As they handled the animals and asked thoughtful questions, the children made clear links to their learning about rainforest habitats, food chains and the importance of biodiversity. The session brought the topic to life in a memorable, hands‑on way that deepened their curiosity about the natural world.



22.05.26 - Maths!
This week in maths, year 5 have been learning all about angles. We began by looking at angles as amounts of tur, using whole body movements, so the children could create a mental model of angles. We then introduced acute, right, obtuse and straight line angles, which the children used to compare and classify angles. This is important in order for them to be able to estimate the sizes of angles by visual representations. This led on to learning how to use a protractor accurately by aligning the protractor carefully with the vertex and baseline of the angle. In the photographs, the children are enjoying using a protractor to measure different angles made by masking tape onto the tables, they then recorded their angle sizes on the table in order for them to check the accuracy of each other.



15.05.26 - Science!
In our science we have been learning all about the Earth and space. We have looked at the planets and our place in the solar system, seasons, and how we get day and night. This week, we have focused on the different phases of the moon and why we see them in this way. We have looked at the eight different shapes of the Moon and how it appears to us as it orbits Earth. The Moon doesn’t actually change shape, we just see different amounts of its sunlit half. We learnt the correct names for all these phases and labelled them. The children were all given two Oreo biscuits each and worked together to represent the phases of the moon in a fun and practical way. A session thoroughly enjoyed by all.



01.05.26 - Science!
In year 5, we have been studying the Earth and space. We looked at the Earth and planets relative to the sun in the solar system.We began by looking at a geocentric model (Earth at the centre of the universe), then a heliocentric model (Sun at the centre of the universe). The children then discussed the sizes of the planets and in groups and decided which fruits would best represent which planet. They had to order the fruits on a table to represent the solar system. We then looked at the relative distances of the planets (fruit) within the solar system by measuring the distances of each planet from the sun. The children loved the activity and were amazed by the vastness of the universe.




24.04.26 - Into University Educational Visit!
Indigo base visited Into University this week for a focus day based around Engineering. As you can see from the photos, the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt an immense sense of accomplishment during the activities. The morning session comprised of three focus activities based on robotics (designed their own robot with explanations as to the functions), friction (investigating the best surfaces for a car to travel down a slope using fair tests) and environmental engineering (an experiment imitating an oil spill in the ocean, where the had to find the most efficient method to clean the spill). The afternoon session was a building session. The children were each given six wooden poles and four elastic bands which they had to use to build pyramids. Once all the pyramids were completed, they had to work in teams to put them together to create larger structures and finally, they were all constructed together to crest a final pyramid structure. The sense of achievement was immense from all the class and their pride in the competition of the final pyramid was an absolute pleasure to witness.



27.03.26 - Indigo Base Sharing Assembly!
This week, we invited parents into school to showcase our learning about Ancient Islamic Civilisations. We shared our learning of the topic, highlighting The Golden Age of Baghdad (a major centre of learning) which includes the house of wisdom, a huge library and research centre where scholars studied. Early scholars made discoveries that shaped the world in maths, medicine, astronomy and architecture. Many modern ideas in science, maths and medicine have roots in this civilisation. We looked at trade through the Silk Road, which was a network of trade routes, connecting China, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Linking to our history work, we designed Islamic patterns, which were etched on polystyrene tiles then printed. Parents were chosen in the assembly to create their own prints.


20.03.26 - Science!
In year 5, we have just begun a new science topic relating to the Earth and Space. Our learning journey begins with looking at the planets in our solar system, knowing that the sun is the centre of the solar system and understanding the eight planets orbit around the sun. This week our particular focus is to research the planets and create our own fact files about them. Beginning with the solar system is helping the children to understand the bigger picture about the universe and our place within it. It also helps to avoid future misconceptions as they learn that all the planets, including the Earth orbit the Sun. Our research, using chrome books, is to be able to describe basic characteristics of each planet, which will help with future explanations about movement and scale.


13.03.26 - Educational Visit!
This week, our year 5 children all participated in a workshop with Into University. The aim of this workshop was to introduce our children to their options after school and open up the idea that they can attend university. We had four workshops throughout the morning where we focussed on accommodation with the positives and negatives of each type of accommodation, courses and careers which dealt with the vast choices of courses and the types of occupation available which linked to person descriptions, where to study and what you would need to consider in relation to your course choice and the differing locations available to students, the wide range of choices of clubs and societies available to students when they attend a university. This was an enjoyable experience for the children which highlighted an array of different opportunities available to them in the future.



06.03.26 - RE!
This week, our year 5 children thoroughly enjoyed a visit to a synagogue in order to enhance their learning in our RE lessons. Currently, we are focussing on Jewish festivals, including resolutions and promises. The syllabus explores how Jewish people are influenced by many years of tradition and teaching as they celebrate their faith today. We are looking at what it is like to be Jewish, exploring beliefs about God, about how ideas of God are expressed in stories, celebration, ritual and action. We learn about different Jewish festivals and how the communities learn and celebrate together. Seeing the synagogue firsthand, aided the children's understanding of the Jewish faith and helped to foster educational understanding, empathy and respect for other cultures.




27.02.26 - Reading!
A group of year 5 children went to visit reception to read their stories to the younger children. They shared the books that they had created, and read out the stories that they had written based on 1001 Arabian Nights tales. It was a lovely experience for all, the year 5s were excited to show their work and the younger children were a fabulous audience, who listened intently.
In English, we have been looking at the Arabian Nights stories, including the background of Scheherazade. We planned and wrote our own stories based on these tales. The children then produced their stories into small books which are now displayed in the classroom.



13.02.26 - Maths!
In maths we have been using manipulatives to calculate. We have use Numicon, Cuisinaire rods and place value grids with counters to practise our multiplication and division skills prior to using formal written methods. This has helped the children to transform abstract concepts into tangible, hands-on experiences so that we can develop a deeper conceptual understanding of the concepts. The children thoroughly engaged with this process and it has aided their understanding of multiplication and division.




06.02.26 - Computing!
Year 5 pupils have been steadily increasing their coding confidence, beginning with Course A where they explore simple directions and basic command sequences. As they progress to Course C, they’re challenged to write up to eight lines of code to control a sprite with much more precision and creativity. What’s been especially exciting is seeing some pupils push even further, experimenting with music programming in Course D to compose their own digital tunes. It’s a lovely mix of logical thinking and imagination, and you can really see their independence developing as they move through each stage.



30.01.26 - French!
In year 5, the children have been learning about ‘Le Systeme Solaire’ which is the solar system. The children thoroughly enjoyed looking at the solar system and learning the French vocabulary relating to it. After learning the French vocabulary, we learnt to write adjectives to describe the planets.




23.01.26 - History!
In Year 5, we are beginning a new topic based around Ancient Islamic Civilisation. This topic will introduce the children to the achievements, culture, and global influence of the early Islamic world, especially during the “Golden Age of Islam.” It focusses on Baghdad around AD 900, the spread of Islam, and the scientific, mathematical, and cultural advances that shaped world history. We will look at the Silk Road trade route, how it was set up, the impact and importance of it. This topic will help pupils understand a non-European civilisation that made major contributions to world history, and to compare it with Britain at the same time (Vikings or Anglo-Saxons) which we studied in the autumn term.




16.01.26 - PE!
Within our PE lesson, we focused on developing childrens’ understanding of flight and rotation through a series of structured activities. The class began by warming up the key muscle groups needed for jumping, ensuring their legs, core, and hips were ready for more demanding movements. Pupils then explored how knee position affects height and control, practising bringing their knees closer to their chest to improve rotation in the air. Using agility ladders, they worked on co‑ordination and rhythm, helping them prepare for more controlled take‑offs and landings. To finish, the class examined the eccentric phase of a jump—the moment their body absorbs force on the way down—and practised safe, balanced landings by bending their knees, keeping their weight centred, and maintaining control.


09.01.26 - Literacy!
We read a short story based around a ‘warning’ theme called ‘The Caravan’. As a class, we discussed the emotions of the characters, in order to develop our understanding of the story generally. In pairs or small groups, the class practised asking and answering questions whilst in role as the different characters . They then had the opportunity to ask children in role as a whole class. This then lead onto them writing a short diary entry as one of the characters to summarise the events of the story with a focus on the thoughts and feelings of the character. Our final piece of writing was to write our own warning story, including different aspects of the grammar activities we had learnt and also including the emotions of the different characters.


12.12.25 - Design and Technology!
We have been working hard this term learning some new stitches to create our own Viking tapestries. Here are some photos of the amazing work we produced. We even had our parents join us for one of our lessons to assist us with our creations!




05.12.25 - PSHE!



28.11.25 - Computing!
In Computing, we have begun looking at coding. We have been learning to create computer programs, develop problem-solving skills and will be working through fun challenges. Our aim is to make online games and creative projects to share with friends, family, and teachers. In order to construct an efficient game, the children will be required to develop sequential algorithms to move characters across a game. They will be required to follow step-by-step instructions, identify repeating patterns and problem solve so that they can gain an insight into how technology is used to bring creative ideas to life.



14.11.25 - PE!
The children have been really enjoying developing and applying their seated balance and floor work balance through focused skill development sessions, modified/non-traditional games and sports.
The focus of the sessions are to enable the children to experience an adapted disability sport and to help prepare them for games/sports that include sending and receiving over a net. This helps to support the children to understand and respond to different rules and practice different tactics and strategies for success and to explore creative solutions in their games.


07.11.25 - Children's University Trip!
We took a small group of children to Leeds Trinity University in the city centre. They were all impeccably behaved and fully enjoyed the activities they participated in. The day began with a lively drama session where the children were asked to explore choices with money. Using the scenario of being given £5, they needed to work together to decide whether to buy sweets, slime, socks, save the money or use it to do something helpful. This activity allowed them to learn about spending, giving and saving in a fun and exciting way.
They also learnt about how money works and why the Bank of England matters.They found out how the Bank helps keep money safe, controls prices and designs the notes we use everyday. The worksop went through a brief history of trading from salt, shells, coins and notes to electronic uses we have today. This session helped to build financial awareness for the children. They also looked at bank notes and designed their own banknote using a historical figure, building or nature.
As part of the visit, we were given a tour of the law and policing department which included seeing the process of booking into a police station, CCTV, a holding cell and a mock courtroom. This was a fantastic opportunity for the children which they thoroughly enjoyed.




24.10.25 - History!
Here are a few photos of our history journey this year. We have investigated modes of travel and discovered the benefits of the Viking longboat. They could sail in shallow water making them useful to the travellers and they were light enough for the crew to carry when they came to shallow ground.
We researched different Viking Gods in order to produce our own fact files on them. This helped use to understand the Viking beliefs and why they worshiped them.
Investigations into Viking artefacts has proved insightful in discovering the uses of different objects where we became archeologists trying to figure out the uses through using our enquiry cog.




17.10.25 - PSHE!
We have been learning about grooming, where the classes were encouraged to consider different situations where children and young people might be groomed, which could be in-person or on-line. We were also thinking about different sources of support they could source when they feel uncomfortable or are in a potentially dangerous situation.The children were very mature and engaged in the sessions when they learnt what grooming is and reflected on the difference between surprises and secrets. We discussed as classes who they could speak to in a difficult situation (trusted adults at home and in school) and also possible solutions to grooming situations with the use of a variety of scenarios.



10.10.25 - Science!
We have been exploring the properties of materials in our science learning this half-term. We have learnt the definitions of terms for the topic and looked at them in context, including understanding the properties of solids, liquids and gases. The photos show the children enjoying experimenting to find soluble and insoluble substances using fair testing. We all made predictions, then, in groups, tested a variety of substances to determine whether materials are soluble or insoluble.




03.10.25 - Immersive Viking Day!
We began the day by being immersed in the life of Vikings, looking at raiders, sailors, settlers and traders. There were many artefacts for the children to be introduced to, and they were given the opportunity to sketch some and try to elicit what they were. All the artefacts were shown to the children and the uses explained.
We played a Viking game in pairs which the children enjoyed. They all made a clay cup and decorated them with patterns.
We had a demonstration of the types of Viking weapons, including shields, swords, axes and spears, which fascinated the children.




26.09.25 - Maths!
In maths, we have begun the year by recapping place value and extending this to our new learning of numbers upto 1,000,000. The children have enjoyed utilising different manipulatives and charts including Gatengo and place value charts to enhance their learning. The children enjoyed investigating how to partition larger numbers in different ways to extend their number knowledge. We have looked at rounding numbers to 10, 100 and 1,000 and 10,000 and developing this by incorporating larger numbers.




19.09.25 - Reading!
Here are some photos of year 5 children enjoying reading their individual reading books in a variety of places in the classroom. They are relishing exploring the new books within the classes and recommending their favourites to other members of the class.




12.09.25 - Welcome Back to School!
Here are some photos of year 5 this week. The children settled in well in with their new teachers and had a lovely week of learning. Here are some photos of freeze frames in our English writing lesson. We were reading a short story ‘Kidnapped’ by Pie Corbett and we used freeze frames to structure the story and to check our understanding of the story. This was a fun and exciting experience for the children.



acter Bradley next week.