Term overview Y5/6

To Infinity and Beyond
Year 5/6
Miss Jameson, Mr Hamlyn and Mr Allen

Autumn 2016


Dear parents and carers,
We have an exciting term ahead with our first topic of the year ‘To Infinity and Beyond’.
This leaflet outlines each subject in more detail and gives a general overview of what your child will be learning throughout the term, which we hope you will find useful.
Parental support is hugely valuable to your child’s education, therefore, if you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to speak to us.
We look forward to a successful term ahead.
Miss Jameson , Mr Hamlyn and Mr Allen

This term, English lessons will encompass a range of narrative, poetry and non-fiction writing, using the theme of space as a stimulus to support and engage learning. Through reading, we will develop knowledge of the features of different text types and genres, whilst also focusing on spelling, punctuation and grammar.

We will enhance pupils understanding and confidence in maths by relating each area of the subject to everyday experiences. This will broaden and consolidate their knowledge and understanding, allowing them to practise their using and applying skills through problem solving investigations.

Design and Technology
In design and technology, we will learn about cam mechanisms. The children will have to design and make a moon buggy that meets a given design criteria. They will need to present their prototype to obtain investment when they attend the Dragon’s Den!

We will be looking at the history of Space Travel and chronology of those events. We will be examining sources to evaluate and compare their usefulness.

We are learning to identify the position and significance of latitude, longitude, Equator, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circle. We will also look at the Prime/Greenwich Meridian and world time zones (including day and night).

In the first half of the term we will be learning about how to stay safe online. In the second half-term, pupils will use a blog as a medium and genre of writing. They will learn how to create a sequence of blog posts which will include photos, web links and text. They will also learn how to comment on the posts of others to share their knowledge and opinions.

Children will learn about different artists, architects and designers and explore different techniques and mediums to create artwork with a space theme.

Children will learn about the Sun, Moon and Earth , day and night, the four seasons and the Moon’s phases. They will explore light, recognising that it appears to travel in straight lines and use this to explain how we see objects ; how light travels from light sources to our eyes ; and why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them. Finally, they will learn about forces; explaining why unsupported objects fall; the effects of air and water resistance and friction; and how some mechanisms allow a smaller force to have a greater effect.

We will revisit previous language learning and developing new oracy, literacy and intercultural understanding skills in French through Science and Geography topics such as ‘Keeping Healthy’.

We will be looking at the interlinking past of Christianity and Judaism and considering the effects of religious codes of conduct and rules on everyday life in these religions.

Throughout the term, children will embark on a journey through the Solar System. They will explore how our universe inspired composers, including Debussy, Holst and George Crumb. They will learn a song and compose pieces linked to space.

Indoor P.E will be gymnastics and dance.
Outdoor P.E will be basketball and football.
Please ensure your child has the correct P.E kit in school