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Hunter's Bar Junior School

Learning Overview

Autumn 1

 

This first half term in Year 5 we will be settling into the upper school by reintroducing our school vision and values. We will also be studying the Earth and Space in Science, before an exciting trip to the Leicester Space Centre to see real artefacts from outer space! We will also be learning about a very influential person – the incomparable Katherine Johnson, who was a trailblazer in mathematics and space exploration. In art, we will be developing our painting skills before creating an artwork inspired by artist Pablo Picasso. In history, we will be learning about the Tudor period including significant events of the period: the Spanish Armada, the creation of the Church of England and Henry VIII’s many wives.

Autumn 2

 

This half term, our class will embark on an exciting learning journey across a variety of subjects. In our whole class reading sessions, we will explore The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold, diving into its rich narrative while enhancing our comprehension skills. In writing, we will practice the skills of a Year 5 writer using the wordless picture book Flotsam by David Weisner, leading to the creation of persuasive texts about the critical issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. In geography, we will study the importance of the world’s oceans, while in science, we will investigate the forces that shape our physical world. PSHE will take a fascinating turn as we explore the question "How do our brains work?" Finally, in art as we will clay to create coral sculptures, drawing inspiration from the stunning work of artist Courtney Mattison.

Spring 1

 

This half term, we will journey back in time to the Stuart period, delving into key historical events like the Great Fire of London, the Great Plague, and the Gunpowder Plot. Our reading and writing will reflect this theme as we study and create our own historical fiction, bringing the past to life through imaginative storytelling. In PSHE, our focus will shift to the present as we learn vital skills for staying safe online and protecting others in the digital world. In Science, we will explore the fascinating world of materials and their properties, conducting investigations into dissolving, mixing, and sieving to deepen our understanding.

Spring 2

 

This half term, our focus will be on understanding the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees. We will explore this theme through the powerful poetry of Michael Rosen, delving into his personal experiences of displacement and broader global migration stories. In our writing lessons, we will engage in debates about the merits of the British government allowing refugees into the UK, sharpening our persuasive skills. We will also take action by supporting refugees in the Sheffield community, raising money for the City of Sanctuary charity. In geography, our studies will take us to the stunning Alps, while in design and technology, we will develop our sewing skills, working together to create a class quilt by combining different fabric shapes.

 

Summer 1
 
This half term, our learning will be anchored in the powerful themes of freedom and history. In reading, we will explore Freedom by Catherine Johnson, a compelling narrative that provides insight into the experiences of an enslaved person. Building on this, our writing will focus on creating historical narratives based on the harrowing journey across the Middle Passage. In history, we will delve deeper into the British Empire and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, examining its impact and legacy. Our science lessons will take us into the world of life cycles, exploring the fascinating processes of growth and change in living organisms. In RE, we will celebrate diversity by learning about festivals such as Diwali and Holi. PE will offer a dynamic change of pace as we develop our skills in squash. Finally, in art, we will be inspired by Henry Moore as we create shelter drawings, exploring form and structure through his unique style.
Summer 2
 
This half term, our learning will be centred around the wonders of the natural world, with a special focus on polar bears. In reading, we will immerse ourselves in The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, a story that will inspire our understanding of wildlife and conservation. Our writing will complement this theme as we create informative non-chronological reports all about polar bears. In science, we will explore the fascinating world of classification, learning how living things are grouped. Geography will take us on a journey from the Equator to the Poles, exploring global seasons and their impact on different regions. In PSHE, we will focus on physical health and growing up together, discussing important aspects of well-being. Our computing lessons will introduce us to programming, building foundational skills for the digital world. Lastly, in design and technology, we will be hands-on in the kitchen, learning about healthy and varied diets as we make our own savoury muffins.