English

In this coming term we will visit a number of different texts; poetry, extracts from significant authors, instructions and plays. We will link some of our texts to both History and RME. Language work will revisit the parts of speech, similes and metaphors and develop a growing vocabulary which can be used in creative writing. Stories will, at times, be linked with texts under study but there will be opportunities for free choice. We will study the structures and conventions of stories to enable children to develop their own creativity. There will be opportunities to use ICT, both in word processing and on-line grammar exercises when appropriate.

Mathematics

This term's work begins with a brief tour of mathematical logic before studying place value. We will thoroughly review the arithmetic of integers and decimals over the course of the term. This work will be interspersed with units on graphs, angles, number patterns and the area and perimeter of squares, rectangles and triangles. Mental arithmetic work will focus on fast and accurate application of the four rules.

Science

In the first half-term we concentrate on learning about the Earth, Sun and Moon. Children will learn about the relative sizes of each, compass points, shadows, phases of the moon and seasons among other topics. In the second half the topic will be Sound and we will study vibrations, pitch and soundproofing. The class will carry out investigations in each topic. There will be links with English and with Music. ICT will be used, when appropriate, for word processing, research and producing leaflets.

History

We will be investigating the Ancient Egyptians; where and when they were, their writing, religious beliefs and culture. Children will have the opportunity to improve their research skills to investigate a variety of topics including jobs, homes and fashion. There will be links to Maths when we look at the Egyptian numbering system and, of course, all written work will reinforce what is learnt in English. ICT will be used, when appropriate, to produce finished work for display as well as for research.

Geography

Our Geography focuses on the local area this term. We investigate traffic in Alton with a view to deciding whether the town centre should be closed to vehicles. This leads us onto why people chose to settle in the area and ideal requirements for settlements. This links with History when we investigate place names. Children will have the opportunity to develop skills in map reading and producing maps as well as developing their understanding of the areas which need to be considered when designing their own village.

Religious and Moral Education

Our RME this term will contain the topics, Homes and Families, Judaism, Signs and Symbols and Visitors. We will use bible stories, artefacts, personal experiences and a variety of other methods to develop children's moral understanding of the world around them. We will revisit the story of Christmas and many of our topics lend themselves to links with other subjects including English, Art and Geography.

French

In the autumn term, the children will consolidate and extend their learning from last year on the themes of personal details, numbers and members of the immediate family. They will also learn the names of extended members of the family, numbers to 70, general classroom equipment and objects and vocabulary related to Christmas.

ICT

After a brief introduction to our new facilities, we will explore the use mind-mapping software as a tool for research and analysis and the use of spreadsheets for computer modelling.

Music

The term will begin with a revision of musical skills in singing recorder and percussion playing. Pentatonic scales will be introduced and used in group compositions and singing work. The children will play recorder duets and learn to read new notes and rests. The children will further develop their knowledge of orchestral instruments and listen to a range of new music. Children in the orchestra, choir and chanteurs will prepare for our many Christmas performances. All children will take part in the Harvest Festival and the KS2 Christmas Production.

Drama

The first half of the autumn term drama lessons in Year 5 are aimed at developing speaking and listening skills. Encouraging the children to control their movements is linked with work on the drama freeze-frame and mime. All activities are designed to foster interaction with others. After half-term drama activities will be focussed on the Christmas Production.

Art and Design

The first project we will complete this term will be a celebration of the Harvest Festival. We will investigate the work of Andy Warhol- particularly his silk screen prints. Then, using this artist's work as an inspiration, we will express various fruit and vegetables using drawing and print media. The final pieces of work will be displayed in the school corridor during the Harvest Festival. For the rest of the term, we will be working towards a competition on Ancient Greece. We will explore the theme of "The Minotaur" in a range of two and three dimensional media. Pupils will therefore have an opportunity to produce dynamic and individual pieces of art work to enter in the competition next Easter.

Physical Education

The girls' games will be netball and hockey. We aim to further develop their skills in sending and receiving the ball, additional tactics to outwit the opposition, an understanding of positional play and team work. The girls will gain an understanding of the importance of being a team player, and the positive influence they have on others. They will work on building the link between developed skills and match performance.

Boys' games will focus on football skills, with a development from basic kicking and passing to game tactics, an understanding of differences between defensive and offensive play and improvement in stamina and fitness for game situations, as well as encouraging the boys to become better at evaluating their effectiveness. Work on rugby skills will look at the development of contact through tackling techniques, forward and backward play, mauling, rucking and line-out skills, and offloading in tackles.

Health and fitness work will build on prior knowledge to develop an understanding of the physical changes that occur when the body is working hard, and the psychology of pushing the body. We will measure heart rate and stamina levels. Our cross country work continues to improve stamina and fitness over longer distances, as well as introducing pacing and breathing techniques.

It is emphasised that the above is offered as a guide only, and the school retains the flexibility to adapt its schemes of work to the needs of the individual or the class.