Welcome to Year 5/6

Years 5 and 6 are an exciting and important stage of school life as children move through the upper part of Key Stage 2.

Throughout these two years, children are encouraged to become increasingly independent, responsible and confident learners. They will build on everything they have learned throughout primary school while developing the knowledge, skills and resilience needed for the next stage of their education.

We encourage children to challenge themselves, take pride in their work, contribute positively to school life and support one another as members of our school community.

This page contains useful information about Year 5/6, what we are learning and ways you can support your child at home.

Meet the Year 5/6 Team

Teachers

Mr Coaker
Mr Roberts
Ms Hainey
Mrs Ebbrell

Support Staff

Mrs Stott
Mrs Vincent
Mrs Woods

Our Class Saints

All classes in our school have a class saint.

Throughout the year, children will learn about their class saint and consider how their example can inspire us in our own lives.

Useful Information

PE

Our PE day is Thursday.

Children should come to school wearing their school PE kit and will remain in their PE kit for the day.

PE sessions may be taught by class teachers or specialist PE staff.

If children are taking part in outdoor activities such as football, please make sure they have suitable footwear and spare socks in case they get wet.

Swimming takes place during the summer term.

Further information about swimming will be shared with parents nearer the time.

Reading

Reading continues to play an important part in learning throughout Years 5 and 6.

Children will read a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry and will be encouraged to discuss texts in increasing depth.

As well as developing fluency, children will work on important comprehension skills including:

• retrieving information

• making inferences

• summarising

• predicting

• exploring vocabulary

• identifying themes

• explaining an author's choices

• supporting answers with evidence from the text

Regular reading at home remains extremely valuable.

We encourage children to read widely and to explore different authors, genres and styles of writing.

Suggested reading lists for Years 5 and 6 can be found further down this page.

Spelling, Grammar and Handwriting

Children will continue developing their spelling, punctuation and grammar throughout Years 5 and 6.

They will learn the statutory spelling patterns and words expected within Upper Key Stage 2 and will be encouraged to apply these accurately and independently in their writing.

Grammar teaching will help children understand how sentences and texts are constructed and how language can be adapted for different purposes and audiences.

Handwriting should become increasingly fluent, consistent and legible.

Useful spelling and grammar resources can be found in the supporting learning section below.

Maths and Times Tables

Children will continue to develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills across all areas of mathematics.

Secure recall of multiplication and division facts remains important as children apply this knowledge to increasingly complex calculations, fractions, decimals, percentages and problem solving.

Children will regularly revisit key arithmetic skills and number facts to help build accuracy and confidence.

Homework and Learning at Home

Homework is set on Friday and should be completed by the following Wednesday.

Children are provided with workbooks at the beginning of the school year and will be told which pages should be completed each week.

Homework information will also be shared through the school's usual communication channels.

Homework may include:

• maths activities

• English activities

• spelling

• grammar and punctuation

• reading

• revision

• activities linked to current classroom learning

We encourage children to take increasing responsibility for completing their homework independently and returning it on time.

Preparing for Secondary School

Years 5 and 6 are an important time for developing the independence and organisational skills children will need as they move towards secondary school.

Throughout Upper Key Stage 2, children are encouraged to:

• organise their belongings and equipment

• meet deadlines

• take responsibility for homework

• work increasingly independently

• persevere when learning is challenging

• ask for help appropriately

• work collaboratively

• reflect on and improve their own work

During Year 6, we work closely with children, families and secondary schools to support a positive transition to the next stage of education.

What We Are Learning

Our Two-Year Curriculum

As Years 5 and 6 are taught as mixed-age classes, we follow a two-year rolling curriculum.

Our curriculum is organised into Cycle A and Cycle B.

This ensures that children experience the full Upper Key Stage 2 curriculum during their time in Years 5 and 6 without repeating the same topics.

During the 2026–2027 academic year, we are following Cycle A.

A link to the full Cycle A curriculum plan can be found further down this page.

Autumn Term 2026 – Cycle A

During the autumn term, children will settle into their Year 5/6 classes and begin developing the high levels of independence expected in Upper Key Stage 2.

English

In English, children will explore a range of high-quality texts through our Pathways to Write curriculum.

They will write for different purposes and audiences and develop their use of:

• varied sentence structures

• ambitious vocabulary

• accurate punctuation

• paragraphs

• cohesive devices

• description

• dialogue

• formal and informal language

• editing and proofreading

Children will also develop their reading comprehension and learn to explain their ideas using evidence from texts.

Maths

In maths, children will begin by strengthening their understanding of number and place value.

They will build on this knowledge through increasingly complex work involving:

• addition and subtraction

• multiplication and division

• fractions

• reasoning

• problem solving

Children will be encouraged to explain their mathematical thinking and choose efficient methods when solving calculations and problems.

Science

Science learning will continue to develop children's understanding of the world around them while strengthening their ability to work scientifically.

Children will:

• ask scientific questions

• make predictions

• plan investigations

• take accurate measurements

• record results

• identify patterns

• draw conclusions

• use evidence to explain their findings

History and Geography

Children will develop their understanding of significant periods, places and people through our Cycle A humanities curriculum.

They will use historical sources, maps, atlases, photographs and other evidence to investigate questions and make comparisons.

Children will develop increasingly sophisticated geographical and historical vocabulary and begin to explain connections between events, people, places and environments.

Art and Design

Children will continue developing their artistic skills through drawing, painting, sculpture and other creative techniques.

They will study the work of different artists and use sketchbooks to explore ideas, experiment with techniques and evaluate their own work.

Computing

Computing will continue to develop children's understanding of digital systems, programming and the creative use of technology.

Online safety will remain an important part of learning throughout the year.

Religious Education

Our Religious Education follows The Vine and the Branches curriculum.

Children will explore scripture, Catholic teaching, prayer and worship and make connections between their learning, their own lives and the wider world.

Spring Term 2027 – Cycle A

During the spring term, children will continue developing their independence and apply their knowledge across increasingly challenging learning.

English

Children will continue exploring high-quality texts and writing for a range of different audiences and purposes.

They will work towards using grammar and punctuation with increasing confidence and independence.

Children will continue developing their ability to:

• create atmosphere

• develop characters

• organise writing effectively

• link ideas across paragraphs

• select appropriate vocabulary

• use punctuation accurately

• edit and improve their own work

Reading lessons will continue to focus on inference, vocabulary, summarising and explaining ideas using evidence from texts.

Maths

In maths, children will continue developing their understanding of number and apply this to increasingly complex areas of mathematics.

Learning across Years 5 and 6 includes:

• multiplication and division

• fractions

• decimals

• percentages

• measurement

• geometry

• statistics

• reasoning and problem solving

Children will regularly practise arithmetic alongside deeper mathematical reasoning.

Science

Children will continue to develop their scientific knowledge through practical investigations and enquiry.

They will learn to select appropriate ways to investigate scientific questions and present findings using increasingly precise scientific vocabulary.

History and Geography

Children will continue developing their understanding of chronology, historical evidence, place and geographical processes.

They will compare different periods and locations and consider how human and physical geography can influence the way people live.

Art and Design

Children will use sketchbooks to explore ideas and develop their creativity.

They will experiment with materials and techniques and increasingly evaluate their own work and the work of artists and designers.

Design and Technology

Children will investigate existing products before designing, making and evaluating their own work.

They will consider purpose, audience, materials and functionality throughout the design process.

Computing

Children will develop their programming and digital literacy skills and continue learning how to use technology safely, responsibly and effectively.

Religious Education

Children will continue following The Vine and the Branches curriculum and explore scripture, the life of Jesus and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Summer Term 2027 – Cycle A

During the summer term, children will bring together many of the skills and knowledge developed throughout Upper Key Stage 2.

Year 6 children will also prepare for their transition to secondary school.

English

During the summer term, our English learning includes a range of engaging texts such as:

• Skychasers

• Arthur and the Golden Rope

• Greek Myths and Legends

Children will use these texts as inspiration for a wide range of writing.

They will plan, draft, edit and improve their work and make increasingly independent choices about vocabulary, structure, grammar and punctuation.

Children will be encouraged to write confidently for different purposes and audiences.

Maths

Children will continue applying their mathematical understanding through increasingly challenging problems.

They will revisit and develop key areas of learning including:

• number

• fractions

• decimals

• percentages

• ratio

• measurement

• geometry

• statistics

• problem solving

Year 6 children will also consolidate key learning in preparation for the transition to secondary mathematics.

Science – Forces

In science, children will explore forces.

They will investigate different forces including:

• gravity

• friction

• air resistance

• water resistance

Children will investigate how forces affect moving objects and carry out practical investigations to test their ideas.

They will plan investigations, take measurements, record results and use evidence to draw conclusions.

History – Ancient Greece

In history, children will explore Ancient Greece.

They will investigate what everyday life was like and learn about the achievements and influence of Ancient Greek civilisation.

Children will use historical sources to develop their understanding of areas such as:

• Greek society

• democracy

• religion

• mythology

• warfare

• culture

They will also consider how Ancient Greece has influenced the modern world.

Geography – Modern Greece

In geography, children will explore Modern Greece and compare it with the United Kingdom.

They will investigate similarities and differences in areas including:

• location

• climate

• landscapes

• settlements

• population

• human geography

• physical geography

Children will use maps, atlases and geographical data to support their learning.

Art and Design

Children will continue developing their creative skills through drawing, making and design.

They will experiment with different techniques and materials and use sketchbooks to develop ideas.

Design and Technology – Chair Design

In design and technology, children will explore the design and construction of chairs.

They will investigate existing designs before creating their own ideas.

Children will consider:

• purpose

• stability

• strength

• materials

• appearance

They will then create and evaluate a model based on their design.

Computing

Children will continue developing their computing knowledge and apply their programming and digital skills creatively.

They will also revisit how to use technology safely and responsibly as they prepare for the next stage of their education.

Religious Education

Children will continue their learning through The Vine and the Branches curriculum.

They will explore the events and teachings of the Church year and consider how faith can influence the way people live.

Year 6 Statutory Assessments

During May, children in Year 6 complete the national Key Stage 2 SATs.

These assessments cover:

• reading

• grammar, punctuation and spelling

• mathematics

Writing is assessed by teachers using children's work completed throughout the year.

SATs are only one part of the information we use to understand children's progress and attainment.

Throughout Year 6, children will become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter as part of their normal learning.

We aim to make the process calm and positive while ensuring children feel well prepared and confident.

Further information and revision resources can be found below.

Year 5/6 Curriculum

Would you like to find out more about what your child will learn?

Please use the links below to explore our curriculum in greater detail.

Year 5/6 Curriculum

Years 5 and 6 – Cycle A Curriculum Plan

Years 5 and 6 – Cycle B Curriculum Plan

We are following Cycle A during 2026–2027.

English

Pathways to Write – Feature Keys Progression

Pathways to Write – Texts and Mastery Overview

PE

PE Long-Term Plan

Suggested Reading

Reading widely is one of the best ways children can develop their vocabulary, imagination and understanding of the world.

Please use the links below for suggestions of books suitable for children in Years 5 and 6.

Year 5 Suggested Reading List

Year 6 Suggested Reading List

Children do not need to read every book on these lists. They are designed to help children and families discover new authors, genres and styles of writing.

Supporting Your Child at Home

There are a range of resources available below to support learning at home.

English

• Year 5 and Year 6 Spelling Lists

• KS2 Grammar Revision Guide

• Grammar, Punctuation and Vocabulary Practice

• Reading Lists

Maths

• Maths Knowledge Organisers – Number

• Maths Knowledge Organisers – Other Areas

Year 6 SATs

The following resources can help Year 6 children revisit learning and become familiar with the types of questions used in statutory assessments.

• SATs Parent Presentation

• Maths SATs Practice

• SPaG SATs Practice

• KS2 Grammar Revision Guide

These materials should be used to support normal learning rather than placing unnecessary pressure on children.

Keep Up With Year 5/6

We love sharing the children's achievements and experiences throughout the year.

Please keep an eye on ClassDojo and our school communication channels for:

• photographs of learning

• reminders

• homework

• important dates

• trips and visits

• Year 6 transition information

• SATs information

We look forward to working together throughout the year and supporting every child as they continue their journey through Upper Key Stage 2.