Woodthorpe Church of England Primary SchoolClass 5
Welcome to Class 5
Mrs Jackson
In our class we have Year 5 and 6. We offer a varied and balanced curriculum in Class 5, aiming for every child to reach their full potential. A typical day includes Reading, SPaG, Mathematics (following the WhiteRose scheme) and English and two afternoon subjects. We are honoured to have PE delivered by experts from Chesterfield Football Club. Each term, our work is formed around an exciting new topic. See details of these outlined below:
Key information
Times tables rockstars (TTrockstars)
Maths4Everyone - Practice SATs Questions
SATs Information booklet for parents
Autumn 2026
History- Would you like to live in Tudor times?
This project teaches children about the fascinating history of Tudor England, from 1485 to 1603. They will learn about important Tudor monarchs and events, as well as exploring what everyday life was like for people living at the time. Children will investigate how wealth, gender and religion affected people’s experiences and compare Tudor life with life today. They will also explore Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church and consider why this was such an important turning point in English history. Throughout the project, children will work as historians by examining primary and secondary sources, considering reliability and bias, and using evidence to form their own conclusions. By the end of the unit, they will use their knowledge to consider the question: Would you like to live in Tudor times?
Science- How and why do scientists classify living things in the natural world?
This project teaches children about the fascinating world of classification and how scientists organise and identify living things. They will learn how animals, plants, fungi and micro-organisms can be grouped according to their observable characteristics, including exploring vertebrates and invertebrates. Children will discover how classification keys can be used to identify unknown organisms and will carry out their own investigations to collect, record and compare scientific evidence. Through practical activities, observations and discussions, they will develop their ability to spot similarities, differences and patterns between living things. By the end of the project, children will use evidence from their investigations to explain how and why scientists classify living things in the natural world.
Geography- What do the UK's cities, settlements and trade links reveal about how and why places change?
This project teaches children about UK settlements and how and why places change over time. They will explore different types of settlements, from villages to major cities, and investigate why people choose to live in particular locations. Children will learn about land use, population, trade and transport, exploring how these have influenced the growth and development of cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and London. They will use maps, atlases, photographs, graphs and population data to identify patterns and make geographical conclusions. The project also explores sustainability, encouraging children to consider how settlements can develop while protecting the environment and supporting communities. By the end of the project, children will use geographical evidence to explain what the UK’s cities, settlements and trade links reveal about how and why places change.
Art- How can we use line, shape and colour to sketch expressive characters?
This project teaches children about the work of Pete McKee, a contemporary British artist known for his distinctive artwork celebrating community and everyday life. Children will explore how McKee uses simple lines, shapes, colour and expressive characters to communicate stories, personality and emotion. They will develop their own observational drawing skills, experimenting with facial expressions, body language, warm and cool colours, texture and pattern. Throughout the project, children will refine their ideas through experimentation and feedback before combining their skills to create a final mixed-media portrait inspired by Pete McKee. By the end of the project, they will evaluate their artwork and explain how their artistic choices help to communicate mood, emotion and character.
Design Technology- How can we design and make a pie with a savoury filling?
This project teaches children about cooking and nutrition through the challenge of designing and making their own savoury pie. They will investigate existing pies and use their findings to develop design criteria for a particular purpose and user. Children will explore healthy eating, nutrition and where ingredients come from, considering seasonal, locally sourced and sustainable choices before designing their own filling. They will develop practical cooking skills including measuring, chopping, mixing, rolling and baking, while learning about food hygiene and safety. After making their pie, children will taste and evaluate it, considering its flavour, appearance, texture and nutritional value, and suggest ways it could be improved. By the end of the project, children will use the design, make and evaluate process to answer the question: How can we design and make a pie with a savoury filling?
RE- What matters most to Christians and Humanists?
This project teaches children about Christian and Humanist worldviews and explores the values that can influence how people choose to live. They will consider ideas about good and evil, right and wrong, fairness, justice, forgiveness, love and peace, and explore why people may have different reasons for making moral choices. Children will investigate Christian teachings, including the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ teachings about love and forgiveness, alongside Humanist ideas about reason, evidence, empathy and human wellbeing. Through discussion, moral dilemmas and reflection, they will compare similarities and differences while recognising that Christians and Humanists do not all think or live in exactly the same way. By the end of the project, children will use evidence and reasoned arguments to answer the question: What matters most to Christians and Humanists?
RE- Why do some people believe God exists?
This project teaches children about belief in God and explores why people can reach different conclusions about whether God exists. They will learn the meanings of theist, atheist and agnostic and consider the difference between fact, belief, opinion and evidence. Children will explore Christian ideas about what God is like and investigate reasons why some people believe, including creation, family beliefs, religious experiences and answered prayer. They will also consider reasons why others do not believe, including scientific explanations and the existence of suffering in the world. Through discussion and reflection, children will consider different viewpoints respectfully and learn how beliefs can affect people’s lives. By the end of the project, they will use evidence and reasoned arguments to answer the question: Why do some people believe God exists?
Spring 2027
History- Was life better or worse in Victorian times compared to now?
This project teaches children about life in Victorian Britain and explores how it compares with life today. They will investigate what everyday life was like for different people, with a particular focus on children, education, working life, living conditions, health and medicine, and the differences between rich and poor. Children will explore how the Industrial Revolution and the growth of towns and cities changed people’s lives, as well as learning about significant individuals such as Queen Victoria, George Stephenson and Dr Barnardo. Throughout the project, they will work as historians by examining photographs, census records, newspapers, letters, diaries and artefacts to find evidence about the past. By the end of the project, children will use evidence to consider the question: Was life better or worse in Victorian times compared to now?
Science- What happens inside our bodies when we exercise, eat, or make different lifestyle choices?
This project teaches children about the human body and explores what happens inside us when we exercise, eat and make different lifestyle choices. They will learn about the circulatory system, including the heart, blood and blood vessels, and investigate how nutrients, water and oxygen are transported around the body. Children will explore how exercise affects pulse rate and recovery time and consider how diet, exercise, drugs and other lifestyle choices can affect health and the way our bodies function. Through practical investigations, data collection and comparisons, they will identify patterns and use scientific evidence to draw conclusions. By the end of the project, children will use their scientific knowledge to explain what happens inside our bodies when we exercise, eat, or make different lifestyle choices.
Science- How do living things adapt and evolve to survive in changing environments?
This project teaches children about evolution and inheritance and explores how living things change over time. They will learn how characteristics can be inherited from parents, while also recognising that offspring are not identical and show variation. Children will investigate how plants and animals have adaptations that help them survive in particular environments and consider how changing environments can affect survival. They will also examine fossils and evidence from living organisms to discover how scientists know that living things have changed over millions of years. Through observations, comparisons and scientific enquiries, children will identify patterns and use evidence to draw conclusions. By the end of the project, children will use their scientific knowledge to explain how living things adapt and evolve to survive in changing environments.
Art- How can we use different materials to create 3D sculpture?
This project teaches children about 3D sculpture and explores how different materials can be shaped and combined to create artwork. Inspired by the work of Lindsay Jones, children will experiment with clay, wire and other materials, investigating their different properties and how they can be used to create form and structure. They will develop techniques for modelling, shaping, joining and constructing, while considering proportion, balance and stability within their sculptures. Children will experiment with their ideas, make artistic choices and refine their work as it develops. Once complete, they will evaluate their sculpture using appropriate artistic vocabulary and reflect on the techniques and materials they have used. By the end of the project, children will use their developing artistic skills to answer the question: How can we use different materials to create 3D sculpture?
Design Technology- How can we design and build a strong railway bridge?
This project teaches children about structures and engineering through the challenge of designing and building a strong railway bridge. They will investigate different types of bridges and explore how shapes, materials, beams, arches, supports and triangulation can be used to make structures stronger and more stable. Children will develop their own design criteria before creating annotated plans and selecting suitable materials for their bridge. During the making process, they will practise measuring, cutting, joining and assembling accurately, testing and refining their structure as they work. Once complete, children will test their bridge for strength, stability and suitability for purpose, identifying strengths and weaknesses and suggesting improvements. By the end of the project, children will use the design, make and evaluate process to answer the question: How can we design and build a strong railway bridge?
RE-Can we live by the values of Jesus in the twenty-first century?
This project teaches children about the values Jesus taught and explores whether these can still guide people living in the twenty-first century. They will investigate teachings from the Gospels and consider values such as love, forgiveness, generosity, compassion, justice and care for others. Children will explore how Christians might put these teachings into practice when making decisions and responding to challenges in modern life. Through discussion, reflection and real-life scenarios, they will consider how easy or difficult it can be to live according to these values and recognise that Christians may interpret and apply Jesus’ teachings in different ways. By the end of the project, children will use examples from Jesus’ teachings to consider the question: Can we live by the values of Jesus in the twenty-first century?
RE- What difference does it make to believe in ahisma, grace and Ummah?
This project teaches children about three important religious ideas: ahimsa, grace and Ummah, and explores how beliefs can influence the way people live. Children will learn about ahimsa in Hindu traditions and its emphasis on non-violence and respect for living things; grace in Christianity and ideas about God’s love, forgiveness and generosity; and Ummah in Islam, referring to the worldwide Muslim community and the importance of belonging and supporting others. They will explore how these beliefs can influence everyday choices, relationships and actions, while recognising that individuals may express their beliefs in different ways. Through discussion, examples and reflection, children will compare the three concepts and consider their impact on believers. By the end of the project, they will consider the question: What difference does it make to believe in ahimsa, grace and Ummah?
Summer 2027
History- How did the world wars change life in Britain?
This project teaches children about the First and Second World Wars and explores how they changed everyday life in Britain. They will investigate the experiences of soldiers and civilians, including evacuation, rationing, air raids and life on the Home Front. Children will explore how the wars changed the roles and responsibilities of women and children, as well as examining developments in technology, government support and the rebuilding of Britain. Throughout the project, they will work as historians by examining photographs, letters, diaries, government posters, newspapers, ration books and oral histories to understand different experiences and viewpoints. By the end of the project, children will use historical evidence to explain how the World Wars changed life in Britain and which changes had the most significant impact.
Science- How does the movement of light explain what we observe in everyday life?
This project teaches children about light and explores how its movement explains many of the things we observe in everyday life. They will learn that light travels in straight lines and investigate how light travels from a light source, reflects from objects and enters our eyes, allowing us to see. Children will explore reflection and shadows, investigating how and why shadows form and how their size and position can change. Through practical investigations, observations and fair tests, they will measure results, identify patterns and use scientific evidence to explain what they discover. By the end of the project, children will use their scientific knowledge to explain how the movement of light helps us understand what we see in the world around us.
Science- How do electrical circuits work, and what factors affect how components perform?
This project teaches children about electricity and explores how electrical circuits work. They will learn about the different components within a circuit, including cells, bulbs, buzzers, motors and switches, and use recognised symbols to represent these in circuit diagrams. Children will investigate how changing the number and voltage of cells can affect the brightness of bulbs and the volume of buzzers, as well as exploring the role of switches and comparing different circuits. Through practical investigations and fair tests, they will construct circuits, record results, identify patterns and use scientific evidence to explain their findings. By the end of the project, children will use their scientific knowledge to explain how electrical circuits work and what factors affect how components perform.
Geography- How does South America shape how people live and trade?
This project teaches children about the geography of South America and explores how its physical environment influences the way people live and work. They will locate countries, major cities and important physical features, including the Amazon River, Amazon rainforest and Andes Mountains, and investigate the continent’s different climates and biomes. Children will explore how rivers, mountains, climate and natural resources influence settlements, transport and lifestyles, as well as learning about economic activities such as farming, mining, forestry and tourism. They will investigate South America’s global trade links, including exports such as coffee, cocoa, beef, soy and minerals, and consider how these connect South America with the UK and wider world. By the end of the project, children will use maps, data and geographical evidence to explain how South America shapes how people live and trade.
Art- Can we use repetition and pattern to create art work?
This project teaches children about repetition and pattern and explores how artists use repeated shapes, colours and marks to create striking artwork. Inspired by the work of Yayoi Kusama, children will investigate her use of dots, repeated forms, bold colours and patterns and consider how these create texture, movement and visual impact. They will experiment with a range of techniques, including drawing, collage, printing and sculpture, to develop their own repeating designs. Children will explore symmetry, layering and contrasting colours before refining their ideas to create a finished piece of artwork inspired by Kusama. Throughout the project, they will evaluate their work and explain their artistic choices using appropriate vocabulary. By the end of the project, children will use their developing artistic skills to answer the question: Can we use repetition and pattern to create artwork?
Design Technolgy- How can we use electrical systems to make a carnival float?
This project teaches children about electrical systems through the challenge of designing and making their own carnival float. They will investigate existing carnival floats and develop design criteria for both their appearance and electrical function. Children will learn how simple circuits work and explore how switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors can be used to add light, sound or movement to a product. They will create labelled designs before constructing a stable float and safely incorporating electrical components. Throughout the making process, children will test, identify faults and refine their designs to improve both function and appearance. Once complete, they will evaluate their float against their original design criteria and consider possible improvements. By the end of the project, children will use the design, make and evaluate process to answer the question: How can we use electrical systems to make a carnival float?
RE- For Christians, what kind of king is Jesus?
This project teaches children about the Christian idea of the Kingdom of God and explores what Christians believe Jesus is like as a king. They will investigate teachings and stories from the Bible, exploring how Jesus’ leadership is connected to values such as love, service, forgiveness, justice and care for others. Children will consider how Jesus’ example of kingship may be different from traditional ideas about powerful rulers and explore what Christians believe it means to follow him. They will investigate how belief in the Kingdom of God can influence the way Christians worship, serve others and make choices in their everyday lives. Through discussion, reflection and biblical examples, children will consider what Jesus’ leadership means for Christians today. By the end of the project, they will use their learning to answer the question: For Christians, what kind of king is Jesus?
RE- How does faith help people when life gets hard?
This project teaches children about how faith can support people during difficult times. They will explore how religious beliefs can provide hope, comfort, strength and a sense of purpose when people experience challenges, loss or uncertainty. Children will investigate different ways people may draw on their faith, including prayer, worship, religious teachings and support from their faith community. They will consider examples of how beliefs can influence the way people respond to difficulties and recognise that people may experience and express faith in different ways. Through discussion, reflection and different viewpoints, children will consider the role that belief can play during challenging experiences. By the end of the project, they will use their learning to consider the question: How does faith help people when life gets hard?
Book recommendations
https://www.booksfortopics.com/booklists/recommended-reads/year-5/
https://www.booksfortopics.com/booklists/recommended-reads/year-6/