Class 4

Autumn Term 2025

English 

Our first half term will be looking in depth at understanding the grammar of word classes and punctuation that are instrumental in creating effective sentences.  This is the second year of implementing this unit and we are looking forward to seeing some real progress in the understanding of sentence construction and punctuation. Towards the end of the term, the children will use these skills to create pieces of non-fiction writing, based on their learning in other areas of the curriculum.  Along with focusing on grammar, spelling, handwriting and reading skills, the second half of the term will look in depth at different text constructions, including explanations and instructions. We will be incorporating our understanding of grammar and punctuation into these units as well as using spelling patterns that we have worked on throughout the term. Much of our writing will be cross curricular and we will be continuing to transfer skills learnt in English, to other curriculum areas.  Spellings this year will focus on morphology—understanding the meaningful parts of words—which is essential for building confident, accurate spellers.  This approach aligns with current research and supports all learners, including those with literacy difficulties.  Spelling will be a daily focus and we will use our learning to practise and refine handwriting.  We will focus on correct letter formation, developing a legible and consistent handwriting style, that understands letter joins and spacing. Handwriting should become a functional tool that supports composition, with the goal of achieving automaticity so that cognitive resources can be freed up for the more complex aspects of writing.

Class Novel – Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman.  This is a powerful novel that explores themes of friendship, family, identity, and medical ethics. The story follows 13-year-old Cameron, who is seriously ill and facing the possibility of a life-saving heart transplant using a pig’s heart. As he and his family grapple with this controversial decision, the story encourages deep discussion about courage, privacy, and how society responds to scientific advancement. This engaging book supports our science topic on the circulatory system.

Maths

Our Year 5/6 class will be following the White Rose Maths scheme, covering key areas to build strong foundational skills. We will start with Place Value, helping children deepen their understanding of large numbers, rounding, and number lines. This will be followed by Addition and Subtraction, where pupils will refine their written methods and problem-solving skills. Later in the term, we’ll explore Multiplication and Division, focusing on times tables, formal written methods, and using these skills in context. We’ll also begin our work on Fractions, looking at equivalence, comparing and ordering, and simple calculations.

History

The Maya Civilisation: During Autumn 1, the children will be learning about the Maya Civilisation. This will include where and when the Maya lived; what made their civilisation successful and how they ruled. The children will also have the opportunity to build on their historical skills by comparing this civilisation to the Anglo-Saxons, which revisits their Year 4 history learning.

Geography

Western United States: In Autumn 2, we will begin our first geography unit on the Western United States, which covers a broad range of both human and physical geography skills. We will learn about the geography of the North American continent; the main economic activity of the United States; its physical features; climates & biomes found there and the earthquake zones.

Science

Animals including humans – The Circulatory System: During this unit of work, children will learn about the importance of the circulatory system and how it transports oxygen around our body. They will learn about the heart and how it is an important muscle in our bodies. Children will learn about their heart rate and different activities that can increase the heart rate. Children will learn about being healthy and things they can do to lead a healthy lifestyle as well as learning about things that people do that can cause them to be unhealthy.

Electricity: During this unit of work, children will consolidate and extend previous learning from year 4 by constructing simple series circuits and drawing them using scientific symbols. They will conduct investigations to determine how the voltage in a circuit affects the brightness of a bulb. They will use their ‘working scientifically’ skills to plan an experiment to investigate variations in how components function and use the results to write a clear and concise conclusion. They will use the internet to research information about renewable and non-renewable energy sources and communicate this information in the form of a leaflet.

Art

Mixed Media Land and Cityscapes: In art, the children will be focusing on ‘Mixed Media Land and Cityscapes’. The children are introduced to the idea that artists don’t just work in studios – instead they get out into the world and draw and paint from life, inspired by the land and cityscapes where they live. They will also see how artists use their creative freedom to explore ways of working which involve different materials and media. We will extend and adapt existing sketchbooks so that they can make drawings/paintings at different scales and ratios. They are enabled to take creative risks, explore and experiment and given the freedom to use mixed medium in ways which suit them.  

DT

Nativity Scene / Christmas Textiles: In Autumn 2, we will move on to our first Design and Technology unit of the year. We will be designing, making and evaluating our own ‘Light-Up Nativity Scene’ to get us into the Christmas spirit. We will be using our knowledge on electrical circuits and will require both our practical skills and scientific knowledge to be successful! The children will also be practising and refining their sewing and textiles skills during our Christmas craft day where they will be making some Christmas stockings.

PSHE 

We will follow a structured plan for both Year 5 and Year 6 from the SCARF units for PSHE.  In the autumn term we will cover the unit ‘Me and my Relationships’ which addresses feelings, emotions, conflict resolution and friendship. We will then move onto ‘Valuing Difference’ which includes a British Values focus.  These themes will be revisited through our assemblies during the term also.

RE

We are following a two-year programme of study from Curriculum Kernewek. During the autumn term Year 5 and 6 will be building on their prior understanding of Christianity, by covering RE Today’s upper KS2 unit ‘What does it mean if God is Holy and Loving?’ and ‘Was Jesus the Messiah?’. As always, we will also explore Christian beliefs about Jesus’ through our regular Christmas activities, including a Christingle Service and Nativity production.

MFL

This will be taught through a mixed Y5/6 scheme of learning. In the first half term, we will look at the unit ‘Pleased to Meet You’, before moving on to ‘That’s Tasty’ in Autumn 2. Both units will allow children to practise their written and oral vocabulary and sentence building skills.

Music

Hey, Mr Miller: is an extremely popular song with three layers in a jazz/swing style. The title and song lyrics refer to the well-known American musician Alton Glenn Miller and his swing band. As well as opportunities to discover and learn about swing-style jazz and some of the most renowned big band leaders of 1930s and 1940s America, the activities in this unit will allow children to explore rhythm work, creating and improvising off-beat (syncopated) rhythm patterns and melodies, and develop a polished group performance. We will also be learning songs to celebrate harvest time and Christmas as part of our singing assemblies.

Computing

ICT will be used throughout all the other subject areas to enhance the children's understanding and for research purposes.  Children will be encouraged to use ICT as a tool for furthering their understanding in other curriculum areas. Throughout the term there will be an emphasis on keeping ourselves safe online. In addition to this, we are following the ‘Digital Learning Cornwall’ units for Years 5/6. The first half term will focus on the unit ’Programming A- Variables in games’ and the second half term will be ‘Programming B- Microbits- Getting Active’. Both units will require the children to use problem-solving and coding skills.

PE

The first half term will have a sport focus on Invasion Games, a fitness focus called Boot Camp, and a health focus called Healthy Body: Inside Out.  The second half term will have a sport focus of Dynamic Dance, a fitness focus of Mighty Movers (boxercise), and a health focus on ‘Healthy Mind: Going for Goals.’  There will be opportunities for children to participate in extracurricular clubs and sporting events and festivals as part of our links with the Newquay Schools sports partnership.

This Year, PE will be on a Wednesday and children can come dressed appropriately in school PE kit on this day. There may of course, be additional days when the children may be required to wear a PE kit, which they will be clearly informed about. 

PE kit:

• Black shorts, leggings or tracksuit bottoms
• Green T-shirt with logo
• Trainers or plimsolls
• Tracksuits may be worn for outside PE during colder weather
• No earrings or jewellery

Please can all items of kit and school uniform be named.

Mrs Burt & Mrs Hay

Class teachers