Welcome to Indigo Class - Year 5

Welcome to Indigo Class! We’re a lively and thoughtful group of learners who are encouraged to take on responsibility and grow into confident, independent thinkers. Our classroom is a place for creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

🚀 This Half Term’s Topic: To Infinity and Beyond

Our topic this half term is To Infinity and Beyond, where we will explore space, the Solar System, and the remarkable people who have helped us understand the universe. Children will investigate how space exploration works, learn about key scientific discoveries, and develop their understanding of Earth’s place in space.

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📅 Year 5 Topics for 2025–2026

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📌 Key Information

• 🏃‍♀️ PE Day: Monday & Tuesday
  Children must wear their school-approved PE kit. Earrings must be removed or covered with plasters—staff cannot remove them.

• 📚 Reading Books:
  Library books can be borrowed for two weeks. Class reading books should be taken home and returned daily. Reading Logs can be written in by children or adults.

• ✏️ Spellings:
  Weekly spelling lists are provided and uploaded to Spelling Shed. These include words for the weekly spelling test and statutory Year 5/6 words.

• 💻 Homework:
  Online English and Maths activities are set weekly to reinforce classroom learning.

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📚 What We’re Learning

✍️ English

This half term, we will be learning through a blend of fiction and non‑fiction linked to our space theme. We will be reading Lunar and using it to inspire descriptive writing and narrative techniques. Children will explore information texts and biographies, including work linked to Katherine Johnson and other significant figures in space exploration.

Grammar Focus

We will be developing our writing through:

• Using relative clauses

• Using commas to avoid ambiguity

• Using adverbial phrases

📖 Reading

We will read a range of fiction, non‑fiction and poetry to develop comprehension and enjoyment. Our texts include Lunar and a selection of non‑fiction about the Solar System and the life of Katherine Johnson.

Reading regularly at home makes a huge difference. Please encourage your child to read every day and sign their Reading Log.

✏️ Spellings

Children have access to Spelling Shed, where weekly spellings are uploaded. A paper copy can also be provided if preferred. Weekly spelling tests take place every Friday.

➕ Maths

This half term we are learning about:

• Adding and subtracting fractions

• Multiplying and dividing

• Rapid recall of multiplication facts

• Decimals and percentages

Children will also receive online English and Maths homework each week.

🎨 Art

This half term, children will explore a range of artistic techniques linked to our space theme. They will experiment with printing methods, including relief and mono‑printing, to create textured backgrounds inspired by planets, craters and star fields. They will also develop collage skills, layering materials to build depth, contrast and visual interest. Children will study examples of space‑inspired artwork and use these ideas to create their own mixed‑media pieces.

💻 Computing – E‑Safety & The Mars Rover

In Computing, we begin with essential E‑safety, helping children understand how to stay safe, respectful and responsible online. We then move on to an exciting unit about the Mars Rover, exploring how data is collected, transmitted and interpreted across vast distances in space. Children will learn about sensors, coding concepts, and how robots help scientists investigate planets we cannot visit ourselves.

✝️ RE – Sikhism: Expressing Beliefs

Our RE learning focuses on Sikhism. Children will explore how Sikhs express their beliefs through daily practices, celebrations, symbols and community life. We will look at the importance of the Gurdwara, the 5 Ks, and the values of equality, service and generosity. Children will reflect on similarities and differences between Sikh beliefs and their own experiences.

🔬 Science – Earth and Space

In Science, we will investigate:

• The movement of the Earth and other planets relative to the Sun

• The Moon’s orbit around Earth

• Day and night, and why shadows change

• How scientists use evidence to understand space

Children will take part in practical investigations, model‑making and demonstrations to deepen their understanding of how our Solar System works.

🧠 PSHE – Dreams and Goals

Our Jigsaw theme encourages children to think about:

• Setting personal goals

• Overcoming challenges

• Staying motivated

• Working collaboratively

• Celebrating achievements

This unit helps children develop resilience and a positive mindset — essential skills for Year 5 and beyond.

🇫🇷 French

In French, children will learn vocabulary and phrases linked to traditions and celebrations. They will explore how festivals are celebrated in French‑speaking countries and compare them with celebrations in the UK. Children will practise speaking, listening, reading and writing through songs, role‑play and short written tasks.

🏃 PE

In PE, children will develop:

• Balance, control and sequencing in gymnastics

• Map‑reading, teamwork and problem‑solving in orienteering

They will work both independently and collaboratively, building confidence and physical fitness. PE days are Monday and Tuesday, and children must wear school‑approved kit. Earrings must be removed or covered with plasters.

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🏡 How You Can Help at Home

• Help your child establish a regular homework routine
• Practise weekly spellings, including statutory Year 5/6 words
• Read with or listen to your child read daily—just 10 minutes makes a big difference
• Talk about what they’ve learned in class
• Practise multiplication and division facts up to 12×
  Try Hit the Button for fun practice
• Stay updated on online safety via UK Safer Internet Centre – Resources for 3–11s

📌 Please ensure your child brings a named water bottle every day.

 

Look out for our Parent Information Sheet below!