Welcome to Class 5
Our Teachers are as follows:
Miss Clark – Class Teacher (Mon – Weds) and Deputy Head
Mrs Galpin – Class Teacher (Thurs and Fri)
Miss Budworth – Teaching Assistant
St Andrew’s Year 5 Reading Spine 2025 – 2026
Spring Term 4 2026 - What does the Earth look like from our Solar System?
This term, pupils will explore the enquiry question What does the Earth look like from our Solar System?, building curiosity and wonder as they learn more about our planet and how it is viewed beyond Earth. Through a combination of science, reading, writing and creative work, pupils will be encouraged to question ideas, explore evidence and deepen their understanding of space and our place within it.
Our core text this term is the non-fiction book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterley. As readers and writers, pupils will explore the untold stories of exceptional women who contributed to the Space Race, developing key comprehension skills such as retrieval, explanation and summarising. They will write non-chronological reports to inform others about these significant figures. Pupils will also study a collection of poetry by Grace Nichols. Her book Cosmic Disco contains a range of poems inspired by space, and pupils will learn and perform some of these poems before composing their own versions.
As scientists, pupils will investigate the Earth’s place within the Solar System and consider what our planet looks like when viewed from space. They will learn about the shape of the Earth, the Moon and its orbit around the Earth, and how we experience day and night. Images, video clips and other scientific sources will be used as evidence to support learning. Through enquiry and discussion, pupils will explore how scientists gather information about space and how evidence helps us to understand, explain and challenge ideas about our world.
Creative responses will be developed through art, where pupils will explore ways of representing the Earth and space. As artists, they will experiment with materials, colour and texture, using images from space as inspiration to create imaginative and thoughtful artwork that reflects both observation and creativity.
We are looking forward to a term filled with curiosity, questioning and creativity, as pupils make connections between science, literacy and the arts while exploring our planet from a wider perspective.
For an outline of all subjects being taught this term, please see the Parent Planner (Spring 1) at the bottom of this page
Spring Term 3 2026 - How can science help the vulnerable?
This term promises to be thought-provoking and hopefully uplifting as we explore the enquiry question: “How can science help the vulnerable?” Throughout the term, pupils will be encouraged to reflect on our school values of love, honesty and respect, as well as our British values of compassion, fairness and responsibility. They will approach this enquiry as philosophers, considering how science and design can make a real difference for those experiencing homelessness.
We will begin our journey with The Soup Movement by Ben Davis, a story that will inspire pupils to think empathetically, critically and creatively about homelessness. Using the book as a starting point, pupils will write balanced arguments to inform others about this important social issue. Following this, we will explore The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan, a beautifully illustrated narrative that encourages reflection on belonging and empathy. Pupils will use it as inspiration to write their own allegorical narratives, designing a unique ‘lost thing’ and exploring ideas of identity, community and acceptance.
As scientists, pupils will investigate materials and their properties, exploring how science can help the vulnerable. They will make solutions, explore dissolving, and investigate reversible and irreversible reactions, understanding how different processes can be applied to practical challenges.
As designers, pupils will apply their learning to real-world problems, working towards designing and evaluating practical products to support vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. They will research, plan and create their own “homeless pack,” considering both functionality and empathy in their design.
We are looking forward to a term full of creativity, curiosity and compassion as pupils combine scientific enquiry, design thinking, and philosophical reflection to make a difference in the world around them.
For an outline of all subjects this term, please see the Parent Planner (Spring 1) at the bottom of this page.
Autumn Term 2 2025 - How can you show what you believe in?
The Rain Player by David Wisniewski will inspire a retelling of a Maya myth – a traditional tale based on the game of Pok-a-tok. As author-readers, pupils will also be enjoying ‘The Escape Room’ by Christopher Edge, using these ideas to discuss the design of their own Maya escape room.
As historians, pupils will investigate who the Maya were, when and where they lived, and how we know about them. They will examine archaeological evidence, use timelines to compare world civilisations, and explore artefacts and buildings to discover how the Maya represented their gods and beliefs. An exciting online session with Wessex Archaeology will help pupils understand how science and technology reveal clues about the past.
As artists, children will develop their sketching and drawing skills, learning to use shading, perspective, and depth to bring their ideas to life. Inspired by the works of Turner and Constable, pupils will visit St Andrew’s Church and Salisbury Cathedral to sketch buildings and symbols that express beliefs and meaning. They will explore how artists use symbolism and colour to represent ideas and emotions before designing their own monuments or temples that reflect personal beliefs.
Throughout the term, pupils will also explore Maya mathematics, consider how belief influences action, and express their own values through discussion, writing and art. The term will culminate in a creative challenge: designing a symbolic monument that represents what they believe in, drawing inspiration from both ancient Maya temples and local landmarks.
For an outline of all subjects this term, please see the Parent Planner (Autumn 2) at the bottom of this page.
Supporting Texts for Term 2
Autumn Term 1 2025 - How are you helping to save our planet?
This term promises to be an exciting journey as we explore the enquiry question, “How are you helping to save our planet?”
Pupils will discover the nature on their doorstep and consider the challenges it faces, thinking about the role humans play in both protecting and harming the environment. They will take action to improve the biodiversity of the school grounds by planting wildflowers and, as engineers, building bug hotels to support local wildlife, especially red-list species, such as skylarks. Pupils will also engage with the RSPB Wild Challenge for Schools, completing hands-on activities that help them connect with nature and make a real difference to their habitat.
As scientists, children will study the life cycles and processes of plants and animals, exploring how humans impact each stage and how we can support nature. A visit to the Hawk Conservancy in Andover will reveal the inspiring story of the red kite and show how conservation successes can be applied closer to home.
As authors, pupils will explore their connection with nature through reading, writing and discussion. They will enjoy poetry by Valerie Bloom, Matt Goodfellow, and William Wordsworth, reflecting on how writers express feelings about the natural world. The main novel, Sky Hawk by Gill Lewis, will inspire adventure fiction, imagining an osprey in its Scottish habitat—soaring for fish or facing the hazards of the wild. Non-fiction texts will further broaden understanding of conservation and the environment.
It promises to be a purposeful and inspiring term, where children think and act like scientists, authors, and engineers, all working together to make a positive difference. For an outline of all subjects this term, please see the Parent Planner (Autumn 1) at the bottom of this page.
Supporting Texts for Term 1
