Welcome to our Autumn 2 Curriculum Overview for Falcon Class!

We have a very busy and exciting half term ahead of us in Year 5. The Falcons will be delving into new learning across all subjects, exploring meaningful themes, developing new skills and making connections across our curriculum. Alongside this, we are very much looking forward to our trip to Oakham Castle, where the children will have the opportunity to deepen their historical understanding in a hands-on and memorable way. From our World War II work in History, to our beautifully illustrated English text, to designing our very own Christmas textiles creations, this half term is set to be both fun-packed and full of rich learning experiences. We can’t wait to see the curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm that the children will bring to their work as the weeks unfold.
 

In Maths this term, the Falcons will continue to develop their confidence in working with multiplication and division. They will learn and apply a range of strategies to solve problems efficiently and explain their reasoning. Later in the term, we will move on to our fractions unit, where the children will learn how to compare, order and find fractions of amounts, using visual models and written methods to support their understanding.
 

In English, we will begin by exploring the beautifully illustrated text Farther, using the imagery and themes within it to inspire our writing. The children will focus on creating a detailed setting description, using the five senses to build atmosphere and mood in their writing. Our BEAR reading book for this term is Letters from the Lighthouse, which links directly to our History topic. We will explore the text’s themes of secrecy, courage and family, whilst also discussing how historical events shape characters’ experiences.
 

In History, the Falcons will continue to delve into World War II. We will begin by understanding how the war started, before exploring how people on the Home Front adapted and coped with the challenges of wartime life. The children will learn about The Blitz, rationing, and the experiences of evacuees, considering how communities supported one another during difficult times. This topic will be closely linked to our reading and writing work in English.
 

In Science, we will be learning about Living Things and Their Habitats. Building on prior knowledge, the children will explore the life cycles of birds, mammals and plants comparing the similarities and differences between them. We will investigate patterns of growth and learn how environments can influence the development of living things.
 

In DT, the Falcons will be working on a Textiles project. They will design, create and decorate their own Christmas decorations, learning different stitching techniques and developing precision and independence in their sewing.
 

In French, the children will be learning vocabulary and phrases linked to Shopping and Food. They will practise reading, writing and speaking in full sentences, building confidence in taking part in simple French conversations.
 

In RE, the Falcons will explore the question: What does it mean for Muslims to follow God? They will learn about key beliefs and practices in Islam, including daily prayer, community responsibilities, and the importance of Ramadan. This unit encourages respectful discussion about faith and the ways in which belief influences daily life.

In PSHE, our focus will continue to be Health and Wellbeing. The children will learn about strategies for maintaining both physical and emotional health, including managing feelings and recognising how different situations can affect our wellbeing. We will also continue to develop our understanding of how we interact with others, focusing on showing respect, making considerate choices, and recognising the impact of our actions. The emphasis will be on building positive relationships and contributing to a supportive, thoughtful classroom environment.
 

In PE, the children will continue their swimming sessions on Wednesdays and will have PE in school on Thursdays. Please ensure that all children have the correct kit for both days each week.