Primary at Richmond Park School
Year 5 - UPPER Key Stage 2 (Ages 9–10)
Challenge, Creativity, and Growing Confidence
Year 5 is a transformative stage where pupils step forward as confident, independent thinkers, ready to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm, curiosity, and imagination. It is a year where academic rigour meets creative exploration, and where children begin to see how ideas connect across subjects and across the wider world.
Through captivating topics such as Ancient Greece, Space Exploration, and Rivers of the World, pupils deepen their understanding of global history, scientific discovery, and geographical systems. Lessons are designed to stretch their thinking, spark creativity, and encourage meaningful inquiry.
Specialist teaching in Spanish, Music, Computing, PE, and Food Technology enriches the curriculum, helping every learner uncover their unique strengths and passions. By the end of the year, pupils emerge as motivated, reflective learners — ready to take their final step in Primary with pride, purpose, and growing maturity.
Year 5 is where curiosity meets confidence, and where minds are stretched and character is strengthened.
“In Year 5, children move from guided learners to independent thinkers — ready to explore new ideas with curiosity and confidence.”
— UKS2 Team
Becoming Independent Thinkers
Year 5 marks an exciting period of growth and maturity. Pupils begin to think more deeply, question more critically, and take increasing ownership of their learning. Lessons blend creativity, inquiry, and academic challenge, inspiring children to explore ideas with confidence and independence.
Throughout the year, pupils learn to collaborate effectively, manage responsibilities, and develop resilience — essential skills that prepare them for the leadership opportunities and expectations of their final years in Primary.
Learning in Year 5
Building on the strong foundations of Lower Key Stage 2, Year 5 introduces more advanced concepts and encourages higher‑order thinking. Children are guided to plan, research, evaluate, and reflect, fostering independence and intellectual curiosity across every subject.
Learning remains hands‑on, relevant, and engaging, ensuring that each child can thrive both academically and personally.
Key focuses for the year include:
- Strengthening reading comprehension and writing craft
- Mastering key mathematical concepts and problem‑solving strategies
- Exploring global perspectives through history, geography, and science
- Developing digital literacy and responsible online citizenship
Curriculum Overview
In English, pupils refine their writing style and develop confidence as articulate, expressive communicators through a rich blend of creative and analytical tasks.
This term’s units include:
- Descriptive Writing – inspired by art and observation, using vivid imagery and precise prepositional phrases
- Greek Myths – researching gods and heroes, writing character profiles, and performing myths in groups
- Spooky Stories – exploring atmosphere, suspense, and imaginative alternative endings
- Informative Recounts – writing personal accounts with clear chronological structure and accurate, purposeful language
Guided Reading supports comprehension and vocabulary development through engaging texts such as Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans, The Explorer by Katherine Rundell, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and a range of additional titles chosen to spark curiosity and inspire a love of reading.
Grammar and punctuation are woven throughout the curriculum, with a focus on accurate sentence construction, expanded noun phrases, and expressive figurative language.
Where Logic Meets Creativity
Mathematics in Year 5 challenges pupils to think boldly, reason clearly, and apply their knowledge with confidence and imagination. Lessons are designed to stretch understanding while nurturing a genuine love of problem‑solving.
Core learning includes:
- Mastering place value in 5‑ and 6‑digit numbers
- Confident use of the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Working fluently with fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Solving multi‑step word problems using a range of strategies
- Exploring geometry, measurement, and angles with precision and accuracy
By Year 5, pupils truly think like mathematicians — reasoning, justifying, and applying what they know with growing independence.
Exploration, Discovery, and Analytical Thinking
Science in Year 5 inspires curiosity through hands-on investigations that help children understand the world around them. Pupils learn to question, test, observe, and draw conclusions with increasing sophistication.
This year’s topics include:
- Earth and Space – exploring the solar system, planetary movement, and scientific discovery
- Forces – investigating gravity, friction, and air resistance
- Materials – dissolving, mixing, and reversible changes
- Life Cycles – comparing the development of plants, animals, and humans
- Human Growth and Development – learning about puberty with sensitivity, respect, and understanding
Immersive Learning That Connects the Past, Present, and Future
Topic work in Year 5 blends seamlessly across literacy, art, and science, creating rich, meaningful learning experiences.
- Ancient Greece – democracy, mythology, architecture, and their influence on modern society
- Famous People Who Changed the World – exploring inspiring figures and their global impact
- Rivers and the Amazon – ecosystems, sustainability, and geographical features
- Cooking & Culture – hands‑on food preparation that builds cultural awareness and practical skills
Creativity, Culture, and Self‑Expression
Year 5 pupils explore a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, developing confidence and imagination through:
- Greek Pottery – research, design, and ceramic modelling
- Flotsam Project – ocean‑themed artwork promoting sustainability
- Caricature and Illustration – inspired by Alice in Wonderland
- John Dyer Rainforest Art – vibrant painting and mixed media celebrating nature and conservation
Art in Year 5 encourages self‑expression, creativity, and meaningful links to wider curriculum themes.
Wellbeing, Empathy, and Global Citizenship
Through PSHE, children develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Key themes include:
- Zones of Regulation – recognising and managing emotions
- TEAM – understanding that Together Everyone Achieves More
- Think Positive – building resilience and a growth mindset
- One World – promoting diversity, respect, and global awareness
- Healthy Lifestyles & Relationships (RSE) – understanding physical and emotional development
Specialist Subjects
Inspiring Passion, Creativity, and Confidence
Richmond Park School’s vibrant specialist programme enhances every child’s learning journey:
- Spanish – oral and written communication through engaging cultural topics
- Music – performing in unison and harmony, reading notation, and composing original pieces
- Computing – exploring hardware, networks, coding, and digital responsibility
- PE and Swimming – developing coordination, endurance, teamwork, and sportsmanship
- Food Technology – practising food hygiene, nutrition, and international recipes
Our specialist subjects enrich the curriculum and empower pupils to discover new talents.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Bringing Learning to Life
Each term includes a school trip designed to extend classroom learning and spark real‑world connections. From museums and science centres to historical sites and natural environments, these experiences help pupils:
- Connect ideas across subjects
- Deepen understanding
- Build confidence and curiosity
Learning outside the classroom creates unforgettable moments that stay with children for years to come.
Home–School Partnership
Working Together for Every Child’s Success
We believe that strong communication between home and school is essential. Families stay connected through:
- Class Dojo – regular updates, photos, and messages
- Curriculum Letters – outlining termly themes and objectives
- Parents Booking – scheduling online meetings and clubs
- iSAMS Parent Portal – accessing reports, attendance, and key documents
Weekly extended learning tasks — including reading, spelling, and interactive maths challenges — encourage independence, responsibility, and good study habits.
Celebrating Success
Recognising Effort, Progress, and Character
Every achievement matters. We celebrate pupils through:
- Star of the Week certificates
- House Points for effort, kindness, and teamwork
- Golden Time – a weekly class celebration chosen by pupils
These traditions build motivation, community spirit, and pride in learning.
“We celebrate success in all its forms — from academic achievement to kindness and creativity.”
— UKS2 Team
Ready for Year 6
Stepping Forward with Confidence and Purpose
By the end of Year 5, pupils have developed strong critical thinking skills, growing independence, and emerging leadership qualities. They are ready to embrace the challenge of Year 6 — confident in their abilities, motivated to excel, and eager to take their next step.
Book a visit or contact us
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