Sow, Grow and Farm

​​​​​​​

Maths

In Maths this half term, we are going to start off focussing on multiplication and division. We will work through a sequence of small, carefully crafted steps to achieve our outcome of multiplying and dividing numbers, with up to four digits, using formal written methods. 

After this, we will move on to learning about fractions. By the end of this unit, we will be able to: 

                                             - Identify equivalent fractions

                                             - Convert between mixed and improper fractions

                                             - Compare and order fractions 

                                             - Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers 

                                             - Identify fractions of an amount

                                             - Multiply fractions by a whole number

For the final part of the Spring term, we will be learning about decimals. By the end of this unit, we will be able to: 

                                              - Identify decimals up to 2dp and recognise decimals as fractions

                                              - Understand thousandths 

                                              - Round decimals 

                                              - Order and compare decimals 

                                              - Understand percentages 

                                              - Recognise percentages as decimals and fractions 

All of these concepts will be made easier by a secure knowledge of times tables up to 12 x 12. Any encouragement for your child to practice these at home would be much appreciated. 

English 

 For writing, children will start off writing a non - chronological report about allotments. This enables the children to organise ideas and information into clear paragraphs, employing a range of cohesive devices. The children will also edit and redraft their reports for display, selecting images to accompany their writing. To link to other areas of the curriculum, children will use their scientific and geographical knowledge of allotments to write their non-chronological report. 

Following this, we will be writing diary entries from the perspective of a farmer. Writing a diary entry teaches the children how to express the thoughts and feelings of the writer and recount events. The children could use a range of topic-specific vocabulary and focus on choosing appropriate verb tenses. Similarly to the non - chronological reports, Children should use their geographical knowledge of farming in the UK to write their diary entry. 

After half term, we will be writing persuasive leaflets to encourage people to buy fair trade produce. Writing a persuasive leaflet enables the children to adapt the structure and content of their writing to the audience and purpose. They will also include relative clauses and topic-specific vocabulary.The children should use their geographical knowledge of farming in developing countries to write their leaflet.

Finally, we will be producing a balanced argument based on an aspect of farming. Writing a balanced argument encourages children to consider both sides of an issue and support their arguments with evidence. It provides a meaningful context for using a range of cohesive devices to structure writing, such as conjunctions and adverbials. Children will need to use their scientific and geographical knowledge of farming issues to write their balanced argument. 

Reading 

This term, our text will be The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story centres around Mary Lennox, who is orphaned in a cholera outbreak in India and is sent to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald in Misslethwaite Manor in Yorkshire. The novel’s key themes include grief, loneliness, trust, recovery, self belief and change.

To help at home, please continue to encourage your child to read a range of genres for different purposes. In addition to this, please find attached a knowledge organiser for our class text. This could help you question your child about the story. 

Science 

This term, Year 5 will be learning about animals and their habitats, particularly with the context of allotments. They will learn about food chains and webs, and understand how a change in environment can have an impact on the entire food web. 

Following this, we will be learning about Animals including Humans. We will be learning about the life cycles of mammals, insects, amphibians and birds and describing key differences between them. They will also explore human growth and development to old age. 

Geography 

This term, our topic is Sow, Grow & Farm. This project teaches children about the features and characteristics of land use in agricultural regions across the world, including a detailed exploration of significant environmental areas. We will be learning about key aspects of farming on a local, national and international level. We will also be carrying out case studies about certain types of farming, such as potatoes and coffee. 

If you would like to know more and to support your child at home, a knowledge organiser for this topic is included below. 

DT 

In DT, we will be learning about seasonality and the benefits of seasonal eating. We will learn about and practice food preparation techniques, including hygiene, chopping and grating vegetables. We will then be preparing and making our own seasonal soup.

Art

After half term, we are going to be learning about natural art. This project teaches children about the genre of land art. They work outdoors to sketch natural forms and explore the sculptural potential of natural materials before working collaboratively to create land art installations.

PSHE 

For the first half term, we will be learning about our role in the community. This includes the importance of being compassionate and understanding how to treat others with compassion. In addition to this, we will learn that being part of a community includes a number of responsibilities, such as caring for the environment within our community. During the first half term, we will also look at media literacy and digital resilience, including the role of different media types and how information online is targeted. 

After half term, children will learn about money and work. They will identify job interests and aspirations and understand what influences these. Children will also learn about workplace stereotypes and learn to challenge these safely. 

RE

For the first half term, we will be looking at the concept of miracles in the context of The Bible. Most pupils will be able to:

-  recognise and discuss ideas about the concept of divine
- describe in simple terms some of the beliefs Christians have about Jesus with reference to
appropriate stories.

After half term, we will be learning about the Five Pillars of Islam. By the end of the unit, most children will be able:

- To be able to describe the 5 Pillars of Islam.

- To explain the value of the 5 Pillars of Muslims.

- To express their personal response.