Welcome to Otter Class - Year 5
Welcome to the wonderful world of Otter Class! This page has lots of useful and interesting information about what we get up to throughout the year. Each term curriculum maps will be provided (below) to let you know what children will be learning so that you can support at home. It also has links to suggested book lists and parent guides from TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed. In case you missed the “Meet the Teacher” session, the information given out then is also available below.
Mrs Tallboy
Teaching Assistant
Useful Info
Year 5 is a fantastic time of growth, confidence, and curiosity. As children move into Upper Key Stage 2, we guide them to take more responsibility for their learning, develop greater independence, and explore deeper themes across the curriculum.
In Year 5, children will:
- Explore exciting topics in science (space, forces), history (Vikings, Crime and Punishment, Ancient Greece) and geography (North America, Greece, natural resources)
- Read a wide range of high-quality books and develop reading fluency and comprehension eg Holes, Odd and the Frost Giants, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
- Write with increased structure, creativity and grammatical awareness, using The Write Stuff as a schema
- Work with larger numbers and more complex maths problems using reasoning and logic, using the White Rose programme
- Develop practical science investigation skills and critical thinking
- Reflect on moral questions, values and beliefs in Religious Education and PSHE
- Continue to grow in confidence through Collective Worship and class discussions
- Enjoy enrichment activities such as school trips and workshops
At St Katharine’s, our approach is rooted in Christian values – we encourage children to be kind, resilient, and respectful. By the end of Year 5, pupils are well on their way to becoming thoughtful, capable young people, ready for the challenges of Year 6 and beyond.
Curriculum
We create Year 5 curriculum maps each term to help families understand what their children will be learning. These maps give a clear overview of the topics and subjects covered, making it easier for parents and carers to support learning at home. By sharing these maps at the start of each term, we aim to keep everyone informed and involved in the exciting learning journey throughout the year. We always aim to go above and beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum, details of which can be found here.
Assessment
MIn Year 5, we use assessment as a tool to support learning, not just measure it. Our approach ensures that children feel encouraged and challenged, while helping teachers tailor lessons to suit individual needs.
Types of Assessment:
- Informal Assessments – these happen every day through marking, feedback, questioning and observation during lessons.
- Times Tables Checks – we continue to build fluency in multiplication facts and each week there is a low-stakes test, individually tailored to each child’s current attainment.
- Spelling Tests – spellings will be set each week, in line with the national curriculum, on Spelling Shed. Children will be tested weekly (sometimes in dictation sentences).
- Foundation Subjects – teachers assess knowledge and skills in subjects like science, history and RE using practical tasks, quizzes and discussion.
- GL tests In Year 5 children take the online GL New Group Reading Test twice a year – in the autumn and spring. In May they will take online GL tests in Cognitive Ability (CATs) and Progress Tests in English (PTE), maths (PTM) and science (PTS).
- Maths – children will take paper tests during the year at the class teacher’s discretion to help identify gaps and areas for additional support and teaching.
How We Share Progress:
- Parent Consultations – held in the autumn and spring to discuss how your child is progressing and how you can support at home.
- Written Report –an end-of-year report is provided in July, summarising academic progress and personal development.
- Open Communication – we’re always happy to talk if you have questions about your child’s progress. Please contact your class teacher in the first instance either directly via their email or through the office.
Assessment at St Katharine’s is rooted in our Christian ethos – it’s not about comparing children, but helping every child discover and grow their God-given potential.
Homework
Homework in Year 5 is set on Teams, TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed
Daily reading – ideally to an adult (5 x 10 mins)
Spellings (10 mins spread across the week)
Reading comprehension or grammar (20 mins)
TT Rock Stars – 3 times per week (minimum 3 x 4 mins)
Maths task (20 mins)
Suggested Book List
With so many great new books being published each year, rather than provide a list that might soon become out of date, we recommend you look at the following sites, visit your local library (librarians are a great source of up-to-date information) or ask at a high-quality bookshop such as Sevenoaks Bookshop, where they have a member of staff dedicated to children’s literature.
Year 5 Books for Topics – Recommended Reads
The books on these lists cover a wide range of genres and reading levels, supporting children as they build confidence, explore big ideas, and grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals. Not all will be suitable for every reader and, if you would like advice with book choices, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Meet the Teacher
We get up to so much in Otters Class!
Documents
Curriculum Maps
Gallery
Join Otter Class Today!
We have space in our Year 5 class. If you’re thinking about moving your child to our school for any reason, please get in touch.