Year 5


Welcome to Year 5 at Billingshurst Primary School!

The teachers are Miss Brown (Year Leader), Ms Mack and Mrs Cole (maternity cover).  They are supported by Mrs Hiley, Mrs Cunningham, Mrs Hulcoup, Ms McGhie.

We are excited about this year's curriculum and have some wonderful topics throughout Year 5.

We start our year with our exciting Autumn topic: What Lies Beyond… During the first half term we will take the children on an intriguing journey to Ancient Egypt, using artefacts from the Novium Museum in Chichester to inspire historical enquiry and writing opportunities.  In the second half term, our journey will continue to space and beyond, exploring what lies beyond our home planet and the mysteries of the Solar System and Galaxy.    

In the Spring term, our topic is Incredible Invaders. The children will first study the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain, exploring their legacy on British culture, Art and Geography.  We will also use texts such as the classic Viking myth Beowulf and Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman to inspire our second half term of learning linked to the Viking invasion and impact on Britain. 

The focus of the Summer term will be Living Things and their Habitats, where we will also be embarking upon quests of different kinds, inspired by key texts such as: Survivors (Extraordinary Tales From the Wild and Beyond) by David Long and Kerry Hyndman, The Last Wild by Piers Torday and A Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.  We will explore the life-cycles of plants and animals, using real-live specimens to bring our Science to life! 

We encourage participation in homework by providing interesting and engaging challenges through our homework grid, for our pupils to complete and bring to school.  We highly value and encourage the development of a range of learning skills, such as creativity, resilience, curiosity and team work, rewarding children with merits as they demonstrate these.   

We also encourage reading by providing a reading journal for children to record their achievements in interesting ways. We visit the school library weekly and have extensive class libraries for the children to use.

Times tables are still a priority and fast recall of all times table facts up to 12 X 12 will help with confidence in Maths lessons.

We also encourage the independent and adult-supported practise of spellings, with children having opportunities to consolidate Year 3 and 4 spelling lists, as well as moving on to the Year 5 and 6 spelling patterns and common exception words. 

The Year 5 team are excited about the year ahead and look forward to working with you and your children to make it an enjoyable and memorable year.

Please do contact us through our Year Group email: year5@billingshurstprimary.org.uk