What to expect in Year 5

What will my child do in Year 5?

1. Maths

In maths, there is an emphasis on fractions, decimals, and percentages in this year. There is also an expectation that they will know all of the written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Further focus will be placed on problem solving and your child will be given more opportunities to apply their knowledge to a range of challenges.

2. English

For English, new punctuation is introduced (such as hyphens, semi-colons, and colons). There is a greater emphasis on grammar features too (for example, modal verbs like would, could, might, and must). Your child will also be encouraged to edit and adapt their work – developing their skills further in the craft of writing for a range of audiences and purposes.

3. A broadening curriculum

There are some fantastic topics this year and there will be significant focus on understanding their role in modern Britain. This is the year when your child will probably have their first sex and relationship lesson in school as it combines neatly with the science unit on reproduction, puberty, and changes in the human body. Often a school will organise parent letters and meetings to let you know just what you may need to discuss over the dinner table.

How can I help my child in Year 5?

Just like in school, give them some independence and responsibility for their learning at home. Here are a few ways you can start giving them some responsibility at home:

• Make them pack their own bag for school so that they get into the habit of thinking for themselves about what they need for that day.
• Allow them to make mistakes. If they forget their homework, make them tell the teacher themselves (they learn more quickly from their mistake and they are taking responsibility for it too).
• Get into the routine of doing homework at a set time each week if possible. By all means help them, but make sure they make their own decisions about presentation, for example.
• Continue to hear them read, practise times tables, help them with homework, talk to them about their day, and encourage them to read by visiting the local library or using eBooks from the free Oxford Owl eBook library.

Useful resources on Oxford Owl

National Curriculum for England, Scotland, and Wales

All information on Oxford Owl for Home is aligned with the National Curriculum for England. Much of this information is also relevant for children in Scotland and Wales.