Our topic for the Summer term is 'The Golden Age of Islam'.

In English we will begin the term studying the book, 'The 1000 year old boy' by Ross Welford. We will use this text as a stimulus for writing an action narrative. We will focus on using powerful verbs, using direct speech to move the action forward and describing character emotions through 'show not tell'. Later in the term we will look at the book, ‘Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World’ by Burhana Islam to help us write a recount. Linked to our learning on North America in Geography (during Summer 2), we will study and examine texts based in North America (‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar and ‘The Highwayman’ poem by Alfred Noyes) during our Guided Reading sessions. 

In Maths we will begin our learning by revisiting what we know about perimeter and area from Year 4. We will apply our knowledge to find the perimeter of rectilinear shapes (with missing sides) and begin to find the area of shapes by multiplying the length by the width. Later in the term we will revisit our work from earlier in the year on fractions, to help us expand our knowledge and understanding with decimals and percentages; applying our knowledge to a range of problems. In Geometry, we will learn how to calculate, measure and draw angles on a line, on a point and within shapes. This will be followed by learning how to translate and reflect shapes in the x and y axis.

As Geographers we will be travelling to North America! As well as studying the geographical features of North America, we will learn about North America’s cities, climate patterns and compare a region of North America with the North West of England. We will also be using North America as a basis for our understanding of what is meant by longitude, latitude, time zones and biomes.

As Historians we will be learning all about the ancient civilization of Baghdad and how this civilization compared to what was happening in Britain during the same time period. As well as using historical sources to help us understand what Baghdad was like during 900 AD, we will also investigate the achievements and contributions of the early Islamic civilizations. 

As Scientists we will be learning about ‘Properties and Changes of Materials’. Through a range of experiments, we will use our scientific skills to compare and group materials based on their properties, learn about reversible and irreversible changes and decide the best way that mixtures should be separated.

As Computer specialists we will become VR Designers - experimenting with virtual and augmented reality.  Through the use of Google Street View, we will explore places where we have previously visited and learn how to create and upload our own 360 degree photographs. We will also learn how to enhance other reader’s experiences of books by adding QR codes which will enable them to hear what we think about our favourite books. To further our knowledge, we will learn how web designers use AR and VR in adventure games. Our final project will be to create our own virtual art gallery using SketchUp. 

As Artists we will use the artwork of Samira Mian as inspiration for creating our own Islamic tiles using the medium of watercolours.Through a range of skills sessions, we will build our understanding of the mathematical nature of geometric patterns using a compass and ruler with accuracy. We will explore the need to work with colour symmetry and repetition in order to build these beautiful tiles.

In RE we will continue to explore our key question of, 'What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain today?' As well as our visit to Cheadle Mosque, we will celebrate Eid Day with the rest of the school to help enhance our understanding of the five pillars of Islam. Our key question for our final unit of work is, ‘How and why should religious communities do more to care for the Earth?’. As well as looking at different religions, we will focus on world views from different people, including key activists. 

As Engineers (in DT) we will be researching some of the world’s most iconic bridges including the City of Girsu bridge in Iraq and comparing this to the most recent designs such as the Millenium bridge by Norman Foster. We will plan, construct, test and evaluate different frameworks, understanding the most rigid shapes and components of bridges which will ensure the most sturdy of constructions. 

As Musicians (in Music) we will be 'travelling' to Africa! We will explore traditional South African music and learn how to sing a traditional song unaccompanied. Later in the term, we will use tuned percussion to play a chord and will later perform our own piece to the class, which we will sing and perform with instruments.

Here are some websites that you might find useful:
 

MyMaths - log in provided by class teacher

Topmarks - Maths games
 

KS2 Bitesize - Learn more about our class topics and play interactive quizzes

Times Tables Rock Stars - log in provided by class teacher