Year 5 – Term 4
The Highwayman
This term, Year 5 immerse themselves in Alfred Noyes’ narrative poem The Highwayman. Through close reading, historical context and analytical writing, pupils explore themes of loyalty, justice and consequence. The poem provides a rich foundation for developing inference, prediction and deeper textual analysis, while linking meaningfully to our wider study of Crime and Punishment.
English – Interpretation, Argument and Precision
English lessons centre on careful textual analysis. Pupils examine how Noyes uses imagery, rhythm and repetition to build atmosphere and tension. Reading lessons develop higher-order comprehension skills. Children learn to:
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Make inferences and justify them with evidence
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Predict outcomes based on stated and implied detail
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Explain how narrative content contributes to overall meaning
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Explore how word choice enhances impact
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Compare characters and themes within the text
Writing outcomes this term are ambitious and purposeful. Pupils will produce:
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A guide on how to become a successful highwayman, written with awareness of tone and audience
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A structured argument exploring who was responsible for the death of Bess, supported by textual evidence
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A formal letter of complaint regarding the treatment of the landlord’s daughter, written without contractions and including modal verbs and the subjunctive form
Grammar teaching supports clarity and control. Particular focus is placed on the use of commas to clarify meaning and avoid ambiguity. Pupils apply learning from IXL skills such as OO.1 (commas with direct address and introductory words) and KK.9 (distinguishing between adjectives and adverbs). Through drafting and editing, children refine sentence structure and precision.
Mathematics – Geometry and Measurement
In mathematics, pupils extend their understanding of geometry and measurement alongside a purposeful understanding of decimals. They explore properties of shapes, angles and position, alongside accurate measurement and conversion. Lessons balance fluency with reasoning, encouraging pupils to explain their methods and justify their conclusions.
Science – Forces
Science this term focuses on forces. Pupils investigate gravity, friction and air resistance through practical enquiry. They examine how mechanisms move and how forces interact, linking scientific understanding to design technology projects. Investigations encourage careful observation, fair testing and clear recording of results.
History – Crime and Punishment
The study of The Highwayman is enriched by historical learning about Crime and Punishment. Pupils explore how justice was enforced in different periods and consider how punishment reflected societal values. This historical lens deepens their understanding of the poem’s setting and themes.
Religious Education – Hinduism
In RE, pupils study Hindu Life. They explore how belief influences daily practice, including worship, celebration and family traditions. Discussions encourage thoughtful comparison between religious worldviews and reflection on values within communities.
Design & Technology – Mechanisms
Design and Technology focuses on mechanisms through the creation of Penguin Cam Toys. Pupils design and build models incorporating movement, applying understanding of forces and mechanical systems. The process emphasises planning, testing and refinement.
Computing – Stop Motion and Video Editing
In computing, pupils develop digital storytelling skills. They create stop motion animations and learn to edit video by adding music, narration and credits. This work requires careful sequencing, creativity and attention to detail.
Music – Rhythm and Composition
Music lessons focus on rhythm notation, improvisation and composition. Pupils experiment with pattern, tempo and structure, developing confidence in both performance and composition.
PSHE and Physical Education
PSHE lessons support the development of social skills, encouraging respectful communication and collaboration. In PE, pupils develop tactical awareness and teamwork through hockey.
Modern Foreign Language
In language lessons, pupils learn vocabulary to describe people’s faces and hair, extending spoken and written expression.
A Connected Curriculum
By the end of Term 4, Year 5 pupils will have developed a sophisticated understanding of narrative poetry and historical context. Their writing will demonstrate greater precision, control and formal structure. Scientific enquiry into forces will strengthen analytical thinking, while design, computing and music projects will foster creativity and technical skill. Across subjects, pupils build the confidence to interpret complex ideas and express them clearly.