Year 5/6 Curriculum Overview

Life in Year 5 and 6

Our Year 5 and 6 classes are lively, ambitious and full of opportunities for pupils to grow as confident, independent learners. As the oldest children in school, they take on important roles within our community and set a fantastic example for younger pupils.

Learning in the Mornings

Our mornings are structured, purposeful and packed with high‑quality learning experiences.

White Rose Maths

● We follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which helps pupils build strong, secure understanding step by step. Lessons encourage discussion, problem‑solving and reasoning, giving children the confidence to explain their thinking and tackle challenging concepts.

Talk for Writing

● In English, we use the Talk for Writing approach to immerse pupils in rich texts and develop their skills as thoughtful, creative writers. Through imitation, innovation and independent writing, children learn to craft detailed sentences, experiment with vocabulary and write for a wide range of purposes.

Whole Class Reading

● We enjoy whole class reading sessions where we explore high‑quality novels together. Pupils practise prosody to bring the text to life and take part in rich discussions that deepen their understanding of characters, themes and language.

Handwriting and Spelling

● Throughout the day, we also focus on handwriting and spelling using No Nonsense Spelling. This programme helps pupils learn and apply spelling rules, patterns and some of those really tricky words that appear across the curriculum.

Learning in the Afternoons

Our afternoons are varied, creative and full of opportunities to explore the wider curriculum. Depending on the day, pupils may have:

● Science

● Geography

● History

● Art

● Design & Technology

● Music

● Computing

● RE

● Jigsaw (PSHCE)

We pack a lot of learning into each day, ensuring pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum that builds knowledge, skills and curiosity.

Practising the recovery position and other life skills in Jigsaw.

Curling was great!

Science lessons are fun, practical and full of exciting learning opportunities.

Keeping Ourselves Energised

With such a busy timetable, we make sure to recharge our batteries with a movement break. These short bursts of activity help pupils refocus, reset and return to learning with renewed energy!

Download our termly curriculum overviews:

“The staff have a really good caring relationship with the children and they get lots of opportunities for different learning.”

Parent comments

“The school is accessible and involves parents – The teachers are passionate about their work – Our children and their friends enjoy attending the school .”

Parent comments

“Our son excitable and positive about school and I love the fact that he has settled so well. It’s always a worry for a parent but I was at ease from my sons first ever day. Thank you St Nicholas School.”

Parent comments

“Since joining our children have been happy and made to feel as though they weren’t the new kids buy had always been at this school. They have improved with so much.”

Parent comments

“The teachers are very approachable and regularly take the time to inform me if they have concerns about either of my children- I trust them to take care of them both and notice if they need any extra attention.”

Parent comments

“My children both have great relationships with their teachers and it’s really lovely to see.”

Parent comments

“My son has come on leaps and bounds since starting in September. He comes home and has been taught something new every day which he can’t wait to share with us.”

Parent comments

“Staff are approachable, caring and friendly. I’m confident my child is receiving a good education at this school.”

Parent comments

“We also think the work the teaching and support staff put into activities out of school hours is fantastic. They keep our girls active and driven to do better.”

Parent comments

“My children both have great relationships with their teachers and it’s really lovely to see.”

Parent comments

“Also I love The Ark on Friday morning you get to meet parents and guardians of different children and chat and drink tea or coffee and Miss Hamlyn is such a lovely lady.”

Parent comments

“The staff from my experience are friendly and helpful. I have grown with confidence since my children started here. It is an amazing school and the teaching is amazing too.”

Parent comments

“I like the atmosphere of the school. It is a positive and happy place. I am extremely grateful for the quality of nurture in school, my child benefits greatly from its care and understanding.”

Parent comments

“Support from teachers has been fantastic and without a doubt has been key to my child’s success. I have always felt confident in approaching school and have always had your full co-operation.”

Parent comments

“EYSF staff are absolutely fantastic! Cannot praise them enough!! My older child has a new teacher this year who has also been brilliant with her encouragement, my child has come on so much since her return in September. I just love that the staff are all so approachable and friendly.”

Parent comments

“We think the stay and play mornings are brilliant as it gives us an insight to how our daughter’s are taught and what kind of environment they learn in.”

Parent comments

“I love that the Headteacher is very present and visible at the school. She knows all the children by name and connects with them. The school has a nurturing feel.”

Parent comments

“As soon as you walk into the school you notice how much time the staff put in to make it as comfortable a learning environment as possible for the children. Thank you..we really appreciate it.”

Parent comments