Year 5 Core Units

Under Our Feet
What’s that rumbling under our feet? Come with the children as they dig down to find out more about the Earth’s layers and how this impacts the geographical landscape around the world. Children will describe and understand key aspects of volcanoes and earthquakes to embed their understanding of the earth; the impact of significant eruptions and earthquakes and how this impacts human settlements.
The Mayans
Journey into the heart of the Mayan civilization, one of the most advanced and mysterious cultures of ancient Mesoamerica! Children will explore the Mayan cities, their incredible pyramids, and the importance of the Mayan calendar. They’ll learn about Mayan society, including their achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and writing. Children will study Mayan art, create their own Mayan-inspired crafts, and investigate the rise and fall of the civilization. By the end of the topic, they’ll have a deep understanding of the Maya’s lasting impact on history and how their culture continues to influence the world today.


Peaks and Flows
Get ready to explore some of the most amazing features of our planet—rivers and mountains! Children will learn about the key rivers and mountain ranges across the world, studying how they form, how they shape the landscape, and the role they play in different ecosystems. They will investigate the water cycle, discover how mountains are formed, and explore the importance of these natural features for human settlements, climate, and trade. Children will also use maps and digital tools to locate famous rivers like the Amazon and Nile, and mountain ranges like the Himalayas and the Rockies. By the end of the topic, children will be excited to see how rivers and mountains connect the world, shaping both the environment and the lives of people everywhere!