Year 5 Topic 2

 Europe: what is it like to live in north Italy?

Geography - Topic 2 - Autumn

To launch our new learning adventure, children will become geography detectives! They will explore a collection of intriguing images and work together to discover the links between them. Using their prior geographical knowledge, they will discuss clues, make predictions and uncover the exciting destination at the heart of our topic this term.

This topic introduces pupils to a region in a European country, through a focused study of northern Italy. It builds on pupils’ understanding of the UK and wider Europe by enabling meaningful comparison between physical and human features, ways of life, and patterns of land use.

In this topic, children will embark on a fascinating journey through Northern Italy. They will develop their map-reading skills by locating Italy and Northern Italy on a world map, identifying key geographical features such as the Equator and lines of latitude.

As young geographers, children will investigate what makes this region unique. They will compare different areas of Northern Italy, exploring the stunning physical landscape, bustling towns and cities, transport networks and the importance of tourism. Through their learning, they will gain a deeper understanding of how people live, work and travel in this diverse and beautiful part of Europe.

 

Our English lessons will be inspired by two captivating texts: Run Wild by Gill Lewis and Rescuing Titanic by Flora Delargy. Through Run Wild, children will be immersed in a thrilling story of adventure, friendship and conservation. They will develop their narrative writing skills by creating exciting stories filled with vivid descriptions, atmospheric settings, engaging characters and moments of suspense.

Inspired by Rescuing Titanic, children will step back in time to explore one of history's most famous events. They will write historical narratives that capture emotions, thoughts and experiences, helping readers to imagine what it might have been like aboard the Titanic.

Alongside their storytelling, children will also learn to write formal letters, considering how language, layout and tone change depending on purpose and audience. Throughout the term, they will continue to develop their grammar, punctuation and editing skills, building confidence as thoughtful and independent writers.

In Science, children will become space explorers as they journey beyond Earth and into our Solar System. They will learn about the Sun, the star at the centre of our Solar System, and investigate the eight planets that orbit it: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Children will discover how the Earth's movement creates day and night and explore how planets travel around the Sun.

As part of their scientific investigations, they will also learn about moons and other celestial bodies. They will discover that Earth's Moon orbits our planet, while giant planets such as Jupiter have many moons of their own. Through exciting discussions, models and investigations, children will develop their understanding of space and our place within the universe.

 

How You Can Support Your Child at Home

We believe that learning is most successful when school and home work together. Here are some simple ways you can support your child's learning this term:

Encourage your child to complete some activities from the CREATIVE homework sheet and regularly look at the Knowledge Organisers for each topic.

Geography

  • Explore maps, atlases or online maps together and help your child locate Italy and other countries in Europe.
  • Talk about places you have visited and compare them to Northern Italy. What similarities and differences can your child spot?
  • Encourage discussions about famous landmarks, food, culture and tourism in Italy.

English

  • Read regularly with your child and discuss the books they are reading. Ask questions about characters, settings and key events.
  • Encourage your child to use ambitious vocabulary in everyday conversations and writing.
  • Talk about historical events and stories from the past to help develop their understanding of narrative and empathy.
  • Encourage your child to write for real purposes, such as letters, postcards, diary entries or short stories.

Science

  • Look up at the night sky together and discuss what you can see.
  • Explore books, child-friendly websites or documentaries about space and the Solar System.
  • Encourage your child to share interesting facts about planets, moons and stars with family members.
  • Discuss how day and night occur and challenge your child to explain the science behind it.

By showing an interest in your child's learning and encouraging curiosity at home, you can help deepen their understanding and build their confidence as learners. We are excited to share this learning journey with you and look forward to seeing the children develop their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm throughout the term.