2025-26 Class 3 (Years 4, 5 and 6) - Upper School

At Marwood School, our curriculum for Upper School (Years 4, 5 and 6) is built around our core values: ambitious progress, respectful consideration, and learning to learn. Subjects are grouped into four broad areas of learning, with meaningful links made across disciplines:

 

The Arts

(English, Art, Music, and Languages)

English
Pupils develop skills in reading, writing, and spoken language:

• Year 4: Focus on building fluency in reading and writing, using expanded noun phrases, fronted adverbials and paragraphs. Pupils begin to write for a range of purposes and explore poetry and narrative structure.
• Year 5: Pupils deepen comprehension, compare texts and use figurative language. Writing includes persuasive letters, non-chronological reports and narrative development with dialogue.
• Year 6: Emphasis on cohesion, advanced punctuation and editing. Pupils write biographies, myths and journalistic pieces, preparing for SATs and transition to KS3.

 

Art and Design
Progression from basic techniques in Year 4 (e.g. storytelling through drawing) to 3D making and mixed media in Years 5 and 6. Pupils evaluate their work and study artists across cultures and time periods.

 

Music
Using Charanga:

• Year 4: Introduction to rhythm, pitch, and basic composition.
• Year 5: Group performance and listening skills through units like Happy and Dancing in the Street.
• Year 6: Composition and appraisal of complex pieces, including Friendship Song and Cityscapes.

 

Languages (French)
Topics progress from basic greetings and self-description in Year 4 to food, family, and time travel in Years 5 and 6. Pupils build vocabulary and conversational confidence.

 

 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

(Mathematics, Science, Computing, and Design & Technology)

Mathematics
Following the White Rose scheme:

• Year 4: Focus on place value, four operations, fractions and shape. Pupils consolidate times tables and begin formal written methods.
• Year 5: Extend understanding of decimals, percentages and measurement. Pupils solve multi-step problems and explore algebraic thinking.
• Year 6: Mastery of ratio, proportion, statistics and geometry. Pupils apply reasoning across contexts and prepare for SATs.

 

Science
Topics rotate across a two year cycle:

• Year 4
  Pupils build foundational scientific knowledge by exploring topics such as states of matter and living things. They begin to ask questions, set up simple practical enquiries and record findings using charts and diagrams. Emphasis is placed on developing curiosity and basic investigative skills.

• Year 5
  Pupils deepen their understanding of scientific concepts including forces, properties of materials and the life cycles of living things. They plan and carry out fair tests, take accurate measurements and use results to draw conclusions. Scientific vocabulary and reasoning become more prominent.

• Year 6
  Pupils consolidate and extend their scientific knowledge through topics such as evolution, inheritance and more complex physical processes. They design and conduct investigations with increasing independence, interpret data using graphs and tables, and evaluate the reliability of their findings. Preparation for secondary science includes applying knowledge across disciplines.

 

Computing

Topics rotate across a two-year cycle:

• Year 4
  Pupils begin to understand the fundamentals of coding and how algorithms work. They learn to create simple programs, explore online safety, and use basic digital tools such as word processors and presentation software. The focus is on building confidence with technology and understanding its role in everyday life.

• Year 5
  Pupils develop more complex coding skills, including debugging and using variables. They explore spreadsheets, game creation, and online safety in greater depth. Pupils begin to use digital tools to collect, analyse, and present data, and understand how technology can be used creatively and responsibly.

• Year 6
  Pupils consolidate their understanding of computer science by designing and evaluating programs using logical reasoning. They work with databases, concept maps, and 3D modelling, and understand how networks and the internet function. Pupils demonstrate independence in using technology to solve problems and present information effectively.

 

Design & Technology

Topics rotate across a two-year cycle:

• Year 4
  Pupils learn to design and make simple products using basic tools and materials, focusing on joining techniques, stability and decorative elements. They begin to evaluate their work and understand the purpose of design.

• Year 5
  Pupils develop more complex designs with moving parts and functional components, applying knowledge of mechanisms and structures. They use tools with increasing accuracy and consider user needs in their evaluations.

• Year 6
  Pupils apply technical knowledge to create purposeful, well-finished products using a range of materials and components. They work independently to plan, test and refine their designs, evaluating effectiveness and impact.

 

Physical and Social Development

(PE, PSHE, and RSE)

Physical Education (PE)
Using Get Set for PE in:

• Year 4
  Pupils demonstrate developing coordination, control and teamwork across a range of activities. They begin to understand rules, show fair play and reflect on how physical activity supports health.

• Year 5
  Pupils apply skills with increasing accuracy and confidence in competitive and cooperative games. They show resilience, evaluate performance and understand how to improve fitness and technique.

• Year 6
  Pupils perform with fluency and control across different sports, lead small groups and apply tactics more effectively. They understand the impact of physical activity on wellbeing and prepare for transition to secondary PE.

PSHE and RSE
Using SCARF in :

• Year 4
  Pupils can identify and manage emotions, build positive relationships and understand basic safety and personal boundaries. They begin to make informed choices about health and behaviour.

• Year 5
  Pupils show empathy, respect differences and understand rights and responsibilities. They can assess risks, make healthy decisions and reflect on their role in the wider community.

• Year 6
  Pupils confidently manage change, including puberty and transition to secondary school. They understand consent, digital safety and how to maintain respectful relationships and personal wellbeing.

 

Humanities

(Geography, History, Religious Education)

Geography & History
Topics are taught in rotation:

 

Geography

Year 4

Pupils begin to develop locational knowledge by identifying continents, countries and key physical features. They use maps and atlases to locate Brazil and Greece, describe climate and land use and compare these regions to the UK. Fieldwork may include simple observations and data collection in the local area.

Year 5

Pupils deepen their understanding of physical and human geography, exploring biomes, trade and settlement patterns. They compare economic activity and cultural features across Brazil, Greece and the UK. They use digital mapping tools and begin to analyse geographical data.

Year 6

Pupils apply geographical enquiry skills to investigate global issues such as sustainability, migration, and resource distribution. They interpret complex maps, charts, and data sets and present findings using structured reports. They evaluate how geography influences human activity and vice versa.

 

History

Year 4

Pupils explore key events and figures in history, such as early medical practices and Ancient Greek life. They begin to understand chronology and use simple sources like artefacts and stories to ask questions about the past.

Year 5

Pupils investigate historical developments in medicine and democracy, comparing Ancient Greek contributions to modern Britain. They use a range of sources to build arguments and begin to understand cause and consequence in historical change.

Year 6

Pupils critically analyse historical periods, including post-war Britain and the legacy of Ancient Greece. They evaluate sources for reliability, consider multiple perspectives and present reasoned conclusions about how history has shaped society today.

 

Religious Education

Year 4

Pupils begin to explore key beliefs and practices in major world religions and worldviews. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, identify similarities and differences and express their own ideas respectfully. They begin to understand how beliefs influence daily life and behaviour.

Year 5

Pupils deepen their understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews by exploring how beliefs shape identity, values and responses to life’s big questions. They begin to interpret religious texts and symbols and consider how faith is lived in modern Britain.

Year 6

Pupils critically reflect on a range of beliefs, values and traditions. They evaluate different perspectives on belief in God, suffering and morality articulating their own views with reasoning and respect. They make connections between religious teachings and ethical issues in society.

 

Curriculum Map

Below you will find the curriculum map for Class 3. 

 

class 3 curriculum map 25 26.pdf

 

 

If you have any questions about this map or the curriculum in Class 3 (Upper School), please speak to either Mrs Smales or Dr Boon.