Welcome to Red Kites, our Year 5 / 6, who are taught by Mr Ballard and supported by Mrs Jennings and Miss Bulpitt. 

Welcome to Red Kites Class, where we prepare children for the next stage of their education through an exciting, challenging and knowledge-rich curriculum. As the oldest pupils in the school, Red Kites are encouraged to become independent learners, critical thinkers and positive role models who demonstrate our school values every day.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to inspire curiosity, develop confidence and equip children with the skills and knowledge they need for secondary school and beyond.

English

In Red Kites, we follow the Hampshire English Model, using high-quality texts to inspire engaging reading and writing opportunities. Children write for a range of purposes and audiences, developing their vocabulary, grammar and composition skills across the curriculum.

Reading remains central to learning in Year 5 and 6. Through whole-class reading, guided reading and rich discussion, children develop fluency, comprehension and a genuine love of literature.

Mathematics

We follow the White Rose Maths curriculum, which develops fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Children are encouraged to think deeply, justify their answers and apply their mathematical understanding in increasingly complex situations.

Through a mastery approach, children build confidence and resilience, preparing them for future mathematical learning.

History

Our history curriculum allows children to explore significant civilizations, events and changes that have shaped the modern world.

Topics include:

Cycle A

• Ancient Greece
• Crime and Punishment Through Time
• African History and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Cycle B

• Shang Dynasty
• Tudor England
• World War II

Children analyse sources, investigate historical evidence and develop a deeper understanding of change, continuity, significance and historical interpretation.

Geography

Geography helps children understand both the physical and human processes that shape our world.

Topics include:

Cycle A

• Climate Change, Fairtrade and Sustainability
• Biomes and Ecosystems
• Rivers

Cycle B

• Local Study: Wantage
• Sustainability and Global Resources
• Mountains

Children develop their geographical skills through fieldwork, map work, data analysis and investigations of environmental issues affecting the world today.

Religious Education

Following the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE) RE Curriculum, children explore Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and wider philosophical questions.

They consider themes including:

• Identity and belonging
• Justice and morality
• Belief and evidence
• Worldviews and values
• Worship and community
• Life, death and purpose

Through thoughtful discussion and reflection, children learn to respectfully consider different beliefs and perspectives.

Science

Science in Red Kites promotes curiosity, investigation and critical thinking. Children develop their understanding through practical enquiry and scientific reasoning.

Cycle A

• Space
• Forces
• Properties and Changes of Materials
• Life Cycles
• Reproduction

Cycle B

• Light
• Electricity
• Human Circulation
• Evolution and Inheritance
• Classification of Living Things

Children also take part in our annual Science Fair, where they design, conduct and present their own investigations.

Art and Design

Art in Red Kites encourages children to express ideas creatively while developing advanced artistic techniques and an appreciation of a diverse range of artists and cultures.

Artists studied include:

• Yinka Shonibare
• Kenojuak Ashevak
• Augusta Savage
• Claude Monet
• Wassily Kandinsky
• Henry Moore
• Paul Nash
• Edward Ravilious
• Robert Capa

Children have opportunities to:

• Explore African-inspired mixed media and textile artwork.
• Experiment with wet felting, collage and fabric design.
• Study Inuit art and create printed artwork.
• Produce paintings of the Aurora Borealis using watercolour techniques.
• Create sculptures using wire and Modroc.
• Develop landscape drawing and painting skills using charcoal and acrylics.
• Study local landscapes through photography and observational drawing.
• Explore abstract art inspired by Kandinsky.
• Create World War II-inspired artwork influenced by wartime artists.
• Design collaborative textile and environmental art pieces.

Our art curriculum develops creativity, technical skill and confidence while celebrating a diverse range of artistic traditions.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology provides children with real-world opportunities to design, build, create and evaluate products.

Projects include:

Cycle A

• Creating Ancient Greek clay vases.
• Designing and building electrical steady-hand games.
• Sewing and evaluating textile products, including mobile phone covers.
• Designing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Cycle B

• Designing electrical systems to support environmental projects.
• Planning, preparing and evaluating Tudor-inspired food.
• Creating large-scale collaborative textile projects linked to rivers and geography.
• Investigating how products are designed, manufactured and improved.

Children develop practical skills while learning about engineering, design, food technology and sustainability.

Computing

We follow the Teach Computing Curriculum, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education.

Children learn to:

• Understand computer systems and networks.
• Design, write and debug increasingly complex programs.
• Create digital media and presentations.
• Use spreadsheets and databases.
• Analyse data and solve computational problems.
• Understand online safety, privacy and responsible technology use.

Our computing curriculum equips children with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technological world.

Music

Music provides opportunities for children to listen, perform, compose and evaluate. Through singing, instrumental work and creative composition, children develop confidence, musical understanding and performance skills.

PSHE

We follow the Jigsaw PSHE Scheme, supporting children's personal, social and emotional development.

Topics include:

• Relationships and friendships
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Online safety and digital wellbeing
• Keeping safe and healthy
• Aspirations, careers and future goals
• Diversity and equality
• Economic wellbeing and money management
• Growing up and preparing for adolescence
• Global citizenship and shared responsibility

These lessons help prepare children for the opportunities and responsibilities they will encounter as they move towards secondary school.

Physical Education

PE encourages children to develop leadership, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship. Through a wide variety of sports and physical activities, children improve their fitness, coordination and confidence whilst understanding the importance of healthy lifestyles.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Learning in Red Kites is memorable, purposeful and ambitious. Children regularly immerse themselves in rich experiences such as investigating historical crimes, exploring Ancient Greece, studying the impact of the slave trade, creating environmental campaigns, building river models, completing local fieldwork in Wantage, designing electrical products and producing large-scale collaborative artwork.

As the oldest children in the school, Red Kites are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their learning, develop leadership skills and prepare confidently for the transition to secondary school.

We are incredibly proud of our Red Kites and the resilience, ambition, kindness and determination they demonstrate every day as they spread their wings and soar towards the future.