Beowulf - Learning Objectives

In the Spring Term of Year 5, students delve into the epic tale of "Beowulf" by Michael Morpurgo, using the narrative to link with the history topic of Vikings. The learning objectives for this term are multifaceted, aiming to enhance the pupils' skills in reading, writing, and spoken language. The unit's written outcomes expect students to produce various texts, including a narrative emulating the style of the author, recounts of experiences, information texts, instructions, kennings, and explanations. These outcomes are designed to demonstrate the students' understanding and application of the text's style and themes.

Reading objectives focus on developing critical thinking and comprehension skills, such as giving opinions with reasons, listening to others, and using Standard English in discussions. Students are encouraged to understand the balance of dialogue, action, and description in moving a story forward, and to explore character development techniques. They will learn to identify effective language, infer characters' thoughts and motives, make predictions, and understand different perspectives, all while considering the context of the text's creation. Writing objectives include crafting paragraphs with clear topic sentences, understanding the structure of various text types, and selecting appropriate language for different audiences. Students will also learn to use flashbacks, relative clauses, and modal verbs and adverbs to add depth to their writing. These objectives are designed to foster a comprehensive grasp of narrative techniques and to equip students with the skills to express themselves effectively in written language.