Long-term overview - Changes as you grow - Year 5

The Year 5 science curriculum offers an engaging exploration into the life cycles of humans and various animals. Pupils delve into the fascinating stages of growth and development that occur from birth to adulthood. They investigate key biological concepts such as puberty, gestation, and reproduction, gaining a clear understanding of what these terms mean and how they manifest in different species. The early life cycle of a human being is also examined, providing students with a comprehensive picture of how we evolve and change throughout our lives.

Students are encouraged to work scientifically by knowing the life cycles of mammals, amphibians, insects, and birds, and understanding the distinct differences between them. They learn about the reproductive processes in both plants and animals, and they create timelines to visually represent human growth stages. Research tasks enable them to explore the changes humans experience at various life stages and to study the life cycles of different animal groups. Additionally, students classify animals based on their group and species, and they engage in pattern-seeking activities, such as comparing height with the distance a ball can be thrown. This holistic approach to learning not only covers the life cycles and reproduction of living things but also revisits and builds upon knowledge from previous units and the human body strand introduced in Year 1.