Narrative Focus:

General narrative

Key Text/Stimulus:

'Random Writing'

Narrative Writing Possible Outcomes*:

Building suspense and atmosphere
The Experiment That Went WrongWrite a short narrative where an experiment starts to go wrong. Use pacing, short sentences, and descriptive detail to build tension and keep the reader on edge.

Dialogue to advance the action

A Visitor from the FutureA mysterious visitor arrives in a time machine with a warning for Professor Crankpot — use dialogue to move the story forward and reveal key information.

Use of humour and tone

Crankpot Forgets Again!Write a light-hearted narrative based on one of Crankpot’s absent-minded moments.

Using flashbacks to develop character

Crankpot’s AssistantWrite a narrative from the perspective of Professor Crankpot’s assistant, using flashbacks to reveal key moments from the past that help the reader understand their character, thoughts, and experiences.

*These tasks are possible outcomes. Random Writing should also be informed by cohort need.

Focus Grammar

• Revisit previous content

Hot-seating as characters

Freeze frame

Conscience alley

Non-narrative Focus:General Non-narrative

Key Text/Stimulus:'Random Writing'

Non-narrative Writing Possible Outcomes*:

Biographies

The Curious Life of Professor CrankpotWrite a biography exploring his unusual discoveries, inventions, and absent-minded moments.

Hero Scientists of the Science FairCreate a biography of a scientist whose work is being showcased at the fair.

Persuasive Writing

Why Science MattersWrite a speech persuading the public of the importance of science in everyday life.

Poerty

“Evolve!” (Instructional Poem)Write a creative poem that gives “instructions” for evolution, using imperative verbs and scientific vocabulary in a playful way.

Information Texts

Explaining the ExtraordinaryProduce an information text explaining a scientific concept featured at the fair in a clear, engaging way.

*These tasks are possible outcomes. Random Writing should also be informed by cohort need.

Cross-curriculum support genres:

Non-chronological Reports (See Science)

Pathway:Exploring Identity 🔗

In this pathway children are introduced to artists who explore their identity within their art. Pupils explore how artists use various aspects of their identity, creating imagery which explores many different aspects within one image by using layers and juxtaposition. Children listen to how the artists construct their work, before working physically in drawing and collage or digitally on a tablet to make their own layered and constructed portrait.  

Disciplines:

Drawing, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Collage, Sketchbooks

Medium:

Card, Paper, Drawing materials.

Artists:

Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Yinka Shonibare, Thandiwe Muriu, Mike Barrett

Feedback/critique work

How can artists use identity in their artwork?

Artists can use identity in their artwork by showing things that make a person unique, such as their culture, interests, experiences, emotions or beliefs. They may use symbols, colour, materials, photography or mixed media to communicate ideas about who someone is and how they want to be seen.

Identity – The qualities, beliefs and experiences that make a person who they are.

Mixed Media – Artwork created using more than one material or technique, such as paint, collage and photography.

Symbolism – Using objects, colours or images to represent deeper meanings or ideas.

Jigsaw RE - How do inspirational people impact on how Humanists live today?

(Northumberland Agreed Syllabus Unit U2.10 What matters most to Humanists and Christians?)

Group discussions/debate

What do Humanists believe about life, and how do they find meaning without religion?
Humanists believe there is no evidence for a god or an afterlife, and that science offers the best explanations for life and the universe. They think we only live once, so it's important to make the most of our time by living well and helping others. Humanists use reason, empathy, and personal responsibility to guide their choices. They are inspired by people who use science, compassion, and fairness to improve the world.

How do Humanist values shape the way people live, and who might be a role model for these beliefs?Humanists value freedom, empathy, fairness, and human rights. They believe we should treat all people with respect, and speak out when people are treated unfairly—especially where laws or beliefs cause harm. Role models like Marcus Rashford, Malala Yousafzai, and Greta Thunberg show Humanist values through their actions, standing up for justice, equality, and the wellbeing of others. Humanists admire these individuals because they use their one life to make a positive difference in the world.

Humanist – A person who believes we should live good lives without religion, using reason, empathy, and science.

Values – Important ideas that guide how people live and treat others (e.g. fairness, kindness, honesty).

Responsibility – Doing what is right and helping others because it's the kind and fair thing to do.

Charles Darwin – A scientist known for the theory of evolution, whose ideas about life and nature inspire many Humanists.

Alice Roberts – A modern scientist and Humanist who speaks about science, ethics, and living a good life without religion.

Context Link

Create an automaton inspired by an animal whose evolution has been studied.

How does an automata mechanism create movement?

An automata mechanism uses cams, axles and followers to turn rotary movement into different types of moving motion, such as up-and-down, side-to-side or circular movement.

Cam – A shaped piece that turns and creates movement in a mechanism.

Follower – The part of a mechanism that moves when pushed by the cam.

Axle – A rod that spins and helps parts of a mechanism rotate.

National Curriculum:

Living things and their habitats

describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals

give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics

Discussions, Sharing ideas/views

How do offspring differ from their parents, even though they are of the same kind?Living things produce offspring of the same kind, but offspring usually vary and are not identical to their parents due to genetic differences. This variation is a result of the mixing of genetic material during reproduction.

How are animals and plants adapted to their environments, and how can adaptation lead to evolution?Animals and plants are adapted to their environments through characteristics that help them survive and reproduce, such as fur for warmth or long roots for water absorption. Over time, these adaptations can lead to evolution as advantageous traits become more common in a population.

Fossil – The preserved remains or traces of living things from millions of years ago.

Offspring – The young produced by a plant or animal (children, seedlings, etc.).

Variation – Differences between individuals of the same species.

Adaptation – A characteristic that helps a plant or animal survive in its environment.

Evolution – A gradual change in living things over a long time, based on adaptations being passed on.

How are living things classified into broad groups?Living things are classified into broad groups based on common observable characteristics and their similarities and differences. These groups include micro-organisms, plants, and animals.

What are some key characteristics used to classify plants and animals?Plants and animals are classified based on specific characteristics, such as whether they have a backbone (vertebrates vs. invertebrates), their method of reproduction (seeds vs. spores), or their structures (e.g., leaves, flowers, or fur).

Why is classification important in biology?Classification helps scientists organize and understand the diversity of life by grouping organisms with similar characteristics. This makes it easier to study, compare, and understand how living things are related.

Classification – Grouping living things based on their features and characteristics.

Characteristic – A feature or quality that helps us identify or classify something (e.g. number of legs, leaf shape).

Micro-organism – A tiny living thing, like bacteria, that can only be seen with a microscope.

Species – A group of living things that are the same kind and can reproduce.

Similarity – A way in which two or more living things are alike, used to help group or compare them.

Data Handling

Big Data 2 🔗

Investigating how data is transferred, collected and used in connected technologies, including the Internet of Things and smart systems.

Language Angels Unit 🔗

• Mi casa (My Home)