BedlingtonStation PrimarySchool
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BedlingtonStation PrimarySchool
TERM 1A
Nursery Rhymes – A range of familiar nursery rhymes
TEXTS
TEXTS
Year 1
TERM 1B
TERM 2A
TERM 2B
TERM 3A
TERM 3B
The Three Little Pigs - A familiar, well known story used as a framework to learn about recounts.
TEXTS
Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French - A picky eater named Oliver visits his grandpa's garden and discovers a love for vegetables—on the condition that he can find potatoes, leading to a week of surprising and delicious discoveries.
TEXTS
Revolting Rhymes- A parody of traditional folk tales in verse, Dahl gives a re-interpretation of six well-known fairy tales, featuring surprise endings in place of the traditional happily-ever-after.
TEXTS
Meerkat Mail - Sunny the meerkat lives with his enormous family in the Kalahari desert. They are all very close . . . so close, in fact, that one day Sunny decides it's just too crowded and packs his bags. He's off to visit his mongoose cousins. But from the watery world of the Marsh Mongoose to the nocturnal lifestyle of the Malagasy Mongoose, Sunny just doesn't fit in. And who's that shadowy figure who seems to be following him around?
TEXTS
Animal Stories - Real world adventures of Regina Flowerton told in person.
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Stories based on Nursery Rhymes (Retelling/Story Language)
Key Text/Stimulus:Nursery Rhymes
Focus Non-Narrative:Labels, lists & captions
Key Text/Stimulus: Traction Man
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions
GENRES
Focus Non-Narrative: Recounts
Key Text/Stimulus: The Three Little Pigs
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Repeating Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Oliver’s Vegetables
Focus Non-Narrative: Instructions
Key Text/Stimulus: Recipes
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions Recounts
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Traditional Tales
Key Text/Stimulus: Red Riding Hood
Focus Non-Narrative: Traditional UK poems (Oral)
Key Text/Stimulus: Now I am six
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions Recounts
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Travel Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Meerkat Mail
Focus Non-Narrative:Information Text (Poster)
Key Text/Stimulus:Tourism Brochures/Posters
Curriculum support genres: Recounts
Instructions
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Animal Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Regina Flowerton
Focus Non-Narrative:Senses Poems
Key Text/Stimulus:Wildlife Garden
Curriculum support genres:
Recounts
InstructionsInformation Text (Poster)CLASS READER
Traction Man by Mini Grey - A heroic action figure embarks on daring household adventures, rescuing toys and battling grime with flair and imagination.
CLASS READER
Vlad and the Great Fire of London by Kate Cunningham - A flea named Vlad tells the dramatic tale of the Great Fire through the eyes of a bakery boy and his pet rat, offering a fiery adventure rooted in history.
CLASS READER
Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl- A parody of traditional folk tales in verse, Dahl gives a re-interpretation of six well-known fairy tales, featuring surprise endings in place of the traditional happily-ever-after.
CLASS READER
Zim Zam Zoom! by James Carter (poetry)
CLASS READER
Julia Donaldson Stories
CLASS READER
The Twits by Roald Dahl - A nasty, prank-playing couple get a taste of their own medicine when the animals they've mistreated team up to outwit them in hilarious revenge.
TERM 1A
The Twits - How do you outwit a Twit? Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the smelliest, ugliest people in the world. They hate everything -- except playing mean jokes on each other, catching innocent birds to put in their Bird Pies, and making their caged monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps, stand on their heads all day. But the Muggle-Wumps have had enough. They don't just want out, they want revenge.
TEXTS
TEXTS
Year 2
TERM 1B
TERM 2A
TERM 2B
TERM 3A
TERM 3B
Hansel and Gretel - So begins this classic Grimm tale of two innocent children, abandoned in the forest by their cruel mother, who happen upon the enchanting gingerbread house of a wicked witch. Hansel's cunning and little Gretel's courage foil the witch's evil plan to fatten them up and eat them, and in the best fairy tale tradition, they and their loving father live happily ever after.
TEXTS
Dragon Slayer (animation) - In a time when dragons threatened mankind, there was only one man who fought against them all. His name is Tarragon and riding on his brave battle horse Black Bull he is on his way to work. But things don't always turn out as they should.
TEXTS
Julia Donaldson Stories -catchy rhymes about whimsical creatures and animals. Many of her books feature themes of friendship, family, and perseverance
TEXTS
The Lambton Worm - The legend tells of young John Lambton, son of a noble family in County Durham, who was fishing in the River Wear on a Sunday. When he was unable to catch a fish, he cursed the river, and immediately hooked an ugly little black worm which he later disposed of, in disgust, in the local well.
From a Railway Carriage - This poem still communicates a child's excitement at travelling by train, and takes readers on an unforgettable journey past fields, houses and country stations to the sea.
On the Ning Nang Nong – nonsense poem based on a make-believe world made primarily of noises. The poem begins with the speaker giving the reader a few very strange lines about a place called “The Ning Nang Nong.” There is a great emphasis placed on onomatopoeic language.
The Rainbow Serpent – In the Dreamtime, the Rainbow Serpent helped the world along with rain. At the beginning of time, the Rainbow Serpent awoke from its sleep and pushed through the Earth's crust. As it travelled over the empty land, it left behind deep tracks. The Rainbow Serpent called to the frogs to come out from beneath the earth.
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Roald Dahl Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Twits
Focus Non-Narrative: Recount (Diary)
Key Text/Stimulus: The Twits
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions Senses Poems
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Fairytales
Key Text/Stimulus: Hansel and Gretel/Grimm Fairy Tales
Focus Non-Narrative:Non Chronological Reports
Key Text/Stimulus: Historical figures
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions Non Chronological Reports
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Fantasy Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Dragon Slayer/Were Dragons Real (Animations)
Focus Non-Narrative: Traditional British Poetry (oral)
Key Text/Stimulus: From a Railway Carriage - Robert Louis Stephenson
Curriculum support genres: Recounts
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Rhyming Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Julia Donaldson Stories
Focus Non-Narrative: Adverts
Key Text/Stimulus: DT - Food Products
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions Instructions
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Cultural Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Rainbow Serpent (Australian Dreamtime)The Lambton Worm (Local)
Focus Non-Narrative: Nonsense poems
Key Text/Stimulus: On the Ning Nang Nong - Spike Milligan
Curriculum support genres: Information Text (Poster)Non Chronological Reports
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Focus Non-Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Curriculum support genres: All genres previously covered
CLASS READER
The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine - A sarcastic cat named Tuffy recounts a week of misunderstood mayhem as his horrified owners react to his not-so-innocent hunting habits.
CLASS READER
CLASS READER
George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl - A clever boy concocts a magical potion to teach his grumpy grandma a lesson—only for his creation to have wildly unexpected effects.
The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd- A curious boy, discovers that a mysterious tree in his grandfather’s garden grows dragon-fruit that hatch into real, mischievous dragons, and must learn quickly to care for them as they wreak hilarious havoc at home
CLASS READER
I Was a Rat! by Philip Pullman - A mysterious boy who insists he was once a rat is swept into a whirlwind of misunderstandings and danger in a darkly whimsical twist on a classic fairytale.
CLASS READER
Poems
CLASS READER
The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman - A brave girl named Lila sets off on a perilous journey to prove herself as a true firework-maker and claim her rightful place in a dazzling, explosive craft.
TERM 1A
TERM 1B
TERM 2A
TERM 2B
TERM 3A
TERM 3B
Year 3
In The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman, a courageous girl named Lila dreams of following in her father's footsteps and becoming a master firework-maker. Determined to prove herself, she embarks on a dangerous quest to the heart of a volcano, facing magical trials and discovering her true strength along the way.
The Iron Man- The Iron Man tells the story of a gigantic metal robot who appears out of nowhere, crashing onto the beach and shattering into many parts. He is discovered by a young boy called Hogarth, who becomes his friend. The Iron Man proceeds to devour farm machinery, until the farmers rise up against him and threaten to bring in the army. Hogarth comes to his rescue and suggests that the monster should be left in peace to feed from the scrap metal yard.
The Sheep Pig - When Farmer Hogget wins a piglet at the fair, he is amazed that Fly, his sheep-dog, welcomes him as one of her own pups. Fly names the piglet Babe and teaches him all he needs to know about the farm and its animals. As he watches his 'mum' round up the sheep, he decides he would love to try too.
A Bug’s Life - A misfit ant named Flik, looks for "tough warriors" to save his ant colony from a protection racket run by a gang of grasshoppers. Unfortunately, the "warriors" he brings back turn out to be an inept troupe of Circus Bugs. The film's plot was initially inspired by Aesop's fable The Ant and the Grasshopper.
The Last Kids on Earth - Meet Jack Sullivan, self-described as a late-blooming, slow-developing 13-year-old who has so far survived the zombie apocalypse by hiding out in his treehouse. Overnight Jack's life has become like the plot of a video game and he has come up with his own ULTIMATE FEATS OF APOCALYPTIC SUCCESS: Locate Quint Baker, best friend and inventor ; Find and rescue June Del Toro, his secret love interest ; Defeat Blarg, the biggest, baddest monster in town ; Become a zombie-fighting, monster-bashing tornado of cool!
The Owl and the Pussycat - The Owl and the Pussy-cat is a three verse nonsense poem about an owl and cat who fall in love and sail away to marry 'in the land where the Bong Tree grows'.
Text/Stimulus
Friendship - this story serves as an ode to friendship, and the importance of having a support system of companions in your life. From beginning to end, it’s clear that Jack desires friendship and a “team,” something that he has never fully experienced as an orphan foster child who bounces from house to house, school to school. His sense of isolation and worthlessness amplifies because his adoptive family—the Robinsons—treat him poorly.
Chosen Family - When the zombie apocalypse happens, he suddenly has a strange and unexpected opportunity to create the family and environment he always wanted. That’s where Quint, Dirk, and June enter as the core of friends he can survive with—family he is quite literally willing to sacrifice his life for.He understands that in order to create this family, he will sometimes have to make difficult decisions that may endanger himself, but in doing this, he is able to win over their hearts and trust.
Be you! -The underlying theme of this book is that you can be anything you want to be and do anything you want to do if you set your mind to it. Also, manners go a long way. Babe wanted to work sheep, so he learnt , listened, and worked hard. He also treated the sheep as his equals. This is an important message.
Key Text Themes and Information
Everyone is important - The main messages from this movie are that everyone has a role to play. No matter how small and insignificant you feel, it’s important to believe in yourself and have faith in your ability to make a difference.
Family
Community
Standing up for yourself
Bravery, prejudice, irrational fear, inclusion, teaching children not to fear people who are different to themselves, but to learn to understand and accept them. It is also critical of warfare and violence, showing how intelligence can succeed where weaponry fails.
Courage and Determination – Lila’s brave quest to prove herself shows the importance of facing fears and persisting through challenges.Identity and
Self-Belief – The story explores Lila’s desire to define her own path, highlighting themes of independence and believing in your own potential.
Friendship and Loyalty – The loyalty between Lila, Chulak, and Hamlet the elephant demonstrates the power of support and teamwork.
Tradition vs. Change – Lila challenges traditional gender roles, questioning who gets to pursue certain dreams or professions.
Magic and Discovery – The magical elements of the story symbolise the wonder of learning and the journey to understanding your craft.
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GENRES
Focus Narrative: Retelling stories from visual media
Key Text/Stimulus: Lily and the Snowman (Animation)
Focus Non-Narrative: Persuasive writing
Key Text/Stimulus: DT - Product pitches
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions Instructions
GENRES
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Animal stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Sheep Pig
Focus Non-Narrative: British Poetry (Oral)
)Key Text/Stimulus:The Owl and the Pussycat
Curriculum support genres: Non Chronological Reports
GENRES
Focus Narrative: A Bug’s Life (Fictional Diary)
Key Text/Stimulus: A Bug’s Life (Movie)
Focus Non-Narrative: Informal Letter writing
Key Text/Stimulus: Letters to Regina
Curriculum support genres: Nonsense poems (plants) Explanation Texts
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Adventure stories (comics)
Key Text/Stimulus: The Last Kids on Earth
Focus Non-Narrative: Riddles
Key Text/Stimulus: Riddles
Curriculum support genres: Nonsense poems (plants) Explanation Texts
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Focus Non-Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Curriculum support genres: All genres previously covered
Focus Narrative: Cliffhangers - What happened next?
Key Text/Stimulus: Broken rock paper scissors (Animation)
Focus Non-Narrative: Explanation Texts
Key Text/Stimulus: Science - Rocks
Curriculum support genres: Explanation Texts Senses Poems
CLASS READER
The Iron Man by Ted Hughes - A mysterious metal giant befriends a boy and ultimately saves the world from a terrifying space creature.
CLASS READER
The Sheep-Pig by Dick King-Smith - A clever piglet named Babe learns to herd sheep and defies expectations to become an unlikely farmyard hero.
CLASS READER
Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl - A cunning fox outwits three greedy farmers to feed his family and friends, becoming a clever underground hero.Ask ChatGPT
CLASS READER
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier - A 13-year-old boy and his friends battle zombies and monsters in a post-apocalyptic world, turning survival into an epic adventure.
CLASS READER
Riddles and Poems
CLASS READER
The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence - A young detective Flavia Gemina teams up with her friends in ancient Rome to solve the mystery of a series of dog murders in their seaside town.
TERM 1A
Year 4
TERM 1B
TERM 2A
TERM 2B
TERM 3A
TERM 3B
Little Turtle Turns the Tide - Carrying a strong and positive environmental message, the book tells the story of Little Turtle, who finds himself swimming in an ocean of plastic debris. So he sets off on a journey to make a difference, with the help of his friends and the children of the world.
Old Possums Practical book of cats – This book tells the story of a variety of cats and their secret lives. Each chapter is devoted to a different type of cat, and each cat possesses their own unique and quirky personality.
Theseus and the Minotaur - the Greek hero Theseus travels to Crete to enter the deadly Labyrinth and slay the monstrous Minotaur, determined to end the cruel sacrifices demanded by King Minos and prove his bravery.
Skellig - When a move to a new house coincides with his baby sister's illness, Michael's world seems suddenly lonely and uncertain. Then, exploring a ramshackle garage with new-found friend Mina, he finds something magical. A strange creature - part owl, part angel, a being who needs Michael's help if he is to survive.
Dias de los Muertos (animation) - The three-minute short finds a precious young girl from the Mexican countryside placing a flower at the grave of her deceased mother, only to be pulled into a colorful underworld populated by festive skeletons.
Text/Stimulus
The Thieves of Ostia - The Thieves of Ostia is the first book in the Roman Mysteries series. A young Roman girl Flavia Gemina sets out to solve the mystery of who is killing the city's watchdogs, helped by her three friends, Jonathan (son of Jewish doctor), Nubia (an African slave girl) and Lupus (a mute beggar boy).
Friendship - The story of Skellig revolves around a unique and unexpected friendship between Michael, a young boy, and Skellig, an older man living in the garage. The bond between them transcends normal boundaries, and as they spend more time together, Michael discovers the power of friendship to create understanding and joy.
Nature - Skellig introduces readers to a magical world of nature through its enchanting descriptions of wildlife, creatures and plants found in Michael’s backyard. Michael slowly begins to realise how connected he is with everything else in the world through his interactions with animals and observing the beauty of nature.
Death - The story takes on a darker tone when it deals with mortality and death. With Skellig’s deteriorating health, readers are given an insight into how death can be thought about differently. Through this exploration, we gain a deeper appreciation for life and value each moment more fully.
Discovery- Michael discovers many unexpected things about himself and those around him throughout his journey with Skellig. He finds strength within himself that allows him to accept and understand the challenges he encounters. At the same time, Michael also believes that miracles can happen when one least expects them.
Bravery and Heroism – Theseus shows great courage by volunteering to face the Minotaur and confronting danger head-on.
Good vs. Evil – The story contrasts Theseus’s noble intentions with the cruelty of King Minos and the horror of the Minotaur.
Cleverness and Strategy – Theseus uses his wits, with the help of Ariadne’s thread, to navigate the Labyrinth and escape, showing that brains matter as much as bravery.
Sacrifice and Duty – Theseus accepts personal risk for the good of others, reflecting the theme of selflessness and responsibility.
Identity and Legacy – The myth explores Theseus's journey to become a true hero and establish his reputation in Greek mythology.
Key Text Themes and Information
Remembrance and Honour – The film celebrates the importance of remembering loved ones who have passed away, showing how memories keep them alive in our hearts.
Family and Connection – It highlights the enduring bonds between family members, even after death.
Joy in Grief – The vibrant, festive tone shows that mourning can also be filled with love, music, and celebration of life.
Tradition and Culture – The film honours Mexican cultural practices surrounding Día de los Muertos, sharing its meaning with a wider audience.
Life and Death as a Cycle – It presents death not as an end, but as a part of life’s ongoing journey.
Friendship and Teamwork – The close bond between Flavia and her friends shows how collaboration and loyalty help solve problems and face danger.
Justice and Morality – The mystery of the murdered dogs leads the children to question right and wrong, and seek fairness in a complex world.
Courage and Curiosity – Flavia’s determination to uncover the truth highlights bravery and a strong sense of inquiry.
Religion and Cultural Diversity – Set in Ancient Rome, the story explores differences in belief systems and backgrounds, encouraging tolerance and understanding.
Coming of Age – As the characters face real dangers and moral dilemmas, they begin to mature and understand more about the world around them.
Make a change - At the heart of the book is the message that we can all make change and that there is still something we can do to help our planet. It encourages team work, friendships and working together to make a better place for us all to live.
The Environment
Sustainability
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GENRES
Focus Narrative: Historical Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Thieves of Ostia
Focus Non-Narrative: Recounts
Key Text/Stimulus: History (Day in the life)
Curriculum support genres: Informal Letter Writing Instructions (pizza)
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Environmental Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Little Turtle Turns the Tide
Focus Non-Narrative: British Poetry (Oral)
Key Text/Stimulus: Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
Curriculum support genres: Labels, lists & captions
Non Chronological Reports
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Myths and Legends
Key Text/Stimulus: Theseus and the Minotaur
Focus Non-Narrative: Imagery Poems
Key Text/Stimulus: Mythical Greek Creatures
Curriculum support genres: Explanation Texts
Diary
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Cultural Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Dias De los Muertos (Animation)
Focus Non-Narrative: Formal Letter Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: Science - pollution in food chains
Curriculum support genres: Formal Letter Writing
Non-chronological reports
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Saga (200 words)
Key Text/Stimulus: Skellig
Focus Non-Narrative:Script writing
Key Text/Stimulus: Portal - Egyptians
Curriculum support genres: Script writing
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Focus Non-Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Curriculum support genres: All genres previously covered
CLASS READER
Mr Nobody’s Eyes by Michael Morpurgo - A boy on the run befriends a gentle, blind circus chimpanzee, and together they journey toward freedom while hiding from danger in post-war Britain.
CLASS READER
The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan - twins Arthur and Rose are pulled back into a magical world they created as children, where they must face old imaginary foes that have become dangerously real.
CLASS READER
Poetry
CLASS READER
Skellig by David Almond - A boy named Michael discovers a mysterious, winged creature in his garage who changes his life and helps him cope with fear, loss, and hope.
CLASS READER
Anthony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare, Roman general Mark Antony falls passionately in love with Egyptian queen Cleopatra, but their powerful alliance and doomed romance lead to political downfall and tragic ends.
CLASS READER
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones - A young woman cursed into old age finds adventure, magic, and self-discovery in the moving home of a mysterious wizard.
TERM 1A
Year 5
TERM 1B
TERM 2A
TERM 2B
TERM 3A
TERM 3B
Howl’s Moving Castle - When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.
Cushie Butterfield/Blaydon Races – Geordie folk songs written in the 19th century.
Holes - The book centres on Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to Camp Green Lake, a correctional boot camp in a desert in Texas, after being falsely accused of theft. The plot explores the history of the area and how the actions of several characters in the past have affected Stanley's life in the present.
Planet Unknown (Animation) - The story: At the end of the 21st century, humanity is running out of global resources and space rovers were sent out to find potential inhabitable planets. This lovely animated short film follows two of these friendly robots in order to give us an insight into their adventurous and dangerous work on an unknown planet.
Dream Giver (Animation) – Dream Giver tells the story of the mysterious being who flies around dispensing our dreams to us. Yet even this celestial creature has been known to make mistakes! One evening as he visits an orphanage he gives a little boy a dream which opens up in the wrong place altogether!
Beowulf - In fifth-century Denmark, a murderous monster stalks the night, and only the great prince of the Geats has the strength and courage to defeat him. Beowulf's terrifying quest to destroy Grendel, the foul fiend, a hideous sea-hag and a monstrous fire-dragon is the oldest surviving epic in British literature.
Text/Stimulus
Dream vs. Nightmare – The film explores the delicate balance between comforting dreams and the sudden descent into darkness when the protagonist’s mythic book disrupts the dream world
Power of Imagination – Showcasing how a simple bedtime story can ignite vivid and uncontrollable imagery in children’s minds
Responsibility and Consequence – The titular Dream Giver learns that his actions carry weight, as dreams have real impact—teaching a lesson about unintended harm.
Mystery and Suspense – The short builds tension by revealing the mythical creature from the boy’s book, blending wonder with fear
Journey in Miniature – Though wordless, the narrative follows a classic arc: an ordinary task spirals into chaos, prompting the creature to confront its role and restore order.
Survival and Exploration – The film follows autonomous rovers on a mission to find a new habitable planet, highlighting the drive to explore and endure in unknown worlds.
Cooperation and Teamwork – The two rovers, despite their differences, must work together to overcome challenges and survive, showing the value of collaboration.
Adaptability and Resilience – Faced with unexpected dangers, the rovers adapt and persevere, symbolising the need to stay strong in the face of adversity.
Hope for the Future – The mission reflects humanity’s hope of finding solutions and sustaining life beyond Earth.
Technology and Humanity – Although the characters are machines, their behaviour and interactions suggest themes of loyalty, emotion, and purpose—often reflecting human traits.
Fate — the story of the family curse by Madame Zeroni has a huge impact on the Yelnats family. It affected all the generations of their family until it was broken. Although, it is still a fairy tale element that makes a clever reader question whether the curse really existed, or is merely an excuse for all the failures the family encountered.Justice — Stanley is accused of a crime he did not commit, and he is punished for it. The reader has an opportunity to rethink the modern criminal justice system and note its weaknesses. Another side of justice that we see is in relation to Kissin’ Kate and her murders. Her loved one was killed and she attempts to fight for justice in her own ways and becomes a criminal.
Choices — characters throughout the book face many situations where their choices affect their lives. Elya Yelants chooses to go to America and neglects the promise he had given to Madame Zeroni. His choice influences his life and generations after him. Then, Stanley chooses to go after Zero, which also has plenty of consequences for his family, this time positive. Here, themes of choice and fate are contradictory: do characters determine with their actions what will happen to them, or are they merely predetermined plans of fate?
Power — many characters throughout the story exercise and abuse power. Mr. Sir and Mr. Pendanski have absolute control over the boys and their time at Camp Green Lake. They even decide when they have water—a necessity without which survival is impossible. When Mr. Sir does not see eye to eye with Stanley, he demonstratively pours water on the ground instead of giving it to him. He therefore shows him who is in charge, and emphasizes that Stanley and other kids are nothing compared to him.
Transformation — Stanley undergoes many transformations in the story. He gets to Green Lake Camp as an abused and bullied teenager, but through a series of relationships with other boys he becomes more confident and ends up being able to stand up for himself. Another vivid transformation happens to Katherine Barlow. At first, she is a sweet and caring schoolteacher. Later, she becomes a murderer who cold-heartedly kills everyone who gets in her way.
The Battle Between Good and Evil - The two main characters in the magical world, Wizard Howl and the Witch of the Waste, are engaged in a battle which is essentially good versus evil. The theme in this novel also extends to showing that being good or evil is a choice as several times it is wondered whether Howl, who was always on the side of good, has turned towards evil instead. The theme is also that through choosing the right path good will prevail.
Love - The novel is a love story of sorts and love dictates the actions of many of the characters. Howl is said to steal the hearts of young girls and metaphorically he does this. When they fall in love with him he loses interest. Sophie is in love with Howl which he knows and for this reason he believes she will keep Miss Angorian from coming in the castle. Sophie is anxious to show she is not jealous about his feelings for her and so let's her in,both courses of action setting off the trail of events that end in the Witch's demise, but both courses of action caused by love. The relationships of Michael and Lettie, and also Fanny and her new husband, also play into the theme of love
Magic - Magic is one of the main themes of the book. Magic is seen to be something that is pursued as a career choice rather than something that's comes from within, but there are also those in whom the gift lies unbeknownst to them, and Sophie is one of these people. The book shows that magic is magic and only becomes good magic or black magic according to the intentions of the person practicing it.
Importance of Family- Family is a positive theme throughout the novel and although Sophie stays away from her beloved sisters because she can't bear for them to know she has been turned into a crone, they in fact already know and are doing everything they can in order to protect her. She in turn is trying to protect them from the broken hearts she knows Howl will cause them. Similarly Howl will do anything to protect his family from the Witch and does not need magic to do so as his love for them is more powerful than any magic he possesses.
Key Text Themes and Information
Loyalty - Beowulf celebrates a warrior culture. For this reason, loyalty is of paramount importance. One of the central points, which demonstrates this, is the conflict between Beowulf and Unferth. Beowulf is from another place and another tribe. His allegiance to Hrothgar is through a family debt, yet he proves himself more loyal to Hrothgar than Unferth who is one of Hrothgar’s own men. As Beowulf distinguishes his loyalty to the king, Unferth fails. The real test of the hero is his loyalty to the king, to knightly virtue, and to his honesty.
Bravery and Valor - Beowulf is the perfect embodiment of bravery and valor. He shows no fear and never wavers from his quests throughout the poem. Unferth, on the other hand, lets his bravery waver and proves himself to be an unworthy knight. We never see any deliberation on the part of Beowulf. As a warrior knight, his only choice is to act and to never show fear in the face of adversity.Grendel and his mother demonstrate nothing but malice, on the other hand. They do not act out of valor, but only out of a malicious desire to destroy. Even Grendel’s mother, who seeks vengeance for the death of Grendel, acts on blind revenge and never a duty to her son.
Vengeance - Again, the Danes and Geats are part of a warrior culture. While engaging in battle is a necessary feature of life, blind vengeance seems to be both understood and a something which lacks virtue. As much as Beowulf owes his allegiance to Hrothgar, Grendel’s mother shows no allegiance to anyone or anything other than her thirst for revenge. Grendel is also a figure of blind vengeance. He kills and terrorises simply for the thirst for blood. For this reason, the violence of the monsters is evil.
Generosity and Hospitality - Even as the poem draws our attention to feats of valor and strength, there is almost as much emphasis on the generous hospitality offered by King Hrothgar and his wife. The feasts and celebrations are as detailed as the battles. After his victories, Beowulf is treated with songs about his strength and bravery. As a virtuous king, Hrothgar shows his virtue through generosity. Beowulf in his turn provides the same openheartedness during his peaceful reign, and he generously rewards his own hero with the throne.
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GENRES
Focus Narrative: Modern Fairytales
Key Text/Stimulus: Howl’s Moving Castle
Focus Non-Narrative: Recounts
Key Text/Stimulus: Rosa Parks (Dr Who episode)
Curriculum support genres: Tourism Poster Recounts
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Adventure Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Holes
Focus Non- Narrative: Local Songs and Rhymes
Key Text/Stimulus: Cushie Butterfield/Blaydon Races
Curriculum support genres: Letters
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Sci-fi Stories (Comics)
Key Text/Stimulus: Planet Unknown (Animation)
Focus Non-Narrative: Persuasive text - Advert
Key Text/Stimulus: New Planet Unknown game
Curriculum support genres: Instructions Information Text (Poster)GENRES
Focus Narrative: Cultural Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Dias De los Muertos (Animation)
Focus Non-Narrative: Formal Letter Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: Science - pollution in food chains
Curriculum support genres: Formal Letter Writing
Non-chronological reports
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Fantasy Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Dream Giver (Animation)
Focus Non-Narrative: Imagery Poems
Key Text/Stimulus: Fantasy Creatures
Curriculum support genres: Comics
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Focus Non-Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Curriculum support genres: All genres previously covered
CLASS READER
Holes by Louis Sachar - A boy named Stanley Yelnats is sent to a desert camp where digging holes uncovers a hidden history of family curses, buried treasure, and long-lost justice.
CLASS READER
Poetry
CLASS READER
Beowulf - the legendary hero battles monstrous creatures—including Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon—to protect his people and earn eternal glory.
CLASS READER
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, a service robot named Roz is shipwrecked on a remote island, learns to survive by befriending wildlife, and ultimately becomes a loving adoptive mother to an orphaned gosling.
CLASS READER
The Witches by Roald Dahl - A boy discovers a secret society of child-hating witches and must use his wits to stop their evil plan before it's too late.
CLASS READER
Goodnight, Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian - A young evacuee named Willie Beech is sent to live with a reclusive old man during World War II, where he experiences love, healing, and the true meaning of family for the first time.
TERM 1A
Year 6
TERM 1B
TERM 2A
TERM 2B
TERM 3A
TERM 3B
Goodnight, Mr Tom- children's novel by English author Michelle Magorian, follows Willie Beech, a young evacuee from London during World War II, who is placed with kind but reclusive Tom Oakley. As their bond grows, both Willie and Tom heal from past hurts, finding love and hope in each other.
Replay (Animation) - In a destroyed world, the only glimpse of hope is the memory of a forgotten past. But be careful not to let your dreams control your mind.
The Piano (Animation)– An old man relays his life story to his grandson through a moving piece of music.
There’s a boy in the girl’s bathroom - Bradley Chalkers, a fifth grader at the Red Hill School, has trouble getting along with his classmates until he meets Carla, a new school counselor. She not only listens to his wacky stories, but encourages him to use his powerful imagination.
The Queen of Katwe (Film) – is a biographical drama directed by Mira Nair, based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. After discovering the game of chess through a missionary program led by Robert Katende, Phiona's talent propels her to become a top player, offering her and her family a chance to escape poverty.
The Highwayman - Told as a narrative, “The Highwayman” recounts the doomed romance between a highwayman and a landlord's daughter, Bess, who he visits in the night. Their love is sabotaged by jealousy; the poem romanticizes Bess's sacrifice of her life for her love, as well as the highwayman's grief and death upon losing her.
Text/Stimulus
Exploration – Exploration and discovery is a strong theme in Kensuke’s Kingdom. The use of maps and inclusion of geographical vocabulary helps to elevate this theme further.
Loss – The theme of loss is explored when Michael becomes marooned on the island. We later discover that Kensuke is mourning the loss of his family and comrades during World War Two.
Friendship– As the friendship between the two characters develops, we learn that friends do not always need to agree on everything and should learn to forgive each other.
Personal Transformation – Bradley begins as a defiant, mean bully but gradually learns kindness and self-respect through emotional growth
Friendship and Acceptance – Genuine connection with peers and the compassionate school counsellor Carla helps Bradley find belonging and improve his behaviour.
Self-Esteem and Identity – Bradley's journey is about shedding the “monster” identity he hides behind and embracing his true self
Courage to Change – He confronts insecurities, fears, and emotional vulnerability to become a better person
Role of Mentorship – Carla’s thoughtful, nonjudgmental support empowers Bradley to trust himself and develop resilience
Flashbacks and flash forwards.
Self Acceptance
Love
Friendship and Love - Willie learns what it means to be truly cared for through his bond with Tom and his new friends. Their love and support help him become stronger and happier.
Abuse and Recovery - Willie’s past is full of fear and cruelty, but with Tom’s gentle care, he begins to heal. The story shows how kindness can mend emotional wounds.
War and Displacement - Set during World War II, the novel shows how children were sent away from home for safety. This separation, though painful, leads Willie to a new and better life.
Growth and Transformation - Willie changes from a nervous, withdrawn boy into someone confident and creative. Tom, too, transforms as he reconnects with others and finds purpose again.
Loss and Grief- Both Willie and Tom face heartbreaking losses. Yet, the story shows that love and hope can still grow after grief.
Key Text Themes and Information
Hope and Opportunity - Phiona’s discovery of chess gives her a vision of a life beyond poverty. The story shows how even in the harshest conditions, hope can inspire people to chase new dreams.
Perseverance and Determination - Despite many setbacks and challenges, Phiona refuses to give up on her goals. Her journey shows that success often comes through hard work and persistence, even when the odds seem impossible.
Poverty and Social Inequality - The film highlights the daily struggles of living in Katwe, where basic needs are hard to meet. It shows how poverty limits opportunities but also how strength and talent can shine through.
Education and Self-Empowerment -Learning chess becomes a form of education that empowers Phiona to change her future. The movie shows that knowledge and skills can be powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty.
Family and Community Support - Phiona’s success isn’t just her own — it’s helped by the support of her family, coach, and community. The film emphasizes how love, encouragement, and teamwork are crucial to overcoming hardship.
GENRES
Focus Narrative: War Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: Carrie’s War
Focus Non-Narrative: Biographies
Key Text/Stimulus: History - Anne Frank
Curriculum support genres: Letters Imagery PoemsGENRES
Focus Narrative: Flashback Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Piano (Animation)
Replay (Animation)
Focus Non-Narrative: Information Text - Blogs
Key Text/Stimulus: London
Curriculum support genres: Explanation Texts (Art - Fashion Show)
Recounts
GENRES
Focus Narrative: Issues and dilemma stories
Key Text/Stimulus: There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom
Focus Non-Narrative: Persuasive Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: DT - Toys and Games
Curriculum support genres: Instructions AdvertGENRES
Focus Narrative: Cultural Stories
Key Text/Stimulus: The Other Side of Truth
Focus Non-Narrative: Poetry
Key Text/Stimulus: The Highwayman
Curriculum support genres: Script Writing Jingles (Science)GENRES
Focus Narrative: Saga (100 words)
Key Text/Stimulus: Kensuke’s Kingdom
Focus Non-Narrative: Non Chronological Reports
Key Text/Stimulus: History
Curriculum support genres: Diary Non Chronological ReportsGENRES
Focus Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Focus Non-Narrative: Random Writing
Key Text/Stimulus: In response to cohort need
Curriculum support genres: All genres previously covered
CLASS READER
Boy by Roald Dahl - the author shares humorous and often harrowing tales from his childhood, revealing the real-life experiences that shaped his storytelling.
CLASS READER
There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom by Louis Sachar - A troubled boy named Bradley Chalkers begins to change his ways with the help of a kind school counsellor, learning to believe in himself and make real friends.
CLASS READER
Poetry
CLASS READER
Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo - A boy named Michael is shipwrecked on a remote island, where he meets a mysterious Japanese man who has been living there since World War II, and the two form an unlikely and life-changing friendship.
CLASS READER
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf - A group of children try to help a new classmate, a Syrian refugee named Ahmet, reunite with his family, showing the power of kindness, friendship, and standing up for what's right.
CLASS READER
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce - A tall, mature-looking twelve-year-old boy ends up leading a group of kids on a space mission, blending comedy and adventure as he learns what it really means to be a grown-up.