National Curriculum Expectations – Years 5&6

By the beginning of year 5, pupils should be able to accurately read aloud a wide range of poetry and books written at an age-appropriate interest level at a reasonable speaking pace. They should be able to read most words effortlessly and work out the pronunciation of unfamiliar written words with increasing automaticity. If the pronunciation sounds unfamiliar, pupils in year 5 should ask for help in determining both the meaning of the word and how to pronounce it correctly.

Year 5 pupils should be able to read texts aloud with appropriate intonation to show their understanding. They should be able to summarise and present a familiar story in their own words. They should be reading widely and frequently for pleasure and to retrieve information, outside of school as well as in school. They should be able to read silently with good understanding. They should be able to infer the meanings of unfamiliar words and then discuss what they have read.

During year 5, pupils should continue to expand their vocabulary through exposure to stories, plays, poetry, non-fiction and textbooks, both read by them and to them by others. They should be given the opportunity to listen to books and other writing that they have not come across before – hearing and learning new vocabulary and grammatical structures, and having a chance to talk about this. Their confidence, enjoyment and mastery of language should be extended through public speaking, performance and debate.