KS1 & KS2 English curriculum

This unit uses and builds on conventions around biographical writing from the Year 5 unit, 'Harriet Tubman: biographical writing'. Pupils research the life and theory of Charles Darwin ahead of planning a biography. New learning includes pupils using a text map in the planning process - a device to organise ideas cohesively in a plan. Pupils use this text map to write with the full range of taught sentence structures across four paragraphs, using a formal tone throughout. This unit prepares pupils to write formally in the Year 6 unit, 'Climate emergency: journalistic report'.

1. Identifying features of a biography in preparation for writing about Darwin
2. Researching Charles Darwin's life
3. Researching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution
4. Planning a biography about Charles Darwin's life and theory of evolution
5. Writing the first half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution
6. Writing the second half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution
7. Presenting information about evolution

• All living things grow, reproduce and interact with their environment.
• Scientists ask questions, make observations and test hypotheses.
• Scientific ideas develop over time.
• Many important scientists have contributed to scientific thinking and theory over time.
• There is a wide variety of living things on Earth.
• All living things have different characteristics, behaviours and adaptations.
• Living things can adapt to their environment over time.
• Some changes over time can be gradual and others can be sudden.
• Traits that help living things survive and reproduce are optimal for their survival.
• Humans have a responsibility to know about the planet in order to protect its complex environment.