Fifth grade

Fifth grade (called Grade 5 in some regions) is a year of education in the United States and many other nations. The fifth grade is the fifth school year after kindergarten. Students are usually 10 - 11 years old. Depending on the school district, in certain parts of the United States, it is the first year of junior high school.

1 Structure
2 International equivalents
- 2.1 Brazil
- 2.2 United Kingdom
3 See also

Structure

While courses of study are not regimented nationwide across either country, some conventional expectations of subject matter are generally taught in this grade:

In mathematics, students usually master long division and work with multiplication of vulgar fractions and decimals. Sometimes this also includes initial exposure to ratios and percentages. Pre-Algebra is sometimes offered as an honors course. Fifth graders may also work more on more advanced long division, such as dividings in the double digits, hundreds, and thousands.
In language classes the study of grammar begins. This begins as early as the third grade in some schools.
In social studies, the study of history and geography are furthered. In Ontario, this grade focuses on the history of the student's province (as opposed to fourth grade which covers the student's municipality, and sixth grade which focuses on the country).
In physical science, the states of matter are introduced, and an introduction to the basics of machines. This could be also introduced as early as the third and fourth grade.
In life science, the structures and mechanics of plants and animals are illustrated.
In music, classes may start or continue recorders (sometimes called the flutaphone). The band and choir program usually starts at that age.
In P.E. (physical education), some schools start sexual education or gender-specific health education.

International equivalents

Brazil

Throughout the country now, the time for elementary school were recently raised from 8 to 9 years, and the minimum age required to the fifth grade was changed from 9 to 10 years old.

United Kingdom

Its equivalent is Year 6 in England and Wales, where it is usually the last year of primary education. In Northern Ireland, the equivalent is Primary 7, which is also the final year of primary education. In Scotland it is broadly equivalent to Primary 6.

Fifth grade

Contents

Structure

International equivalents

Brazil

United Kingdom

See also