Welcome to Year 6
Year 6 Curriculum Map
After a super first half term in Year 6, we will be continuing with certain topics in some subjects, but changing them in others. We will also be saying goodbye to Mr Gleeson which is of course really sad, but we are grateful for everything he has given the school in his time here and wish him all the best in the future.
Topic Book
Our focus in topic will be The Galapagos Islands- we have already learnt bits about Charles Darwin’s famous voyage there.
English
We will be continuing with our World War One topic, but will be writing a setting description, diary entry and a speech.
Please ensure your child is reading at the very least 3 times per week at home to support them, not just reading independently but also with an adult or sibling, allowing for discussions around what they have read. Children take home a planner and I ask that they fill in new words or phrases they have found 3 times a week. To be successful this year, it is imperative they develop a broad and in-depth knowledge of precise vocabulary and can infer meaning from what they have read. A parent or carer should then sign off what they have written. We will check the planners every week (each Monday).
Science
In science, our topic will be Electricity (which fits nicely with DT).
Maths
Our topics this half term are fractions and converting units.
RE
We will still be learning about the Jewish faith this half term. This will mean both looking at cornerstones of their faith and also customs for the people who follow that faith.
Computing
In computing, this half term, we will be creating our own webpages, which I know the children are really excited about!
PE
In PE, we will be continuing with gymnastics on Wednesdays and dodgeball on Thursdays. The children can be in PE kit both days but must remember to remove jewellery on those days please.
DT
Our topic will be ‘Electricity’ and the children will make a steady-hand game.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information and please do not hesitate to be in touch.
Kind regards,
Mr Smithson and Mr Gleeson.
Year 6 Class Blog
As we approach the festive season
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
As we approach the festive season, I wanted to share a wonderful highlight from this term. Our Year 6 pupils have been working closely with their Reception buddies to create some truly special Christmas crafts. From planning and gathering resources to guiding and supporting the little ones through each step, the Year 6s have shown incredible kindness, patience, and encouragement. They’ve been shining role models throughout, as they have been all term, setting a wonderful example for the younger children to follow.
It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky I’ve been to be part of this community. After just over four years, it’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to the incredible Year 6 class, the fantastic staff, dedicated governors, and the many lovely parents and carers who have made my time here so special. This Year 6 class, in particular, are a credit to you all, and I’m certain they will continue to make us proud in the months ahead.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the families for their thoughtful cards and gifts – your kindness means so much to me. While I may be moving on, I’m already looking forward to returning for the Year 6 leavers’ assembly at the end of the year, if not before!
Wishing you all a joyous Christmas season and a bright new year ahead.
Working On Websites
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
This term, Year 6 pupils have been embarking on an exciting journey into the world of website design, applying their creativity and technical skills to build their very own web pages. This project is more than just an opportunity to delve into digital design – it’s a hands-on way to meet key objectives of the national curriculum for computing, all while igniting a sense of accomplishment and pride in our pupils.
Bringing the Computing Curriculum to Life
The national curriculum for computing in Key Stage 2 challenges pupils to understand how technology works, create purposeful content, and use computing to express ideas effectively. Specifically, in Year 6, pupils are expected to:
• Design, write, and debug programs that accomplish specific goals.
• Understand computer networks, including the internet, and how they can be used for communication and collaboration.
• Select, use, and combine software to design and create content.
Website design incorporates all of these skills, giving pupils a chance to see how their learning applies to real-world contexts. From brainstorming ideas for their website’s theme to coding interactive features, this project provides an engaging way to master these essential skills.
Skills for the Future
By designing their own websites, our Year 6 pupils are developing technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, but they’re also learning valuable lessons about creativity, collaboration, and resilience. These are skills that extend far beyond the classroom, preparing them for a world where digital literacy is increasingly essential.
We couldn’t be prouder of the amazing websites our pupils have created. This project has shown them that they are not just users of technology but creators, capable of shaping the digital world around them.
Who knows? Perhaps some of these budding web designers will one day be developing the websites we’ll all use in the future!
Year 6’s Reading Adventures
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
Our Year 6 class is buzzing with excitement about reading! The children have been diving into a fantastic selection of books, many of which can also be found in our class reading corner. These are the same titles we explore during whole-class reading sessions, and it’s been wonderful to see how much everyone enjoys them.
One of the things we love most is talking about the books we’ve read. After finishing a book, we score it out of ten and use these ratings to recommend books to one another. This has been a great way to share our favorites and discover new ones. We also consider whether the book is best suited for all, most, or just some of the class, helping everyone find the perfect read.
Why not give them a go at home, or add them to your Christmas list? We think you’ll love them as much as we do!
Happy reading from Year 6!
Learning Family Members in French: A Year 6 Guide
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
Bonjour, Year 6!
This week, we’re learning how to talk about our families in French. It’s an exciting step in building your vocabulary and learning how to describe people close to you. Let’s dive in!
Meet the Family
Here are some key family words in French to help you get started:
• La mère – Mother
• Le père – Father
• La sœur – Sister
• Le frère – Brother
• Les parents – Parents
• La grand-mère – Grandmother
• Le grand-père – Grandfather
In French, every noun has a gender, so some family terms start with le (for masculine) and some with la (for feminine).
How to Say “He” and “She”
When talking about someone, you’ll need these important phrases:
• Il s’appelle – He is called
• Elle s’appelle – She is called
For example:
• “Il s’appelle Pierre” means “He is called Pierre.”
• “Elle s’appelle Marie” means “She is called Marie.”
Talking About Your Family
To introduce your family in French, you could say:
• C’est ma mère. Elle s’appelle Sophie.
(This is my mother. She is called Sophie.)
• C’est mon père. Il s’appelle Marc.
(This is my father. He is called Marc.)
Remember, ma is used for feminine nouns like mère, and mon is used for masculine nouns like père.
Practice Makes Perfect
Try describing your own family to a classmate using these phrases. You’ll soon be talking about your family like a pro!
Bonne chance, Year 6! Keep practicing, and you’ll find French fun and rewarding.
À bientôt!
Designing a Steady Hand Game: Exploring Form and Function
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
In our design technology project, we’re creating a steady hand game—a classic toy that challenges players to navigate a metal loop along a wiggly wire without touching it. To ensure our design is engaging and effective, we’re focusing on two key aspects: form and function. Form refers to the toy’s appearance—its shape, colour, and overall aesthetic—while function is about how it works and the experience it provides. A well-designed game balances these elements to be both visually appealing and enjoyable to play.
By researching existing toys, we’ve learned that successful designs often feature bright colours, smooth edges, and themes that capture attention, such as animals, vehicles, or nature. Functionally, toys like the steady hand game are exciting because they provide instant feedback through lights, buzzers, or sounds, creating a satisfying challenge for users. As we move forward, we aim to combine an eye-catching design with clear, interactive feedback, ensuring the final product is both fun and functional for all players.
