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
Growing Together: Year 6 and Year 1 Classes Plant Trees for the Future
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
This week, our Year 6 and Year 1 classes came together for a meaningful project: planting trees on the school grounds. The initiative wasn’t just about adding greenery but about fostering collaboration, learning, and leaving a legacy for the school community.
For Year 6 pupils, the project was a chance to take on a leadership role, guiding their younger peers through the planting process. They shared their knowledge about the environment, showing remarkable patience and care as they helped the Year 1 pupils dig, plant, and water the saplings. For the Year 1 children, it was a hands-on opportunity to learn about nature and teamwork, inspired by the older pupils’ example.
The benefits of this activity extend beyond environmental impact. As the trees grow, they’ll enhance our school’s ecosystem by providing shade, improving air quality, and creating a welcoming habitat for wildlife. The collaboration between the year groups also built bonds across age levels, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Most importantly, these trees symbolize a lasting legacy. Years from now, pupils and former pupils will see the trees as a reminder of what can be achieved when we work together. It’s a testament to the power of teamwork, care for the environment, and the strength of our school community.
A big thank you to Miss Griffin for making this happen!
Sketching Setting Ideas
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
Inspired by: our recent staff meeting about using sketch books, led by our art leader, Mrs Moleele; our recent drawing unit and the book ‘The Good Thieves’ by Katherine Rundell, we have been choosing passages from the aforementioned text to draw what comes to mind. This acts as a ‘hook’ for our upcoming ‘setting description’ writing. See what you think! We have really enjoyed exploring figurative language this way!
Poetry in History
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
Year 6 Poetry Celebration: Honoring Walter Tull
Our Year 6 pupils recently took on an incredible poetry project inspired by Walter Tull, the trailblazing soldier who became the first known Black officer to be promoted during World War One. Tull’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity have made him an inspirational figure in British history, and our students captured his legacy with powerful words and imagery in their poems.
To write these poems, we adopted the same rhythm used in Caged Bird by Maya Angelou, giving our verses a steady, thoughtful beat that helped bring Walter Tull’s experiences to life. We also explored the work of other poets and writers, including the haunting war poetry of Wilfred Owen and the energetic, socially-conscious writing of Benjamin Zephaniah. These poets inspired us to use language that is both impactful and honest, helping us to truly honour Tull’s memory.
After all the poems were complete, Mr. Dalrymple read them and was absolutely blown away! He said they were “the best poems he’s read by children.” High praise indeed! Each student put their heart into this project, capturing not only Tull’s courage but also the importance of resilience, equality, and the power of standing up for what is right.
To mark this wonderful achievement, we’ll be sending the poems home for parents and carers to enjoy. We’re thrilled for our pupils to share their hard work with their families—well done, Year 6 poets! You’ve made us all proud.
L.S. Lowry-inspired portraits
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
Our Year 6 pupils have been studying the impact of warfare on soldiers, and they’ve translated this understanding into their artwork. Inspired by the work of LS Lowry, they’ve focused on exploring tone, using shading techniques to add depth and character to their portraits. The pieces demonstrate their growing skill in using light and shadow to create contrast and bring their subjects to life. We’re proud to showcase their impressive use of tone and detail in these thoughtful works.
Investigating Shadows
Peter Dalrymple (PDalrymple) on: Year 6 Class Blog
In our Year 6 science lesson, we explored the fascinating topic of shadows by conducting a pattern seeking investigation as part of our focus on working scientifically. The aim was to discover what happens to a shadow when we change the distance between an object and a light source. We set up a controlled environment with a light source, an object, and a screen, and observed how the shadow behaved as we varied the distance between the object and the light.
During the investigation, we used important vocabulary such as translucent, transparent, and opaque. Children learned that opaque objects, like cardboard cutouts, block light completely, forming clear shadows. Transparent materials, like glass or clear plastic, let light pass through and do not cast shadows, while translucent objects, like tracing paper, allow some light through and form softer, more blurred shadows.
The children recorded their findings carefully, noting how the size and sharpness of the shadow changed as the distance between the object and the light source increased or decreased. Their understanding of the concepts was excellent, and they were able to identify clear patterns in their results. They demonstrated great teamwork, helping each other set up the equipment, take measurements, and record observations.
After the investigation, the children got into groups of three to create a short shadow puppet show using their new knowledge of how shadows work. They used opaque puppets to cast clear, dramatic shadows on a screen, applying what they had learned about shadow size and clarity.
Overall, the children showed a strong understanding of the scientific principles behind shadows. They worked incredibly well together, took pride in their group projects, and produced some creative and entertaining shadow puppet performances! It was a great lesson that highlighted their enthusiasm for learning and their ability to apply scientific skills in a fun and imaginative way.
