Year 6
Welcome to Year 6!
2024-25
In Year 6, our teachers are Miss James (Class 10), Mr Davison (Class 11), and Miss King (Class 12).
If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher. If they are not around at pick-up, you can speak to them by phoning the school and requesting an appointment.
Keep referring back to this page for regular updates about the children's learning.
Curriculum Newsletters
Update - Friday 28th March 2025
This week in PSHE, our Year 6 students explored an important and thought-provoking topic—gangs. The session focused on understanding why people, including children, may be drawn into gangs and the risks associated with them.
Through discussion and activities, the children considered the different reasons someone might join a gang, such as seeking friendship, protection, a sense of belonging or even being exploited. They also explored the negative consequences, including peer pressure, crime, and the dangers of gang involvement.
The lesson encouraged critical thinking and helped the children develop strategies to make positive choices, stay safe, and seek support when needed. It was a valuable opportunity for our pupils to gain awareness and build resilience as they prepare for secondary school.
We are proud of the thoughtful contributions made by our Year 6 students and their engagement with this important topic.
Also this week, in computing, our Year 6 students delved into the fascinating world of barcodes and QR codes. They explored why these codes are used in everyday life, from scanning products in shops to accessing information quickly on their devices.
The children learned how barcodes and QR codes work, including how they store data and are read by scanners. To put their knowledge into practice, they took part in an exciting QR code scavenger hunt around the school, scanning codes to uncover hidden information and complete challenges!
It was a fun and engaging way to combine technology with problem-solving, and the children showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the activity. Well done, Year 6!
Update - Friday 21st March 2025
Year 6 students have begun an exciting new unit about the remarkable explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary expeditions to the Antarctic. As part of their learning, the children have delved into the incredible story of Shackleton's Endurance expedition, focusing on the challenges his crew faced during their journey.
To bring the story to life, Year 6 has acted out key events from Shackleton’s last voyage, re-enacting the moment the ship became trapped in ice, the daring escape attempts, and the crew's ultimate rescue. Through drama and role-play, the students gained a deeper understanding of the courage, leadership, and resilience Shackleton displayed and the harsh conditions of the Antarctic.
This hands-on approach has not only helped students engage with history in an exciting and memorable way but also encouraged them to reflect on themes like teamwork and perseverance. Year 6's enthusiasm and creativity during these re-enactments have been fantastic, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they continue to explore this fascinating story.
The excitement is building as Year 6 students have officially started their auditions for this year’s school production of Aladdin! After weeks of anticipation, our young performers are now stepping into the spotlight, showcasing their singing, acting, and dancing talents for the chance to be part of this magical show.
With a fantastic cast of characters, including the daring Aladdin, the beautiful Princess Jasmine, and the mischievous Genie, the students are bringing their creativity and energy to the stage. From dramatic monologues to lively musical numbers, Year 6 is truly embracing this opportunity to shine and work together as a team.
The auditions have been full of enthusiasm, and we are so proud of how our Year 6 students have taken on this challenge with confidence and excitement. We can't wait to see the final cast come together and look forward to the spectacular production they will create!
Update - Friday 14th March 2025
Year 6 students have been learning about climate change's important and thought-provoking impacts on the Polar regions. This term, they have been learning about how rising temperatures are affecting the Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems, from melting ice caps to the impact on polar animals and indigenous communities.
As part of their learning, students have been investigating the science behind climate change, discussing its global consequences, and exploring ways to reduce its impact. To further their understanding and take action, Year 6 have written powerful letters to Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to prioritise climate change action and support policies that protect the environment, particularly the fragile Polar regions.
The letters reflect the students' passion for protecting our planet and their growing awareness of the urgent need for change. This is a fantastic example of how our students are gaining knowledge in the classroom and taking meaningful steps to make their voices heard on important global issues.
Year 6 is also racing towards the thrilling conclusion of Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend, and the excitement in the classroom is palpable! After weeks of immersing themselves in the magical world of Morrigan Crow, the students have just uncovered one of the biggest secrets of the book—the mysterious identity of the top all-time villain, The Wundersmith.
As the story unfolds, Year 6 students have been captivated by the twists and turns of Morrigan's journey, from her arrival in the magical city of Nevermoor to her battles with dark forces. With the revelation about the Wundersmith, the stakes are higher than ever, and the children are eagerly discussing their theories about what will happen next.
The class has been analysing the themes of friendship, courage, and destiny while building their comprehension and critical thinking skills. The suspense in the room is at an all-time high as the students can’t wait to see how Morrigan's story will unfold in the final chapters!
Update - Friday 7th March 2025
Year 6 have embarked on an exciting new maths unit, focusing on the important concepts of decimals, fractions, and percentages! This unit is helping students develop a deeper understanding of how these mathematical concepts are interconnected and how they can be applied in real-life situations.
The children have been learning how to convert decimals, fractions, and percentages, practising their skills through hands-on activities, problem-solving tasks, and interactive lessons. They’ve tackled everything from simplifying fractions to finding percentages of numbers, and they’re quickly building confidence in these key areas of maths.
Through engaging lessons and challenges, Year 6 is improving its mathematical abilities and gaining the tools it needs to make sense of numbers in the world around it. We’re excited to see how it continues to grow and apply its new skills in the coming weeks!
Children in the year group have also been looking at a very exciting new English topic. The true story of Juliane Koepcke, who, as a teenager, crash-landed in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest. She survived there alone for 11 days before being saved by forestry workers. In the coming weeks, the children will be turning this into their very own exhilarating adventure story. It is safe to say the children were hooked on the remarkable event.
Update - Friday 28th February 2025
Year 6 students recently completed their Bikeability training, which has been an exciting and rewarding experience for all involved! The program, designed to teach essential cycling skills and road safety, has helped many students gain confidence and knowledge—some even riding a bike for the first time!
Throughout the training, students have learnt how to ride safely on the roads, check their bikes, and navigate traffic confidently. For those who were new to cycling, the course was a great opportunity to build skills, overcome fears, and discover the joy of riding. For others, it was a chance to fine-tune their abilities and increase their road awareness.
The enthusiasm and determination shown by the students, especially those who were riding for the first time, has been truly inspiring. It’s wonderful to see how they’ve embraced this challenge and gained new skills that will stay with them for life.
We’re incredibly proud of all our Year 6 cyclists and look forward to seeing them ride safely and confidently in the future. A huge well done to everyone involved!
Update - Friday 14th February 2025
Year 6 students have just showcased their recent learning in a unit of study on the Arctic and Antarctica.
Throughout the unit, students explored the unique environments, landscapes, and climates of these icy regions and looked at polar nights.
To bring their learning to life, students looked into a range of these 
topics and compiled them all together. They have really been able to show off all their detailed learning.
Students have been drawing inspiration from traditional Inuit prints and have worked hard to create their own unique designs, reflecting the rich culture and symbolism of Inuit artwork.
The children have learnt about the techniques used in Inuit art, such as using bold lines and geometric shapes and incorporating animals and nature into their designs. They explored the deep meanings behind the images, where many artworks depict the connection between the Inuit people and the natural world around them. After studying the art forms, Year 6 students got hands-on, creating their own prints and experimenting with different materials and methods to bring their ideas to life. The results have been truly impressive, with each student putting their own creative spin on the traditional Inuit style.
Update - Friday 7th February 2025
Our Year 6 students have been electrifying their learning experience this term as they dive into the fascinating world of electricity! From understanding how circuits work to exploring the science behind electrical energy, the children have been engaged in hands-on experiments and exciting activities.
They’ve learnt about conductors and insulators, how to build simple circuits, and the importance of safety when working with electricity. The class has also explored renewable energy sources, sparking curiosity about how electricity is generated in the world around us.
Children are now embarking on an exciting new English unit inspired by the magical world of Nevermoor! In this creative project, students will be tasked with imagining and writing their very own How-to Guide for looking after a Magnificat—an enchanting creature from the book.
As part of their work, students will explore the characteristics and needs of a Magnificat, drawing on their understanding of the magical world created by Jessica Townsend. They will have to think critically about the creature’s diet, habitat, behaviours, and how to keep it happy and healthy. Through this project, students will develop their writing skills, learning how to craft informative and engaging content for a specific audience.
Update - Friday 31st January 2025
We are thrilled to share that our students have recently completed their final English writing pieces. After weeks of dedicated work, the children have poured their creativity and effort into crafting their best pieces of writing imaginative stories from The Dream Giver. Some truly remarkable descriptions have been included in this.
This term, our Year 6 students have been exploring the rich cultural traditions of the Inuit people through an exciting hands-on project—carving soap animals! Inspired by the intricate and symbolic animal carvings often created by Inuit artists, the children have been using soap to carve detailed representations of various animals, such as seals, bears, and birds.
Throughout the project, students learnt about the significance of animals in Inuit culture, where many animals are considered to hold spiritual and cultural importance. The children have also developed their fine motor skills, patience, and attention to detail as they carefully carve their soap animals.
We can’t wait to see the amazing designs the children have crafted! Stay tuned for more updates on their artistic journey!
Update - Friday 24th January 2025
This week in Year 6 has been incredibly enriching and filled with exploration and creativity. In our Religious Education (RE) lessons, we delved into the concept of rituals. The children engaged in meaningful discussions about what rituals signify in different cultures, sharing insights from their own experiences. This exploration not only broadened their understanding but also encouraged them to articulate their thoughts clearly, promoting empathy and respect for diverse beliefs.
In Art, students applied their understanding of colour theory to create stunning double-page spreads. Each piece reflected their individual creativity, demonstrating knowledge of primary and secondary colours, as well as complementary colour schemes. The vibrant pages are not only visually striking but also serve as a testament to their artistic skills and comprehension of the colour wheel.
It’s been a wonderful week of learning, with students showing impressive collaboration and critical thinking abilities. I look forward to seeing how they continue to grow in confidence and creativity in the coming weeks.
Update - Friday 17th January 2025
This week has been an enriching experience for our Year 6 pupils as we welcomed an array of visitors who shared their career insights and experiences. Each professional brought a unique perspective, ranging from engineering to healthcare, which sparked lively discussions and ignited curiosity among the students. They were particularly excited to engage in Q&A sessions, where they asked thoughtful questions about the pathways to various careers, demonstrating a growing understanding of the professional world.
Additionally, we embarked on our Inuit art project, which has provided a fascinating exploration of cultural expression through art. Students have been investigating the significance of traditional Inuit symbols and techniques, leading to a creative process that showcases their understanding of the subject matter. Over the next few weeks, they will continue to develop their artistic skills, culminating in a vibrant display of their finished artworks.
Update - Friday 10th January 2025
This week has been an exhilarating journey for our Year 6 class! We delved into the fascinating world of electricity, where students learned about various electrical symbols and the fundamental components of electrical circuits. Each pupil was actively engaged in drawing circuit diagrams, showcasing their creativity while reinforcing their understanding of how electricity flows through conductors. Through hands-on activities and collaborative group work, they successfully constructed simple circuits, contributing to their confidence in practical science.
In addition to our electrifying explorations, we took the time to refresh our memory of key geographical concepts essential for building a well-rounded understanding of the world. The students revisited terms such as the equator, longitude and latitude, as well as critical biomes, which play a vital role in the Earth's ecosystem. These discussions sparked curiosity and encouraged pupils to examine maps critically, enabling them to apply their geographical knowledge to real-world problems.
As always, the students continued to develop their communication skills through discussions and presentations. They expressed their findings clearly and concisely, demonstrating a commendable ability to articulate complex ideas in an age-appropriate manner.
Looking ahead, we will be moving onto studies about renewable energy sources, further deepening their understanding of sustainability in today's world. I encourage you to engage your children in conversations about what they have learned, as such dialogue will reinforce their learning and foster their passion for these subjects.
Update - Friday 13th December 2024
This week in Year 6, we have been exceptionally busy and engaged with our learning activities. In our performance poetry unit, students have been rehearsing their pieces with great enthusiasm. They have explored various poetic forms, focusing on the rhythm and emotive language, which has allowed them to express their feelings in creative ways. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they prepare to perform in front of an audience.
Additionally, we have continued our Maafa unit in history, diving deeper into the timeline of events following the abolition of slavery. Through discussions and group work, students have been able to reflect on the struggles faced by many and understand the lasting impact of these historical events on society today.
In our PSHE lessons, students wrote accolades for influential celebrities who exemplify the message that different backgrounds and identities can lead to extraordinary achievements. This activity has fostered a sense of appreciation for diversity and the successes of individuals who challenge societal norms.
Update - Friday 6th December 2024
This week in Year 6 has been an incredibly busy and enriching week, filled with exciting activities that have broadened our horizons in various subjects.
In geography, we embarked on an eye-opening field study to investigate the traffic patterns in our local area. Armed with clipboards and a keen sense of observation, we ventured out to record the number of vehicles that passed by during peak hours. This hands-on experience not only helped us to understand the flow of traffic but also allowed us to appreciate the impact it has on our community. The students showed remarkable enthusiasm and teamwork as they discussed ways to improve road safety and reduce congestion.
In science, we took our learning a step further by conducting our very own experiment to analyse heart recovery rates. After engaging in vigorous physical activity, we measured our heart rates at intervals to see how quickly we could return to our resting rate. The students demonstrated great scientific enquiry skills, asking insightful questions and drawing connections between exercise and heart health. Their eagerness to understand the workings of the human body was evident, and they left the classroom buzzing with newfound knowledge.
Finally, our English lessons have been nothing short of spectacular! Each student poured their creativity into writing a unique twisted tale as our one-off final piece. The range of ideas was astounding; from unexpected plot twists to distinct character arcs, the imaginative flair displayed by the class was incredible. We shared our stories in small groups, providing constructive feedback and celebrating each other's successes. It was a fantastic culmination of our work this term.
Update - Friday 29th November 2024
This week in Year 6 has been both enlightening and productive as students enthusiastically engaged in exploring the complexities of their wonderfully wired brains. As they wrote their final pieces on this fascinating topic, the teachers were thoroughly impressed with the depth of understanding and creativity demonstrated in their writing. Many pupils incorporated scientific terminology, illustrating concepts such as neuroplasticity and synaptic connections with clarity and precision.
In Geography, the class undertook the challenging task of analysing road data from our local area. Each pupil gathered information through surveys and observation, subsequently crafting their own graphs to visually represent the data. This activity not only sharpened their analytical skills but also fostered a strong sense of teamwork as they collaborated in groups to present their findings. The variety of graphs, including bar charts and pie charts, showcased their ability to interpret data and communicate it effectively.
Updated - Thursday 21st November 2024
This week in Year 6 has been exceptionally productive and engaging. In our Design Technology (DT) lessons, we embarked on a culinary adventure by cooking delicious pasta sauce. The highlight was learning to chop and dice various vegetables, which not only improved our knife skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of ingredient preparation and safety in the kitchen. Students displayed creativity by suggesting alternative ingredients, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate in the culinary process.
In Maths, we have delved into the challenging world of mixed number fractions. Through collaborative problem-solving and peer discussions, we refined our skills in both adding and subtracting these fractions. Many students demonstrated commendable perseverance, as they embraced the complexities of this topic, leading to a notable improvement in their confidence and proficiency. It is heartening to witness such enthusiasm for learning!
Updated - Friday 18th October 2024
This week in Year 6 has been nothing short of extraordinary as we have wrapped up our final pieces on the abolition of the slave trade. The children have worked diligently to create remarkable presentations that highlight the importance of this historical topic. We are thrilled to announce that these performances will be showcased during our upcoming assembly in celebration of Black History Month. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students to share their hard work and insights with the whole school community.
In PSHE, our discussions have centred around the concept of democracy. The children engaged in a thought-provoking exercise, where they had to collaboratively determine an appropriate consequence for a hypothetical scenario. This activity has not only sharpened their reasoning skills but also underscored the value of collective decision-making and respect for different viewpoints.
In Science, we delved into an intriguing investigation linked to physical fitness. The students formulated the hypothesis, "Does a lower heart rate mean you're fitter?" They conducted experiments, recorded their findings, and then plotted the results using graphs, culminating in well-thought-out conclusions. Their enthusiasm for scientific inquiry is evident, and they are developing a solid understanding of the scientific method.
Updated - Friday 4th October 2024
In Maths, we delved into the concepts of factors, multiples, square numbers, and cube numbers. The children expanded their understanding through interactive games and practical problem-solving. For example, they explored how to find the factors of various numbers and even investigated square and cube numbers through a hands-on activity using cubes, enhancing their spatial awareness and numerical fluidity.
In English, I am pleased to announce that our students have successfully completed their final pieces on "Cloud Busting" book reviews. Each student showcased their analytical skills by expressing their opinions and providing critical reflections on the text. Their creativity shone through as they explored diverse narrative elements, making their reviews not only informative but also engaging for potential readers.
In Art, the children have been analysing the works of different trailblazer artists. By studying these influential figures, they have gained insights into various artistic techniques and movements. This week, the students created mood boards that reflected their interpretations of these artists, combining colours and imagery to represent their understanding effectively.
Lastly, in History, we have meticulously created a timeline that outlines the significant events pertaining to the slave trade. This exercise has fostered a deeper historical awareness and critical thinking as the children considered the ethical implications of the events they studied.
Update - Friday 20th September 2024
We have had a busy week this week and we could not be prouder of the year group. We have now assigned prefects and school counsellors and the children chosen have definitely risen to the challenge and we could not be proud of them. Also, a huge well done to all the children who applied - it was a really difficult decision to make!
In English, we completed our first final piece: a book review on our class book, 'Cloud Busting', by Malorie Blackman. It is clear from the reviews that the verdict was unanimous: Cloud Busting is definitely a book that should be a staple in every classroom library. The children have really listened to every piece of advice we have given to them and we have every confidence that they're going to make so much progress in writing.
In PSHE, we learnt about Maslow's pyramid of needs. We thought about our own wants and needs and how these are met. Next we compared this to the wants and needs of a child living in Ghana. We learnt that many children living in Ghana have to work on cocoa plantations from a young age instead of going to school to help earn money for their family. The teachers are feeling very proud of how reflective the children have been in these lessons.
Update - Friday 13th September 2024
The children have had another fantastic week; they have settled into year 6 life really well and have been working well as a team. We are positive this is going to be a really brilliant year!
In English, we have been honing in our grammar skills and are beginning to write multi-clause sentences. Some of us have been experimenting using different types of punctuation in order to create the most appropriate effect. Next week, we will be writing our final pieces and will be publishing them around the school so over year groups will be able to see our incredible work!
In Art, we have started our unit of 'Trailblazers' - we began researching lots of black artists who had a real impact through their artwork. The children produced the most outstanding fact files in their sketch books to showcase their new found knowledge.
Updated: Friday 6th September 2024
We have all been incredibly impressed with how well the children have settled back into school. They have made a fantastic first impression! We're confident this will continue, and the year will be an amazing one!
In English, we have started our unit on Superheroes, which focuses on the Black Lives Matter movement. We have been busy reading many books by Malorie Blackman and listening to Stormzy's music video, Superheroes. Some great discussions have occurred, and the children have been incredibly engaged. This topic aims to write book reviews that will be published around the library so children around the school can find a book that they feel represents them.
In Maths, we are learning all about place value. We have been blown away by their ability to remember many tricky concepts from year 5 and bring them into year 6! They have been busy making and drawing numbers, moving onto number lines, and comparing. All children have been engaged and have been trying their absolute best.
We have started our history topic this week—Maafa. We have learnt some key vocabulary and had some important discussions about the slave trade and what this meant for individuals.
