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
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.
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!
