Autumn 2
Year 6 have continued to work extremely hard and have embraced challenges across all areas of the curriculum.
In Mathematics, pupils have strengthened their understanding of the four operations and grown in confidence when applying their knowledge to reasoning questions. They are now more familiar with factors, multiples, square numbers and cube numbers. They have completed two units on fractions, learning how to find a fraction of an amount.
In English, children have further developed their writing skills by creating a portal story inspired by Día de los Muertos. They used dialogue effectively to move the story forward and demonstrated a secure understanding of how to punctuate speech correctly. Pupils also used powerful adjectives and descriptive vocabulary, drawing on the senses to create atmosphere. In addition, we explored winter poetry and the children composed poems of their own.
In GPS (Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling), our focus has been on determiners, colons and semi-colons, and identifying main and subordinate clauses. We have continued to reinforce previous learning on tenses and the accurate use of punctuation in writing.
In Science, our topic has been Electricity. Building on prior learning from Year 4, pupils learned how to construct simple series circuits. They investigated how the brightness of a bulb or the volume of a buzzer can be changed by altering the number of batteries or components in a circuit. Pupils can now recognise electrical symbols and draw accurate circuit diagrams independently.
In Geography, we have been studying North America. Pupils identified the countries within North America and located them in relation to the equator. We learned key technical vocabulary such as latitude and hemisphere, explored climate zones, and examined how climate varies depending on location. Pupils also analysed data and used map-reading skills to understand how and why population distribution differs across countries.
In Art, we were inspired by the American Pop Artist Jim Dine. We gathered research about the artist and created a double-page spread about his background, techniques and inspiration. We then experimented with a range of these techniques to produce a creative work of our own using watercolours.
In P.E., pupils have been developing their ball skills this half term and have been using these skills whilst moving through space. They have also focused on defensive strategies for a variety of ball-based sports. They have developed their co-ordinations and agility skills along with team work and communication.
We very much look forward to a wonderful spring term and a huge well done to all our children for their hard work in autumn.
Autumn 1
What a fantastic start Year 6 have made to the school year! Their mature attitude and enthusiasm for learning have made this first half-term both productive and exciting.
In Mathematics, we have continued following the Power Maths scheme. In our first unit, Place Value within 10,000,000, pupils learnt to read, write, and understand the value of each digit in large numbers. They have developed confidence in comparing numbers and using negative numbers, even applying them to real-life contexts. We have since moved on to Four Operations, where the children have consolidated their understanding of the formal written methods for addition and subtraction taught in Year 5, and are now applying these methods to solve multi-step reasoning problems.
In English, the children have been working on writing a non-chronological report about rationing. They have explored the features of this text type and drawn on their learning in both English and History to produce detailed, informative reports. Their writing showcases formal language, a range of sentence openers and the correct use of technical vocabulary in the past tense.
Handwriting has also been a key focus this term. Through our Cambridge Penpals scheme, pupils have practised physical warm-ups and worked on forming accurate joins — even experimenting with some new ones. The results have been impressive — our books have never looked neater!
In Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS), we have been revisiting key concepts from Year 5, including word classes, conjunctions, and the use of accurate punctuation such as colons and semi-colons.
Our Science topic this term has been Light. We have explored how light travels, how we see objects and how shadows are formed. Through hands-on investigations, pupils discovered how the length of a shadow can change. They also worked collaboratively to sort and classify materials according to their properties and researched the brilliant scientist Sir Isaac Newton and his theories about white light.
In History, our focus has been World War II. The children have been captivated by topics such as rationing, the Sheffield Blitz, and air raids — even experiencing a simulated air raid in the classroom! Many pupils have also shared fascinating facts and independent research from home, which has greatly enriched our discussions.
Our Art lessons have centred on sketching techniques. After studying the work of artist Geoff Nutkins, the children applied techniques such as cross-hatching, stippling and shading to create detailed sketches of WWII Spitfires. We were also fortunate to have Phil into class, who shared his passion for WWII aircraft, fascinating stories and his Spitfire model, inspiring the children to capture every detail in their artwork.
In P.E, we have been developing our football skills, with a focus on performing controlled passes in pairs and small groups, dribbling techniques, and running confidently with the ball.
This term in PSHE, our topic has been The Caring School – Growing Up – Relationships. We have discussed the importance of healthy relationships and explored who we can turn to in times of need, identifying safe and trusted adults in our lives. Pupils created thoughtful posters and took part in role-play investigations to understand the emotional impact of spreading rumours.
It has been a wonderful first half-term in Year 6 — full of learning, creativity, and enthusiasm. We are so proud of the children’s efforts and look forward to an equally brilliant Autumn Term 2. Well done, Year 6!
