Wednesday 8^th November 2023

Dear Year 6 parents and carers,

RE: Autumn 2 Curriculum Overview

After a well-deserved half term break, we are now in the second half of the Autumn Term. We hope that Parents’ Evening offered you the opportunity to ask questions about the year ahead and hear about your children’s progress so far. The children have made a fantastic start to the year and we look forward to delving into our new topic: ‘Pump it Up!’. This unit focuses on teaching the children about the circulatory system. Below we have outlined what we will be covering in class.

English	Writing suspense narratives linked to the filmImpossible and a short text entitled: Mr Linden’s Library. We will also be writing an explanation text about the circulatory system which is linked to our topic in science.
Reading	A range of short stories from the text: The Chronicles of Harris Burdick.
SPaG	Reviewing the Year 3/ 4 spelling list. Exploring homophones and near homophones. Reviewing suffixes beginning in vowel letters, and moving on to suffixes such as –ment, -less, -ful, and –ly. Word classes, phrases, clauses, punctuation and sentence types.
Maths	Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, multiples, factors, prime, square, cube numbers and BODMAS.
R.E	Judaism
Science	Name and identify different parts of the circulatory system. Understand how the circulatory system works and how lifestyle choices impact the circulatory system. Make and understand the different components of our blood. Complete a heartrate investigation. Dissect a heart.
Art & DT	Design and make a t-shirt detailing their knowledge of the circulatory system. They will also produce a range of artwork inspired by the work of Helen Frankenthaler as part of our whole school Take One Picture project.
P.E	In P.E. the children will be learning hockey and dance.

Reminders:

P.E

P.E. lessons will continue to happen every Wednesday and fortnightly on Mondays with Mr. Gibbs.

As they have been doing, children are to come to school on these days wearing their P.E. kit.  This consists of their red Kelvin Grove school jumper or cardigan, a plain white t-shirt (round neck or polo), grey or black tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Home Learning

Reading:

Reading with your child and discussing what has been read each day is essential to helping them make progress in all areas of the curriculum. The expectation is that your child reads every day and records what they’ve read in their Year 6 planners. Please support your child by encouraging them to read a range of texts (fiction and non-fiction) by different authors and by asking them questions about what they have read.

Maths, SPaG and Spelling:

Maths and SPaG homework is handed out each Friday. These need to be returned completed by the Wednesday of the following week. Most weeks, Maths homework will be set online via Mathletics. Alternatively, your child may be set homework in their CGP Maths book.  Each child has been given a unique login to access the Mathletics website from home.  If they have lost their login information, please ask them to speak to their Maths teacher. 

Spellings are taught in class and consolidated with practice across a fortnightly period. Starting this term, children will be encouraged to write the spelling pattern they are practising that fortnight in their Year 6 planners.  You can support your child by discussing their spellings, ensuring they understand what each word means and asking them to explore patterns between words.

Children can do additional spelling practice at home by finding additional words that fit the fortnightly pattern and could be added to the list and also by using the Look, Cover, Write and Check strategy.  It is also very beneficial to create their own sentences using their spelling words. Please encourage them to show flair with these sentences by using sophisticated vocabulary and trying to incorporate the high-level punctuation they have been taught in class.

Organisation, punctuality and attendance

This year we are really encouraging the children to be more proactive with managing their learning, organising their belongings and managing their time. Please help your child with developing their independence by encouraging them to regularly check their planners, organise their uniforms and pack their bags, lunches and snacks the night before.  Your child is also expected to begin their learning at 8.45 am and attend school every day. Following these suggestions will enable them to become secondary ready and maximise all learning opportunities. 

Behaviour and uniform

A reminder that all children should be in full school uniform which includes black school shoes every day and in their school P.E. kit on Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays (beginning on Monday 30^th October).  The only jewellery that is permitted (other than those of religious significance) are small stud earrings. This for your child’s safety in lessons but particularly on the playground and during active lessons like P.E. Children with long hair will need to have it tied back and away from their faces for P.E. lessons.

We continue to have high expectations of children’s behaviour and conduct.  A particular focus this term is showing kindness, empathy and respect to their peers and to adults. Should any difficulties arise that are of significance, we will inform you.   We also ask that if your child has a mobile phone or other device, you monitor their usage closely and ensure that they are only accessing age-appropriate content online.

Key dates

Monday 6^th November –  France Trip Meeting

Thursday 9^th November – Trip to Centre of the Cell (Brass and Copper classes)

Friday 10^th November – Trip to Centre of the Cell (Bronze Class)

Tuesday 12^th December – Heart Dissection (in school)

Wednesday 20^th December – End of term (Early closure: 1.30pm)

Information about Christmas celebrations will be shared with parents and carers at a later date.

Thank you for your continued support, and as always if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Year 6 Team

Miss West, Miss Horgan, Miss Hudson, Mrs Bolingbroke, Mrs Kemp and Miss Gibbs.