Year 6
Curriculum
In Year 6 we base our curriculum around wider topic themes which incorporate the key skills set out in the National Curriculum.
This approach enables children to explore a topic deeper by considering the topic in a range of contexts both historically and geographically. Where possible, we also link our literacy units of work to the theme, enabling the children to fully immerse themselves within the language and develop skills in empathising with key figures.
We begin each unit with an exciting ‘hook’ which engages the children and makes them eager to find out more. Our aim is to ensure learning is as real and relevant to the lives of the children, therefore we utilise practical resources, the local environment and school trips to support learning within the classroom. We also recognise the need for our children to be digitally literate; therefore we provide regular opportunities for them to use a range of technology to research further into an area of interest, and to present their work in a variety of engaging ways. This approach enables children to develop their own independence and foster a sense of pride in their work.
Although a focus is maintained on preparing the children for the end of year SATs, we aim to provide a stimulating, broad and balanced curriculum which enables all children to thrive. Lessons challenge all pupils to think at a deeper level and apply their understanding to new ideas and concepts. Whilst adult support and feedback is regularly provided, children are encouraged to assess their own work and begin to make amendments and changes based on judgements from their peers.
KS2 SATs
Children in Year 6 sit national tests each year in May. They are tested in spelling, punctuation and grammar, reading and maths. Children do not sit a writing test; instead, this is teacher assessed over a number of pieces of work completed in the Summer Term. We work hard throughout Year 6 to ensure the children are fully prepared and confident to take the tests, offering them access to after school booster sessions and supporting them with test technique. Although some emphasis is placed on the SATs, we ensure that the children still have access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
To enable parents to best support their children, we hold a SATs meeting during the Autumn Term where we share information about each of the tests, look at sample test papers and share effective revision strategies.
Year 6 Routines
Children have an indoor PE session on a Monday and an outdoor session on a Friday; however, we do ask that PE kits are kept in school throughout the week.
Home Learning
Children are expected to read at least 4 times a week and record these reads in their reading diary.
Children will be set maths and English homework tasks each week. English will be set on a Monday and handed in by Thursday; maths will be set on Thursday and handed in on Monday. This ensures children are able to seek support in school should they require it.
A list of spellings for your child to learn each week are sent home at the beginning of each half term and tested weekly. These can be practised throughout the week using Spelling Shed or by recalling them with an adult.
As children are expected to know all of their times tables by Year 4, in Year 6 we aim to consolidate this and complete mixed times table tests fortnightly.
Residential Visit
We believe that residential visits are empowering experiences for children; the benefits of taking children out of their comfort zones (home/school environment) on a residential visit are immeasurable. Children participate in a range of outdoor activities developing self-esteem, responsibility, problem-solving, team work and of course resilience, skills which are vital for secondary school and later life. Our residential trips also link closely to our topics so that children can deepen their understanding of a particular area of study.
Currently, our residential visit is to Robin Hood’s Bay, which has strong links with historical smuggling forming part of our work on a Rich vs. Poor topic. A meeting to provide parents with further information will take place closer to the time and any correspondence can be found below.
Bike Ability
All children in Year 6 are provided with the opportunity to participate in cycling training at two different levels. During the Summer term, if they wish to, children will attend a two day cycling training course where they will learn how to ride their bike safely on the road: level one assesses the children’s ability on the playground, whilst level two assesses them on the roads of our local area. Children must be able to ride a bike confidently to participate in this, however, they do not need their own bike; one can be provided by school if required.
