Year6
Cu r r i c u l u mOu t l i ne 2 0 1 9 2 0
Our Learning Wheel explained Our learners Our schools are small enough to ensure that each learner is known. By placing our learners at the centre of our approach, we create an education that allows individuality to flourish.
Developing character Fostering a secure bedrock of self-esteem and a sure moral compass is essential preparation for a future in a complex world.
Learning segments We group our subjects together into six curriculum areas. We teach subjects in an integrated way, because the future belongs
to those who can think way beyond narrow subject boundaries.
Learning to think Education is not just about imparting knowledge. It’s about teaching young people how to think for themselves: critically, creatively and collaboratively.
Outer circle We prepare young people to blaze a trail in whatever field they choose. They leave us equipped with a breadth of skills, ready to become responsible global citizens.
Form teachers 6G - Mrs Graham 6D - Mrs Digby (Mrs Foreman co-tutor) 6K - Mr Kohler
Subject teachers: Humanities - social understanding Mr Evans (humanities), Mrs Graham (PSHEE), Miss Mullaly and Mrs Matthews (RS) Language and Communication Mr Kohler (English), Mrs Matthews (English), Mrs Graham (English), Mrs Foreman (Spanish), Mrs Prowse (French) Mathematical Understanding Mrs Digby (maths), Mr Newnes (maths), Mr Kohler (maths), Mr Hewlett (coding) Physical Education and Well-being Mr Evans (Games and PE), Mr Godfrey (Games and PE) Creative and Performing Arts Miss Wynne-Powell (Creative and Design Engineering), Miss Mullaly (Music), Mr Smith (Drama) Scientific Understanding Mr Hewlett/Mr West (Biology), Mrs Handford/ Mr West (Chemistry), Mrs McKnight/Mr West (Physics)
Humanities - Social Understanding
Key Topics History this term will focus on Crime and Punishment through the ages. Historical skills will include using primary and secondary sources effectively, suggesting why people acted as they did in the past, and the comparison between crimes and their consequences. In geography this term, there will be a specific focus on discovering how mountains and glaciers are formed. We will be considering what it would be like to live and work in the mountains and understand the natural processes which occur in mountain and glacier formation. This will prepare the pupils for their residential trip to the Snowdonia National Park after half term. On the trip the children will be studying the local flora and fauna, identifying land formations, discussing processes involved in the formation of glacial valleys and conducting experiments on rivers. They will also spend time thinking about the environment and how they can help conserve precious resources via recycling. Key Learning Objectives: to understand the unique nature of a mountain environment to be aware of conservation issues and ways in which the environment is being damaged How you can help: Discuss with your children any previous mountain experiences they might have had and what the conditions were like. Talk to your children about the environment and recycling, encouraging them to be responsible with the rubbish at home.
Personal Social Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) Key Topics We will look at the how the House of Commons and the House of Lords reflect our democratic society, and consider what roles the monarch and Church play, as final preparation for our visit to the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey. We are hoping that Kemi Badenoch MP will also visit school to have a discussion and Q&A session with the children. https://www.parliament.uk/ https://youtu.be/RAMbIz3Y2JA Other topics in the first half of term will be global citizenship and disability. In preparation for the foundation Festival of Learning (July 9th) we will also consider sustainability, with a particular focus on clean air. After half term we will be looking at how to keep safe and healthy as the teen years approach, and we and to have an open and frank dialogue with our pupils about the temptations and possible dangers they face. Topics will include road safety, fire safety, safety near water, drugs and alcohol, and criminal responsibility. There will also be ongoing reminders about internet safety, both for pupils and for parents. See links below for general information or you want to check out anything about apps or websites your child may be using or want to use at home. https://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/ https://www.net-aware.org.uk/#
Religious Studies Key Topics In RS pupils will identify and begin to describe the similarities and differences between Christianity and Judaism, comparing Easter and Passover celebrations. They will find out about pesach and the symbolism of the Seder plate. They will learn about the prayer - the shema - and consider why Shabbat is so special to Jews. They will then go on to use a range of thinking skills to learn about the key aspects of humanism. They will consider humanist views on atheism and agnosticism, celebrations, values, ethics and the importance of happiness.
Language and Communication Key Topics Creative writing will link to the humanities topics of mountains, and crime and punishment. We will read "Holes" by Louis Sachar considering how authors use different techniques for describing characters and settings. We will base our creative writing on a Welsh legend, writing our own adaptation and learn how explanation texts are different to instructions. The children will look at non-fiction accounts of attempts on Everest and read a range of poems from other cultures. Core reading skills will be taught and practised weekly as well as learning spelling patterns and extending vocabulary. Grammar and punctuation skills will generally be taught in context as part of our lessons, although certain topics may be taught discretely as necessary. How to help at home: ● Encourage your child to write a brief comment about their reading each day, focusing on their personal reaction to what they have read. Please ensure that the reading scheme book is read every day. You can supplement the scheme with library and books from home. ● Help your child to identify key information when using the internet, thus avoiding simply cutting and pasting when engaged in research tasks. Assessment: ● Weekly spelling tests ● Half Termly Writing Assessment ● Summer assessment
French
Key Topics In French we will start with some conversation revision on key topics to refresh the children after their break from French. We will recap work covered on regular ER verbs and pronouns and then move on to focus on the key verbs AVOIR and ETRE, combining them with an understanding of adjectives. Pupils will explore the geography of France and its mountains, including revision of compass directions and weathers culminating in presenting a weather report. Pupils will have the opportunity to embed their vocabulary and understanding through conversation, written and reading tasks and the use of languagesonline.org.uk to reinforce a variety of topic areas.
Spanish
Key Topics
After a break from Spanish in the Spring term pupils will use the Summer term to consolidate their learning of basic vocabulary and grammar, with a particular focus on nouns and adjectives. They will prepare a presentation about themselves and their family, using verbs in the first and third person. The focus will be on speaking and listening and on applying phonics rules to our reading. There will be plenty of opportunity to explore digital resources and to even create some of their own. Pupils are encouraged to use Linguascope to learn vocabulary independently and can also visit the Grow Story Grow website if they wish to read for pleasure. How to help at home: Ask your child to talk about their learning. Have a go at the relevant topics on l anguagesonline.org.uk
Mathematical Understanding Key Topics Year 6 will start the term learning about ratio and proportion. They will learn to solve a variety of problems including using scale factors. Our next topic is to draw 2-D shapes using given dimensions and angles. Including comparing and classifying geometric shapes based on their properties and sizes and finding unknown angles. Pupils will also learn to recognise angles where they meet at a point, are on a straight line, or are vertically opposite, and find missing angles. After this pupils learn to Illustrate and name parts of circles, including radius, diameter and circumference. Next we move on to the topic of statistics where pupils will collect data, and present it using a variety of charts and graphs, including pie charts which they will learn to draw and interpret. This then leads us nicely into using the range and averages - working out the mean, mode and median of a data set and when it is appropriate to use which average and why. A very visual topic to finish the term. Times Tables are expected to be practised at home. We use a wide variety of resources - concrete, pictorial, abstract and digital - to help pupils to develop mastery in each topic. Assessment ● In-class topic tests ● Summer assessment
Physical Education and Well-being Key Topics Athletics and a variety of striking and fielding games will be the focus of lessons. Striking and fielding activities will include softball, Danish long ball and cricket. There will be an emphasis on developing and improving tactical awareness and furthering knowledge of rules and regulations in these sports. Athletics lessons will provide the opportunity for pupils to learn and refine technique in a variety of track and field disciplines. The use of digital technology in lessons will provide pupils with the opportunity for self and peer assessment. Do encourage your child to get involved with any of these sports outside of school by joining local clubs, and discuss the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Creative and Performing Arts Key Topics In Music, pupils will put together a year group production focusing on the combination of musical and dramatic skills. As well as production work, lessons will be interwoven with various other topics of singing and musicianship. Pupils will especially focus on singing and playing confidently in parts as a ‘class orchestra’ or ’class choir’ style ensemble, enjoying the full effects of expressive harmony, all whilst developing their knowledge of music theory. Pupils will develop their Garageband skills and learn to sequence, create and compose. This term Year 6 will consider what makes art and design work look finished. When do we stop? We will evaluate our skill set so far and draw on the skills of others as we collaborate on a larger scale piece. We will continue to weave elements of art and design history and quickfire skills activities into our Creative sessions. Come and see our work linked to Da Vinci at our Full Steam Ahead exhibition down at the lovely Bridge End Gardens.
Scientific Understanding Key Topics Our differentiated approach to science this term allows us to again challenge our pupils with lesson content in Physics, Biology and Chemistry. The Physics of Sport will be a major focus for the term. Linking to Sports day, helping to put the theory into action. There will be an opportunity to use light gates and data loggers whilst investigating Newton's Laws of Motion in action. The children will be able to describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including microorganisms, plants and animals. They will give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics. Stages of human life cycle and key features of each stage will be looked at in detail. There will be an opportunity to revise changes to the body during puberty. We will be learning about human reproduction and sex education will be covered this term. Further details will go home offering the chance for parents to discuss the material and ask any questions. The overarching theme in chemistry will be a project on naturally occurring acids and alkalis. Again the link between science and sport will be a focus in chemistry. We will look at the biochemical changes that occur in the body during certain sports. We will also continue to investigate pH levels and carry out a number of investigations making our own indicators. There will be time towards the end of term given to preparation for the end of year science assessment. How you can help: Consider the everyday science that you and your children encounter, and help the children to ask questions and seek explanations. Work with your children to “tell the story” of any graphs or charts that you may come across in the newspapers or brochures. Continue to encourage the mixed reading of fiction and scientific non-fiction books. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/ http://www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/index.html http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/