Dear Parents
I hope you and your families all enjoyed a wonderful summer break and that the children are relishing the challenges and opportunities associated with year 6. Year 6 is a busy, demanding but also fun year for the children. Please click on link below for a summary of the areas we will be covering this term in each subject, including details of some of the activities we will undertake.
Y6 Curriculum Overview, Autumn Term
We are looking to undertake two school trips within the first term, one of which is designed to promote team work, the other to enhance our History curriculum. In addition, a cycling proficiency course has been arranged and will commence on the week beginning the 12th September.
- 22nd September – Cuffley Camp, approximate cost £20.00
- Imperial War Museum Duxford, approximate cost £15.00 – Date to be arranged.
You will receive separate letters with further details of these visits / courses shortly.
Homework will continue in much the same way as in Year 5. Learning Logs will be given out on a Friday and be due in the following Wednesday. Children will usually be able to choose between three options, but occasionally everyone will be required to complete the same task. It is expected that the children will spend 45 minutes to an hour on their learning logs. Pupils will usually be given an additional maths task which is designed to reflect / reinforce their weekly learning. This will typically take the form of a ‘net’ based activity such as Manga High or a revision worksheet. As the year progresses and the needs of the class assessed, so homework tasks for the class will gradually increase to incorporate reading / grammar based activities. .
The children will receive the opportunity to choose a new library book each week. Last year, we were fortunate enough to have the invaluable help of a Year 6 parent, to assist the children with this task. If any parents or carers would be interested in volunteering to take over this role, please let me know. As the children’s homework includes reading a book of their choice, that should be encouraged throughout the week. The children should be looking to challenge themselves with the material they choose. I understand the majority of the children prefer to read independently at this stage, but it would be very helpful if you could find a few minutes to listen to them read aloud as well. The important thing is to ask your child questions about what they have read to check their understanding, as this is what they find most difficult even if they appear to be reading fluently. It is the decision of you and your child which books they choose to read – for me, the most important thing is that they enjoy it and that the material is both challenging and appropriate. Please record the time spent reading each week in their homework planner so I can keep track of this and reward those that make an extra effort.
Spellings will take place in short, sharp sessions over the course of the week, culminating in a written test on Friday mornings. Children generate their own words, so please feel free to extend the initial vocabulary chosen at the start of the week. As long as the same rule is met, spellings can be as challenging as possible!
It is important that the children are secure in their times tables and we will be reviewing these weekly. If you know that your child struggles with a particular table, please continue to practise with them.
As many of you are probably aware Year 6 is a particularly exciting year group for the children, which culminates in their trip to Snowdonia. To help parents, Mrs Foster is preparing a ‘Year 6’ package which will look to spread the cost of trips, the barbeque, and hoddies etc. over the year. This was extremely successful last year and I’m assured that details will follow shortly.
I am a firm believer that this year is an important transition between Primary and Secondary schools and that the children must learn to take greater responsibility for their possessions. I have therefore encouraged them to bring to school any pens / stationary equipment etc. that they will keep in their personal tray.
Overview of homework for the Autumn Term:
- Learning Log (45 minutes – 1 hour)
- Maths homework
- Spellings
- Times tables
- Reading
This half term, P.E will take place on Friday and Tuesday afternoons each week, so please ensure your child brings in suitable kit on these days. However, it is advisable to retain P.E. kits in school at all times in case of non-timetabled sessions. Trainers will also be required, as we will go outside if the weather permits. Swimming will take place in the summer term.
Mrs. Storey will continue her role as Teaching Assistant this year in year 6. Last year she proved to be an enormous support for me in the day to day running of the class, utilising her vast experience in teaching support and exceptional pastoral care.
I look forward to seeing you all in the near future. If you have any questions, please feel free to come in and see me or Mrs Storey either before or after school; you are always welcome. Thank you for all your support.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Grant Jones