Welcome to Year 6

                            

                                                  

Mr Holmes - Foxglove Class Teacher 

 Miss Joynes - Lupin Class Teacher  

 Mr Elstone - Teaching Assistant

Miss Langham - Teaching Assistant

Miss Helme - Teaching Assistant

 

Welcome to the first part of the Spring term from all of the Year 6 team. We are excited to jump into teaching and learning with our amazing Geography led topic.

'How did the Galapagos Islands influence our understanding of evolution?’

                                                                                                          

This half term the children will be learning all about the Galapagos and Evolution and Inheritance.

Our key text this half term is Darwin’s Dragons by Lindsay Galvin.

About the book: In 1835, cabin boy Syms Covington is on the voyage of a lifetime to the Galapagos Islands with the world-famous scientist Charles Darwin. But when Syms falls overboard during a huge storm, he washes up on an unexplored island. Stranded there, he makes a discovery that could change the world ... Now it’s not just his own survival at stake – the future of an undiscovered species is in his hands.

 

Over the half term, we will also be learning:

• MATHS – Decimals, Fractions, decimals and percentages
• SCIENCE – Evolution and inheritance
• COMPUTING – Variables in games
• GEOGRAPHY– Study of the Galapagos Islands
• RE – Islam
• ART – Fashion Design
• PSHE – Health and Wellbeing 1
• PE – Dance (Samba) and Tag Rugby
• MUSIC – Throw, catch

Key Dates for Spring 1

PE and Outdoor Learning

In the Spring term, PE takes place on a Friday and also PE/Outdoor learning take place on alternate Tuesday afternoons. PE kits consist of PLAIN black shorts or jogging bottoms, PLAIN white t-shirt, and trainers.

Children will need to come to school in their school uniform and bring their PE kit to get changed into. Children will also need to bring their Outdoor Learning kit to get changed into with wellies in a separate bag.

Please see the timetable for this half term below:

 

Homework in Year 6

Homework will be sent home on FRIDAYS and must be returned by the following WEDNESDAY. 

The homework for this half term will be as follows (your child will also write this in their communication diary for each week)

Reading

Each week, we ask that all children read with somebody at home at least three times a week. This could be any adult or an older sibling or friend. Please sign their diary and add a comment. Every little bit of reading really does help children on the learning journey.

Spelling and Grammar

We also ask that the children practise their weekly spellings which can be found below. We conduct a spelling quiz each week as part of a dictation lesson, and these words form part of our English teaching for the week. Children will also be asked to complete pages in their CGP revision books each week, these will link closely with what is being taught in-school.

Maths

A vital aspect of Maths is that the children have a secure recall of times tables, so we ask that they spend some time each week on TT Rockstars practising these. To support with children’s learning, school has purchased a set of CGP revision books for each child for Maths, teachers will set specific pages which link to the learning being done in-school.

Spelling Overview

Provisional Timetable

Knowledge Organisers

We will be using these topic knowledge organisers throughout the half term to help children recall key facts and vocabulary and to support them in all areas of the curriculum. Please use these at home with your children to discuss their learning.

 

Willersley Residential Updates: 

Wednesday 15th January: 

The Year 6's have made it safely to Willersley Castle, we have enjoyed taking in the beautiful surroundings and stretching our legs out in ther countryside. We walked over to Cromford Mill and learnt about Sir Richard Arkwright and his cotton mills, we saw the factories, houses and pubs he build for his community of workers.

 

The Year 6's have also had a chance to settle into their dorms and get stuck straight into some activities, including: fencing, zip-lining and rifle shooting and more... Roast chicken was on the menu tonight along with other delicious alternatives, The children of Year 6 will certainly sleep well tonight (we hope). 

 

 

Thursday 16th January:

Well, what a beautiful start to our first full day of activities at Willersley - the Year 6's slept well in their grand bedrooms. The views from the castle were truly awe-inspiring and the Year 6's were treated to an incredible sunrise. We loaded up on a delicious Full-English breakfast, with cereals, fruit and toast galore -  and made our way out for a morning packed with activities - we focused on building teamwork through communication, trust and kind manners. We took on problem-solving challenges, blindfolded obstacle courses and learned new skills like archery, fencing and aeroball. 

After a lunch of pizza, chicken, waffle fries and salad, the Year 6's were ready to go on more adventures, new challenges and we learned what else the fab instructors had planned. The Year 6's have enjoyed their down time, playing games and chatting with friends. Every single child has been impeccably behaved with most instructors commenting on their consistent good manners, close friendships and willingness to give everything a go. We are incredibly proud of our John Clifford children. 

We've celebrated tonight with a campfire in the chilly winter air - an opportunity to reflect on our experiences so far and to look forward to more excitement ahead tomorrow. It wouldn't be a campfire if it wasn't accompanied by spooky stories, singing and of course - marshmallows!

Friday 17th January: 

Our final day at Willersley Castle started with a 7:15am wake-up call, we had to get organised and packed ready for our homeward journey. Another delicious breakfast was devoured before the final few activities. We had the chance to do more archery, some rock climbing and a final chance to work on our rifle skills. Chicken nuggets or veggie nuggets, chips and salad filled us all back up ready for our journey back to John Cifford.

 We have had the most memorable time at Willersley and have learnt loads about ourselves and our friends -  we are skilled, determined and above all, we are John Clifford Stars!

WILLERSLEY CASTLE 2025!