Year 6 - Autumn 1 - Week 1
Date: 8th Sep 2023 @ 12:21pm
What a brilliant start we have had to Year 6!
It really has been fantastic to see all the children return to school with such excitement and enthusiasm. They have all settled in so quickly, there has been plenty of laughter and the ‘Year 6’ team spirit is evident already!
The main focus of our learning this week has centred around our class novel, ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar. The children have enjoyed the story so far and have shown a good understanding of the text as we have had breaks for discussions. We have even been able to make a start on understanding how to write down answers to more in-depth question using a ‘Point, Evidence, Explain’ strategy. As the book mentions ‘yellow-spotted lizards’ frequently, we used this as an opportunity at the end of the week to practise our sketching skills in an Art lesson, working on our fine motor skills before creating some excellent drawings of a lizard’s eye. Well done, Year 6!
Throughout the week, the children have also enjoyed watching several videos that demonstrate our school values. So far, we have watched a variety of clips that have reminded us to be kind to ourselves and others, and also to have perseverance when faced with a challenge as that’s when we experience the greater sense of achievement. Thursday’s videos were particularly interested as the children watched two experiments that demonstrated ‘herd mentality’ and the ‘bystander effect’. We discussed how these situations may arise in Year 6 and how it is important to have self-belief and trust our gut instincts.
On Thursday morning, the children found out that they would be visited by one of Formby High School’s Spanish teachers, Mrs Gibbons. She delivered a lesson to the children on pets, as per our Y6 Curriculum Overview. The children are very fortunate that – going forward this term - Mrs Gibbons will be leading their weekly Spanish lessons at this time.
To ease ourselves back into Maths lessons, we have taken part in a variety of games to revise our number facts and times tables. Chanting, ‘quick fire’ throwing and catching, speed challenges, Blooket quizzes and ‘shoot out’...the children have enjoyed a variety of fun ways to learn.
Perhaps the highlight of the children’s week came on Friday afternoon when they were able to meet their Reception buddies. No doubt the children will have told their parents all about it this evening, but it truly was lovely watching the children get to know each other and spending time together doing various activities. The Year 6 children are already very excited to see their new friends very soon…despite being worn out from all the running around after them! Be sure to check out our Year 6 Twitter page to see pictures of all the children.
We know that many children are excited for our school residential to Robinwood in Wrexham in a couple of weeks. We hope you found Thursday’s parent meeting useful and have received all of the resources via School Spider. Please also ensure you have visited the Robinwood website and read all the information given, including their FAQ page, which should answer any further questions you may have.
Our first set of spellings have been shared on Google Classroom and the children will be tested next Thursday. Maths and SPaG homework will commence after the Robinwood residential.
In terms of Year 6 reading, the children will have daily opportunities to read, either independently, in a group or as a whole class. Those children who receive their ‘home reading books’ from school will also still be listened to individually every week by an adult. However, it is really important that the children are encouraged to read daily at home and with an adult if possible. If you are struggling with book choices, please refer to the recommendations listed on our ‘Learning at Home’ page, or let us know and we will be able to offer suggestions.
Thank you to everyone for making the start to this academic year so wonderful. We hope you all have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you all next week. We are certain it is going to be action-packed!