Rainforests Welcome to Year 6! Year 6 Autumn Term Pupils are going to have a science based curriculum this term. We are going to look at rainforests and also study the Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle. Year 6 Autumn Term (2015-2016) Mrs Thorpe Creativity and Love of Learning Whilst this year is a fundamentally important year of assessment and the ever present pressure of SATS we will endeavour to ensure that all pupils will have a wide range of opportunities to explore and enjoying their wider topic based learning. Global Citizens In this ever changing society, and at a time of real world flux, it is ever more important to ensure that our pupils have an understanding of their responsibilities to their fellow human beings. We will also look at the plight of other citizens from around the world who are less fortunate than ourselves. The whole child – Spiritual, Moral and Personal Now the children are in Year 6, they have a role to play in setting the example for the rest of the school. All pupils have been given important roles and I know they will take their responsibilities seriously. Their buddies in reception are looking forward to spending time with their buddies. Skills for Life In Year 6 we will be focusing on the essential skills for life. We will focus in on writing, grammar and mathematics every week. Each week pupils will have a mental maths test, spelling test and a calculation test. There will also be fortnightly assessments of their writing and all pupils will be encouraged to do their best.

Scientific Understanding Pupils will use their topic to support their scientific learning on Living Things and Habitats, Animals including humans and Life Cycles. We will also work on a number of practical activities illustrating the importance of fair testing techniques and critical thinking skills. D & T, Art & Music Pupils will be participating in a creative arts afternoon every Wednesday involving musical composition and artistic skills. Pupils will also have a choir session on a Thursday morning. French Our pupils are fortunate to be taught by a language specialist who comes in every week to work with all KS2 pupils. Physical Education This term PE will normally be on a Monday and a Tuesday afternoon. Pupils will be often be outside so please ensure your son/daughter has trainers and a jumper. We will rotate activities between games, gymnastics and dance. Communication, Language & Literacy Through pupils’ writing we will explore how language choices have changed over time and how the choices they make when writing affects its meaning. We are going to focus particularly on various grammatical constructs which can be used to improve and enhance their writing. Religious Education During this term, as always, RE will shape many of the things we do each day, with Christ being at the centre of our school. Using the Diocesan resource, Come and See, we will study: Domestic Church – Loving, Judaism (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Belonging – Vocation and Commitment and finally Advent – Expectations Mathematics This term pupils learning will include the following: Number, Place Value and sequencing All 4 operations + - x ÷ using both written and mental methodologies including weekly challenges Fractions including decimals & percentages Solving multiple step word problems using a wide variety of different units of measurement Mental calculations including speed tests calculations without calculators Geometry: position, direction and motion Shape and space Algebra and numeric equations Using ICT & I-pads Every Friday afternoon the pupils will spend time using both the I-pads and the computers to enhance their computing and programming skills Learning, Thinking & Social Skills We are continuing with the regular brain teasers and puzzles to help develop problem solving, resilience and determination. Weekly homework Every pupil needs to complete a reading task, read a minimum of 3 times, revise times tables and complete the weekly homework task. School Trips We are going to take part in Faith 15, a Diocesan event which all Gateshead primary school are going to attend.