Year 6 Curriculum
In Year 6, we believe it is important that the children develop a sense of community. Whether it’s plays, concerts or residential trips, we place a strong emphasis on the children working collaboratively as a team, towards shared goals.
We plan opportunities for children in both classes to interact and they are encouraged to form new friendships. Our aim is to ensure that all children leave St Michael’s as well-rounded individuals – equipped with important life skills – and are prepared for life in secondary school and beyond.
English
We work to ensure that by the end of Year 6 our children are fluent, independent readers and confident, dynamic writers. A majority of the units of work covered in English are linked to our History or Geography topics. For example, we study books such as “Hitler’s Canary” when exploring WW2 and “The Matchbox Diary” when studying immigration. We provide the children with a vast range of interesting opportunities to write and ensure they have a confident grasp of grammar and punctuation.
Maths
In Year 6, we emphasise revising all the techniques the children have learnt throughout the years in school so far. These include:
- reading, writing, comparing and ordering numbers with up to seven digits and decimal numbers with up to three decimal places
- finding percentages of numbers, converting fractions, decimals and percentages and making comparisons using percentages
- using trial and improvement to solve equations involving one or two unknowns and finding missing lengths and angles
- using long division to divide 4-digit by 2-digit numbers, giving remainders as a fraction, simplifying where possible
- solving word problems involving multiplication of money and measures
- properties and classification of 2D shapes, drawing 2D shapes using ruler, protractor and compasses, parts of a circle and angles in polygons
- perimeter, area and volume.
History
In History, children develop an understanding of the events that led up to the outbreak of WW2 and significant events that took place during the war. Children explore the different roles men and women had and develop an understanding of the use and purpose of propaganda. They compare Air Raid shelter designs and evaluate the impact of evacuation and rationing.
Geography
In Geography, we explore mountains and immigration. Children develop their map at atlas skills and are able to locate and compare mountain ranges around the world. They are able to explain how mountains are formed and take a closer look at some of the most famous mountains both in the UK and abroad. The children also begin to develop an appreciation for human geography as they compare the lifestyles of those living in mountainous areas and begin to analyse and evaluate the impact tourism can have on communities and towns.
Music
In Music, children explore Jazz and great composers such as George Gershwin. They take a close look at ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and develop skills in improvisation. The children develop their percussion skills and are introduced to reading music. The children also explore the life and work of Adele and learn some of her songs.
PSHE
Throughout the year, children develop their communication skills and friendships and we support them in their transition to Year 7. Children leave confident and prepared for secondary school.
Computing
A strong focus is placed on e-safety in Year 6. The children learn how they can keep safe online and things to watch out for when they are using websites/apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The children refine their skills in coding using programs such as Scratch and Espresso. They also produce short films on the iPads using iMovie.
Religious Education
At St Michael’s we believe that all children should develop a respect and understanding of different faiths. This year the children study Judaism and learn about the similarities and differences with Christianity.
Science
In science, children start to ask relevant questions and take part in different types of scientific enquiries to answer them. Topics studied include light, reflection and refraction.
PGL
A huge milestone is a week-long residential trip to PGL where the children develop a whole host of skills from independence and responsibility to dragon boating and abseiling. The children are tasked with making decisions without the influence of parents and teachers and develop team-working skills in a range of activities.
The Old Folks Show
We value contributing to our local community and in Year 6 the children organise a show and tea party for elderly residents who live nearby. From acting and singing to comedy, an afternoon of entertainment is organised with the help of children, parents and teachers. The children serve homemade sandwiches and cakes and donate gifts for each guest to take away. Guests who visit us year after year regularly comment on how much they enjoy the afternoon.
Junior Entrepreneur Programme (“Dragon’s Den”)
The Junior Entrepreneur Project provides the children with an opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Children generate their own business ideas and pitch them to local ‘Dragons’. They share the experience with a local businessperson who mentors them as they develop their two winning projects. After exploring different forms of market research, the children form teams to turn their ideas into a reality. The children source materials, plan for production, estimate costings, prepare promotional materials and market and sell their products. They record and communicate their business story through a showcase event.
Year 6 Production
Each year, all of Year 6 work together to design and put on a production for the school and parents. Every child has a key role, from acting, to singing, lighting, prop-making, dancing and promotion.
