Year 6
Being in Year 6 at Holy Cross is a truly memorable time for the children.
This is a key moment in their lives; they will develop more independence, a huge amount of resilience and, most importantly, they will become very aware of who they are as both learners and young adults.
Our Year 6 children are considered to be the role models of our School and have the responsibility of showing their young peers what to do through our buddy system with Reception class. Throughout the year, three head boys and three head girls, one of each for every term, are elected by the members of staff to also represent our school in the best way possible.
During the year, our children in Year 6 will be challenged in class and we will have high expectations for all the children to achieve their very best, in their work and also for their future. We want our children to work hard and to be confident enough to make mistakes and learn from them. During the year there is plenty of fun through our trips, activities and our creative curriculum!
Of course, a big part of our summer term in Year 6 is preparing for the move to secondary school – a huge milestone in the lives of our children. This may involve going to their new schools or having a visit from some of their new teachers, which will hopefully help with any concerns or questions they may have.
Children will take part in an end of year production, celebrations of their successes and a very special Mass as they complete their years at Holy Cross School.
Year 6 children always have lots of fun in their last year with us and we always remind them that they will always be part of our Holy Cross family!
Year 6 Curriculum Overview
Autumn Term 2024
Curriculum Intent
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is a unique and special place where our faith is at the heart of all we do. Our children learn to live the Gospel values of love, forgiveness and peace. Within our federation of Aspire London we use the National Curriculum and believe that our children deserve for it to be tailored to their needs. With this in mind we have prioritised the things we want our children to enjoy, experience and remember during their time with us.
Our curriculum at Aspire London has a set of ‘drivers’ developed from the deep knowledge of the pupils and their families within our School community.
The drivers which shape our curriculum ensure we give our pupils aspirational opportunities throughout their primary school years. We provide our children with the wealth of knowledge required to be informed and thoughtful members of our community and wider world. The breadth of our curriculum encourages pupils to be ambitious, develop an inquiring mind and a life-long love of learning.
Curriculum Drivers
Significant People: Aspire London will: Develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the world and people, past and present, who shape itProvide identifiable role models to raise ambition and aspiration |
Community: Aspire London will: Immerse the children in the historically rich and diverse nature of LondonGive pupils an understanding of the positive impact of migration and a cultural appreciation of our community |
Equality & Justice: Aspire London will: Empower pupils to be advocates who address issues of prejudice and discriminationEnsure pupils value fairness and resolve differences through positive discussion |
Environmental Responsibility: Aspire London will: Educate children of the need to protect God’s planet from environmental damageCreate eco- friendly citizens who are aware of the impact of their individual actions and those of the wider world. |
Autumn Term 2024
English Our focus text will be ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’, a novel based in WW2, we will discuss and evaluate how the author builds characters and how this changes through the book. Children will be encouraged to ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and vocabulary. We will be using expanded noun phrased and study the use of commas to avoid ambiguity. This will be followed by reading ‘Rose Blanche’, to engage children with a story they will empathise. They will explore challenging themes and issues as well as develop and sustain their ideas through discussion. Children will develop response to the text through drama and write with confidence for real purposes and audiences. | |
Maths We will be reading and writing decimal numbers up to 3 decimal points. Understanding that fractions and divisions are associated and be able to divide fractions. Children will learn to convert measurements of length, mass volume and time, recognise and describe 3- dimensional shapes including making nets. We will also interpret and construct pie chart to solve problems. | |
RE Reflecting on the Kingdom of God and the importance of responding to the invitation and showing commitment to the response. We will then learn about Justice and that God calls us to speak out about injustice. We will also make preparations for Advent. | |
Science Children will begin learning about ‘Light’ and the way it behaves, understanding the concepts of reflection and shadows, we will plan scientific enquiries to answer questions, making predictions and recognise variables. A study of Electricity will follow, learning how to make a useful circuit for a purpose , recording data and results using complex scientific diagrams and labels. | |
History/Geography We will understand the reasons for WW2 and be able to place chronologically key events. We will focus on the experience of children evacuated and the role of women during the war. Children will learn about significant people and understand the impact of WW2 on our local area. | |
Computing Children will continue to utilise algorithms for more complex programs, be able to explain a digital footprint and use a spreadsheet to record results from an investigation. | |
PE Gymnastics: create complex sequences involving a full range of actions and movements utilising rolls, jumps, handstands etc. and equipment. Dance: Use dramatic expression in dance performing with confidence using a range of movements which flow Games: Using Rugby to know how to pass in a game and create a plan of attack and defence. Through Netball demonstrate an awareness of use of space and working as a team to utilise strategies and win. | |
Art Children will know and understand the vocabulary of drawing and will explore WW2 artists such as Henry Moore, Lowry and Winston Churchill. Children will create a clay sculpture from drawings and paint with acrylics, they will evaluate their own and others work. | |
DT Children will research WW2 air raid shelters, they will use their research and knowledge of a broad range of existing shelters to help them generate their ideas for designing an innovative and functional shelter. They will use annotated sketches, cross sectional and exploded diagrams (possibly including computer-aided design) to develop and communicate their ideas. They will finally critically evaluate the quality of design, manufacture and fitness for purpose of the shelter as they design and make it. | |
Music We will learn the difference between consonance and dissonance through the work of John Williams. Children will learn a range of songs from WW2. | |
PSHE/RSE Children will be encouraged to recognise what they like and dislike and recognise that choices can have positive outcomes and consequences. We will recognise and celebrate strengths and set some challenging goals for ourselves. |
Summer Term Knowledge Organisers
For speech and language resources and advice and tips for parents working at home with children who have SLCN visit:
https://speechandlanguage.info/parents
BBC Bitesize and Purple Mash are excellent resources for you to use. Click on the icon, have a look and see what you can learn!