Dorchester Primary News Feed - Year 6 News

What was the best part of your DT Playground model?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:38:10 GMT

Our DT project has been hugely successful this week, and we were particularly proud of the way the children worked together so well. Collaboration is a key pillar underpinning our curriculum at Dorchester, and it was wonderful to see the children working well at both their DT skills and at working well together. Communication skills were used effectively as well as helping each other with more tricky challenges. The children's problem-solving skills were in full use!

How did your conclusion match your predicting in our Science experiment?

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:03:04 GMT

As part of our Science topic about Electricity, children in Year 6 have been carrying out an investigation into how to change the brightness of a bulb or the speed of a motor. We planned this last week and carried it out this week. The children have been learning about Independent Variables, Dependent Variables and Control Variables through this too. They enjoyed working collaboratively and then writing high-quality conclusions to their starting question.

How did you feel about our History lesson on the rise of feminism since the second world war?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:22:46 GMT

The reaction to our History lesson about equality for women and how this had increased since 1945, produced some passionate responses from our children. One of the pillars of our curriculum is Fairness for All, and it was encouraging to see that the children in Year 6, who are nearing the end of their primary education, could recognise inequality and are so determined to eradicate it in the future.

What does a circuit need for the electricity to flow?

Thu, 5 Mar 2026 16:22:29 GMT

Our Science topic this half-term, Electricity, involved lots of practical investigation, using wires, batteries, bulbs and switches, as well as buzzers and motors. The children worked enthusiastically to construct circuits using a range of circuit diagrams and vice versa.

How did using cubes help you to understand volume?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:35:30 GMT

In Maths this week, we have been exploring the volume of solid shapes. The children used cubes to explore the concept and were able to count them and then work out the formula for themselves. They enjoyed investigating various questions using the cubes too. The use of manipulatives always underpins our Maths teaching and helps us with our understanding of concepts.

What was the main message of your Sustainability art work?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:08:52 GMT

In Art this week, children in Year 6 have been considering Street Art and also the environment. They have been inspired by various examples of street art, including graffiti. This provoked an interesting discussion about the legality but also the reasons why some people choose to express themselves in such ways, when they know the risks. The children were inspired to create their own example after watching a short video about the environment. They were very passionate in the messages they wanted to portray through their art. We have been amazed by their talents and determination to make our world a better place.

What happens to light when it hits a prism?

Wed, 4 Feb 2026 11:42:17 GMT

In Science this week, the children have been exploring what happens when white light hits a prism. They have made colour spinners to try to replicate how the colours blend together to form white light. It was tricky to be able to spin their spinner fast enough, but with perseverance, some did manage to get the colours to begin to blend. The children also watched a video, showing it happening,

What did you make your WW2 propaganda poster about?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:45:35 GMT

In History this week, we have been considering how the role of women changed as a direct consequence of World War Two. We have looked at the use of propaganda posters as a powerful, persuasive tool to encourage women to serve their country in a variety of different ways and therefore help the war effort. The children examined statistics showing the numbers of different jobs women did and also considered how they felt about this. They then designed their own propaganda posters, some to encourage women to work and some for other aspects of the war.

What was your experience of evacuation like?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:22:37 GMT

World War Two Day today, has been hugely exciting, with many children making a fantastic effort with their costumes. We have seen a lot of evacuees, land army girls and some soldiers in class today. The children have learnt about and experienced evacuation as well as trying some rationed food, along with seeing Ration Books and ID Cards. As well as being a real highlight of our year, the children have begun to consider the devastating impact of war on society as a whole.

From whose point of view are you writing your diary?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:09:25 GMT

As part of our World War Two History topic, Year 6 are reading the picture book, 'Rose Blanche'. This considers the outbreak of the war but from the German perspective. This has generated much discussion and the children have have some great thought-provoking questions. This week and next week, the children are writing their Star Write diary entry as one of the characters.

What did you enjoy about your DT Cooking project?

Fri, 9 Jan 2026 12:44:19 GMT

Today saw the long-awaited DT 'Come Dine With Me' project, where the children prepared either a starter, a main course or a dessert, which was then judged by another group. They had researched this and organised themselves for this before Christmas and were very excited to be finally seeing their plans come to fruition. Whilst some were cooking, others were finding out about how their 'hero ingredient' (either peppers, salmon or pineapple) travelled 'from farm to fork'. Also, each child has contributed a favourite recipe to the online Class Cookbook. A great day!

What will your group be cooking in the 'Come Dine With Me' DT project in January?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:04:58 GMT

The children have been very excited about planning their cooking project for January 9th this week, when each group will cook either a starter or a main course or a dessert. The 'hero ingredients' are peppers (starter), salmon (main course) and pineapple (dessert). They have also been organising the additional ingredients each child will need to bring in so they can prepare and serve 2 plates of their chosen recipe. We are all looking forward to cooking and then tasting their finished products!

What caused the end of the Maya as a civilisation?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:56:10 GMT

To end our topic on the Maya, we have been considering the various aspects that led to their demise as an entire civilisation. The children were surprised to learn that the Maya do still exist, but they have had to integrate into society in Central America. The children were also shocked to hear that the Maya can sometimes face racism. One of our learning pillars is Fairness for All and the children were quite vocal with their opinions about how very unfair this is. It was encouraging to see them passionate about wanting to make our world a better place.

How successful was your group's part of the Maya village?

Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:22:31 GMT

On Tuesday afternoon, the children had great fun working collaboratively, to build an element of a Maya village. They had already researched and designed what they would be creating, so they could use their plans to bring it to life! They worked very well together and were pleased and proud of their final achievements. A definite highlight of our topic about the ancient Maya.

Which aspect of the Maya village are you creating next Tuesday?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:38:23 GMT

After learning about everyday life for the Maya, the children were set the challenge of designing then building at least one, if not two, structures to be included as part of a whole-class Maya village. They will be creating this on Tuesday next week, so they need to bring in the cardboard boxed tec that they have planned to use.

What excited you most about the country you have been exploring for 'Round the World' Week?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:05:31 GMT

As part of 'Round the World' week, each Year 6 class has focused on a different country. We have looked at map skills, found out about the country, surrounding countries, nearest oceans, population, language, currency, history, culture, physical geography, food, music, art and a whole wealth of other information too. We are very keen to share this on Monday 24th November at 3.15pm with families, as part of the Round the World Showcase. Do come along and visit each classroom across the school.

What does this image tell us about the significance of chocolate to the Maya?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:53:22 GMT

Food eaten by the Maya has occupied our thoughts in History this week. The children experienced Bartering as a means of acquiring the food they needed for a Maya family to eat, which proved by good fun and showed us some potential candidates for The Apprentice! Their negotiation skills were impressive! We also looked at the importance of chocolate to the Maya. The children were able to try some hot chocolate with chilli if they wished – with predictably mixed reactions. They also sampled some plain chocolate which was more similar to the chocolate eaten by the Maya. Again, this split opinions in the group.

What surprised you about some of the different Maya gods?

Wed, 5 Nov 2025 11:28:17 GMT

As part of our new History topic about The Maya, we have begun to explore the significance of their religious beliefs and the effects on everyday life. The children were fascinated and shocked in equal measure by the amount of blood that was spilled as part of regular worship. They enjoyed researching some of the different gods and finding out about the areas of life over which the Maya believed each one had power.

What did you learn at Junior Citizens?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:14:52 GMT

Our visit to Junior Citizens was a great way to end the first half term of Year 6. Taking place at Sutton Libary, representatives from Sutton Police, Transport for London, Southern Railways, London Ambulance Servce and London Fire Brigade, spoke to the children about being safe. As the children become more independent, it is vital that they know what to do in various situations and they interacted well with the representatives.

After our visit to RHS Wisley, how would you describe nature?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:10:25 GMT

We have had an amazing day at RHS Wisley, where the children in Year 6 explored many different types of plants linked to our Science and Geography topics. The autumnal colours were truly glorious. They found out more about how plants adapt to their environment, which has been our Science topic this half term. They also began learning about Classification, which is our topic after half term. Visiting the glass house inspired some very detailed sketching to take place and all of the children enjoyed drawing a variety of different plants from different biomes all over the world. Of course, the tropical zone allowed the children to experience a little of what the rainforest is like, which forms a large part of our Geography topic about Brazil. Each child also was able to take a cutting from a rainforest plant, plant it then take it home, as an added bonus. A great day!

What evidence helped you to draw a conclusion in our Science experiment?

Wed, 8 Oct 2025 13:06:07 GMT

As part of our exploration of the topic of Evolution in Science, this week Year 6 carried out an experiment using different equipment to simulate the shape of birds' beaks. They had a range of 'bird food' and saw how much of which type of food each 'beak' could pick up in a minute. Then they used the results to write their own conclusions.

Why is Deforestation a controversial issue?

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 11:53:21 GMT

As part of our Geography topic about Brazil, we have been considering deforestation and the many reasons why it happens. We have looked at the global impact and the need for sustainability. The children are working hard to present their findings in creative ways, as they discuss and consider how important rainforests are.

Which feature on Sound Trap do you personally find the most interesting to utilise?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:48:59 GMT

This week, children in Year 6 had their second lesson with Tom, our specialist Music Tech teacher from Sutton Music Service. These continue from their Music Tech lessons in Year 5, still using Sound Trap to create their own tracks, mixing various sounds and rhythms. We were very impressed with just how much they could remember from their Year 5 learning and soon put it into practice, as they quickly began confidently composing their own music.

Which animals' opinions about deforestation do you agree with in The Great Kapok Tree?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:55:57 GMT

This week, children have planned their first Star Writing in Year 6 – a narrative based on our book The Great Kapok Tree. They were asked to include a few of the many animals' opinions in the book, about which they felt the most strongly. Deforestation is a key topic of our discussions currently. Over the last few weeks, they have been practising expanded noun phrases, subordinate clauses, speech and show-not-tell techniques to use in their independent writing next week. We are looking forward to the results!

Which countries border Brazil?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:17:15 GMT

We began our Geography topic about Brazil in earnest this week and used maps, aerial photographs and globes to find out a lot about the country. We looked at the location of the rainforest and considered why almost all major cities are not situated in that part of Brazil. We revised knowledge from Year 5 about rivers through discussions about the Amazon River.

Which animal's reason did you agree with the most? Why?

Thu, 4 Sep 2025 16:11:50 GMT

The children have made a great start to Year 6 and have settled quickly. We have begun our Geography topic about Brazil by reading the book, 'The Great Kapok Tree'. This explores some of the reasons for and against deforestation – a subject we will be discussing in detail throughout this topic. They have been writing creatively about the story too, and we have been exploring 'Show not tell' techniques.

From paddle boarding to game making.....

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:29:39 GMT

Some of our Year 6 students are just returning from an unforgettable residential trip to Dorset, and what an adventure it was!

From the moment they arrived, the excitement was non-stop. They kicked things off with fun on the inflatable assault course before paddle boarding, mastering their balance and playing games with their friends back on the shore!

Next, they stepped back in time with a visit to the historic Corfe Castle, exploring ancient ruins and soaking up the stories of the past.

For the thrill-seekers, coasteering was a real highlight — climbing, jumping, and swimming along the rugged Dorset coastline took courage and teamwork, and they absolutely smashed it!

The fun didn’t stop there. The group gathered to celebrate a special birthday, making it a day to remember with lots of laughs and cake.

They also got to channel their inner survival expert, learning to make fire and practising important outdoor skills.

And of course, no summer adventure is complete without a slip and slide — pure joy, laughter, and plenty of splashes!

A huge well done to all the students for their enthusiasm and bravery, and a big thank you to the staff for making this experience possible.

Here’s to memories that will last a lifetime! More photos from the trip can be found on our Facebook account here: Facebook

Meanwhile, the rest of year 6 were at school having their own fun. Here is a recap of the week by Yashvee:

At the start of the week it was quite… interesting. We started with making our own ideas for our own ideas for Islands. Then, after break, we researched what calories, ingredients and allergies pizzas have.

Next, we designed our own board games for Ks1. On Tuesday, we planned what ingredients we should put on our pizza and followed with a quick game of Kahoot.

Wedneday we started off by hosting a sports day for ks1. After that, we had some free time on the chromebooks and did some paragraph writing on what our island looked like. After that, we did some finishing touches on our game (We called Dodge or dare). Then on Thursday, we did more Kahoot and blookit followed by P.E.

Finally, on Friday, we finished our game, baked our pizzas which had too many toppings, and, of course, presented our games to KS1 classes.

Well done to all the year 6's who made some fantastic games - KS1, Nursery and reception had an amazing afternoon testing them all out.

Which is your favourite song from 'School of Pop'?

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 14:09:03 GMT

We are so proud of the Year 6 children for their phenomenal performance of 'School of Pop' this week. Every single child rose to the occasion, despite very high temperatures, sang, acted and danced their hearts out. With three performances this week, they are all exhausted but absolutely buzzing with their fantastic success. Well done Year 6!

How does the balloon and bottle model help demonstrate how the lungs work?

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:19:09 GMT

As part of our Science topic on the Circulatory System, this week the children used a bottle and a balloon to create a simplistic model of the lungs. It was fiddly but effective and the children very much enjoyed this practical way of demonstrating what goes on.

Should Michael's Dad have spent all their money on a yacht?

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:49:20 GMT

This week, we have begun reading a modern classic story in English: 'Kensuke's Kingdom' by Michael Morpurgo. So far, we have only read the first chapter, but already, the children have had much to say about various issues that have arisen. It's a great story that very much recaps much of our learning in Year 6.

What surprised you from our heart dissection lesson?

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:18:40 GMT

This wee, Year 6 completed one of our most eagerly-awaited lessons of the whole year: dissection of a lamb's heart. To kickstart our Science topic about the Circulatory system, groups of 3 were given a lamb's heart and, using a scalpel, they cut it open to explore for themselves what they had been learning about. The children absolutely loved it, and we are particularly proud of a few children who persevered to overcome initial thoughts. Definitely a highlight of the year so far.

What was the most challenging about finding the area and perimeter of your name?

Thu, 5 Jun 2025 16:19:27 GMT

In Maths this week, the children were set the challenge of drawing their own name on squared paper using only horizontal and vertical lines and then calculating the perimeter and the area of each letter. They then had to calculate the grand total of each. The children had to persevere and also think in a slightly different way to achieve this. The results were fabulous!

What are you proud of with your waistcoat so far?

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:22:10 GMT

This week, in DT, the children in Year 6 have been sewing together the parts of their waistcoats for soft toys. They have had to persevere to master the various skills and have made great progress.

How did you show our school values this week?

Wed, 14 May 2025 15:29:01 GMT

We are so proud of how our Year 6 children have risen to the challenge that is SATs. This week has allowed them to show off all that they have worked hard to master in English and Maths during their time in primary school. Because SATs are the culmination of all of their learning, not just in Year 6. They have shown many of our school values this week: perseverance, responsibility, self-belief, empathy and togetherness, as they have supported and encouraged each other. They have 'dug deep' this week and they have done themselves proud too.

Why should we pay more for fair trade goods?

Wed, 7 May 2025 13:52:08 GMT

In Geography this week, we have been exploring the imbalance in the numbers of primary workers in the global trade market in less developed countries with those in more developed countries and the effect this has on average income. It led to a fascinating discussion about equality and the need for fairness for all - one of the pillars we have at Dorchester, that underpins our curriculum.

How does cotton go from the field to the clothes shop?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:40:25 GMT

In Geography this week, we have looked at the role of primary, secondary and tertiary workers in the global supply chain. We have used maps, atlases and globes to explore the many different countries that are involved in the production of some of our clothes.

How did trade become global?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:49:09 GMT

This week, we have begun our Geography topic of Global Trade. We have been exploring how trade started thousands of years ago and has developed into the way we buy and sell goods today. The children have taken a different aspect of this journey and researched how trade expanded during that time period.

Which part of your model playground are you most proud of? Why?

Wed, 2 Apr 2025 16:02:34 GMT

Year 6 worked very hard on Tuesday morning to build their model playgrounds in DT and the results have been fantastic. All the children worked collaboratively and overcame challenges by problem-solving and persevering. They learnt about the importance of measuring accurately and had to consider how to ensure stability in each piece of playground equipment. Well done Year 6!

How will your playground in DT match the design brief?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:36:05 GMT

This week, we have designed new playgrounds. We will be constructing these next week, using card, wood, lolly sticks and string. The children have worked in groups to use the design brief to plan their playgrounds and will be using glue guns and saws next week to build these. The photo above is from last year.

How did reading the news blog about the 2 astronauts who returned to Earth on March 18th, help us with our news blog?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:51:23 GMT

Year 6 have been finding out more about one of the biggest global events of the twentieth century: the moon landings. We will be writing news blogs about this incredible event. It was very timely, therefore, to look at the news blog about the astronauts who returned from the International Space Station late on March 18th. This has helped the children's understanding of news blogs hugely.

What was your prediction for the electricity experiment?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:58:04 GMT

In Science this week, we have planned and carried out an experiment on how to change the brightness of a bulb. The children all worked very well together and asked great further questions. Next week, we will be writing a formal report about this. The children are developing their formal writing skills well this half term, and we are proud of the progress they are making.

What does a circuit need to have in order to work?

Thu, 6 Mar 2025 16:35:37 GMT

In Science this week, Year 6 have been making electrical circuits and exploring the use of switches. Perhaps their greatest achievement though, was problem-solving. Rather than ask for help when the circuit wouldn't work, the children were encouraged to think logically through the circuit and explore all possible options. Then - and only then - could they ask for help. The perseverance and critical thinking were excellent.

What were the '5 Evils' at the end of World War Two?

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:21:19 GMT

Our History topic this half term, continues straight on from where we left off before the holiday. We have been looking at the state of Britain at the end of World War Two, and the children were surprised to realise that despite a great victory, Britain was broken. The children have been finding out about the new Labour Prime Minister after the war and the Beveridge report that identified the 5 'Evils' of society. It was a sobering thought to realise that war had cost Britain so much, despite being the victors.

What surprised you during Mr Bushby's PSHE lesson?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:54:36 GMT

We were very pleased to welcome back Mr Bushby on Wednesday. He spoke to each Year 6 class about being safe online and the children explored this through group discussions, scenarios and whole class discussions. The children learnt a lot about something that is very pertinent to all children and has been part of other discussions we have had this week.

What causes in our world, matter to you?

Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:46:46 GMT

In PSHE this week, Year 6 have been considering aspects of Citizenship. We discussed how we can be good citizens by helping causes that matter to us. Many of the children shared that aspects of Climate Change matter to them and they are keen to do their part for the future of our world. Another cause that was discussed was raising money to support research into Cancer and Dementia treatments. It is so good to know that our children are conscious of some of the needs in our world and they want to make our world a better place.

How many different ways did Britain have of defence against bombing during WW2?

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:27:00 GMT

As part of our History about World War Two, we have been discussing the Blitz and the children have been finding out about how people could defend themselves. We have also looked at a fascinating website about the bombs that hit London and the children have been interested finding out about the bombs that hit Sutton. You'll be pleased to know that no bombs fell on that site that is now our school!

What was your Evacuation experience like?

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:16:32 GMT

World War Two is always an exciting day and much anticipated and this year's was no exception! The children came dressed in a whole array of costumes, which caused discussion. We have been finding out more about Evacuation and about Rationing, with lots of experiences along the way.

Who is this and what did he announce on the radio?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:23:23 GMT

This week, Year 6 have begun their History topic about World War Two and have looked at the reasons behind the outbreak. They have also found out a little about the major events of the war, such as Dunkirk, the Blitz, the Battle of Britain, Pearl Harbour, D-Day, VE Day and VJ Day. The children are also getting very excited about World War Two Day on Jan 24th - there have been many discussions about outfits for the day!

What did you learn during our DT Cooking project this week?

Wed, 8 Jan 2025 14:18:03 GMT

Our DT Cooking project has been a great way to kickstart our learning this term. Using recipes that had been found before Christmas, the children prepared and served one course out of a 3-course meal. As well as sampling their own food, children have sampled each other's food and given them some feedback, based on presentation, smell and taste. Terms such as 'slicing', 'dicing' and 'en papillote', have been explored. Some children learnt how to chop different types of fruit and vegetables. The aromas coming out of Year 6 have been amazing! A huge thank you to the parents and carers who have volunteered to help with this project.

What is your 'hero ingredient' for our cooking project in January?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:50:48 GMT

This week, Year 6 have been planning their part of our DT cooking project for our first week back in January. Based on the programme, 'Come Dine With Me', each group will be cooking either a starter or a main course or a dessert. They worked hard to research a recipe that matched the criteria and are excited to begin the cooking of this after Christmas.