You can find all the weekly news from Year 6 linked below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
This week, the children have been finding out about the Mayan written language. The children drew in ther books, one of the words and were fascinated to find out about how it could be read. We linked this to other areas of our History learning throughout the school, such as the Ancient Egyptians.
We have been working very hard in English, writing diary entries based on 'The Explorer' by Katherine Rundell. The children could choose which character they wanted to write as Fred or Con. Both are complex characters, with much in common, yet there is friction between them. The children have been writing independently, for their Autumn 2 Star Writing.