English |
In Year 6, children will be taught in classes for English lessons and in sets for Grammar, Punctuation and Spellings. Some children will benefit from small group support. Children will have a regular guided reading session and also use Accelerated Reader to develop their independent reading skills. Below the programme of study for Years 5 and 6 is outlined as a guide to what we will be covering this academic year. Note that there is a single programme of study for both Year 5 and Year 6 given in the new National Curriculum to allow for the consolidation of key concepts and skills.
Reading - Word Reading
Pupils will be taught to:
Reading Comprehension
Pupils will be taught to:
Writing Transcription - Spelling
Pupils will be taught to:
Handwriting and Presentation
Pupils will be taught to:
At Greswold we use the Nelson handwriting scheme to teach handwriting.
Writing Composition
Pupils will be taught to:
Writing - Vocabulary, Grammar and Punctuation
Pupils will be taught to:
During Year 6 we continue to develop the children's reading, writing and spelling skills. Children are taught in classes and some benefit from small group support. We use a combination of Accelerated Reader, guided reading with the class teacher and comprehension activities to develop the children's comprehension skills focusing especially on making inferences and using evidence from the text. There is a strong focus on developing quality writing both in English lessons and across the curriculum.
We have a big focus on grammar and punctuation, with a weekly lesson to develop the children's skills. These lessons also help them to prepare for the national Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling test. We revisit features of various non-fiction genres such as letters and reports. Throughout the year the children also learn about narrative poetry and spy thrillers. We use the Highwayman, the Midnight Fox, Goodnight Mr Tom, WW2 poets (Dulce et Decorum est and Flanders Fields) and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas as texts to study and as the basis for writing. The children also complete a variety of work based on the short film El Caminante. Throughout Year 6 the children develop a portfolio of writing for their National Assessments.
Mathematics |
In Year 6 children will be taught in classes for Maths, with some children benefiting from small group support or extension work. Written calculation methods will be taught as set out in our Calculation Policy to ensure continuity and progression.
Number - number and place value
Pupils will be taught to:
Number - addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Pupils will be taught to:
Number - Fractions (including decimals and percentages)
Pupils will be taught to:
Ratio and proportion
Pupils will be taught to:
Algebra
Pupils will be taught to:
Measurement
Pupils will be taught to:
Geometry - properties of shapes
Pupils will be taught to:
Geometry - position and direction
Pupils will be taught to:
Statistics
Pupils will be taught to:
Science |
At Greswold we are using the Engaging Science scheme as the basis of our Science planning. This scheme was chosen for its strong focus on practical investigation. Pupils are encouraged to be curious and think both scientifically and creatively, using the outdoor environment to learn Scientific ideas in context. Throughout the year, pupils will use sampling techniques to support their studies of living things, using quadrants, sweep nets and other common field studies methods of finding out about animal and plant populations across the year. They will compare populations in different areas and discuss the effectiveness of the different techniques they have used. Autumn Term Pupils will build on their learning from Year 4 to learn more about circuits, including how to use recognised symbols to represent circuits. They investigate how to change the amount of electricity flowing round a circuit, looking at how different components affect the flow of electricity and at the difference that the length and thickness of wires can make. They learn about series and parallel circuits and they use their knowledge of electricity to build games that use electric circuits.
After half term, pupils will build on their work on light in Year 3 to make more detailed investigations of shadows. They study reflectivity and investigate the effectiveness of sunglasses, learning about the dangers of UV light. They will also learn about the eye, its parts and how it allows us to see.
Spring Term
Pupils will build on their knowledge of classification from previous years and look at the classification of invertebrates and microorganisms in more detail and play games to help them learn about microorganisms and classes of invertebrates. They will study yeast, observe its growth, and possibly even use it to make bread.
Summer Term
Pupils will study the circulatory system, learning about the basic components that make up blood, how the heart works and how blood circulates around the body. They learn about the lungs and the process of breathing and investigate the effect of exercise on the heart and breathing rates. They learn about the effects of smoking and alcohol. Pupils will also learn about the life and work of Charles Darwin and what is meant by the terms evolution and survival of the fittest. They learn how animals and plants are adapted to their environment. They investigate camouflage and find out how humans evolved. They carry out a simple experiment to model evolution and selective breeding.
Computing |
We are using Solihull's Scheme of Work to deliver the requirements of the Computing programme of study. This scheme has an annual focus on online safety, using the Internet and finding out about technology pupils will be familiar with. Each year computer science skills and transferrable ICT skills are also developed in a progressive way.
Autumn Term
Pupils are taught how internet search engines find and store data. They know that the impacts of technology on themselves and others can be both positive and negative. They learn to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. They recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and can identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact. They also learn that information they put online leaves a digital footprint.
Spring Term
Using Kodu, pupils design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. They use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs They use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output. Children also use applications to present information in a variety of ways.
Summer Term
Pupils will be taught about careers in computing and how technology is used in many aspects of employment. They select and use appropriate tools and technologies to collaborate and communicate in ways which minimise risks, e.g. responsible use of chat rooms and discussion forums, safe use of webcams. They know how to protect their personal data and that individuals have a right to data privacy/protection. Children also use a range of media to create their own yearbook about their time at Greswold.
History |
Autumn Term
There is a geographical focus for the Autumn Term.
Spring Term
This term, the children will be finding out about the stone age in Britain. The children will learn about the development of civilisation during this era and the challenges faced by stone age man. They will also find out the art created and the creatures which lived at the time.
Summer Term
World War II is the main focus for this term. The children complete map work to locate the countries involved and learn about the causes of the conflict. They investigate the jobs people played during the war such as air raid wardens. We teach the children about the chronology of the war and how the Blitz impacted upon people's lives. The children look at the role of propaganda and how this shows bias. To finish the topic, there is a visit to the Severn Valley Railway which helps the children understand what it would have been like to be evacuated. For children who participate in the residential visit to France, we spend one day visiting the Normandy beaches that experienced the D-Day landings.
Geography |
Autumn Term
During this term, children will learn about 'Europe' including studies of rivers, mountains and volcanoes but with added emphasis on human geography-looking at political links with EU and the debate about stay/go.
During this term the children learn about volcanoes. They research the physical processes that occur near to volcanoes and how these geographical features impact on humans. Furthermore, children complete independent research and present their findings to their class.
Spring Term
There is a historical focus for this term.
Summer Term
There is a historical focus for this term - however the children use their map reading skills when exploring the conflicts during World War II.
Physical Education (PE) |
Each week the children have two PE lessons – the weather will have an impact on whether this is indoor or outdoor. In the first lesson of each half term, the children complete a cross-country run around the school grounds (weather permitting).
Autumn Term
Mr. Burnham will work on team games and skills such as Football this term. Children will also receive external coaching of Tennis until half term, developing their skills in serving and returning a ball. After half term, we will start to practice the skills and activities for Indoor Athletics, which will include running, jumping, and throwing. Children will also continue to develop dance and gymnastics skills.
Spring Term
Children will be learning how to play Volleyball this term – skills will include serving, returning a ball and different types of passes. The children will play Hockey with Mr. Burnham – learning skills such as dribbling the ball, as well as accurate and safe passing. They may also continue with dance and gymnastics, weather dependent.
Summer Term
During the Summer Term, the majority of PE lessons will be outside. The children will develop their cricket skills and compete in short games of pairs cricket. They will also practise a range of athletic disciplines including sprinting, hurdles, long-jump, high-jump, javelin and relay. We will also play Rounders, practicing skills of accurate passing, hand eye coordination in their hitting and of course, team work.
Art |
Throughout Year 6, pupils will be taught to develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
Autumn Term
During the Autumn term, the children will use pastels, charcoal and chalk to develop pictures inspired by the poem 'The Highwayman'. They focus on drawing self-portraits. Also this term the children create work inspired by World War I using different media.
Spring Term
In the Spring term, there is a focus on depicting people moving and creating the illusion of movement. The children will use a mixture of pastels, pencil and paint to create their artwork.
Summer Term
During the Summer, the children will use a mix of media including paint and collage to create artwork inspired by World War II.
Design and Technology (D&T) |
Autumn Term
The children use sculpting tools to create clay pots using air-dry clay.
Spring Term
The children develop their skills of sewing. They learn the practical skill of sewing, learning how to sew a button which links to the 'make do and mend' ethos encouraged during World War II.
Summer Term
The children will learn about how structures are engineered. They will look at how a range of bridges are constructed and how structural strength is achieved. This project will conclude with a team challenge to create the strongest bridge from paper and sticky tape. The bridges will be tested to destruction.
Music |
During Year 6, the children will be taught to play the ukulele by a specialist teacher from Solihull Music Service. Throughout the year the children learn to read music and perform a range of different songs including recent chart hits.
Religious Education (RE) |
We follow the locally agreed Solihull syllabus for RE.
Autumn Term
The children begin to understand why some people are imprisoned unfairly. They sympathise and empathise on what they value and what is important in life. They learn how to support others and learn about the work of Amnesty International. They learn about Martin Luther King and reflect on his achievements regarding equal rights. Pupils find out about the importance of the Lord’s Prayer to Christians. They know that different religions have different words for God and that God is Love is the main Christian belief. They find out about prophecy and learn the Christmas story.
Spring Term
During the Spring Term, the children learn about Hinduism. The children find out about how a Hindu worships at home or Mandir and what all the contents of the Puja tray represent. They find out about the aarti ceremony and learn about Krishna the Charioteer and Arjun’s personal battle. The children reflect upon duty and learn what Aum represents for the Hindu religion. They learn about a variety of Hindu deities including Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva.
Also this term the children discuss the beliefs different religions have about death, which is a topic treated with particular sensitivity by staff. The children find out about what Christians believe happened to the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion and hear the story of the raising of Lazarus.
Summer Term
In the context of Christianity, children learn what retribution is and why God wanted to punish his people. They understand what a promise is and why we make them. They find out about what a Gospel is and understand the differences between the Gospel writers. Also this term the children learn that places have religious significance and understand what pilgrimage is.
Primary Modern Language |
This year the children will learn a new language so that they can begin to make comparisons between different modern foreign languages. It also gives children an opportunity to sample a taster of other potential languages they may learn at secondary school. We will be studying German where the children will learn how to introduce themselves - describing themselves, their hobbies and their life in-depth.
Autumn Term
This term, the children will be learning how to say numbers from 1-100, how to introduce themselves and how to describe their physical features.
Spring Term
During this term, the children will further their progress by learning how to introduce family members (including pets), their hobbies and their school lives.
Summer Term
In the final term, the children will learn how to describe where they live and the world around them.
Personal and Social Development (PSD) |
We are now following and using resources from our latest PSHE curriculum called Jigsaw, which is a mindful approach to PSHE.
Autumn Term
Being Me in my World
This unit starts the year off my looking at starting a new school year, making others feel welcome but also how we can work with others to achieve our targets.
Celebrating Differences
The children will be thinking about what 'normal' means, how it might feel to have a disability and research some people with disabilities who have made incredible achievements. During this half term, the children will celebrate kindness week, when we will focus on bullying.
Spring Term
Dreams and Goals
To start the new year off, the children will be thinking about learning goals and steps to success they might need to take. We will also be thinking about problems around the world and how we can make a small difference.
Healthy Me
As the warm weather approaches, we will be thinking about how food affects our body. We will then move on to to discuss types of drugs including alcohol and their effect on the body. Linked to this, children will explore mental health and how to manage stress. We will also be learning some basic emergency aid procedures
Summer Term
Relationships
The children will be thinking about significant people in their life as well as the emotions associated with losing people close to us. This will lead to thinking about how to show respect especially when using technology.
Changing Me
For the final unit this year, children will be thinking about growing up including the changes they will go through in puberty. We will also learn about what physical attraction is and children will have the opportunity to learn about sexual reproduction.
As the children get ready to move to their new schools, they are supported to make the transition as smooth as possible - we will talk about worries and concerns they may have as well as what they are looking forward to..
Curriculum Enrichment
In addition to the academic curriculum outlined above, Year 6 also offers: