YEAR 6 - Haddon and Hardwick
Welcome Year 6!
We hope you had a wonderful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting and busy Spring term! This term is packed with new learning, challenges, and opportunities, and we can't wait to see all of you shine. From interesting topics to fun activities and plenty of opportunities to show your talents, there's so much to look forward to.
We're thrilled to support each of you in making this term your best yet. Let's work together, stay curious, and make the most of every moment as we head towards the final stages of your primary school journey. Here's to a fantastic and memorable Spring term!
What We're Learning This Half Term
Mathematics:
This Spring term in Maths, we will be diving into some exciting and important topics! We'll begin by exploring algebra, where you'll learn to work with patterns and solve equations using letters and numbers. Next, we'll focus on measurement, helping you to confidently convert between different units and solve real-life problems. We’ll also be mastering fractions, percentages, and decimals, where you'll understand how to compare, convert, and calculate with these key concepts. It's going to be a term full of problem-solving, discovering new strategies, and applying your skills to a range of challenges. We’re looking forward to seeing you all excel in these areas!
English:
In Writing this Spring term, we will be building on our grammar and punctuation skills to ensure we are all well-prepared for the upcoming exams. We’ll be focusing on becoming more confident writers by practising a range of techniques to improve our sentence structure, punctuation use, and overall writing style. One exciting area we’ll explore is writing a third-person narrative, where you’ll have the opportunity to create stories from a new perspective. We’ll also work on producing an explanatory text, where you will learn how to clearly explain ideas and processes in a structured way. Additionally, we will be studying sonnets, particularly those linked to World War 2, allowing you to explore the emotional depth and historical context of poetry. As we write, we’ll link these tasks to our class novel and other subjects in our wider curriculum, allowing you to connect your writing with the themes and knowledge you are learning across different areas. By the end of the term, you will be more skilled and confident in your writing, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way!
Science:
In Science this Spring term, we will be exploring two fascinating topics: Living Things and Electricity.
First, we'll study how living things are classified into broad groups based on their common observable characteristics. You’ll learn how plants, animals, and even microorganisms can be sorted according to their similarities and differences. We’ll discuss the importance of classifying living things based on specific characteristics, such as body structure, behaviour, and the environment in which they live. Next, we will move on to Electricity, where we’ll investigate how the brightness of a lamp or the volume of a buzzer is linked to the number and voltage of cells used in a circuit. You’ll have the chance to compare and explain how different components function, such as why bulbs may appear brighter or buzzers louder depending on the setup. Additionally, we will explore how to use recognized symbols to represent simple circuits in diagrams, helping you to understand and design your own circuits with ease. It’s going to be an exciting term full of discoveries!
Curriculum Focus:
History:
History this Spring term is going to be an absolutely fascinating subject, full of excitement and real-life drama! The Battle of Britain is such an important and thrilling topic to study, as it highlights the courage and determination of the British people during one of the most challenging times in history. You’ll not only learn about the daring air battles and strategies of the Royal Air Force, but you’ll also uncover the powerful reasons behind why war was declared and how the country responded through rationing, the blackout, and evacuations. This subject brings history to life, making you feel like you are experiencing it first hand. From the brave actions of soldiers in the air to the resilience of civilians on the ground, every lesson will show you how people lived, fought, and survived through incredible adversity. Studying the Battle of Britain gives you a deeper understanding of the past and its lasting impact on the world today, making it a truly exciting and valuable subject!
Geography:
In Geography this Spring term, we will be studying Global Challenges and Climate Change, a highly relevant and important topic in today’s world. Climate change and global warming are issues that affect everyone, and we’ll explore what causes these environmental changes, as well as the effects they have on the planet. You’ll learn about the impact on ecosystems, weather patterns, and how land use is contributing to these challenges. We will also focus on the actions we can take, both individually and collectively, to make a difference in slowing down climate change and protecting the environment. This is a crucial topic that will not only help you understand the world we live in but also inspire you to think about solutions for a more sustainable future. It’s an exciting and thought-provoking subject that will help you see the world from a global perspective!
PE:
In PE next half term, we’ll be focusing on Gymnastics and Tag Rugby, both of which will help you build important skills like teamwork and communication. In Gymnastics, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your strength, flexibility, and balance while working together with classmates to perform routines and support one another. In Tag Rugby, we’ll focus on improving your agility, coordination, and understanding of the game, while also strengthening your ability to communicate effectively with your team. Both activities will challenge you to work together, trust each other, and support one another, making this an exciting and rewarding term for developing both your physical abilities and your teamwork skills!
RE:
In the next term children will be exploring six key questions in Religious Education, centered around the themes of beliefs and the actions of others in the world. These questions will encourage them to think critically about how different belief systems shape people's actions, values, and decisions. Through discussions and activities, students will explore how religion influences individuals and communities, and how beliefs can motivate positive change, conflict, or compassion in the world. By examining these questions, children will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways people practice their faiths and the impact of these beliefs on society.
PSHE:
In the next term, children will focus on growing up and the responsibilities that come with it in their PSHE lessons. They will explore what it means to grow and change, both physically and emotionally, and how these changes influence their relationships, decisions, and actions. The lessons will encourage them to understand the importance of taking responsibility for their choices, managing their emotions, and respecting others. Through discussions, activities, and role-playing, students will reflect on their growing independence, the responsibilities they have towards themselves and others, and how to navigate challenges as they mature.
Spanish:
In Spanish this term, children will be learning all about towns and the vocabulary associated with them. They'll explore how to describe different places and buildings, such as "la plaza" (the square), "la iglesia" (the church), "el parque" (the park), and "el mercado" (the market). Students will also learn how to talk about the size of towns using words like "pequeño" (small) and "grande" (big), and describe what you can do in these places, for example, "ir de compras" (to go shopping) or "pasear" (to stroll). Through this, they will be able to have simple conversations about their own town and compare it with others in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a great way to connect language learning with the world around us!
Homework:
At Maltby Manor Academy, we are committed to supporting your child's learning at home. In Key Stage 2, our homework is designed to build key skills and foster a love of learning.
Here’s what to expect:
- Times Table Rock Stars – Practice times tables daily using TT Rockstars to build multiplication skills and confidence.
- Daily Reading – Record all reading activities in your child's planner. Regular reading at home is key to developing comprehension and fluency.
- Weekly Spelling Sheets – Focused activities to develop accurate and confident spelling. Handed out on a Friday returned by Wednesday.
- Curriculum Homework Menu – A choice of creative, engaging tasks linked to your child’s current topics.
- Year 6 SATs Revision – In Year 6, additional revision activities will be provided to help your child prepare for their SATs. These will focus on key skills in reading, writing, and mathematics to build confidence and readiness.
Our homework programme offers a variety of opportunities to enrich your child’s learning and strengthen the home-school partnership.
Thank you for your continued support in helping your child thrive!