Maple Class is made up of our Year 6 children
Our Class Teacher is Ms Gunn and our Learning Support Assistant is Mrs Silcock.
Welcome to Maple Class!
Year 6 is a very important year for our children. As well as preparing for Statutory Tests, they also have to make the transition to secondary school. We aim to help them by arranging visits to their new schools, having visits from transition workers and trying to ensure they are working at the appropriate level for starting year 7.
Homework
Homework is given out on a Wednesday to be handed in the following Wednesday. We then work through the homework together in class. Therefore it is very important everyone returns their homework on time.
Spellings
Weekly spellings are based on a spelling rule. The children are encouraged to find words that fit the rule and add them to our spelling board. The spelling words are generated throughout the week and are tested on a Monday.
PE
PE is on Thursday afternoon. Could you please ensure your children always have the correct PE kit in school – this consists of a red t-shirt, black shorts and plimsolls/trainers.
All children are expected to be able to swim 25 metres by the time they leave year 6. Our swimming allocation is generally after the Spring half-term.
Spring Term 2018
Maple Class is hard at work in preparation for this year’s SATs tests. However, we do still try to have a lot of fun while we learn, and incorporate as many practical aspects into our week as possible.
Topic
Our Topic this term is Europe. As well as using maps to name and locate countries within Europe and finding out about physical features, climate, landmarks etc. the children will be researching the history of the European Union and the implications of Brexit.
English
We continue to use aspects of ‘Talk for Writing’ and base our teaching of English around a class novel. We’ve linked our first book this term to our topic and are reading ‘Waiting for Anya’ (which set in France) by Michael Murpurgo. This will be followed by ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar.
Grammar, punctuation and spelling are incorporated into each lesson and we will be covering a range of writing genres including reports, formal letters, biographies, instructions and narrative.
Daily reading practice is extremely important, therefore children spend 30 mins each day either reading with an adult or independently.
Maths
Negative numbers, BODMAS
Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals
Fractions
Geometry: properties of shape, finding missing angles
Algebra: formulae and number sequences
Measurement: area and perimeter, mass
Ratio and proportion
Science
Evolution
Light
Electricity
PE
Gymnastics
Invasion games
Athletics
Homework – SATs Practice books are supplied to the children and homework is set on a Wednesday to be handed in the following Wednesday. The children know that they can bring in their homework anytime throughout the week if they are struggling and ask for help.
Spelling – Weekly spellings are based on a spelling rule. The children are encouraged to find words that fit the rule and add them to our spelling board. The spelling words are generated throughout the week and are tested on a Monday.
Autumn Second Half Term 2017
Maple Class has been learning about Ancient Greece. We really enjoyed making our Greek masks.
Our budding Year 6 Athletes honed their track and field skills at a morning of sport at Durham Johnston School, coming 3rd overall in a very competitive field. All the children enjoyed participating in various sports which included relay races, standing long jump and a couple of very tricky obstacle races. A super morning of sport!
Autumn First Half Term 2017
Nissan Visit
Year 6 children encountered their first experience of the world of work when they visited the Nissan factory in Sunderland where they learned about manufacturing techniques and research in the work place. They explored how working as part of a team can help with their problem solving skills and also gave them an insight into various careers they may wish to persue. Many of the children claimed it was ‘ the best visit ever!’
Meccano Challenge
Over a four week period, Maple class designed and built their own Meccano models which were then exhibited and judged at an Engineering for Schools forum at Shildon Locomotion Museum. Although we were not overall winners, we were commended on some of our designs.
Topic: Ancient Greece
In topic, we are learning about the growth of the Greek Empire, City States and the political system. We are also finding out about the origins of the Olympic Games, the Battle of Marathon and Greek gods and goddesses. We will be learning about the past through a range of sources, including art, and educational visits. Our Ancient Greek topic will be enriched with a trip to Palace Green, Durham in December.
English
We continue to teach English through a class novel and use aspects of ‘Talk for Writing’ to teach our pupils how to be independent and thoughtful writers. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are incorporated into each lesson and we will be covering a range of genres in writing such as recounts (including biographies), reports, poetry and narrative throughout the term.
Maths
We will be covering: mental and written methods of arithmetic (including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals), fractions, time, mass, properties of shape – including area and perimeter – and algebra.
PE is on Thursdays. Please ensure your child has a PE kit in school. We are also embarking on the ‘daily mile’ so a pair of trainers, which could be kept in school, would be appreciated.
Homework – Is given on Wednesday to be handed in the following Wednesday.
Spelling – Weekly spellings are based on a spelling rule. The children are encouraged to find words that fit the rule and add them to their spelling books. Each Monday, they are given a spelling challenge based on the rule taught.
Multiplication Tables – we are trying hard to be able to rapidly recall multiplication and division facts. Therefore, a focus table is given each week to learn for a ‘times table challenge’ on Friday.