AUTUMN TERM
CLASS NEWSLETTER 6F/6M
8th September 2020
Dear Parents,
We would like to take this opportunity to say how wonderful it is to have your children back in school. Despite lots of changes at school and new routines to learn, the children have settled in really well and seem genuinely happy to be back together, and are approaching their learning with enthusiasm.
Here is an outline of the work we will be covering this term. We hope this is helpful so you can support their learning at home. Working together is so important to ensure the children’s best progress.
Main Topic
In the first half term, we will be conducting a UK study concentrating on land-use, comparing city and country, local government and sustainability. Children will use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate different areas of the UK and describe features studied.
In the second half term, we will be comparing geographical similarities and differences between the United Kingdom and Spain. We will be focusing on culture, religion, land-use patterns and identifying key topographical features (including hills, mountains, coasts and rivers).
English
This term the children will write recounts, fact files and monologues encouraging the children to discuss their recent experiences in terms of COVID-19 and focus on developing their growth mindset. We feel this will be beneficial for the children’s wellbeing during this time. During the autumn term, the children will be encouraged to: read with understanding; compare texts, plays and films; plan effectively; investigate viewpoints; read and write poetry, non-fiction, stories and scripts. This work will be linked to the texts ‘We are Awesome’ by Matthew Syed and ‘The Highwayman’ by Alfred Noyes. The children will learn key spelling rules and apply them. Reading will be taught through shared class reading, short stories, poems and comprehensions.
Maths
As the children may have missed some key learning from Year 5, we will be revisiting key concepts from this year group to ensure we address any gaps in their learning.
In addition to this, we will cover:
Approximating, place value, decimals, ordering positive and negative numbers on scales
Interpret percentages as fractions and decimals
Square numbers up to 20 x 20, patterns and factors
Co-ordinates in 4 quadrants
Measure – area and perimeter
Fractions – simplifying, ordering, adding and subtracting fractions
Volume using cm³, m³, ml, l and equivalents
Distances on maps and scale drawings
Mental addition and subtraction
Apply and explain methods to solve multi-step problems
Science
Animals including humans
Children will identify and name the main parts of the human circulatory system, and explain the functions of the heart, blood vessels and blood. They will recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function. Finally, they will be able to describe the ways in which nutrients and water are transported within animals, including humans.
Electricity
The children will be taught to:
- use recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram.
- associate the brightness of a lamp or the volume of a buzzer with the number and voltage of cells used in the circuit.
- compare and give reasons for variations in how components function, including the brightness of bulbs, the loudness of buzzers and the on/off position of switches.
RE
Units from ‘The Way the Truth and the Life’ – The Kingdom of God (first half term)
- To know about the kingdom of God and reflect on its meaning for us.
- To understand that everyone is invited into the Kingdom of God.
- To consider ways to share this Good News
- To explore our commitment to the Kingdom of God:
- To understand the words and actions necessary to show our commitment to the kingdom.
Justice (second half term)
- To understand the meaning of justice and be aware that we are all called to work for justice.
- To know about some people who have been persecuted for speaking out about injustice.
- To know some people who work for justice and reflect on what we can learn from them.
- To understand that we are all called to help one another.
- To know that Advent s a time when we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
- To know abut the Mystery of the Incarnation and reflect on its importance for us.
Class Routines
Monday Music, Computing (6M) RE
Tuesday PE (6M), Spanish
Wednesday PE (6F),
Thursday Art, Topic
Friday Computing, Music (6F)
Please ensure the children come into school wearing their PE kits on the day they do PE. PE kits should be in line with school uniform policy.
Homework:
Reading expectations: Children are expected to read for 20-30 minutes at least five times a week.
They should keep a record of pages read nightly and write a brief comment. Once weekly the children are expected to complete one of the reading journal tasks which can be found in their reading journals. Please encourage your children to read a variety of literature including newspapers, magazines and advertising material. Please refer to the year 6 reading list for suggestions of good books.
Spellings: Friday for test the following week.
Maths Homework: Children access MyMaths throughout the week to maintain and support the learning in school. We will check this regularly and support the children where necessarily. The children also have log in details for SumDog, which is an interactive maths platform, that the children can access throughout the week. We suggest between 1 ½ – 2 hrs per week: little and often is more effective. The national expectation is that children know their times tables up to x 12 by the end of year 4. Please support your child in learning these key facts as this will really support their learning in class.
Dates for your diary:
October
Half term Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October
Monday 2nd November INSET day – staff only
December
Christmas Holiday Monday 21st December – Monday 4th January
School breaks up for Christmas holidays on Friday 18th December. Children return to school on
Monday 4th January.
Thank you for your support in advance. If you have any queries at all, please email your child’s class teacher on jmiller65.209@lgflmail.org or cfalconer1.209@lgflmail.org.
Warmest regards,
Jo Miller and Cath Falconer