The Year Six Curriculum

Year 6 Curriculum

Literacy

In Literacy we follow the National Curriculum and we cover a range of fiction and non-fiction texts throughout the year including:

  • narrative writing alongside the power of reading scheme

  • diary entries

  • newspaper reports

  • play scripts

  • poetry

  • reports

  • instructions

  • reports

  • persuasive writing

  • explanations

  • recounts

We also work on spelling, grammar and punctuation. The pupils are also encouraged to develop their speaking and listening skills.


Book Study

Autumn - Street Child by Berlie Doherty

Spring - Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll

Summer - Holes by Louis Sachar

The pupils study these books in great detail. It is advised that your child has a copy of each book in school as the pupils complete lots of activities based on the text, however this is not a requirement. We ask that, if possible, the children do not read these beforehand.


Numeracy

In numeracy we follow the National Curriculum, supported by the White Rose scheme of work and we teach a wide range of mathematical concepts which are revisited and reinforced as follows:

  • place value

  • addition and subtraction

  • multiplication and division

  • properties of a number

  • fractions, decimals and percentages

  • geometry - translation, symmetry and coordinates.

  • decimals

  • algebra

  • measure - convert units

  • perimeter, area and volume

  • ratio and proportion

  • properties of shape

  • handling data

  • problem solving

  • measures including time

The pupils often work in pairs to help them to discuss the problem and share known maths facts.


Science

In the autumn term, pupils learn about living things and their habitats and evolution, adaptation and inheritance.

During the spring term, we investigate light and your eye and circulation.

In the summer, we look at being healthy and electricity.

Each term every pupil has the opportunity to participate in an 'Outdoor Learning Day'. The pupils wear suitable outdoor clothing and explore the habitat in detail.


History and Geography

We study the Victorians in the autumn term. Pupils also take part in a Victorian day, when they dress up as Victorians and enjoy a range of activities.

In the spring term, we learn about World War Two.

During the summer term, we study North America, including earthquakes as well as energy and the environment, map and field work.


Computing

During the autumn term, the children learn about computer programming using CS First and creating a Google Logo. We use 'Scratch' to create algorithms and develop use of variables.

In the spring term, the children will use BBC micro:bits to develop their coding skills. They will also be using video editing software to promote their current Book Study text.

In the summer term, we focus on planning and event using GSuite programs and bringing together the skills learnt throughout the pupils time at CHJ.


RE

In the autumn term, we learn about creation and science and the relationship between the two. We think about different religions and why they might believe in god.

In the spring term, we study Hinduism and then discuss Jesus and how he saved people.

In the summer, we discuss why some people might have faith and how it might help them in their lives.


Music

In music, children will be following the Charanga scheme. This scheme teaches various musical skills, focusing on one song every half term. The children will listen to songs, appraise them, sing them and compose beats and musical improvisation around them.


PE

In outdoor PE they take part in football, netball, tag rugby, basketball, athletics, cricket and tennis. In the summer term they also have a weekly swimming lesson in the school pool.

In indoor PE children will begin by working on their fitness and teamwork skills. They will move on to participate in gymnastics, dance and indoor table tennis. Pupils have the opportunity to work on their own, in pairs or smalls groups to create their own gymnastics sequences and dance routines.


Art

Year 6 Art begins in the autumn term with pupils making observational drawings and enlarging these. They then move on to draw portraits of themselves and each other, before examining how to draw from different perspectives.

In the spring term, children look at how imagery and colour are used in propaganda images, before creating their own propaganda and making stencils, to examine how stenciling can be used for graffiti.

In the summer term, children examine how to create different effects with their drawing, with the optical illusions of movement, and how to make objects look 3D.


DT


Building on their skills from previous DT units, each term in Year 6, the children focus on one DT project. They continue to analyse products in more detail, create their own design specifications, use proto-types and produce and evaluate a finished product. They build resilience by problem solving and altering designs where necessary.


In the Autumn term, the pupils look at making fairground rides, building on their previous knowledge of 3D structures and using circuits in products.


For the Spring term, the children look at Food technology, with sustainability of food, carbon footprints and follow recipes that link to this, before designing their own menu.


In the Summer term, the children focus on sewing skills and make their own memory cushion.


PSHE/RSE

At Coombe Hill, we will be following the new statutory RSE curriculum as outlined by the government.

In autumn, we will learn about what makes a community, looking at values and customs from around the world. We will move onto a discussion of "being enterprising", learning about growth mindset and mindful action in the world, as well as money and budgeting.

In spring, we will learn about what makes a happy and healthy relationship. This includes friendships, family relationships and anti-bullying. After spring half term, we will study sex education, discussing respectful relationships.

In summer, we will teach the children how to keep themselves safe: first aid; drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness; health and illness. We will discuss feelings around transition and how they can protect their mental health in a period of change.


French

In French we will revise and revisit key vocabulary covered in previous learning (greetings, numbers, colours, parts of the body, pets, dates, numbers) and introduce new vocabulary related to food, clothing, towns and directions, hobbies, weather and rooms in a school. Pupils also have time to develop their cultural understanding, looking at maps and researching France as a country. Weekly lessons include opportunities for reading, writing and speaking.