In English, children will study 'Island: A Story of the Galápagos' by Jason Chin, a beautifully illustrated non-fiction narrative that explores the formation and unique ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands. Students will engage with the text's dual narrative structure, examining how it blends factual information with imaginative storytelling. They will develop their understanding of evolution, adaptation, and natural selection through the lens of the islands' remarkable wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and finches. Children will produce a range of writing outcomes, including non-chronological reports, explanatory texts, and creative narratives inspired by the setting. Through close reading and discussion, pupils will build subject-specific vocabulary related to geology, geography, and biology, while exploring how writers use language and illustration to engage and inform readers.

Key Vocabulary: Galápagos, volcanic island, ecosystem, species, evolution, adaptation, natural selection, endemic, habitat, biodiversity, isolation, migration, geological formation, non-chronological report, explanatory text, dual narrative, illustration, factual information, Charles Darwin, unique wildlife

In Mathematics, children will deepen their understanding of measurement by exploring the relationship between area and perimeter, recognising that shapes with the same areas can have different perimeters and vice versa. Pupils will learn to calculate the area of parallelograms and triangles using appropriate formulae, understanding when and why these formulae can be applied. They will extend their knowledge of volume by calculating, estimating, and comparing the volume of cubes and cuboids using standard units, including cubic centimetres (cm³), cubic metres (m³), and other units such as mm³ and km³. Through practical activities and problem-solving, children will develop fluency in using formulae and applying their understanding to real-life contexts, building confidence in working with two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.

Key Vocabulary: area, perimeter, volume, formula/formulae, parallelogram, triangle, base, perpendicular height, cube, cuboid, cubic centimetre (cm³), cubic metre (m³), cubic millimetre (mm³), cubic kilometre (km³), calculate, estimate, compare, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, standard units, length, width, height

In Geography, children will explore the key question 'Why does the population change?' focusing on aspects of human geography. Students will investigate factors that influence population change, including birth rates, death rates, migration, urbanisation, and economic development. They will examine case studies from different regions, including how and why populations grow, decline, or shift over time. Children will use fieldwork skills to observe, measure, record, and present data related to population patterns in their local area. Through maps, graphs, and other geographical tools, pupils will learn to communicate geographical information clearly and accurately, developing their understanding of how human and physical factors interact to shape the world's population distribution.

Key Vocabulary: population, population change, birth rate, death rate, migration, immigration, emigration, urbanisation, rural, urban, population density, census, economic development, push factors, pull factors, demography, settlement, fieldwork, data collection, human geography, population distribution

In Science, children will explore the concept of variation, learning that it refers to differences between organisms. Students will understand that a species is a group of similar organisms that can reproduce to create offspring. Children will investigate variation between individuals of the same species and different species using real-life examples and images.

Students will also learn about animal adaptations—characteristics that improve survival in a habitat. Children will explore how animals such as penguins, polar bears, camels, and desert foxes are adapted to survive in extreme polar and desert environments. Through observation and discussion, students will develop their understanding of how living things are suited to their habitats.

Key Vocabulary: variation, organism, species, offspring, reproduce, adaptation, survival, habitat, extreme environments, polar, desert, camouflage, insulation, characteristics

In PSHE, children will follow the Jigsaw programme, focusing on the 'Healthy Me' unit. Pupils will explore the impact of lifestyle choices on physical and mental health, including the effects of smoking, alcohol, and other substances. They will learn about healthy eating, the importance of balanced diets, and how to manage stress and pressure in positive ways. Children will also consider issues around body image, self-esteem, and media influence, developing strategies to maintain emotional wellbeing. Through discussion and reflection, pupils will set personal health goals and understand the importance of making informed, responsible decisions that support long-term health and happiness.

Key Vocabulary: lifestyle, physical health, mental health, wellbeing, substance, smoking, alcohol, pressure, stress, balanced diet, nutrition, body image, self-esteem, media influence, informed decisions, responsible choices, emotional health, peer pressure, resilience, health goals.

In Vocabulary, children will build on their knowledge of the Years 5–6 National Curriculum word list, focusing on accurate spelling, pronunciation, and understanding of challenging tier 2 and tier 3 vocabulary. Pupils will explore words related to science and geography (physical, temperature, system, environment), as well as academic language used across the curriculum (relevant, thorough, individual, explanation). They will also encounter vocabulary linked to historical and scientific concepts, including evolution, natural selection, extinction, revolution, and colony/colonise. Through regular exposure and contextual use, children will develop confidence in using ambitious vocabulary accurately in their writing and speech.

Key Vocabulary: accommodate, apparent, average, environment, excellent, existence, explanation, individual, occur, physical, pronunciation, relevant, system, temperature, thorough, variety, revolutionary, emerge, transform, exchange, magnificent, stirring, frequent, flourish, several, evolution, endemic, seamount, natural selection, extinction, descendants, terrain, elevation, colony, colonise

In Spelling, children will follow the Pathways to Spell programme, consolidating the Years 5–6 statutory word list and building mastery through repeated exposure. Students will practise converting nouns and adjectives into verbs using suffixes (-ate, -ise, -ify), and explore words with /ʃən/ endings spelled -tion, -sion, -ssion and -cian. They will also focus on words ending in -able/-ably and -ible/-ibly, understanding the subtle spelling patterns that govern these suffixes. Homophones and near-homophones will be revisited to ensure accurate spelling of commonly confused words. Children will continue to develop independence and self-correction skills through the use of a personal spelling log.

Key Vocabulary: suffix, homophone, near-homophone, convert, verb, noun, adjective, -ate, -ise, -ify, -tion, -sion, -ssion, -cian, -able, -ably, -ible, -ibly, confused words

In Year 6, home learning is all about helping children sharpen their superskills, become independent learners, and build brilliant habits that will last a lifetime! Reading is our number one mission, and we'd love children to dive into a book at least five times a week, logging their adventures in their Reading Log. They'll also craft one creative entry in their Writing Log each week, which we'll check and celebrate at the end of each block.

For Maths, a MyMaths challenge will launch every Tuesday. Children are also invited to power up their skills anytime with MyMaths and TT Rockstars—perfect for building confidence and speed! A homework file packed with weekly tasks will journey home and should return each Wednesday.

Home learning is optional, but we love to celebrate effort and consistency! Children who show true dedication throughout the year can earn our legendary Reading Star and Writing Star awards.

In Computing, our topic for this block is We Are Connected. In this unit, pupils use the school’s blogging platform to explore how people communicate and interact through social media. They begin by agreeing on clear guidelines for respectful online discussion before researching a chosen topic and learning how to judge whether online information is reliable. Pupils then share and justify their own viewpoints using appropriate sources, while practising respectful and tolerant responses to others’ opinions. As the unit progresses, they reflect further on the reliability of online information and explore important issues such as online bullying and how to respond safely and responsibly. By the end of the unit, pupils will have developed key digital citizenship skills, including critical thinking, respectful communication, and safe online behaviour.

Key Vocabulary: Blog, Fake news, Hyperlink, Neutral point of view, Online bullying, Reliable, Social media, Source

Canvas Painting Inspired by The Island In Year 6, children create canvas paintings inspired by The Island, exploring atmosphere, meaning and storytelling through paint. Pupils plan compositions carefully, using colour, tone and texture to show mood, place and emotion. They develop techniques such as blending, layering and brush control to build depth and detail. Sketchbooks support experimentation, artist references and refining ideas before final outcomes. 

Key vocabulary: canvas, composition, mood, atmosphere, tone, texture, layering, blending, colour palette, foreground, background, perspective, detail, evaluate, refine.

You’ve Got a Friend 

In Year 6, pupils explore expressive singing and musicianship through You’ve Got a Friend. Children develop control of pitch, phrasing and breath as they sing with sensitivity and confidence. They perform layered instrumental parts, focusing on balance and blending to create a polished ensemble sound. Listening and appraisal tasks help pupils describe how tempo, dynamics and texture shape mood. Pupils also create short compositions using chords, patterns and melody. 

Key vocabulary: pitch, phrasing, dynamics, tempo, texture, harmony, chords, melody, accompaniment, balance, blend, ensemble, compose, perform, evaluate.

Island + News-Style Performance 

In Year 6, pupils explore themes from Island through drama, creating thoughtful performances that communicate message and mood. Children develop mature skills in character, narration and staging, using movement and voice to build atmosphere and meaning. They apply these skills in a news-style performance, learning how to present clearly, structure information, and use role and expression to engage an audience. Pupils rehearse independently and refine using critique. 

Key vocabulary: news-style, narration, structure, character, atmosphere, staging, ensemble, voice, expression, pace, tension, movement, space, audience, evaluate.

The Island 

This block, classes 6B and 6D will be taking part in dance lessons designed to build confidence, creativity, and enjoyment through movement.

In Year 6, pupils create powerful dances inspired by The Island, exploring themes of community, belonging and change. Children use motifs, relationships and group structures to communicate meaning, building sequences that include unison, contrast and dynamic shifts. They develop choreography with clear intent, refining transitions, spacing and performance quality. Pupils respond to feedback, rehearse independently and present polished group dances that show expression, control and strong stage presence. 

Key vocabulary: motif, intent, unison, contrast, dynamics, relationships, spacing, formation, transition, structure, timing, expression, choreography, refine, performance.

Striking & Fielding (Teeball/Cricket): Pupils refine their ability to bat with accuracy and power, bowl with consistency, and field tactically. They apply game strategies in competitive settings and evaluate performance.

Key Vocabulary: power, accuracy, consistency, tactical play, strategy, evaluation, competition 

This block, classes 6A and 6C will be taking part in swimming lessons designed to build confidence and enjoyment in the water. The programme follows a structured level system, ensuring steady progression tailored to each child’s ability. Alongside stroke development, pupils will learn important water safety and personal survival skills. The aim is for every child to leave Junior School as a competent, confident swimmer with the skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments.

Key Vocabulary: swimming, stroke, water safety, survival skills, confidence, progression