Year 6

 Curriculum Newsletter

Collaboration matters   Excellence in everything   Community first   Equity for everyone   Continuous growth

Autumn One: Human Rights - Pig Heart Boy

We will explore how we can respect each other whilst defending the rights of others.

English including Reading

We will be familiarising the children with writing for a variety of different audiences and purposes based on our book 'Pig Heart Boy'.This includes: monologue, diary, recount, newspaper article, advert.

We will incorporate our topic learning about the heart with our English writing. There will also be a focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG). In SPAG we will be revising word classes, parenthese, pronouns, adverbial, inverted commas, active and passive voice,  conjunctions and learning the keywords for year 5 and 6. In English, we will begin by writing a 1st person dilemma narrative.

Geography and History

Our topic for the Autumn term is ‘My local areas’’. Children will first find out about Croydon. They will explore changes in the geography of Croydon, finding out about the landscape, climate and locations of key historical sights. Children will also develop their map and atlas skills and practise reading and writing coordinates. They will research the physical and human changes in their local area. The final outcome will be children creating a re-imaged land use map which illustrates an improved aspect of Croydon. 

Maths

This term will start with focusing on children’s understanding of number, place value and revising the formal methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We will be focusing largely on arithmetic questions to ensure this is embedded.

Science

We will be learning about the circulatory system, the heart heart, lungs and the blood vessels through a range of theory and practical lessons. The children will consolidate and improve their understanding of how nutrients, blood and oxygen are transported around the body. 

Art / DT

In art, children will be introduced to the work Leonardo Di Vinci. They will review the techniques used in her work, so that they will be able to plan and produce their drawing of own portrait of Leonardo Di Vinci drawing of Anatomical Heart sketches.

French

In French this term, children will be learning French words for items of clothing. They will explore different descriptive words that are applicable to describe clothing in French.

Music

In music this term, the children will explore melody and music notation using musical notepad. They will listen to and learn about musical styles in greater depth.

They will enjoy and confidently sing and play different instrument. Listen carefully to one another and use expression to explore the intention of a composer.

R.E

We will be following the Croydon RE curriculum (SACREA). This half term we will learn about Buddhism and explore sacred texts and inspirational writing.

R.S.H.E

This term in R.S.H.E, children will be looking at relationship. They learn that everyone deserves respect and understand how to earn this from peer and adult. They also  learn about stereotyping and explore their opinions on different subject.

PE

The children will have PE on Monday (indoors ) and Thursday (outdoors). Children need to have their P.E kits in school these days following the uniform policy. Please note that PE will go ahead even in light rain.

Autumn Two: Human Rights - Stella by Starlight

We will explore how we can respect each other whilst defending the rights of others.

English including Reading

This term, Year Six will be continuing to focus on the theme of human right and the global changes caused by the human and civil right movement. They will explore the theme through their core text for this term, Stella by Starlight by Sharon. M. Draper. This book explores life during segregation in America. The text will help the children to explore the difficulties of coping in a world where choices were unfair. Linked to this, the class will work together on a writing outcome, of which will be a non- linear narrative where they are able to show a variety of writing skills, including the use of sentence structure for variety and a range of vocabulary for impact and effect.

Geography and History

In history this term, children will identify and compare changes during the British and global civil right movement.

They will be analysing different civil and human right changes that happened in the past using timeline of events.  

Children will use reliable sources of evidence to pose and answer questions in order to develop understanding, justify their viewpoints, respond to differences in opinion.

Maths

The focus for year 6 in mathematics is fractions. Simplifying, equivalent, mixed and improper fractions. The knowledge of times tables is essential in harnessing these skills.

Science

The children will gain the understanding of how to correctly classify living things based on their characteristics. They will use prior knowledge to actively engage when completing tasks.

Art / DT

In DT this term, year 6 will be focusing on investigating varieties of objects that uses air to function. Children will be introduced to the word ' pneumatic' and will explore object.

Linked to prior learning, children will be creating a beating heart using pneumatics system.   

French

The French topic this term is 'la familia' the children will deepen their understanding of the masculine and feminine ways in which various family members names are pronounced based on gender.

Music
R.E

This term the children will be learning about the teachings of the Buddha through stories and tales; how these can be applied to everyday life.

R.S.H.E

This term the children will learn how to understand the different emotions they may experience. They will engage with this through role plays and mindfulness. They will also be able to recognise the impact technology has on their physical and mental health through real life scenarios.

PE

During P.E lessons this term, children will be developing their team building, listening and communication, cooperation and confidence building skills in our indoor and outdoor activities. 

Spring One: Peace & Conflict - Goodnight Mister Tom

We will be answering the question 'is war ever a good thing?' during our learning this term.

English including Reading

Spring 1 captures Year 6 learning about the Global theme ‘Peace and Conflict.’ Our core text ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ by Michelle Magorian examines life during WWII and how it affects children and adults safety and way of living. Their final outcome will see children exploring the correct uses of tense to secure their understanding of how to confidently and correctly deliver an information leaflet.

Geography and History

Year 6 children will delve into the historical events surrounding the Blitz, a period during World War II when cities across Britain faced relentless aerial bombardment by the German Luftwaffe. Through a multi-faceted approach, children will explore the impact of these attacks on the daily lives of citizens and resilience shown in the face of adversity.

The children will zoom in on key cities that bore the brunt of the Blitz, providing children with a vivid understanding of the challenges faced by both adults and children during their tumultuous time. Exploring the stories of these cities will offer a poignant glimpse into the collective strength demonstrated by communities.

Maths

This spring term, children will continue to deepen their understanding of fraction. They will be focusing on equivalent fractions, decimals and percentage. They will be converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages, finding percentages of a quantity, solve percentage problems in context. Please engage with their learning by discussing concepts at home and supporting with any additional home work. 

Science

In the upcoming term, our Year 6 students will explore the fascinating world of electrical circuits. This unit is designed to provide a hands-on and engaging experience for your child as they explore the principles of electricity, circuits, and how they power various devices.

They will be Identifying common sources of electricity and understand the difference between static and current electricity. We will learn about essential components of an electrical circuit, such as wires, bulbs, batteries, and switches. Investigate how different arrangements of components affect the flow of electricity. They will also conduct experiments to understand the factors influencing the flow of electricity and record observations based on evidence.

We encourage you to engage with your child's learning by discussing their experiences with electrical circuits at home.

Art / DT

Armed with clay, brushes, and their imagination, children will bring their historical and linguistic knowledge to life. Crafting poppies becomes a form of creative expression, allowing them to channel their emotions and understanding of WWII into a tangible, visually striking piece of art.


The red poppy has long been associated with remembrance, inspired by the famous poem ‘In Flanders Field’ written during WWI. By creating clay poppies, children not only pay tribute to the fallen but also engage in a symbolic act of honouring the past, connecting generations through a shared language of art and history.

French

Building on our knowledge from last term, we will continue to develop our French, practising speaking in full setences, developing our speaking and listening skills. This will focus on daily routines.

Music

Using the English Model Music Curriculum, we will explore creative compositions.

R.E

We will explore the religion of Islam, where we will focus on thier lifestyle and their celebrations within the Islamic faith.

R.S.H.E

We will explore the concept of being safe. This includes how we can keep safe in the physical and online world.

PE

This term, year 6 focus in P.E. will be on games, specifically concentrating on the fundamental skills of passing and moving.

The primary objective of this term's P.E. lessons is to enhance children's understanding and proficiency in passing and moving within various game scenarios. These skills are essential not only for physical development but also for fostering teamwork, strategic thinking, and overall enjoyment of sports.

They will be introduced to different passing techniques, including chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes. We will learn to understanding the importance of movement without the ball is crucial in team sports.

They will develop communication skills; learn to work collaboratively with teammates throughout the term. 

Spring Two: Peace & Conflict - Goodnight Mister Tom / El Caminante

We will be answering the question 'is war ever a good thing?' during our learning this term.

English including Reading

Over the next couple of weeks, our Year 6 students will embarked on a thrilling journey through the world of narratives. They will explore the elements of storytelling, honed their descriptive language, and delve into character development using the short film ‘Alma’. Our young authors will have the opportunity to demonstrate not only their growing literacy skills but also their ability to think creatively and critically.

They will also immerse in the enchanting world of poetry by exploring the poem ‘The Highway man’ and learn to play with language to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery. 

Their final outcome this term is to create their own original poem based on their learning journey.

Geography and History

This Spring 2, year 6 will continue their exciting and educational exploration of World War II. Our focus will extend beyond the traditional understanding of battles and dates, as we delve into the role women played and the impact of propaganda during this pivotal period in history.

They will immerse themselves in the historical context of World War II, learning about the causes, major events, and consequences of the conflict. Through a combination of textbooks, documentaries, and interactive activities, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of this critical period.

A significant aspect of our curriculum will be dedicated to exploring the vital contributions of women during World War II. They will study the roles women played on the home front, in the workforce, and within the armed forces. Engaging discussions and projects will shed light on the challenges faced and the impact these women had on the course of history.

As we examine the various forms of propaganda used during World War II, children will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing posters, speeches, and media of the time. They will explore how propaganda was employed to shape public opinion, encourage enlistment, and promote patriotism.

To enhance the learning experience, we will integrate this historical period into other subjects. In art, they will have the opportunity to create wartime propaganda posters. Geography lessons will include understanding the global impact of the war, and in mathematics, we will explore statistics related to the conflict.

We encourage parents to actively engage with their children's learning. Conversations at home about World War II, women's roles, and propaganda will enhance their understanding and reinforce the connections between school and real-world events.

Maths

Our young mathematicians will be delving into the world of coordinate geometry. They will learn how to identify and plot coordinates in all four quadrants. Through engaging activities and practical exercises, they will develop the skills needed to navigate and interpret coordinates with confidence.  In addition, students will explore the concepts of area and perimeter within rectilinear shapes. By breaking down these shapes into simpler components, they will learn to calculate the area enclosed within them and measure the total length of their boundaries. Together, we can nurture their love for mathematics and empower them to thrive in their mathematical endeavours.

Science

Throughout this term, our students will delve into the fascinating world of light and vision. They will explore how light travels, uncovering the mysteries of reflection, refraction, and the behavior of light rays. Through hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations, they will gain a deeper understanding of the properties of light and how it shapes our perception of the world around us.

Additionally, the children will investigate the phenomenon of shadows and how they are formed. They will learn about the relationship between light sources, objects, and the shadows they cast, uncovering the principles of shadow formation and the factors that influence their size and shape.

Art / DT
French
Music
R.E
R.S.H.E
PE

Over the next few weeks, our students will have the opportunity to engage deeper into the world of football. We've designed an engaging program that focuses on not only the rules and skills of the game but also fosters great interaction among the children.

Football is not just about kicking a ball around; it's about teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. Through various drills, games, and team activities, our aim is to not only improve their physical abilities but also enhance their social skills and cooperation.

Summer One: Power & Governance - Trash

We will learn how we can use our knowledge to influence power.

English including Reading

This term, Year 6 will be exploring the text "Trash," which tells the compelling story of a group of homeless children who discover a life-changing secret. Through this text, students will have the opportunity to enhance their writing skills, culminating in the creation of their own narrative as their final outcome.

Geography and History
Maths
Science
Art / DT
French
R.S.H.E
PE

Summer Two: Power & Governance - Arabian Nights

We will learn how we can use our knowledge to influence power.

English including Reading

This term, Year 6 will be exploring the text "Trash," which tells the compelling story of a group of homeless children who discover a life-changing secret. Through this text, students will have the opportunity to enhance their writing skills, culminating in the creation of their own narrative as their final outcome.

Geography and History

This term, the children will be learning about The Islamic Civilisation, focusing on its spread in the 10th century. They will explore how it can be compared to Britain during the same era, examining the similarities and differences between the two civilisations.

Maths

This term our year 6 maths lesson will be through projects. The projects provide an opportunity to revisit many of the skills and curriculum content covered both in Year 6 and also the rest of Key Stage 2. This gives the the opportunity to ensure any possible gaps in understanding are addressed before children move on to secondary school. The projects have been designed to explore maths in real life contexts, allowing children to see how important maths is in all aspects of life. 

Science

This term in science, year 6 will be focusing on living things produce their offspring and adapt to suit in their environment and evolve to overcome challenges. They will be studying fossils to understand evolutional relationship of living things. Children will learn how species change overtime due to mutations and the stages of human evolution and compare modern humans with members of the same genus and family. 







Art

This term in DT, our year 6 children will be looking at quilt making. They will study how patchwork blankets are created and how they are traditionally used to tell stories. Using binka and cotton, children will revise and practice their stitching and threading technique . For their final outcome,  the children will create their own patterned quilt that depicts a simple scene to record a special memory of their time at Woodside. 

French
Music
R.E

In RE, the children will be learning about different religious pilgrimages, exploring the significance and practices of these important journeys in various faith traditions.

R.S.H.E

Children will be learning about Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) as part of our PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) curriculum. This is part of a carefully planned curriculum and it is implemented in a way to ensure our pupils can navigate the world around them safely. 

Part of these sessions involves the children watching a short video about relationships and the changes their bodies will be experiencing as they grow up.



PE

For P.E this term, year 6 will be focusing on rounders, They will learn hot to strike and field. They will also learn all key techniques for the game of rounders.