Welcome to Year 6! 🌟

We are excited to welcome you to a fantastic year of learning, challenge, and growth. Year 6 is an important and memorable time where children develop independence, confidence, and a love of learning as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. Throughout the year, we will explore engaging topics across the curriculum, work together to solve problems, and celebrate each child’s achievements. We look forward to a wonderful year filled with curiosity, hard work, and success.

This term in our History Enquiry, the children will explore World War I and World War II and investigate the enquiry question: How did the World Wars change our local area and the world we live in today? They will begin by learning about the causes of both wars, the key countries involved, and the important alliances that led to conflict. The children will place significant events on a historical timeline to help them understand when the wars happened and how the events are connected.

The children will then explore what life was like for people during the wars, particularly on the Home Front. They will learn about rationing, evacuation, the roles women played in supporting the war effort, and the impact of the Blitz on towns and cities. Using historical sources such as posters, photographs, and diary extracts, the children will investigate how ordinary people lived during wartime and how their lives changed because of the conflict.

As part of the topic, the children will also learn about the experiences of soldiers during both wars. They will explore the difficult conditions faced by soldiers in the trenches during World War I and compare this with the experiences of soldiers, airmen, and sailors during World War II. By studying key battles and examining historical evidence such as letters, maps, and photographs, the children will develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced during wartime.

The children will also make links to local history, learning about the important role Lincolnshire played during the wars. They will explore why the county was known as “Bomber County” and how its flat land made it ideal for building RAF airfields. They will also learn how local communities contributed through farming, industry, and supporting the war effort.

Finally, the children will reflect on the impact the wars had on soldiers, civilians, and communities, and why these events are remembered today. They will learn about remembrance, memorials, and ceremonies that honour those who served and sacrificed. Their learning will culminate in a Remembrance assembly to raise money for the Royal British Legion at the beginning of next term, helping them understand the importance of remembering the past and recognising the sacrifices made during the World Wars.

Please see below this term's newsletter and enquiry mat.

English

Children created freeze frames to show important moments from the poem Dulce et Decorum Est. In groups, they used their bodies and facial expressions to form still images of scenes from the poem, such as tired soldiers marching through the mud, the sudden gas attack, and the panic of soldiers trying to put on their gas masks. The freeze frames helped the children understand the emotions and dangers the soldiers experienced during war. By acting out these moments without moving or speaking, they were able to explore the poem’s powerful message about the reality of war

Art 

Children created wartime artwork inspired by the drawings of Henry Moore. They explored how Moore showed people sheltering during air raids in his famous shelter sketches. Using pencils, charcoal, and shading, the children drew groups of people resting and hiding in underground shelters. They focused on shape, shadow, and expression to show how people might have felt during wartime. This activity helped the children understand how artists used their work to record experiences during war and express emotions through art

Science

In Science, the children explored different types of materials by sorting them into opaque, transparent, and translucent groups. They investigated how light travels through each material and discussed why some objects allow light to pass through while others block it. The children also explored shadows, observing how shadows form and how they change size and direction when the light source moves. They were introduced to the idea of Refraction, learning how light bends when it passes through materials such as water or glass. Through hands-on investigation and discussion, the children developed a deeper understanding of light and how it behaves.

PSHE 

In PSHE, the children worked together in teams to design and build bridges that could hold small toy cars. They discussed ideas, shared materials, and supported one another while testing different structures. Through teamwork and problem-solving, the children learned the importance of communication, cooperation, and perseverance. After building their bridges, they tested them to see if they were strong enough to hold the cars, celebrating their successes and reflecting on how they could improve their designs.

Parent Event

During a special parent event, the children shared the art skills they have been learning by teaching their parents how to create wartime-inspired artwork based on the work of Henry Moore. The children explained the techniques they had practised, such as sketching, shading, and using simple shapes to show people sheltering during wartime. Working together, families created their own drawings inspired by Moore’s shelter sketches. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to demonstrate their learning, build confidence, and enjoy being creative with their parents.