Last week in science, we were sorting ourselves out in groups like a game of guess who? We did this because our new unit is about Classification (which is to do with sorting animals and plants out using questions).  

In PE, we have been doing badminton (using the forehand grip, backhand grip, and thumb grip) as well as taking part in a boxing workshop where we have been doing skipping and pad work.

In literacy, we have started a new unit based on a book called Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo. The book is about an 11-year-old boy called Michael. His family are sailing around the world when they get lost in a storm. Michael and the dog (Stella) end up overboard. We are going to start our Independent Writing next week and will be continuing the story with our own ideas. Also, we began art this term and have been copying Maya drawings (Maya was before the Egyptians in history.) On Thursday 16th January, we had Barclays Bank come to us and explain about keeping safe with money, how to budget and had a tour of a mobile Barclays banking van.

For the past week in Year 6, we have been busy making our own waistcoats while designing them with pockets and buttons for extra detail. We have also been doing a new sport in PE which is archery - where we have been practising our aiming skills. In literacy, since it was Remembrance Day, we were writing a remembrance poem as we watched a video explaining how important Remembrance Day is and what the soldiers did for us. Also, in literacy, we finished our independent write for the Graveyard Book so we could perform our stories for Fright Night. Since then, we have been focusing on David Attenborough and writing a biography based on his achievements.

Since returning from PGL, we have been learning about The Graveyard book in literacy, and starting to write our first plot point. It is all about a man called Jack who is after a boy called Bod who lives in a graveyard. In our maths lessons, we have been focusing on multiplying numbers up to 4 digits by a two-digit number. In our P.E. lessons this half term, we have been working on basketball but particularly matches and focusing on passes. Also, in the afternoons, in science we have been learning about evolution and Charles Darwin. In history, we are learning about WW2 and most of the lands in the UK were being bombed.

By Jennifer and Ruby

After a hearty cooked breakfast, the children threw themselves into their morning activities. Fencing and abseiling were completed by all the groups with great enthusiasm. Some wonderful personal achievements, especially on the abseiling wall. We have been so impressed by the extremely supportive nature of lots of the children when faced by challenge's . Lunch was devoured and weather permitting, the groups have headed out for problem-solving and Jacobs ladder.

After a hearty breakfast of cereals or bacon , hash browns, beans and toast  groups enjoyed climbing and Aeroball this morning in improving weather. The children will be down in Portland this afternoon for  kayaking or keel boating.

What a fantastic start to the school year we’ve had in Year 6! It’s great to see so many students settling in brilliantly, embracing their new roles as the eldest children in the school with such respect and enthusiasm. A remarkable number of children have thrown their hats in the ring for Head Boy/Girl and to be part of the DREAM Team, demonstrating not only ambition but also courage to step into leadership positions.

This week, we’ve also enriched our learning through extensive collaborative activities. Whether working in pairs or larger groups, the children have exhibited exceptional teamwork. Mr Alden and Mrs Longhurst couldn’t be more pleased with their effort and the high expectations they’ve already set for themselves – it’s truly commendable! Keep up the fantastic work, Year 6!