Week beginning 18th May 2009

Wow!

What a week! Well done to all of Year 6 who have finally finished their SATs. (Hurray!) We are all very proud of their determination to produce their best efforts and we couldn't have asked for anything more from the children. We would also like to thank all members of staff who have supported the children during this week. All the tests have been posted to the external markers and the school will receive the results in early July.



Well done to Y5s, too, who have also completed a week of testing. Once these have been marked, it will enable us to see what level the children are at.



Anfield - Y6 - Wednesday

Just a reminder to let you know the trip to Anfield is on Wednesday; we wonder what the atmosphere will be like as the title hangs in the balance. Please note that school uniform must be worn and that we will be back in school in time for lunch. Children will only be allowed to bring a maximum of £5.00 to spend in the shop and the club have confirmed that cameras are allowed. If there are any monies outstanding, can you please forward it as soon as possible.



Pottery - Y6 - Thursday and Friday

We are very lucky next week to have a local potter, Mick McWilliams from "Wonderful World of Clay." Mr McWilliams will be demonstrating techniques to the children and will them help them to design and throwing (not literally) their own pots.



Here is next week's curriculum:

Classes will return to normal next week but we do have a very exciting week planned for the children.



This week we are focusing all our efforts on nature and the world around us. To celebrate 200 years of Charles Darwin's birth, we will be following his footsteps on our Darwin inspired thinking walks around school. We will be exploring wildlife, flora and fauna in the school environment. We will be finding out more about plants and in the process learning key mathematical and scientific skills.



Literacy

As you know, we have a very successful Gardening Club (run by Mrs Fox in school) and we will be creating an informative booklet, aimed at Year 1 and Year 2, helping them to understand and classify the natural world around them.



Poetry

We will be focusing on a variety of poets and poems, based on plants, in which the children will be evaluating and creating some of their own masterpieces.



Instructional Writing

We will be examining the features of instructional texts and this will culminate in the children writing their own instructions on how to help seeds germinate. All the children will plant their own sunflower seed (which we have in school) taking into account the factors that affect germination. Children will be bringing their seeds home over the holidays and we will be having a competition to measure the tallest sunflower at the end of term. Children will need to bring them back into school where they can be measured and prizes awarded!



Maths

We will be collecting, measuring and recording data of the flora and fauna from our nature walk around the school environment. We will also recap parallel and perpendicular lines by identifying them outside and taking photographs.



Design

We will be designing and making our own insect chalets which will be housed in trees and bushes around school. (David Attenborough would be impressed!) Children will research, using their laptops, different types of insect homes and the attributes of their particular habitat.

We would be grateful if the children could bring in some old newspapers to help us with their construction.



Laptops

As we will be using these a lot during the week, can you please ensure that laptops are charged each night ready for the next day.



Football and rugby will resume the first week back. Can you please ensure that footballers have shin pads and rugby players have gum shields. Thanks.



That's all for now. Enjoy your weekend and have a well-earned rest. (Parents as well!)


Year5/6 Team