English

The main focus of this term's work in English in Year 6 will be preparation for their ESB examination. Learning intentions include: analysing and evaluating how speakers present points effectively through use of language and gesture, being able to listen for language variation in formal and informal contexts, identifying the ways spoken language varies according to differences in the context and purpose of its use, use of a range of oral techniques to present persuasive view points and engaging narratives, using techniques of dialogic talk to explore ideas and topics, using a variety of structures to shape and organise text coherently, using paragraphs to achieve pace and emphasis, and understanding and using a variety of ways to criticise constructively and respond to criticism. Reading comprehension exercises will take place regularly and the children will also look at the conventions of script writing, persuasive language and writing formal complaints. They will also be consolidating sentence and word level work covered previously. Independent reading is encouraged throughout the year.

Mathematics

At the beginning of term, there will be opportunity to review specific topics for those with entrance exams still to come. We will study various aspects of mathematics including more work on fractions and problem solving. Calculators will be used to solve problems and we will learn how to use the memory function. The children will collaborate in groups to design posters illustrating the use of maths in everyday life. After half term, some further aspects of algebra will be studied, including trial and improvement techniques to solve harder equations. The term will close with a review of statistical techniques and an independent statistical investigation.

Science

During the first half of term, we will be studying ‘How we see things'. The children will learn that mirrors and shiny surfaces alter the direction in which light travels and that when they see objects, light enters the eye. They will contrast reflection and shadow formation. Experimental and investigative work will focus on planning a fair test, making observations and measurements, repeating measurements, presenting results in line graphs and identifying patterns. The children will also have the opportunity to do independent research on the eye. In the second half of term, the children will be revising work on electricity previously covered in Year 2 and Year 4. They will consolidate their knowledge of materials that are electrical conductors, extend their understanding of the ways in which the brightness of bulbs and speed of motors in a circuit can be changed, and develop their understanding of the value of using conventional symbols for communication.

History

This term, we continue to look at Britain since the 1930s. We start with our visit to the ‘Britain at War Experience', a permanent exhibition in London's Tooley Street. Here, we will experience the sights, sounds and smells of the London blitz and take a lift to a London Underground air raid shelter to see where thousands spent sleepless nights. We will see how people coped with food and clothing rations and look at real wartime bombs, gas masks, rare documents and photographs. The children will see, feel and even breathe the adventure of war torn London. Back in school, we will continue to learn about life in the 1940s and 1950s.

Geography

This term we will look at the National Parks of England and Wales, discovering why they were designated and why their landscapes have to be protected. We will use basic map work skills and learn about the Country Code. We will then look in more detail at the Yorkshire Dales National Park and find out about how the land is used for settlement, farming and tourism. Finally, we will look at environmental issues that not only affect National Parks but other areas in the World.

Religious and Moral Education
Celebrations are a part of life and the first unit of work centres on special occasions and how we can celebrate together and give thanks to God for these special times. We then learn more about the Eucharist, the greatest thanksgiving there is, and recognise it as the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. During Lent, we learn about forgiveness and are called upon to be generous and self-giving by helping others through our support of the Good Shepherd Appeal. We must also think about ourselves and our friends during this time, and remember to keep ourselves safe at home, on the roads and on the railways. Our whole-day retreat to St Lucy's Convent, on 26th February, gives us the opportunity to think about ourselves now and in the future and to consider the needs of others immediately around us and in the World.

French

In the spring term, the children will be further developing their knowledge in preparation for their residential trip to France. They will learn the names of a variety of foods and drinks and be able to ask for specific items. The children will learn to describe the weather and to hold basic conversations in a café.

German

Pupils in Year 6 will learn to "navigate" in the classroom in German. They will be able to understand what the teacher says and talk about the things they have got in their school bags. The children will say what colour things are. They are going to learn another song, which is about the German alphabet.

ICT

The focus of this term's work will be research and presentation skills, using the Web and presentation software, working towards this element of their ESB exam.

Music

As a preliminary to the proposed visit to the "Sound of Music", our term will start with songs from the show which we will listen to and also sing and play on percussion and recorders. Canons and rounds will be sung and also played on recorders, percussion and orchestral instruments in two or three parts to develop further independence in singing and playing. New songs will be learnt and accompanied by chords played on keyboards and tuned percussion instruments. Recorder work from John Pitt book 1 and 2 will be played in an assembly. After half term, the children will begin their topic on world music in which they will learn about and, play and sing some jazz, gamelan and African music.

Art and Design

During this term pupils will be creatively exploring the ancient Greek myth of the Minotaur. They will be encouraged to experiment with a broad range of materials and ideas, as well as studying the work of relevant artists to gain further understanding and inspiration. The aim of the project is for each pupil to produce a final piece of work that will be entered into the Hellenic Society 2008 Schools Art Competition on Ancient Greece.

Drama

The focus will be the oral skills necessary for the performance of poetry in the ESB examinations.

Physical Education

For the boys, the Spring term PE sessions will initially begin with exercise and stamina development to assess fitness levels. Rugby and cross-country running will constitute the main sessions up to half term. Basic cricket skills and the introduction of field and track techniques will follow in the latter stages of the term.
The girls will work on fitness levels and recognition of their stamina and endurance over longer distances in their cross-country running. They will recognise improvement in running the cross-country course as an achievement. They will improve their stride pattern and gain knowledge in proper breathing techniques. The girls will improve on their hockey skills including moving, dribbling, passing and receiving the ball. They will learn the skills associated with team invasion games, including marking, defence and attack. In football, the girls will develop their ball dribbling, passing and stopping skills. They will improve skill techniques and linking of learnt skills. We will work on the use of simple tactics and strategies. For netball, the girls will need to develop and improve their ball handling skills and footwork. We will work on tactical awareness and teamwork. They will improve their game plan and work on tactics and strategy.

It is emphasised that the above is offered as a guide only, and the school retains the flexibility to adapt its schemes of work to the needs of the individual or the class