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Spotlight on: Year 6

Spotlight on: Year 6

Mrs Sarah Cliff and Mrs Jane Freebairn share stories from Year 6

The Year 6 girls started the new school year by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Some of the girls have taken on the role of prefects, while others routinely work together with the younger pupils to learn through play, before lessons start, and during break times. All of the Year 6 girls take turns in helping the Pre-prep girls at lunch time too.

First half term

front cover of Holes

Our first topic of the year was based on the book Holes by Louis Sachar. The girls really enjoyed reading the book in our English lessons and it inspired lots of creative writing. All of the girls in Year 6 entered the annual St Mary’s Creative Writing Competition, and two of the girls were finalists! Maia G. received a commendation and Lila R. won the overall prize in the Year 5 and Year 6 age category.

Girl with a microscope

Holes was used to provide inspiration for study across many different subjects. The girls investigated desert locations and the impact of the spread of the Sahara. In Science the group looked at the classification of living things and the differences between individual species. Pupils also became microbiologists, carrying out investigations into the action of yeast and how microbes act as decomposers in compost bins.

The key theme of the book is injustice, and in Religious Studies lessons the girls learnt about individuals who have fought, and continue to fight, for justice for the poor and minorities. This became the theme for our class assemblies, which the girls presented to parents on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 November.

Laura K with MP Daniel Zeichner

Responding to a letter written by Year 6 pupil and charities prefect Laura K., we received a visit from local MP Daniel Zeichner. He fielded a number of tricky questions from the girls and was impressed with the maturity of their questioning.

 

 


Second half term

The girls’ topic is currently ‘The Age of Scientific Invention and Discovery’. This has been a Science led topic, but we have developed the focus to look at the differences between rich and poor people in Victorian times, and the work of social reformers, in our humanities studies. In English the girls have read passages from Charles Dickens’ novels, particularly Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. The girls have written some thoughtful diary entries from different viewpoints – some really immersed themselves into the character of Scrooge!

Pupils in pews, drawing

In Art this term the girls have looked at the work of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. We recently spent some time at All Saints’ Church on Jesus Lane, admiring the stunning Morris and Co decoration. The girls then created their own stamps inspired by the designs they saw.

Pupil looking at fossils

Our work on Darwin was consolidated with a visit to the Natural History Museum on Tuesday of this week, where the girls enthusiastically participated in an evolution workshop. In fact, the team at the Natural History Museum commented on the girls’ excellent engagement, manners and knowledge. The girls were also fascinated by the new Human Evolution exhibition.

Three pupils at lectern

We are rounding off the topic with presentations by the girls on their chosen Victorian scientist, as well as preparing the girls’ readings for the Junior School Carol Service this afternoon.