Summer Term Highlights from Year 6

This term in Year 6 has been intensive and busy, with exciting learning across a range of topics alongside end-of-year preparations. With SATs taking place early in the term, we focused intently on refining the skills needed for that week. All the children have enjoyed their learning and produced excellent standards of work throughout this term. Here are some of the highlights:

In reading, we studied the book "The London Eye Mystery", which kept us guessing about the outcome! From this book, we made predictions, created drawings, and used drama to understand the characters' emotions and decision-making within the story. The ending was unexpected—a twist that the children thoroughly enjoyed, with only a few managing to work it out beforehand.

In writing, we used "The Piano" from Literacy Shed as a stimulus, depicting flashbacks of an old man's life while playing the piano. We discussed how the music complemented the storytelling and observed the emotions shifting on the old man's face as he recalled these events. Subsequently, we wrote flashbacks of key events in his life, employing emotive language and striving to empathize with the character. The children produced excellent narrative pieces inspired by this video clip.

As the end of the year approaches and Year 6 prepares to move on, we created an Acrostic Poem during Diversity Week reflecting on what makes Ranikhet unique. It was a challenge to capture it in a few words, but the outcome truly embodies the spirit of our school.

In Maths, we continued with the White Rose scheme and completed it in time for the SATs. Our focus included arithmetic skills, geometry, coordinates, and solving word problems. All the children applied these skills during their SATs. Additionally, we engaged in mathematical investigations linked to real-life scenarios such as shopping, baking, and travel. The children enjoyed collaborating in groups to devise practical solutions related to costs, accommodations, sales, and fair pricing.

n our wider curriculum subjects, Year 6 has gained a wealth of knowledge and skills, producing some great pieces of work. For example, in Geography, we explored the different layers of the ocean and how far humans have ventured into its depths, encountering strange fish that inhabit these dark and murky waters. The children were fascinated by documentaries like "The Blue Planet," where previously unseen animals with glowing headlights appeared. We also studied Global Warming and discussed measures to prevent its worsening for future generations. The children expressed strong opinions on this critical issue.

In History, we focused on World War II and its impact on Reading. Did you know Reading was bombed four times during WW2? We examined the causes and effects of the war on Britain, emphasizing the pivotal role women played as depicted in propaganda posters of the time. The children showed genuine interest in video clips and interviews with WW1 and WW2 survivors, as well as Jewish individuals who had survived the Holocaust—a humbling experience for all. Our study of the Kindertransport movement during Diversity Week tied in well with this unit. We created items evacuees would take with them using salt dough, reflecting on the significance of rescuing Jewish children and bringing them to England.

Year 6 has had an eventful term filled with learning, sportsmanship, and memorable experiences. Despite a loss in the football match against St. Michaels on the Astro, there was a display of skills, motivation, and teamwork, with all participants showing commendable sportsmanship by congratulating each other. Sports Day was another highlight, marking Year 6's final Sports Day at Ranikhet. Despite the hot weather, all competitors had a great time, celebrating the results together.

Following the SATs, the remainder of the term was filled with adventures and activities. This included watching films with popcorn, a bus trip to Reading to visit the Museum, Abbey, Banksy artwork, and the canal, with time for football and hide-and-seek in Forbury Gardens. A trip to Red Kangaroo was also a blast, with everyone bouncing around. Year 6 eagerly anticipates the upcoming trip to Bournemouth and the special Leavers Assembly. To cap off the year, a new event—a fun sponsored run—will take place on the last Monday.

Overall, this term has been a testament to their hard work, resilience, dedication, and belief in their abilities. It's been a privilege to witness their achievements across all aspects of school life, embodying the Ranikhet Values and becoming the best versions of themselves. I wish them all the best as they embark on their journey to secondary school.

Well done, Year 6!