English – Spring 2 – Island: A Story of the Galápagos by Jason Chin

This term, we will be exploring Island: A Story of the Galápagos, which tells the story of how the Galápagos Islands were formed and how life developed there over millions of years. The book also introduces the voyage of Charles Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle and explains how his discoveries helped shape new scientific ideas.

Our final piece of writing will be an historical newspaper article about the voyage to the Galápagos. Children will write in a formal journalistic style, reporting events clearly and accurately as if they were living in the 19th century.

Targets

• Use passive verbs to create a formal tone

• Use a range of verb forms correctly, including progressive and present perfect

• Use a wide range of cohesive devices to link ideas

• Use organisational features such as headlines and sub-headings

• Use colons to mark boundaries between independent clauses

We will study examples of historical newspapers and explore how discoveries were reported, helping children to write with clarity, cohesion and an understanding of the period.

Spelling - Spr 2 - Spellings will be issued weekly, based on patterns the children have learned on the Monday. These need to be practised throughout the week.

There are also additonal spelling patterns I would like the children to revise if possible, these are found here:
https://featherstonewood.herts.sch.uk/files/files/Year-6-Words-SATs.pdf

Maths – Spring 2 – Algebra, Conversion, Shape & Volume

This term, our focus will be on strengthening understanding in algebra, measurement conversion, shape and volume. Pupils will build accuracy, fluency and confidence as they apply their reasoning to a range of multi-step problems. Targeted arithmetic and intervention work will continue to close gaps and secure key skills.

Algebra
We will revisit forming expressions and solving 1- and 2-step equations, as well as substituting into formulae and finding pairs of values. Pupils will explain their reasoning clearly and check solutions for accuracy.

Conversion
Pupils will convert between units of measure, including length, mass and capacity, using knowledge of place value and multiplication. They will apply this understanding to solve real-life problems.

Shape
We will explore properties of 2D and 3D shapes, including angles, nets and coordinates. Pupils will calculate missing angles and solve reasoning problems involving shape.

Volume
Children will calculate the volume of cuboids and apply their understanding to practical and problem-solving contexts.

Every afternoon, we will complete a short arithmetic session to develop speed and accuracy in basic number skills, ensuring pupils are well prepared for more complex mathematical challenges.

Other topics - Spr 2

History - Our focus will be The Victorian Era

• We will place the Victorians on a timeline and explore what life was like for children during this period, learning how rich and poor children experienced very different childhoods.

• We will investigate the lives of poor Victorian children, including the jobs they were forced to do, how families were treated in workhouses, and how reformers such as Dr Barnardo worked to improve the lives of vulnerable children.

• We will research and write a biography of Queen Victoria and demonstrate our understanding of Victorian childhood by writing a diary entry from the perspective of a child living in a workhouse.

Computing - Data & Information

• creating and formatting spreadsheets, entering and organising data, using simple formulas and functions, sorting and filtering information, creating charts and graphs, and using spreadsheets to analyse data and answer questions.

PE - Dance

• exploring dynamics, linking actions into sequences, using movement to portray a story, developing control, timing, coordination, expression, and performance skills.

RE – Signs and Sacraments

• Can I explain what scripture teaches, recognising both its literal meaning and its deeper spiritual message?

• Can I use religious and theological vocabulary to explain how Jesus’ miracles reveal that he is truly God and truly human?

• Can I link one of Jesus’ “I am” statements to Christian beliefs about who Jesus is?

• Can I name the seven sacraments and explain the purpose of each in the life of the Catholic Church?

• Can I explain the roles of the deacon, priest and bishop in celebrating the sacraments?

• Can I describe how our local parish celebrates the sacraments and explain why some are celebrated more often than others?

Science – Living Things and Their Habitats

• How can we classify living organisms into groups using shared characteristics, and how does the Linnean system help scientists do this accurately?

• What are the key features of the main kingdoms of life, and how are living things organised within these kingdoms?

• How can scientific investigations, such as studying mould growth on bread and mushroom spore dispersal, help us understand how living things grow, reproduce, and survive in their habitats?