You can find all the weekly news from Year 6 linked below.
In Science this week, Year 6 have been looking at Classification of plants. They were tasked with classifying images of plants according to their own criteria, in groups. We then discussed the various different ways of doing this, which led us to the conclusion that there needed to be one agreed system, rather than lots of different systems.
In Year 6 this week, we have launched our History topic about the Ancient Maya by looking at the significance of the game Pok-a-tok. We have explored the rules and the children have been very surprised to learn that losing could be very dangerous indeed for the team captain in particular! Additionally, knocking the ball with your hip only, is very hard!
We have started our half term with 'Around the World' Week and each class has focused on a different country. We have practised map skills and found out about the country itself. Some classes have sampled food from that country whilst others have engaged in craft activities reflecting various aspects of life, myths and music connected with that country. Parents and carers are warmly invited to visit each classroom across the school on Monday 11th November from 3.15-4.15pm. On display in each room will be a selection of the learning that has taken place and there is an interactive virtual 'passport' to complete. We look forward to welcoming you on Monday.
Year 6 had a fantastic day at RHS Wisley on Thursday, with glorious Autumn weather. We learnt about adaptations and rainforest plants as well as those which thrive best in desert conditions. Scientific knowledge from Year 5 was revised about plant reproduction and everyone took a cutting from a Peperomia plant, which they were able to pot, label and take home, with full growing instructions. Exploring the glasshouse was amazing, and the children carefully sketched some of the unusual plants. A great way to end our first half-term in Year 6.
In our Music Production lesson this week, the children have been exploring the different ways they can alter various tracks from the song, 'Stay with me'. Soundtrap allows the children to experiment with tempo, key, pitch, rhythm and instrumentation. They are really enjoying the different ways they can manipulate the overall sound of the song.
Our final Geography enquiry question allowed the children to draw together all of their knowledge about Brazil and compare the country with the UK. We have looked at wealth, education, healthcare, climate, tourism and employment opportunities and the children have explored these through discussion and comparison with their own knowledge of these aspects in the UK.
In Science, we have spent two lessons, planning then carrying out an experiment to discover which bird's beak shape could collect which type of food the best. This is linked to what Charles Darwin discovered on the Galapagos Islands, which helped him form his theory of Evolution. It allowed for children to practise using vocabulary such as 'Dependent Variable' and 'Independent Variable'.
This week has generated some high-level discussion about the rights and wrongs of deforestation. We have considered both sides of the argument, including what we gain from the rainforest, as well as the effects of destroying trees on life within the rainforest and the global situation. Children have worked hard to present both sides of the argument in writing.
In Science, Year 6 have been considering the link between adaptation and evolution. We have found out why adaptation is so crucial and how some plants and animals have changed so that they can continue to exist in a specific environment. In our ever-changing world with global warming, more and more living things are having to adapt to new aspects to their environment.
This week, we have begun our Science topic of Evolution and Inheritance. Our first enquiry question saw us using the Mr Men and Little Misses to help! Children enjoyed combining characteristics from one of each to create an offspring. They had great fun discussing which characteristic came from which 'parent'.
The children have made a fantastic start to Year 6 and are getting involved with our Geography topic on Brazil with much enthusiasm. They very much enjoyed sampling the empanadas made by some of the children, to kick our topic off. The Samba drumming was great fun and the Carnival headdresses allowed the children to express their ideas in bright and colourful ways.
We were delighted to welcome into school again, three teams from Sutton Schools Workers Partnership tp talk to each Year 6 class about leaving primary school and starting secondary school - facts that are becoming very real to the children right now. The children responded well and enjoyed the presentations. They had some thoughtful answers to the questions and situations posed by the workshop leaders.