Maths
In our spring term, we are continuing with our Maths No Problem work, specifically focusing on word problems; breaking them down into smaller steps and really pulling apart exactly what we need to do. We are seeing a big improvement in the children’s ability to solve word problems. We will also be spending time developing our skills in calculating percentages, ratio, algebra and area and perimeter.
Alongside our usual maths lessons, we will also be spending time on fine tuning our arithmetic skills and applying them to help us answer trickier reasoning problems. The children will have opportunities to complete past SATs papers to support them with their upcoming SATs in May.
English
In English, we are spending time studying a classical fairytale – The Selfish Giant. The children have lots of creative writing opportunities and will also be brushing up on their reporting skills through writing a newspaper report.
Throughout the second half of Spring term, our book focus will be ‘Island- A story of the Galapagos’ by Jason Chin. We will be working on developing our skills to write a journalistic report about Charles Darwin’s discoveries.
Reading
Each week we focus on a different text extract to support our comprehension, the children have really enjoyed being exposed to a range of different literature and take great pride in their comprehension learning. The children will continue developing their understanding of word meaning, retrieval, summarising, inference, prediction, relationship, word choice and comparison questions which really support them in understanding what they are reading. These lessons are aimed at encouraging a love of reading and enhancing the children’s comprehension skills which we have noticed a huge difference in so far.
History
In History, we have been examining the role and evolution of the census. Through the analysis of census records, we have investigated local histories spanning from the Victorian era to the inter-war period. This exploration has deepened our understanding of the census, its purpose, and the ways in which it has changed over time. Additionally, we have considered the factors contributing to these changes, linking them to significant national events.
Art
This term we will be focusing on how we can transform 2D drawing into 3D creations. We will work towards designing our own product packaging, using the work of some influential graphic designers to inspire us. In the second half of the Spring term, we will be exploring ‘Activism’. During this topic we will investigate how artists use art as a way to express their opinions, using their skills to speak for sectors of society. After studying a range of activist artists, we will create our own poster about something we care about using a range of different methods.
Science
In our science learning this half term we will be focusing on light and electricity. We will expand our understanding of this area through lots of hands on investigations using scientific equipment.
Design and Technology
In Design and Technology, we will be designing a waistcoat following a specified set of design criteria to align with a chosen theme. We will start by sketching and annotating our initial ideas on paper, refining our concepts before proceeding. Next, we will create a precise paper template, which will need to be carefully pinned to our selected fabric. Using this template as a guide, we will meticulously cut the fabric and proceeded to sew the waistcoat with a strong running stitch, ensuring clean and even stitching along the edges.
Geography
In Geography, we will be examining global trade and its influence on economies and societies worldwide. Our focus will include understanding the reasons behind international trade, the concepts of imports and exports, and the mechanisms of the global supply chain. We will explore the journey of components used in products such as smartphones, tracing their extensive travels across various regions before arriving at factories for assembly.
French
We have all been really enjoying developing our French skills in Year 6! Through a range of activities this half term we will be focusing on ‘My French House’. Within this topic, children will be learning how to read and write vocabulary enabling them to describe their homes and who lives in them.
Music
Music lessons are on a Friday every week, Mr Conway is our Music teacher and is part of Tameside Music Service and his music lessons are wide and varied with an eclectic mix of music. If you have not already heard us, you must put our end of term brass concert in your calendar. it really is something we are incredibly proud of here at St James.
Tutoring
Tutoring continues to take place on a Wednesday after school. All of the Year 6 children are encouraged to take this opportunity and attend all of these sessions. Each session is planned to support children in the areas they are finding trickier in class. Tutors and Year 6 staff communicate regularly about children’s needs so please do encourage your child to attend each week as they are extremely beneficial to their learning.
Home Learning
Just a reminder that in addition to our class work, we expect children to supplement their learning at home. This means 10 minutes reading every night, 10 games of Spelling Shed and 10 Games of TT Rock Stars. It is really important that the learning continues at home, especially as the children prepare for their transition to high school.
SATs
The KS2 SATs for 2026 will take place from Monday 11th May 2026 – Thursday 14th May 2026. We are supporting the children in being as confident and secure as possible for their SATs in school through all of our hard work in class alongside completing past papers and addressing any misconceptions together.
The timetable for SATs week will look as follows:
Monday 11th May – English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling papers
Tuesday 12th May – English Reading paper
Wednesday 13th May – Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic) and Maths Paper 2 (Reasoning)
Thursday 14th May – Maths Paper 3 (Reasoning)