We have reached the end of a very busy and full half term. I know I say this most weeks, but I really am in awe of the work that the children are completing and the expectations that they have of themselves. Whether it be Science, Maths, RE or Art, the children always get fully stuck into their learning and become immersed by what they are being taught. I am so very proud of them all.

Online Safety

In the midst of our busy week, we devoted a large amount of conversation time to online safety. Tuesday was National Online Safety Day. Children from all over the country will have been looking carefully at their online behaviour; hopefully they will have learnt a thing or two.

In class we started by taking part in the BBC live lesson- looking at all of the ways technology enhances our lives and Artifical Intelligence, reflecting on both the positive and potential dangers of this. We then went on to talk about how online beahviours can influence us, both positively and negatively- there was lots of very deep and open conversations around this. Today we spoke about scoial media and how there are age restirctions for a reason. We relefcted on positive and negative behviours at using these platforms.

WELL-BEING…

On Wednesday, we looked at and discussed, all the ways we can look after our emotional well-being and looked at some strategies we can use when we feel overwhelmed by certain emotions. Today, we read a book about ‘tapping your way to a great big smile’ which focuses on a different strategy of tapping to relieve stress or as a way to manage feelings. All great tools to have under our belt as we progress to the end of the year!

Where has our learning taken us this week?

English - ‘Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo.’ This week we have explored Romeo and Juliet’s first encounter and written a recount in role- very romantic!
Maths - We have continued with our long division practice and consolidation- this will be ongoing now, so please do not worry if we are not 100% confident with this just YET- we WILL get there, we just have to be Sadie Spiders! Fractions has been a big part of the week, we have been simplifying fractions byt finding the highest common factor!
RE - What happens during the Liturgy of the Eucharist- we have looked at the main parts and discussed how Jesus is present.

Amended version of the video from last week. I am very sorry I missed off our final group!

Being an active and curious learner.

I am sure the children have come home to tell you that this week we sat our first mock SAT’ paper. We have really played these assessments down this year, focusing on the children’s learning, development and any gaps they have, rather than teaching them how to take a test. Year 6 knew just days before that they were going to complete this, as I didn’t want to give them too much time to dwell, however, they came in to school yesterday with great resilience and such a positive attitude. It is often really hard plunging into the unknown, but that is exactly what the children have done. After half term, we will continue to complete the Maths and Reading, but they all understand the importance of this and I am sure lots of lessons will be learnt which will enable us to build and move forward together as a class. Once they have completed these assessment, they will of course be marked and handed back to them where they will be encouraged to think about their progress and where they want to be next time they take a set of papers. Marginal gains is what it is all about. Over the next few weeks, the children will be bringing folders home, with their papers in them. This is their opportunity to share their work with you, to purple pen, celebrate their successes and reflect on their mistakes. At this point, it is really important to remember that the Year 6 curriculum has not been fully covered yet and we still have plenty of time. Please celebrate your child’s achievements and help them to develop their own targets. You may also find, over the next few weeks, past papers or SAT examples may come home as part of their homework. This can be completed the best way you see fit- whether this is alongside your child, independently or even, if they independently start and then go over their answers after. Homework is not always about assessing your child, this is done in class, homework is all about consolidating what they have learnt in class, revising and practicing skills they will need, so this may not always be formally marked, but what they have gained from carrying out these practice papers will have helped them greatly.

LEARNER OF THE HALF TERM

Voted for by your classmates for being an excellent learning role model within our classroom. The class think you have shone this half term …

Connor-Sean and Christian

Eloquent and Truthful butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are eloquent in their words, that show the language to ask questions, express emotions, speak beliefs, talk about matters of faith and hope, debate points of view, and engage in conversation. Those who are truthful, who speak the truth about themselves and others. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Rosa for always being eloquent and truthful.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Charlie

Role Model of the week … Evan

Helpers in the morning

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Evan Owen Harvey Matilda

Notices

World Book Day 7th March- dress up as your favourite BOOK characters and bring with you a magical object to help spark our imaginations to create our own cllass story! This ‘magical object’ could be linked to the character you’re dressed up as, but it doesn’t have to be- but be prepared to share your story and get creative! Some magical objects may include: a magic feather, a magic stone, a magic jewel- be creative!
Wednesday 6th March Year 6 Book Look at 2pm- we will also be doing a brief talk on SAT’s - what to expect and on the end of year residential, so please come along!
Parent meetings will be going live on Mrs Gregan’s blog so please book an appointment- these virtual meetings will take place on either Wednesday 13th March or Wednesday 20th March 2pm- 5:20pm.

Please do continue to keep up to date with your child’s homework (particularly spelling). The vocabulary that the children are being asked to spell are getting more complex and they will need your support to figure out the best strategy to use. Learning them over time, rather than bulking them the night before, always seems like the best route to use. Over half term they have some key areas to focus on- especially the long division which we have been doing this week- we don’t want them to lose this skill and forget! Have a look at this great video some of our Year 6 put together, to remind themselves and their grown-ups how to do long division (it is also on the homework page) …

Have a wonderful and restful half term.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Barker