- Week 1 -

W E L C O M E   T O   Y 6 ! 

Our new classroom is filled with a huge variety of books for children to read. We enjoyed exploring and choosing our first read for the year - it was hard to pick just one! We also made origami tiger bookmarks ready for all the books we're going to read this year! If you would like to have a go at making a different animal at home, click HERE to watch the video tutorial. 

We have explored the different roles that form the Walkley School Council, considering the skills required for each position. Next week, we will be writing our speeches ahead of election day!

- Week 2 -

In Reading, we have been studying the poem 'The Tyger' by William Blake. 

In English, we have been practising using the subjunctive form (a very formal and fancy way of speaking!) ahead of writing our persuasive speeches for the School Council elections. 

In Art, we have been looking at the first world war through the eyes of British artist, Paul Nash. His works shows how the war impacted nature as well as people. 

In History, we have started our first topic 'The World at War'. We have been discussing the reasons for the First World War and ranking them in order of importance.

Also, we did a little role play explaining how the First World War was a chain reaction, as there were two alliance systems in Europe. Therefore, the assassination of the Archduke could possibly lead to war breaking out. The  string represents the strong connections between the countries. Watch the video below.

- Week 3 -

In Reading, we have started our first 'Book Study'. We enjoyed reading the dramatic opening chapters of our class book, Tyger, and hearing how the author, S.F. Said, was inspired by William Blake's poem. 

In Computing, we have been exploring using micro:bits (tiny computers!) We created algorithms to make an animated name badge and beating heart. We then learnt how to create an emotions badge using the buttons. 

In Art this week, we explored the first world war from an alternative perspective through the work of American artist, Horace Pippin. We learnt about his life through the story 'A Splash of Red'. When exploring his paintings, we noticed some similarities with Paul Nash's work, including the sombre colours and scenes from the trenches. We also discussed the racial segregation present in Pippin's work. 

In History, we have been doing some research on key events of the First World War.  The children were given an event to research, recorded the event and put the events on the whole class timeline in chronological order.

- Week 4 -

In Writing, we have been analysing the language and structure used in balanced arguments before writing our own inspired by Michael Morpurgo's book 'Kensuke's Kingdom'. In our writing, we presented reasons for and against Micahael's family setting of on their voyage across the world before giving our own concluding thoughts. 

In History, we have been discussing conditions on the Western Front and focussing on conditions in the trenches. The children have looked at letters from soldiers on the front line. This generated further discussion on the life of a soldier in World War 1. See the video below, which will appear very shortly.

In addition, the children have used their knowledge of trench warfare to write a diary as a soldier on the front line.

- Week 5 -

In our history, we have been learning about how technology has been used in warfare throughout the ages. Children were then asked to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the cavalry charge and the tank. Finally, they were asked to explain which would have been most effective on a World War 1 battlefield. See the videos below.

In our RE , we have been discussing different beliefs and identify what a theist, atheist and agnostic might believe about the creation of our universe.

In Maths, we have been consolidating our understanding of a range of mental and written calculation methods to enable us to calculate using the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). We have also learnt how to multiply by a two-digit number using long multiplication and divide by a two-digit number using long division - divide, multiply and subtract, bring it on down and bring it on back!

- Week 6 -

On Monday, we enjoyed an interactive World War II workshop with The History Van. We learnt all about what life was like in England during the war. We learnt how people managed with rationing and had to make the most of the little food and resources they had. We also looked at how Sheffield was bombed during the Blitz and learnt how families protected themselves by building Anderson shelters in their gardens. We even had a go at sending messages using Morse code!

Dressed as evacuess, we tried to imagine what it must have felt like to pack a small suitcase, say goodbye to friends and family and move to the countryside. We also made our own children's toys using limited materials, just as people did during this time.

- Week 7 -

This week, we have been developing our cycling skills and learning about road safety when cycling on the road. The instructors were blown away by your positive attitudes and your cycling proficiency. 

- Week 8 -

Also coming soon...School Council Bloopers video!