Maths

This term in Maths, Year 6 will be learning about fractions, converting units, and ratio. In our fractions work, the children will be practising how to multiply and divide fractions by whole numbers, as well as finding a fraction of an amount. When we move on to converting units, pupils will look at both metric and imperial measurements and learn how to convert between them using multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1,000. We’ll then use our understanding of fractions in our ratio lessons, where the children will explore scale drawings, scale factors, similar shapes and a range of ratio problems.

Key learning we will remember in relation to ratio:

English

In English, we will be reading Ways of the Wolf by Smriti Prasadam-Halls. Through this text, the children will explore themes such as loyalty, survival and understanding the natural world. We will use the text to support discussion work, develop vocabulary, and practise writing from different viewpoints inspired by events in the book.

We will also be studying Shackleton’s Journey by William Grill, a uniquely visual non‑fiction re‑telling of Ernest Shackleton’s epic expedition across Antarctica. At the start, the children may find it hard to imagine what life was like for the crew when their ship, Endurance, became trapped in crushing pack ice and eventually sank. However, through research and character role play, they will go on to write exciting narratives focusing on themes of teamwork, resilience and, of course, endurance.

The wider curriculum

Year 6 will be learning about the similarities and differences between the ancient Maya and Anglo-Saxon civilisations during the first half-term.  They used timelines to explore where key events fit into a wider historical context.  They explored how the Maya survived in rainforests and how both civilisations built homes.

Did you know the Maya were very clever and invented lots of things?  This included their own calendars, farming methods, writing systems, sports and religion!

In Spring Term 2, Year 6 will be exploring the Alps mountain range.  There will be a strong focus here on exploring the human and physical features of the Alps.  The children will then progress onto comparing one particular city, Innsbruck in Austria, to our local area of Harrow.