Dear Parents,

I hope you are well and have had a great summer holiday. I would like to welcome you to the new academic year, this is just a short note to introduce some of the routines for your children in Year 6. 

Class Topic

Our topic for this half-term is called ‘Wales at War’. This project has a history focus and teaches children about the lives and times during World War II. The children will take a step back in time to research and discover what life was like for children during these times; the factors leading up to the war; the nations involved and the key personnel involved during WWII.

PE 

This half-term, PE will take place every Thursday. Please can all children wear their PE kit to school on Thursday. They must wear PE kit which is suitable for outdoor PE lessons. Earrings must be removed for lessons, if your child is unable to do this by themselves, please could they not wear them on their PE day. Please note - for the first half term, children will be swimming at Penyrheol Leisure Centre, please can you ensure that your child has the appropriate swimwear for these sessions. 

Reading

It is important that reading books and reading records are taken home and returned to school every day, as there are daily timetabled reading activities for your child. Children will be given weekly reading activities, including sessions when an adult will listen to them, so it is important that their reading records be brought to school every day to track progress. If your child finishes their reading book before their allocated reading day, then they can see myself or another member of staff to change their book - please do not wait until their reading day. If you have listened to your child read at home, could you please leave a note in their reading record, not only will this help them to improve their reading but they will earn a dojo once I have seen the note.

Homework 

We have made some minor changes to our homework systems this year. All details can be found below. Homework will be issued from 15.09.23. The children will also come home with all password details to access their online platforms next Friday. If you require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Weekly Maths and Reading Homework

This will be set every Friday through our online platforms, MyMaths and Reading Eggspress. During reading time , the children will have an opportunity to work on their reading tasks set. If all homework is completed, the children will be rewarded with a session of  ‘Eggstratime’.

Spelling 

We have adapted our approach to spelling this year. We will be using Vocabulary Ninja! A spelling session will be taught in class on a Friday. A spelling list linked to the lesson will be sent home on a Friday ready for a test the following Friday. 

Assessments

There will be weekly spelling, mental maths and times table tests which will take place on a Friday. All homework can be accessed from the Homework section on our Class Page.

Equipment

Just a reminder that no equipment, including pencil cases, are needed to be brought into school. We will provide everything that your child needs to participate in lessons. The equipment supplied will be cleaned and sanitised in line with WG guidelines. 

Medication/Dietary Requirements

In order to maintain up-to-date records, please could you inform me of any medication, dietary or allergies your child may have. I am extremely looking forward to spending this academic year with the class and helping them progress and have lots of fun doing so. 

Many thanks, 

Mr Higgins