Year 6

During the Autumn Term, we embark on a learning adventure that takes us to the vast mountain range of the Alps. Children deepen their knowledge of mountain formations, learn about the wildlife that lives there and locate the countries, which the Alps span. In our computing research lesson, children explore how the physical and human characteristics of the Alps have changed over time. Children then discover the diverse cultures within the Alps before designing an ideal home that would be suitable for living in such a harsh environment. 

Within our science lessons, the children will first discover and learn about Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Children participate in a virtual workshop run by The Natural History Museum. The workshop covers what evolution is, how it happens and why it happens. The children engage in practical activities to enrich their learning and are involved in a scientific adventure to investigate how lizards are currently evolving in real life! Physical fossils are handled by the children in real life, bringing the learning alive.

Science – Evolution and inheritance/ Animals including humans

D&T – Fairground Rides (woodwork with electrical mechanisms: The Flambard’s Challenge)

RE – Pilgrimages

Computing – Text Adventures/Spreadsheets

PE – Hockey/Dance/Circuits

In the Spring Term, Year 6 learn about the toughest war that Britain has ever encountered – World War Two. Within the classroom, children learn about the causes of the war, Britain’s defence strategies, the implantation of evacuation, The Blitz, The Battle of Britain and The Holocaust.

During the first half of the term, Year 6 children enjoy a ‘World War Two’ themed day, where they dress up as evacuees, bake rock cakes, create their own toy spitfire planes and learn to darn socks. They are also lucky enough to take part in a hands-on workshop led by the Tally Ho Project. The workshop consists of a fun and informative assembly surrounding The Battle of Britain and the opportunity to wear some replica equipment and uniforms from the era.

During the second half of the term, we begin to study how the war affected our local area. Children map out where bombs were dropped in the vicinity of Seaside, plan a walking route to find these sites and then venture out into Lancing to discover them. The children also visit Worthing museum to partake in a ‘World War Two workshop,’ where they can handle genuine artefacts and ask expert guides questions relating to the topic.

Science – Electricity

D&T –Bridge Design

RE – Judaism

Computing – Coding and CAD

PE – Tennis/Gymnastics/Basketball

During the Summer Term, we explore the fascinating ancient civilisation of the Aztecs. Children study in great depth their daily lives, how their society was organised and how their religious beliefs came to be. We also learn about how this incredible Empire fell at the hands of the Spaniards. From this, children participate in a formal debate and support their ideas using historical evidence and facts.

During the second half of the term, children compare and contrast different European countries. As weather presenters, they research and present information on weather patterns across Europe. Towards the end of the unit, children are able to plan a trip to a country of their choice using maps and atlases.

The highlight of Summer Two is the fantastic residential to Cornwall! Children spend six days exploring the coastlines of West Cornwall, visit a historic tin mine, taste local delicacies (real Cornish pasties) and experience the atmosphere of the Minack Theatre. Whilst away, learning is linked back to the classroom, as the children visit the theme park which they designed their Ferris wheels/carousels for in DT. To end the trip, the children eat in a medieval inspired restaurant – no cutlery in sight!

Science – Light/Living things and their habitats

Art – European art/Watercolour scenes/Aztec weaving

D&T – Making Cornish pasties

RE – Atheism and Agnosticism / Census studies / Marriage celebrations / Beliefs About Life After Death

Computing – Blogging and Networks

PE- Athletics / OAA / Stoolball

Residential Trip in Summer 2 – Cornwall