Welcome to Redwoods’ Class Wednesday 13th September 2017

Outline of this session: - to meet your child’s new class teacher - to share routines and expectations - information about how you can help support at home - an opportunity to ask any questions

And to top it off…superb academic achievements! Current position of school: We had a really successful year in 2016/17…here are a few headlines - Introduction of the Branch Out awards system Introduction of the Growth Mindset principles Numerous sporting achievements, including achieving GOLD in the Sports Awards and representing West Yorkshire in the Yorkshire Games A variety of themed weeks, as well as many trips and visits A brand new playground! School taking over Busy Bees A plethora of extra-curricular activities planned And to top it off…superb academic achievements!

School Priorities for 2017/18 To continue to make reading a high priority in school, both for pleasure and understanding. To adopt a maths ‘mastery’ approach through our work with the White Rose Maths Hub. To develop spelling strategies throughout school. To develop the Early Years Foundation Stage, in particular the outdoor learning environment to enhance the early development of our children.

PE days: Thursday and Friday Class routines PE days: Thursday and Friday Please make sure that your child has their red polo top, black shorts and trainers for both lessons. In winter they may also bring tracksuit or jogging bottoms and a school hoody or other warm top. Water Bottles: Your child may bring a named water bottle into school but only water is allowed during lesson time.

Staffing Mrs Thompson – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings Mrs Emmerson – Wednesday morning Mrs Judd – Monday afternoon Mrs Hardy – Full time

The Curriculum in Year 6 This is the third year that the ‘new’ National Curriculum (2014) is being taught in year 6 for English, Maths and Science. There are no longer levels. Year 6 pupils will still be sitting their SATs tests in May but there have been changes which were introduced in 2016. In English there will be a reading test, a spelling test and a grammar and punctuation test. Writing is teacher assessed throughout the year. In maths there are three papers (Arithmetic and two reasoning papers).

Spelling, punctuation and grammar These aspects of writing are taught both as discrete lessons and through our writing topics. The children are encouraged to use their knowledge and skills in all of their writing. There is now a SPaG SATs test in May which affects their overall English level. SPaG includes spelling which continues to be a major focus.

How we assess writing Assessment of writing is an ongoing process. In class 6 we have extended writing books which are used regularly. Writing is assessed regularly as part of normal practice. By the end of year 6, children need to demonstrate that they can include a number of different criteria in their writing to achieve the expected standard. In year 6 writing levels can also be moderated by the local authority.

Reading Guided reading sessions take place every week. Guided reading books will be coming home and must be returned by the given day. The reading SATs paper is a reading comprehension test. The children will be given plenty of opportunities to practise their comprehension skills. It is very important for children to develop their reading skills at home through independent reading and reading aloud.

Maths This year we are using The White Rose Hub maths planning. Maths lessons are daily. The main focus is number but there’s also geometry and statistics. Maths homework will alternate between photocopied sheets (activities to help your child) and mathletics.

Year 6 Science Units All living things Evolution and inheritance Animals including humans Light and how we see things Electricity and circuits Diet & lifestyle

Assessment in Year 6 When do assessments take place? … throughout the year. What happens with the results? … we use them to plan our lessons, to give the children their next targets and to identify where further support and challenge is needed. Assessment is an ongoing process. Practice SATs papers will be used for assessment purposes during the year. All year 6 children will sit their SATs in May 2018.

Year 6 Homework Monday Guided Reading Book comes home 20 minutes reading Practise spellings Practise times tables Tuesday Maths homework set (either worksheets or mathletics) Wednesday Thursday Friday Spelling test/dictation Return Guided Reading Book New spellings given out Maths homework to be completed/handed in

How you can help Supporting with homework Reading with your child Visiting the website for links Attending any events at school that you can Talking to your child about their learning Keeping the lines of communication open – we have an open door policy and are here to help and support your child and your family where we can.

Any questions?