Comber Primary School Information Evening for P6 Parents 8 th September 2015

The purpose of this evening To clarify practice and procedures for all pupils To give you a ‘taster’ of what the children are learning at the moment and some ideas on how to guide them KEY WORD …. CONSISTENCY

Homework in P6 Each child has Homework Diary. You are asked to sign this every night Homework is given every night from Monday to Thursday Weekend homework may be given at times, when appropriate. The homework consists of:

Investigating words Topic words – given on a Monday to be learned for Friday Phonics – homework given on Tuesday and Wednesday All words assessed in a test on Friday

READING – TOP PRIORITY GUIDED READING IN SCHOOL HOME READ A novel suited to their ability. Children should read from this every night (suggested 10 mins a night and 30 at the weekend.) Please listen to your child and even share the reading if possible eg alternating paragraphs. NEW home reads will be given every 3 weeks. When your child has completed the book a short report must be completed. Reading is the ‘key’ to learning and an invaluable ‘tool’ for your child to acquire and enjoy.

TABLES These are extremely important and form the foundation for all maths. A great emphasis will be placed on the learning of tables and mathematical information in P.6. Every night children will be required to revise tables or spend 5 minutes on our current ‘Mental maths Focus.’

Written, learning or research As well as spelling and reading, there will be written, learning and research homeworks. Written homeworks should always be signed. Learning homeworks are equally important and need quality time spent on them. Perhaps you could encourage your son/daughter by questioning them on the material they have been learning?

INFORMATION FILE Your child will be responsible for his/her file. A series of information sheets on English and Maths will be given throughout the year and should be filed accordingly. The children will find this a valuable resource in P6 and P7. It will also be of use to you as a parent, in terms of what the children need to know for class tests.

Independence Throughout the P.6. year we must encourage the children to become more independent and to realise that they must take responsibility for their own work and learning, with our support. Good work will be rewarded!

Assessment NFER Maths & English test are carried out at beginning of school year. These are used to track pupils’ progress overall and as a means of identifying areas for improvement.

Testing Test completed each Friday in spellings and maths. Please sign each week and return to school. Your child will complete class tests in October and February. Parent Interviews will follow these tests. End of year exams will be sat in June

Transfer Procedure - AQE Transfer to grammar school involves participating in the AQE (Association for Quality Education) entrance exam. If you wish your child to be considered for grammar school education, they will have to sit this entrance exam in Autumn 2016 Registration for the tests will take place in May 2016 and it will be your responsibility for entering your child for the exam.

Preparation From Easter in P6 we will begin completing practice tests with the children. They involve English & Maths. You may withdraw your child from this process then, or indeed, whenever you wish. You may talk with us at any stage but ultimately it is your decision as a parent, whether your child proceeds. You will be invited to a meeting later on in the school year regarding the process.

Swimming Every Monday until Christmas Will continue in 3 rd term on alternate Fridays Please ensure your child has the correct kit Girls must have long hair tied back and jewellery removed Cost £3.50 Lessons taught by qualified swimming instructors

PE After Christmas, PE will be on Mondays (P6R), Tuesday (P6S). Reminders will be given in HW diary PE kit essential

CLUBS Clubs will begin in October. Children are expected to attend regularly once they have been accepted for their chosen club.

GANAWAY RESIDENTIAL Monday 28 th Sept – Tuesday 29 th Sept Pupils not going stay in school as normal Equipment list available tonight No electronic equipment please See Mrs Shaw regarding Medical issues or personal medication

Finally…. If you have ANY questions or concerns about issues during the year, please let me know Available from 8.30 am and after school when not taking a club If you are busy a note is welcomed, particularly to explain non-completion of homework!

Helping with Spellings (Spelling Skills)

Goals Remember structure Sound out Know meaning Fun

Syllables are chunks or beats of sound Syllables What are syllables? A silly bull

Syllables are chunks or beats of sound Syllables What are syllables?

How many syllables does this word have? Syllables Liverpool

How many syllables does this word have? Syllables Liverpool

How many syllables does this word have? Syllables carefully

How many syllables does this word have? Syllables carefully

Words in a Word

Different learners Use three kinds of experiences for the learner: auditory, visual and kinaesthetic. In other words, allow students to hear the correct spelling of words, see the spellings, and have 'hands-on" experiences. A) Spell words using Scrabble™ tiles, Boggle™ letter cubes, magnetic letters, or even letters cut from newspapers and magazines. B) Trace the correct spellings of words on backs. Or spell words by gluing string onto construction paper. C) Find spelling words on cereal boxes, toy packages and other everyday items. D) Use wipe boards

Mind Maps allowed

Online Spelling pelling_games.htmlhttp:// pelling_games.html bject/spelling-games/ bject/spelling-games/ ggames.htmlhttp:// ggames.html