1. ‘Excellence with Care’

2.  an overview of the whole year.  an opportunity to clarify expectations, information and respond to questions and queries.  a chance to develop the home school partnership working together to ensure our children make good progress socially and academically.

3.  Rounding off 4 years of Learning,  Opportunities to join all their learning together,  Working with a range of people in a range of ways,  Preparing for Secondary school.

4.  Year 6 is different. What may have been acceptable in Year 5 will not necessarily be in Year 6.  Year 6 is a step up in every single area of learning, behaviour & school life  listen fully to all instructions and respond to them appropriately,  have everything you need for sessions so you don’t waste any learning time,  be respectful to other children and adults in the way you speak and behave towards them,  focus and work to achieve your best at all times. Aiming to be the best you can be, making sure you make the most of every opportunity – and not standing in anyone else’s way

5. After spending 3 years at Velmead, Children in Year 6 know the rules and our expectations: Children in Year 6 should not get Red Points Senior pupils

6.  Dual focus on Relationship Education as well as Puberty & Sexual Health.  Awareness of body changes, body confidence – talking about concerns with less embarrassment.  Personal choices – friendships, peers, adults and parents (teenage years!)  Whole class & boy / girl discussion opportunities.

7.  It is only one week in May.  They are about doing your best and being ready for secondary school.  If you work hard all year, you will breeze through the week as you will become confident in your knowledge and abilities.  There are biscuits and a party too!

8.  All children in Year 6 are School Monitors and have a huge job to support the smooth running of the school. They set a good example to younger children in the school. Duties include: Office Monitors, Play Leaders, Assembly Organisation and Module Support.  Each class will nominate peers who they see as being particularly good leaders / role models to become Senior Pupils.

9. Helping you stay focused and not be distracted from their learning at any point.  Planners,  Reading Books & Logs,  PE Kit,  Writing tools (in a small, appropriate pencil cases)  sports-top water bottles  All in a small rucksack Morning work begins at 8:45 - be prompt! If you are unsure about any of these arrangements please consult your child’s planner

10.  Basic Skills: Monday  Monday. Number / Problem Solving based task and a spelling / sentence work task.  About 30 minutes each  As this is a week long homework, if you have any problems there is plenty of time for you to seek clarification at school.  Monday hand in – Everyone gets 1 exception otherwise the homework is re- done at break time  Project homework  6 throughout the year  3 we choose & 3 you can choose.

11. In year 6, we aim to read for pleasure:  We encourage you to read a range of texts,  Reading aloud is very important – for pace, meaning and expression.  Daily Reading of 30mins – pages recorded in Reading Diaries  Signed by home adults as a record of your reading. Inspections every Monday morning – not signed = no break Technical analysis and reading skills are still taught as matter of routine in class.

12.  Make sure your child attends every day (unless they are ill), and arrives in good time.  Make sure your child has what they need each day – including PE kit and books.  Make sure your child completes their Homework to the best of their ability and hands it in in good time.  Ensure the good discipline of your child by supporting our Behaviour Code.