Welcome to Year 6

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Welcome to the Year 6 Class Page!

This year, your teachers will be:

Class Kilimanjaro: Mr Martin

Class Snowdon: Miss Craig

Year 6 Summer 1 at a Glance:

USEFUL INFORMATION:-

Homework:

This will usually be handed out every Friday, along with weekly spellings. This will need to be handed in the following Friday (unless it is a project).

Reading:

We will check your reading records every Monday, so remember to record your reading. You should be aiming for at least four reads per week.

PE:

PE takes place on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Please ensure you have the appropriate kit in school at all times (label all of your belongings!).

Transition:

BBC Bitesize Starting Secondary School website: Lots of tips and advice for students (and their parents) who are about to start secondary. A great free resource!

BBC Bitesize - What's the difference between primary and secondary school?: Five animated learner guides for Y6 pupils, from the BBC Bitesize daily lessons materials.

Getting the Year 6 transition right: understanding what “Year 7 Ready” really means...

Taking inspiration from Third Space Learning, they asked a secondary school in England what they expected their children to be like once they arrived at their new school. This is what they came up with... (Obviously, there are many more traits.)

Growth Mindset in Y6:

We have been encouraging our Y6 pupils to develop a Growth Mindset and you may have already heard them talking about this at home.

Growth Mindset is simply an approach to learning in school and beyond. The principles come from years of research by Dr Carol Dweck of Stanford University. Her work points to people having two Mindsets: – GROWTH OR FIXED.

“In a fixed Mindset students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents etc. are just fixed traits they have a certain amount and that’s that and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time or never look dumb. In a growth Mindset students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don’t think everyone’s the same or anyone can become Einstein, but they believe everyone can get better if they work at it”

Dr Carol Dweck

Developing a growth mindset can help to remove such ‘invisible barriers to learning as pupils begin to realise that we can all grow in our abilities through hard work, perseverance, and practice.

Ways to support your child this year:

As parents/carers, you play a vital role in supporting your child's journey through Year 6. This year is an important milestone for your child's education, as it marks their final year in junior school before transitioning to secondary school. Here are some valuable tips to help you support your child during this crucial time:

1. Encourage a Balanced Routine

Ensure your child follows a balanced routine that includes dedicated time for studying, physical activity, rest, and relaxation. Year 6 can be demanding, so striking the right balance is crucial for your child's well-being and academic success.

2. Provide a Quiet Study Space

Create a calm and distraction-free space for your child to study at home. This will help them focus and concentrate on their schoolwork. Make sure the study area is well-lit and equipped with the necessary supplies like pens, pencils, and notebooks.

3. Communicate with Teachers Regularly

Stay in touch with your child's teachers to gain insights into their progress and any areas that may require additional support or attention. Regular communication will enable you to work together as a team to ensure your child is reaching their full potential.

4. Encourage Reading for Pleasure

Instill a love for reading by encouraging your child to explore various genres and authors. Reading for pleasure not only improves literacy skills but also expands their knowledge and fosters imagination. Visit your local library or discover e-books online together!

5. Practice Active Listening

Take the time to actively listen to your child's thoughts, concerns, and triumphs. Your support and understanding will boost their confidence as they face the challenges of Year 6. Show interest in their school projects and make time for meaningful conversations.

6. Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate your child's achievements throughout Year 6, big or small! Whether it's a positive phone call home, completing a challenging project, or showing resilience in the face of adversity, acknowledge their efforts and let them know how proud you are of their accomplishments.

Remember, every child is unique, and their journey through Year 6 will vary. The most important thing is to offer your unwavering support, understanding, and encouragement. Let's make Year 6 an unforgettable and successful year for your child!

We are looking forward to you starting your final chapter at Westdale Junior School. This year will be full of exciting new challenges which we will overcome together as a team!

Year 6 is going to ROCK!

Mr Martin and Miss Craig