Year 6 - Phase 3
Welcome to the year group page for Monet, Warhol and Lowry classes!
Our Year 6 Spring term is looking really exciting & we cannot wait to get started with our new learning for 2026.
English
In English, we will be immersing ourselves in the novel Holes. This rich and engaging text will inspire a wide range of writing, including diary entries, first-person narratives, non-chronological reports and detailed character profiles. Daily guided reading sessions will support comprehension skills while allowing children to enjoy the unfolding story together.
Maths
This term, pupils will be introduced to ratio for the first time and will begin exploring algebra. These topics are an important step in developing mathematical thinking and will support children as they work towards SATs. Regular practice of times tables is strongly encouraged, with TT Rockstars playing a key role in building speed and accuracy.
Science
In science, children will study adaptation and evolution, focusing on how marine iguanas have evolved to survive in the unique environment of the Galápagos Islands. Alongside this, pupils will revisit and consolidate their understanding of the characteristics of living things, drawing on knowledge from earlier years.
History
History lessons will focus on the life and work of Charles Darwin. Children will explore how his ideas and discoveries challenged thinking at the time and went on to shape scientific understanding around the world.
Geography
Geography will feature heavily during the Spring term. We will begin by learning about desert biomes, comparing different types and their features. Our learning will then move to the continent of North America, where pupils will explore both human and physical geography.
Art
In art, children will develop their printing skills. They will study the work of a well-known artist and use their understanding of techniques to design and create their own printed pieces.
Design & Technology
In DT, the focus will be on textiles. Pupils will design, make and evaluate a final product, developing practical skills as well as creativity and problem-solving.
Computing
This term, Year 6 will begin using the Teach Computing scheme as they develop their coding and programming skills. Building on the strong Scratch knowledge gained in Year 5, children will extend their understanding of algorithms and digital creativity.
Religious Education
In RE, pupils will explore the role of charities and the positive impact they have within the local community. They will also learn about religious groups in Retford and the work they do to support others.
RESPECT (PSHE)
Our RESPECT lessons will explore important and thought-provoking topics, including discrimination, community issues, the influence of the media and the advantages and challenges of artificial intelligence in everyday life.
Music
Following the Sing Up scheme, children will study the song You To Me Are Everything and explore how a familiar nursery rhyme can be adapted and varied in different musical styles.
Physical Education (PE)
In PE, pupils will continue developing their skills in invasion games, with a particular focus on handball. They will apply knowledge gained from basketball and football to support their learning. Gymnastics will take place weekly in the hall, and pupils will also explore volleyball and dodgeball later in the term.
French
In French, children will learn how to talk about themselves, focusing on describing what they wear and how they present themselves, while building confidence in speaking and listening.
The Autumn term in Year 6 is packed with exciting learning opportunities across the curriculum as children begin their final year at Ordsall Primary School with confidence and curiosity.
English
This term, pupils explore the beautifully illustrated story How to Live Forever by Colin Thompson. Through reading, discussion, and drama, children deepen their understanding of character, setting, and atmosphere. They will then apply these skills to write their own imaginative versions of the story, focusing on developing rich vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and effective narrative techniques.
Maths
In maths, children study Place Value with numbers up to 10,000,000, ensuring a secure understanding of large numbers. They also refine efficient written methods for the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These core skills support later problem-solving and help pupils grow in confidence as they begin working with practice SATs-style questions.
Science
Science this term covers two exciting topics:
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The Circulatory System – Children learn how the heart, lungs, and blood vessels work together, with hands-on opportunities such as dissecting a pig’s heart to explore real-life anatomy.
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Light and Shadows – Linked to their history work on Ancient Greece, pupils investigate how light travels, how shadows form, and how artworks and structures use light creatively.
History
In History, pupils step back in time to explore Ancient Greece, discovering its culture, achievements, myths, and influence on modern life. They will study Greek society, democracy, warfare, and the lasting legacy of Greek ideas.
Geography
The Geography focus this term is Fair Trade. Children learn what Fair Trade is, how it supports communities around the world, and how their own shopping choices can make a difference. They explore global supply chains and consider the importance of ethical consumerism.
Art
In Art, Year 6 produce abstract artwork inspired by the human heart, connecting creatively with their Science learning. They also design and create Greek-style pottery and decorative plates, exploring shape, pattern, and ancient designs.
Design & Technology
Pupils take on the role of designers and makers as they plan, create, and evaluate a practical product. Whether through construction, food technology, or crafting, they follow the full design process and develop problem-solving and engineering skills.
Computing
This term, children build on their Year 5 experience with Scratch programming, creating their own interactive games. They learn to use algorithms, loops, variables, and debugging to bring their ideas to life.
Religious Education
In RE, pupils explore Words of Wisdom, reflecting on teachings and inspirational messages from religious leaders and influential figures. They discuss how these messages connect to their own lives and the values they aspire to show.
RESPECT / DAaRT Programme
Year 6 begin the DAaRT (Drugs, Alcohol and Resilience Training) programme with Ms Carter. Through weekly sessions, pupils learn about making safe choices, managing peer pressure, and building resilience. The unit concludes with a classroom graduation where pupils receive certificates and celebrate their achievements.
Music
Using the Charanga programme, pupils learn the song ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams and explore the style of classic jazz music. They develop their listening skills, rhythm, performance confidence, and musical vocabulary.
PE
This term focuses on invasion games such as football and netball, where pupils learn teamwork, strategy, and spatial awareness. They also work on improving their fitness and dance skills through energetic and creative sessions.
French
Children learn useful everyday language including greetings, colours, and food, building confidence in speaking, listening, and singing in French through fun and interactive activities.
