As part of their science topic ‘Living Things and Their Habitats’, Year 6 are investigating the conditions that microorganisms like best to grow. We will be observing changes to five slices of bread that have been left in different places (a Tupperware, inside a plastic bag, inside a fridge, on a plate at room temperature and on a plate on top of a radiator).

What this space!

Year 6 turned some heads and confused a few people this morning when they unraveled a roll of toilet paper on the playground.

This was to create a timeline in order to compare how long ago the Mayas lived, compared to other civilisations and key moments in history.

Each sheet of paper represented 10 years, and we went back as far as Ancient Egypt (3000BC) and the beginning of the Mayas (2000BC) as well a looking at some key moments in Coventry’s history.

Year 6 spent the afternoon holding a debate about the use of ID cards for security in the UK – something that they have been preparing for this week.

After some good discussion, the class then split into smaller groups and were given another topic to prepare a debate for. These debates will be held next week and the children who stand out will be selected for the All Souls’ School Debating Team.

Here they are in action:

As well as their weekly times tables homework, Year 6 will also be receiving an additional homework task this term. Children will receive some maths problem solving questions on a Monday to hand in on the following Friday. Some children will also be invited to discuss these problems before school begins on a Friday morning (8:00am).

The purpose of this is to help with their preparation for two of the SATs Maths tests that focus on mathematical reasoning.

Anyone who wants to take on some additional problem solving homework, then these websites are a good place to start:

https://nrich.maths.org/8921

https://nsmathshub.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/ks2-reasoning-and-problem-solving-questions-white-rose-maths-hub-twitter-march-2016.pdf

Year 6 began their new science topic (Living Things and Their Habitats) last week by creating flow charts to classify different living things based on their characteristics – a great way to start the unit.

Next we will be looking at others ways of classifying living things as well a closer look at the habitats woods and water on our trip to Coombe Abbey.

Year 6 have really enjoyed getting into their new class text – Journey to Jo’burg by Beverley Naidoo – the story of two young children who take on an epic journey across South Africa during the times of apartheid.

The children have already written biographies of Nelson Mandela and explanations of what apartheid was – both pieces of work that they have found fascinating.

Here is some of the work that was chosen to be put on display:

Year 6 have hit the ground running since being back after Christmas.

Here’s what we’ve got in store for this half-term: