Welcome back to school for the autumn term. We hope that you and your children have had a wonderful summer break and are looking forward to the exciting year ahead.
The autumn term is always a busy and exciting time in Year 6, with children building on their learning from Year 5 while preparing for their final year at primary school and their transition to secondary education.
This year, we will be using the Oak National Academy curriculum to support and enhance our teaching across Year 6. Oak's carefully sequenced lessons help children build knowledge and skills progressively while making meaningful links across subjects where appropriate. The curriculum is designed to ensure all children receive a broad, balanced and engaging education that meets the expectations of the National Curriculum.
For more information about your child's learning this term, please see our Curriculum Overview.
Homework
Homework in Year 6 is designed to consolidate learning while also preparing children for the style of questions they will encounter in the Key Stage 2 SATs. It also helps to establish positive study habits that will support them as they move on to secondary school.
Children will regularly receive Reading, Spelling and Maths homework. See Curriculum Overview for more information.
Reading remains one of the most important ways to support your child's learning. Children are expected to read regularly at home as well as being heard read in school each week. Regular reading has a significant impact on reading fluency, vocabulary, spelling, writing and overall academic progress.
Please hear your child read at home at least five times a week. Ask questions which encourage your child to draw inferences about characters’ feelings, thoughts, emotions and actions and find evidence that demonstrates these. Please help your child to read and record on the GoRead App.
Suitable Year 6 novel recommendations available here: CLICK HERE
Spellings
Our weekly spelling lessons focus on the age-related spelling patterns and statutory word lists taught throughout Key Stage 2. These spellings form part of the SATs assessments and are essential for children to meet the expected standard in writing. Please support your child by practising these spellings regularly and encouraging them to correct any spelling errors in their independent work. Spelling lists will be uploaded onto the Year 6 page on Class Dojo each Thursday. These spellings will be tested the following Tuesday. Regular practice at home makes such a difference.
P.E
Please can we remind parents and carers that, in line with our school uniform policy, jewellery should not be worn in school except for small stud earrings. For health and safety reasons, earrings must not be worn on PE days. Children will be asked to remove their earrings before PE lessons if they are wearing them. Children should arrive at school dressed in their PE kit on PE days.
Year 6 PE Days – Thursday & Friday
Residential
Our Year 6 residential visit has already been booked for September 2026. We are delighted that the whole year group will be able to attend together, allowing the children to enjoy this memorable experience with their friends before moving on to their secondary schools. Further information, including details of a parent meeting, will be shared later in the autumn term.
A reminder that SATs tests are statutory for Year 6 children and take place on Mon 10th May to Thurs 13th May 2027.
Throughout the year, the children will benefit from a range of exciting enrichment opportunities designed to enhance and deepen their learning. In September, the Animal Man will visit the school to support the children’s understanding of vertebrates and invertebrates. Later in the year, we have also arranged for Historic Workshops to visit and bring WW2 to life, further enriching the children’s learning in history. As part of our preparations for the transition to secondary school, pupils will have opportunities to work with local secondary schools, the school nursing team and pastoral staff. These experiences will help ensure that the children are confident, informed and well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
Secondary School Place
The autumn term is also an important time for applying for your child's secondary school place. Applications must be submitted by 31st October. Many local secondary schools will be holding open evenings and open events during September and October, providing an excellent opportunity to visit schools with your child before making your preferences.
We recommend that you:
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Explore school websites to find out about admission arrangements, catchment areas and curriculum information.
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Attend open evenings or arrange daytime visits where available.
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Consider travel arrangements and catchment areas when choosing your preferred schools.
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Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website and Local Council admissions pages.
Please ensure your child brings a named water bottle containing water only each day. Morning toast will continue to be available until the close of the register. Children may also bring a healthy snack (a piece of fruit from home) for their morning snack.
We are proud to offer a wide range of after-school clubs each term. Information about our autumn term clubs will be sent out during the first few weeks of term.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your child's class teacher who will be happy to arrange a convenient time to meet with you. We are looking forward to a busy, enjoyable and successful year. Thank you for your continued support and for working in partnership with us to ensure your child enjoys a happy, successful and rewarding final year at Pheasey Park Farm. Year 6 is an important milestone and we look forward to celebrating the children's achievements with you throughout the year.
