Sycamore
Welcome to Sycamore Class (Year 6).
Meet the Team
Class Teacher: Mrs Pike-Bullin
Classroom Teaching Assistants: Mrs Brown and Mrs Singh
Welcome to the Autumn Term in Sycamore Class
Year 6 is an exciting and important year as our pupils grow into confident, independent learners, ready for their transition to secondary school. This term is full of rich learning opportunities across a broad and balanced curriculum. Here’s what we’ll be exploring this Autumn.
English – Writing and SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)
This term, our focus in English is on crafting both fiction and non-fiction texts with increasing sophistication. We will be embedding advanced grammatical structures such as fronted adverbials, expanded noun phrases, figurative language (including metaphors, similes and personification), and varied punctuation for effect.
We will also be revisiting and consolidating essential SPaG knowledge from previous years – including the use of verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and determiners – to ensure a strong foundation for high-quality writing.
English – Reading Comprehension
Our Reading sessions this term will focus on developing reading fluency, stamina, and comprehension of more challenging texts. We will explore a variety of genres and authors, enhancing our ability to retrieve information accurately, infer meaning, interpret vocabulary in context, and analyse authorial choices. These skills are vital for the end-of-year assessments and lifelong reading confidence.
Mathematics
We begin the term by strengthening our understanding of place value and the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Pupils will also tackle fractions and key measurement concepts.
A strong emphasis will be placed on arithmetic fluency and mental maths strategies, alongside developing reasoning and problem-solving skills in line with the National Curriculum’s aims for mathematical mastery.
Science
Autumn 1: Living things & their Habitats. The children will explore how plants and animals are classified, how living things reproduce, and how different species depend on and adapt to their habitats.
Autumn 2: Earth & Space. In Autumn 2, we will discover the solar system, including the Sun, Earth and planets, and explore how the Earth’s movement causes day and night, seasons and the apparent movement of the Sun and Moon.
History - Anglo-Saxons and The Vikings
In history this term, we will be learning all about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, exploring why they came to Britain, how they settled and fought for control, and the impact they had on Britain. We will investigate Alfred the Great, Viking raids and settlements, Anglo-Saxon and Viking society, religion, homes, food and exploration, as well as how this period eventually came to an end in 1066.
Geography – Mountains
In geography this term, we will be learning all about mountains and how they are formed, exploring their key features and climates, locating famous mountains around the world and the UK’s highest peaks, and discovering the importance of the Himalayas to the people who live there.
Art - Digital Art
In Art this term, we will be exploring digital and graphic design, learning how artists use images, colour, typography and composition to communicate messages. We will develop our own ideas and use photography and digital editing techniques to create an inspirational poster promoting our school value of Aspire and Adapt.
Music – Music Technology
This term, we will be using Garage Band to create our pieces of music. We will be using loops to create a song in the style of House Music. The children are challenged to create a verse, bridge and a chorus, as well as lyrics to go along side their music.
PSHE - TEAM
In PSHE this term, we will be learning about the importance of teamwork and relationships, exploring how to communicate respectfully, compromise and collaborate with others. We will also consider how we can care for others, respond to unkind behaviour and share responsibilities to help our teams and communities work successfully.
RE - Why do some people believe God exists and others don't?
In RE this term, we will be exploring why some people believe that God exists and why others do not, considering ideas such as religious experiences, family background, science, suffering and evidence. We will explore Christian beliefs about what God is like and consider different arguments for and against belief in God, before forming our own reasoned conclusions.
Swimming Lessons
Some Sycamore children will take part in weekly swimming lessons at Stretford Sports Village, developing their swimming ability, water confidence and essential water-safety skills.
Lessons will take place on Wednesdays from 1:30–2:30pm, starting on Wednesday 9th September 2026 until Wednesday 27th January 2027.
If your child was in Cedar Class in Year 5 and has already completed their swimming lessons, they will remain in school on Wednesday afternoons and take part in PE instead.
SATs Preparation
As part of our ongoing preparation for the Year 6 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs), we will begin to familiarise pupils with the types of questions found in the Arithmetic and Reading papers. This is approached in a supportive, low-pressure environment, helping children build confidence and develop effective strategies.
- Monday 10 May: English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) Paper 1 (questions) and Paper 2 (spelling).
- Tuesday 11 May: English reading test.
- Wednesday 12 May: Mathematics Paper 1 (arithmetic) and Paper 2 (reasoning).
- Thursday 13 May: Mathematics Paper 3 (reasoning).
We’re looking forward to a fantastic term of learning in Sycamore Class. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the Year 6 curriculum, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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