For term 2, Year 6 will be exploring Africa as we know it today and the ancient kingdoms that thrived on the continent for thousands of years... 

We will be learning about the origins of the transatlantic slave trade in the 15th century and Britain’s involvement from the time of Elizabeth I, and understanding the consequences of enslavement until the abolition of slavery in the 19th century. They will explore the lives and actions of black people in 20th century Britain, and understand how legislation to tackle racial discrimination provides people with protection against racism today. Your child will also explore the lives of black people who have made significant contributions to Britain and will celebrate black culture in Britain today. 

 

English

During term 1, our writing will focus on  biographies of influential and important black people. Alongside this, we will be reading ‘Freedom’ by Catherine Johnson and following the tale of a young slave as he travels from Jamaica to England at the height of the transatlantic slave trade. 

Nearer Christmas, we will be writing a Christmas-themed persuasive letter to Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol'.

Maths

Our Maths lessons will predominantly focus on fractions this term. They will be finding equivalents, simplifying and comparing fractions. They will also use the four number operations to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, as well as find fractions of amounts. Many of these lessons involve our times tables, so it is vital that the children are learning and practising them.

Big Question Lessons

In Geography, we will be learning about Africa including human and physical features and using maps to help us better understand the countries geograhy. In History, we will be learning about life as a slave, life on a plantation and the abolition of the slave trade. 

Science

In Science, we will be exploring the properties of light. We will investigate how and why light travels in a straight line and how light sources enable us to see through reflection. We will also be investigating the properties of shadows under different settings and exploring what refractions is. 

Art

Finally in Art, we will be exploring the artwork of Yayoi Kusama, creating mushrooms using techniques and skills in clay work and then painting them with patterns once dry. Yayoi Kusama is a feminist artist, fighting for the right of women, linking to our whole school question, Why do rights exist?