Welcome to year 6

The year 6 teaching team for 2024/25 consists of Mrs Maddox (6M) and Miss Gudgeon (6N). Our year group is greatly supported by: Mrs Billa-Patel, Mrs Holder, Mrs Short and Mrs McGrevey.

PE lessons take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Homework is set for both classes each Friday.

In their science lessons this half term, the children will be investigating the impact of sunlight on the human eye and consider the importance of sunglasses as a form of protection for the eye.  This topic will allow the children to revisit previous learning that they have done on light.

If you want to revisit some interesting information regarding how light enters the human eye, use the link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zxm96rd/articles/zrs62v4#z2kssk7

Condover Hall - 2025

Thursday 26^th June

Our hopes for sleeping soundly didn’t quite go our way: some rooms were all happily dreaming away by 11pm, whilst other rooms may have kept us awake till quite a bit later. This led to quite a few tired faces in the morning (coffee was an absolute necessity for the adults).  That being said, the children were quickly revived as they tucked into a choice of: bacon, vegetarian sausages, scrambled eggs, baked beans, toast and a variety of yoghurts, fruits and cereals.  After they had their fill, they returned to their accommodation to prepare for a very busy day at Condover Hall.

Group 1 headed towards the South Tower, pulled on some very fetching (and perhaps a tad uncomfortable) harnesses and topped their heads with helmets.  They took on the Gladiator Wall. The pride that the adults felt for each child as they challenged themselves to go as high as they could was immense.  Not only did they tackle the wall, they also helped with important roles such as belaying.  To Miss Gudgeon’s delight, the children then travelled into the woods to take their turn at the sensory trail.  Extra water may, or may not have been included – the children were ecstatic about this!

Group 2 started their day in the woods as they emersed themselves in the sensory trail.  Traversing through bushes, tunnels and squelchy mud, the children enthusiastically made their way through the roped maze.  There may have been some interesting squeals from the children, but they loved it really.  After this, the children marched towards the Gladiator Wall.  Mrs Tellyn was incredibly proud of how each child challenged themselves.  Furthermore, the positive words of encouragement from the group really helped the children to push themselves.

Group 3 went to the archery field to channel their inner Robin Hood.  After listening intently to the rules and advice, the children loved being given permission to fire their arrows and had plenty of opportunities to take aim.  Following on from this, the children showed great teamwork as they went through the sensory trail.  Screams echoed throughout the trees as mud and water covered their hands, knees and faces.  A good wash down was very much needed.

Group 4 started their day by getting very dirty.  They travelled into the woods to make their way through the sensory trail.  Water, mud, blindfolds and a challenging trail all combined to make a fun-filled activity.  Faces of disgust quickly turned to faces of delight.  After a quick wash and change of clothes, they all gathered upon the archery fields.  Whilst their aim was not always accurate, their enthusiasm was spot on.

After a morning of intense moments, it was time to refuel.  They could choose from a scrumptious array of either: slow cooked Mexican pork with crispy taco shells (and all the toppings), crispy chicken (not Mc) nuggets or tasty quorn nuggets – all served with a delectable salad bar.  After this, it was onto the next round of activities.

Group 1 took on the abseiling wall.  Whilst this was not everyone’s cup of tea, we were incredibly proud of each child trying to push their limits.  Well done group 1!  Group 3 began their afternoon at the Gladiator Wall.  The pride that each child can have in themselves is astronomical as they each pushed themselves beyond what many of them thought they could achieve.  Following on from this, groups 1 and 3 came together to take on the lake in their canoes.  I cannot lie, they did spend an alarming amount of time either going round in circles, crashing into each other or enjoying some quality time in the reeds.  That being said, a great deal of laughter could be heard echoing across the lake, and they did improve a little as time went by.

Groups 2 and 4 spent a long time going round in circles on the lake in their canoes, but this did not dampen the mood at all.  Of course, Mr Letts didn’t take any satisfaction when he “accidentally” splashed unfortunate paddlers who drifted too near to shore.  All of the children then had a splendid time frolicking in the water.  Both groups quickly dried and redressed themselves before heading off to their next activities.  Group 2 can take great pride in their efforts at the abseiling wall.  Whilst there were quite a few nerves to begin with, many of the children came down and said they felt amazing and proud of themselves.  Group 4 attempted the Gladiator Wall.  Their growth mindset meant that their own personal goals were smashed again and again.

After having some refreshing and warming showers, the children got dressed and headed off to the dinner hall.  Another fantastic set of meal options awaited them.  The children could choose from either: some locally sourced pork sausages with Yorkshire pudding, peas and gravy; Cantonese style Kung Pao chicken with rice; or two alternative versions with vegan sausages or Kung Pao tofu.  For pudding tonight, the children were all delighted as they were treated to a jam filled doughnut and more fresh fruit; smiles all round!

On another note, the room inspections have quite possibly been one of the greatest highlights of our time here at Condover Hall. The pride that they have all (and yes, I truly mean all) have taken in tidying and presenting their rooms to us each time has been remarkable.  Mrs Maddox and I have been utterly astounded by their dedication and efforts.  Some incredibly high scores have been given out to all rooms so far, and the children cannot wait to find out which girls’ room and boys’ room will be crowned champions by the end of our time here.

For tonight’s final activity of the day, the children are all currently taking part in a run around quiz.  I remain hopeful that they will all sleep soundly tonight!  May the odds be ever in our favour!

Wednesday 25^th June 

What a fantastic start to our trip!  The whole group was overjoyed to discover that the coach driver had arrived early.  After confirming with Condover Hall that all would be ok if we arrived earlier, we boarded our transportation and enjoyed a delightful journey, which involved some splendid views of natural beauty along the way.

As we approached the vast gates of Condover Hall, the children cheered and whooped with excitement.  After deboarding the coach, everyone sat in the stunning Condover Hall grounds, basked in the glorious weather and ate their lunch with glee.  We were greeted by the wonderful staff before embarking on a few games and an informative tour of the grounds.  After hearing some important notices, the children filled their water bottles, made some clothing changes and prepared for their activities.

Group 1 tackled the team challenges first.  It is always interesting to see how well they might work together.  Admittedly, it took them some practice, but they eventually learned that it is more beneficial to listen and take your time than it is to rush through. Whilst some of the challenges really tested their logic and teamwork, it was on the tennis ball game where they really started to shine.  Following on from this, the group made their way into the mansion.  Upon entering a jungle-themed room, they were met with a series of caves for them to try and safely traverse through.  Rest assured, they all made it out in one piece.

Group 2 began their afternoon in the caves.  After donning their helmets, and turning on their torches, the children slid their way through the winding tunnels.  There may or may not have been a few squeals along the way, but they all made it out with sighs of relief and smiles on their faces.  After this, they breathed in the fresh outdoor air and enjoyed taking part in the team challenges.  Much like group 1, this was a chance for them to either work well together or crumble. The rubber tire challenge is honestly something to behold.  The children managed to get themselves a little tangled up, however, once they had discovered the trick, they flew through the challenge.

Groups 3 and 4 headed over to the South Tower.  After following the essential safety measures (putting on helmets and pulling up rather uncomfortable harnesses) the children prepared to take on the tower by abseiling down it.  This activity always forces children to try and push beyond their comfort zones.  The leaders were incredibly proud of each child for even considering giving it a go.  Well done groups 3 and 4!

After this, it was time to haul their luggage to their dorms.  Their version of “unpacking” leaves a little to be desired, however, the children have been told about the daily room inspections, and many are keen to try and make some improvements. 

The children then had a short chill-out time before heading off for dinner.  For tonight’s delectable feast, the children were treated to a choice of: mouth-watering tandoori chicken thighs, classic margarita pizza or scrumptious tandoori paneer with flatbread, raita and mango chutney.  All of these tasty options were then served with a choice of sides: perfectly crisp potato wedges, fluffy rice, scrumptious corn-on-the-cob and an incredible salad bar.  The dessert – oh what a welcome treat!  Chocolate ice cream and fresh fruit galore.

Once their bellies were suitably satisfied, the children headed off to the field to take part in their evening activity: wide games.  Hopefully, the vast running around will help them to peacefully (and quickly) fall asleep later.  Please send all your best wishes our way. 

Spring learning

Year 6 had a wonderful spring term filled with opportunities to develop key skills such as: independence, collaboration, creative thinking and caring for our world. 

Whilst learning about evolution and inheritance as part of their science lessons, the children considered how natural selection can determine the kinds of physical features needed to help them survive in different environments.  They had a wonderful time applying their learning about the Galapagos finches to a task involving rice.

March was a very busy month.  The year 6 children loved celebrating World Book Day,  Red Nose Day and delving into the wonderful world of Shakespeare as part of their Shakespeare Week - it was a truly special week.

Autumn learning

Year 6 have achieved so many wonderful learning outcomes across the autumn term so far.  Some particular highlights include: making sculptures of different vertebrates as part of science; using charcoal to show the stark contrast lighting can make on an image; using glockenspiels to produce their own compositions; collaborating to produce different balances in PE and also designing their own maps in history after learning about important features and buildings in Ancient Maya.

Reading at home

Regular reading at home has a huge impact on children's overall academic and personal growth.  This is because reading supports many areas of the curriculum and gives children opportunities to see different perspectives, settings and character experiences.  Whether they are losing themselves in a fiction text, or broadening their knowledge and horizons with a piece of non-fiction, reading can be both pleasurable and informative.  

Because of the power that reading has, we encourage regular weekly reading.  When you listen to your child read, it is truly beneficial if you ask questions to support their ability to retrieve and comprehend the information that they are reading.  Ensuring that children understand what they are reading helps them not only in school, but in their own lives.  Reading can have a long-lasting personal, social and emotional positive impact.

All children have a Bug Club account which they can access at home.  It has a vast library of texts for the children to choose from and read.  Additionally, it provides comprehension questions for them to answer as they go through the book.  You can access Bug Club using the following link:  https://www.activelearnprimary.co.uk/login?c=0 

Furthermore, you can access free resources and advice from Oxford Owl using the following link: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-at-home/ 

Finally, on Purple Mash (which children can access at home using the welearn365.com link) children can click on the 'reading' section near the top of the page to access free books from DK Publishers, or use the Serial Mash to access a wide range of books and again answer comprehension questions as they go.

Maths practice

Regular practice of key maths skills helps children to grow in confidence and secure the foundational elements of maths.  Below are some resources that your child might find useful and enjoyable in supporting them to further develop their knowledge:

https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/category/22/most-popular 

https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/resources/free-tests-tips-and-games? 

https://ttrockstars.com/ 

Additionally, children can access Purple Mash using welearn365.com and then they can choose the maths heading and utilise the various topics, games and quizzes.

Homework support

There are times when certain elements of children's homework might be confusing for both children and parents.  There are a couple of websites that you might find useful in such situations:

https://www.theschoolrun.com/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary

https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/free-downloads

Additionally, if your child has found certain elements of their homework especially tricky, they can always seek additional support from their class teacher.  We ask that children let us know by Wednesday if there are any questions that they would like us to help them with.  This is to ensure that there is enough time to have completed it before homework is marked on Friday.

Spelling practice support

There will sometimes be games available for the children to access via the Spelling Shed website.  Children have already been given their logins, and they will be told which weeks they can access additional games to play to support them as they practice their weekly spellings. 

Spelling Shed website

Spelling Shed "how to" guide