Can you believe that your child is nearing the end of the Oakwood journey? We want them to have a fantastic year with us in Year 6 and leave in July, not only with wonderful memories, but feeling proud knowing that they have achieved their true potential. We want to prepare them for becoming independent, confident and eager learners ready for their high school years .
Your support in this is crucial and the Year 6 team want to work in partnership with you as parents to help your child reach their very best.
Please keep up to date with our learning journey through the year by following us on Twitter Y6twitter@oakwoodavenue.co.uk
Please ensure your child brings these things to school daily :
A water bottle and book bag - or because your child is older, it will most likely be a bag of their choice! The important thing is that they are responsible for bringing in their reading book, reading records and any spelling books they may need on a daily basis. It is so important to support your child in becoming responsible (one of our Oaky Family Values 'Be Responsible') for organising what they will need for the day ahead in school in readiness for high school. We want children to live in the present and enjoy their final year in primary school, but we also have to equip them with the skills so that they can have a successful transition to high school, which will come along soon enough!
PE days
Your child can come to school in their school PE kit (black tracksuit bottoms /leggings/school shorts, Oaky t-shirt, Oaky/green sweatshirt and pumps/trainers) on PE days. Please note that Oaky hoodies are now not part of the Oakwood PE uniform. If your child isn't wearing the correct PE uniform, they will be asked to remove it and will be given an alternative for the day; their clothing item will be given back to them at the end of the day. Please refer to the School Uniform booklet, which can be found under the Parents tab on our website for any further clarification.
All of Y6 will have PE on Tuesday
Year 6 also attend swimming lessons during this year. These lessons will also take place on a Tuesday. A PING will be sent out sharing prior notice of what is needed and when they are to take place.
Snack
Parents can provide a healthy snack from home. Alternatively, toast can be bought from the canteen at a cost of 25p, juice at a cost of 35p and milk 30p. An amount of £3.00 must be loaded onto your Parent Pay account by 9am on Monday at the beginning of each week.
Homework
Reading
Your child will be given a reading book suited to their level of reading within the first couple of weeks back as well as a reading record. We ask that all reading records be placed in a basket outside your child’s classroom every Monday morning so that the teachers can check their home reading. We encourage the children to try to read every night, however we also realise that family life is busy so ask that they read at least 3 times per week and make a comment each time. One of these comments must be written or signed by an adult. Reading books and records need to be brought in daily as the children do a lot of 1:1 and group reading with adults. In year 6, children can gain an extra break if they have at least 3 comments in their reading record, with one being signed by an adult. This is used an as incentive and a reward for those children. For children who haven't achieved 3 reads, they will be given the opportunity to use the time during 'reader's play'to catch up on their reads.
After Christmas, children will receive a SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar) workbook, which they will complete weekly.
Spelling
Spellings are always an area of focus, especially when the children will have to have their writing moderated in readiness for the SATS. For some children, having spelling lists sent home really helps them to focus but what is important is that they are then spelt correctly in their writing pieces. Spelling lists will be handed out each Monday; they relate to the word level work that has taken place in your child’s English class and need to be learnt over the week.
Maths
This is times tables practise which can be writing them out and playing games but must include TT Rockstars x3 a week. Other tasks may be sent home sometimes too, these may be paper based or online. Even though the children sat their multiplication times tables test in Y4, continuing to practise their times tables is essential for them to be able to access the y6 maths curriculum, in readiness for SATS at the end of this academic year.
Home Learning Projects
There will only be one piece of Topic homework per term i.e. 3 in the year. Each term Oaky will ask the children to complete a project linked to their topic learning. Letters will be sent out informing you of this and the children will have a few weeks to complete the task. There will always be a choice to make learning as personalised as possible for your child.
The Oaky Way – Staying Connected
At Oakwood, we very much have an open door policy where we welcome open communication. At least one member of staff from the year group is on the playground at the beginning of the day. If parents/carers need a quick chat or need to pass on any information, then please feel free to do so.
If you require a more lengthy conversation, then please email or ring for an appointment with the class teacher, as you can appreciate that teachers need to be back up in class to maximise learning time. We are encouraging parents to allow their children to come up to their Year 6 classrooms independently. Staff will bring the children down onto the playground at the end of the day, which is another opportunity to speak with the class teacher is needed.
For safeguarding and welfare concerns, please continue to use Option 4 on the school phone line and ask to speak to Mrs Frank
Members of the senior leadership team will be visible at drop off and pick up times at the gate. If you require a meeting with a senior leader, then plase contact the office to arrange an appointment.