Year 6

Aiming High, Being Their Best, and Preparing for the World Beyond Primary

Welcome to Year 6 at Kilnhurst St Thomas Primary Academy! This is an exciting and important year for our pupils as they grow in confidence, independence and responsibility. Year 6 marks the final stage of primary school, and our aim is to ensure every child feels supported, challenged and inspired as they prepare for their transition to secondary education.


We pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive and encouraging environment where every child is valued. Throughout the year, pupils take on new roles, develop leadership skills and deepen their knowledge across the curriculum. They are encouraged to think for themselves, work collaboratively and build resilience—skills that will serve them well both now and throughout their lives.


Our Year 6 team is committed to helping each child reach their full potential, celebrating their achievements and guiding them through new experiences with care and positivity. We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth and memorable moments.

Year 6 Curriculum Overview


In Year 6, pupils enjoy a challenging and enriching curriculum that deepens their understanding across all subjects. Learning is broad, balanced and creative, with opportunities to explore significant historical periods, global geography, scientific enquiry and high‑quality literature.

English
Pupils develop their confidence as readers and writers through a wide range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. They learn to:

  • Read with fluency and deeper comprehension
  • Identify themes, characters and viewpoints
  • Write for different audiences and purposes, including: Newspaper reports
  • Persuasive writing
  • Non‑chronological reports
  • Adventure narratives
  • Poetry such as haikus and acrostic poems
  • Refine spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Plan, draft and edit their work with increasing independence
  • High-quality novels support reading development and stimulate discussion around themes such as resilience, freedom and significant historical events.

 Mathematics
Year 6 strengthens pupils’ mathematical knowledge and extends their reasoning and problem‑solving skills. Learning includes:

  • Number and place value
  • Efficient written and mental calculation
  • Fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Geometry (shape, position and direction)
  • Measurement and conversions
  • Statistics and data interpretation
  • Multi‑step problem‑solving challenges

These skills prepare pupils confidently for secondary‑level mathematics.

Science

Science in Year 6 is practical, investigative and encourages curiosity about the world. Pupils study:

  • The circulatory system and human body
  • Electrical circuits and components
  • How light travels and how we see
  • Evolution, inheritance and adaptation

Children carry out investigations, record results and apply scientific vocabulary to explain their ideas.

History
Pupils explore important periods, cultures and themes, helping them understand historical change and continuity. Topics may include:

  • Movements and experiences of different cultures and peoples
  • Life in extreme environments
  • Britain during times of conflict
  • Children use sources, develop enquiry skills and compare past and present.

Geography
Geographical learning helps pupils understand the world’s physical and human features through:

  • Studies of contrasting environments
  • Investigating changing climates and landscapes
  • Mapwork, fieldwork and data interpretation
  • Revisiting and strengthening key geographical knowledge

Pupils connect learning to global issues and responsible citizenship.

Art & Design
Pupils explore creative techniques and styles, including:

  • Colour, texture and pattern
  • Influential artists from different cultures
  • Artwork inspired by the natural world
  • Abstraction, distortion and expressive effects

Design & Technology
DT helps pupils develop creativity and problem‑solving through:

  • Preparing nutritious food
  • Exploring simple engineering principles
  • Designing and creating purposeful products

Computing
Pupils develop secure digital skills through:

  • Programming and coding
  • Understanding networks and digital systems#
  • Creating digital content
  • Learning to stay safe online


Religious Education

Year 6 pupils learn about a range of world faiths and important religious traditions, with a focus on developing respect, understanding and thoughtful reflection. As part of our RE curriculum, children explore key beliefs, values and practices from:

  • Islam
  • Christianity

PSHE
PSHE supports pupils in developing:

  • Resilience and independence
  • Healthy relationships
  • Emotional and physical wellbeing
  • Understanding of citizenship and responsibility

Physical Education
Children take part in varied activities that build fitness, teamwork and confidence, including:

  • Invasion games
  • Dance and movement
  • Athletics
  • Outdoor and adventurous activities

Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish)
In Year 6, pupils continue to develop their confidence in learning a Modern Foreign Language through the study of Spanish. In line with the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2, children build on their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, learning to:

  • Understand and respond to simple spoken language
  • Ask and answer questions using familiar vocabulary and phrases
  • Use basic grammar patterns, including gender and simple verb forms
  • Broaden their vocabulary and use it in short conversations
  • Read and understand simple written texts
  • Write sentences and short passages using taught structures

Spanish lessons help pupils appreciate language learning, build cultural awareness and develop the confidence to use new vocabulary. These foundations support a smooth transition to continued language study at secondary school.

Home Learning & Expectations

Home learning in Year 6 supports and extends learning while strengthening pupils’ independence and organisational skills.

Reading
Regular reading is essential. Children should either:
Read to an adult at least three times per week, recorded in their reading diary,
or
Access an approved online reading programme to practise comprehension and enjoy a broader range of texts.

SATs preparation - English and Maths Practice
Short weekly tasks reinforce key skills and build confidence.

Project Work
Occasional creative or research‑based projects link with wider curriculum topics.

Organisation
Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Bring the correct equipment
  • Keep their reading diary updated
  • Complete homework on time
  • Stay aware of key dates
How You Can Help.

Parents and carers can support by:

  • Talking about current learning
  • Discussing maths tasks
  • Keeping track of login details for online platforms
  • Listening to their child read regularly
  • Encouraging a positive, ready‑to‑learn mindset
  • Supporting attendance at booster sessions when offered
Practical Information

Information about daily routines—including PE days, equipment, key dates and ways to contact school—is shared through our school communication platforms. Please check these regularly for updates.

Transition to Secondary School

At Kilnhurst St Thomas Primary Academy, we aim to make the move to secondary school a positive and confident step for every child. Throughout Year 6, pupils receive academic, social and emotional support to help them prepare.

We have strong links with local secondary schools and work closely with them to ensure a smooth and well‑informed transition. Families will receive regular updates, including details about visits, induction activities and opportunities to meet staff from receiving schools.


Our aim is for every pupil to feel ready, reassured and excited for the next stage of their journey.