Welcome to Class Dickens!

We are Class Dickens, and every member of our class is important.

We are all unique, with our own strengths, interests and personalities. We celebrate these differences and treat one another with kindness and respect. We work together to create a friendly, supportive classroom where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to flourish.

As the oldest pupils at Brierley, we understand that we are role models for the rest of the school. We aim to set a positive example through our words, actions and choices. We encourage everyone to take responsibility for their learning, persevere when something is challenging and ask for help when they need it.

Our Christian value this half-term is Community. Like the early Church, we believe in supporting one another and recognising that everybody has an important part to play.

In Class Dickens, mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn. We do not expect everyone to be perfect. Instead, we value effort, kindness, respect, resilience and perseverance. Together, we will learn, grow and shine, making our final year at Brierley a happy and memorable one.

What is Class Dickens like?

Our Year 6 classroom is a positive and purposeful place where pupils are encouraged to become confident, curious and independent learners.

Our displays celebrate the excellent work produced by the children and reflect our current learning. They include important vocabulary, useful facts, diagrams, visual prompts and examples to support learning across the curriculum. We take pride in presenting our work carefully and continue to develop our handwriting and presentation skills in every subject.

This half-term, our theme is Bringing the Team Together. We will celebrate the similarities and differences between ourselves and people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

What are we learning in English?

As writers, we will research and write a biography of our class author, Charles Dickens. We will also read extracts from his classic novel Great Expectations before writing a character-based narrative about the mysterious Miss Havisham.

Later in the half-term, we will explore some of the issues affecting children around the world. We will use our research to write a discursive piece entitled ‘What I Want to Stand For’.

As readers, we will explore Great Expectations alongside a beautifully illustrated mystery story filled with clues. We will continue to develop our love of reading by sharing a range of carefully chosen and engaging books.

What are we learning in Maths?

As mathematicians, we will deepen our understanding of times tables and practise until we can recall all multiplication and division facts confidently.

Our first topic will be place value, including reading, writing, comparing and ordering numbers up to 10,000,000. We will then focus on the four operations:

• addition
• subtraction
• multiplication
• division

We will learn and practise important arithmetic rules and written methods. Children will complete a SATs baseline assessment so that lessons and small-group support can be carefully matched to their needs.

What are we learning in Science?

As scientists, we will study the human circulatory system. We will learn about:

• the structure and function of the heart
• the components of blood
• the purpose of blood vessels
• how exercise affects our heart rate
• how smoking and certain drugs can affect the body

During our investigation day, we will develop our working scientifically skills by making observations and carrying out tests.

What are we learning in History?

Our historical enquiry question is:

How can we learn from the past?

We will examine propaganda and explore the different experiences people had during the First World War. We will learn about the causes of the war and investigate how these events were understood in Britain, Germany and other parts of Europe.

We will also explore how people in our local area experienced the First World War, using historical evidence from the period 1914–1918. Throughout the topic, we will develop our ability to analyse sources and use accurate historical vocabulary.

What are we learning in RE?

In RE, we will learn about the Kingdom of God. We will explore how the early Church was founded upon community and how Christians demonstrate their faith through charity, fellowship and support for others.

Our Christian value for this half-term is Community.

What are we learning in Art?

As artists, we will explore a range of artistic styles and techniques. We will begin by studying Claude Monet and the features of Impressionism.

We will then learn about zentangle, using repeated patterns to create detailed pieces of artwork. Finally, we will study and evaluate the work of Edward Hopper. We will use appropriate artistic vocabulary to describe the techniques we have learned and evaluate our finished work.

What are we learning in Music?

As musicians, we will study the song Happy by Pharrell Williams. We will explore how pulse and timbre are used to put the song together and use accurate musical vocabulary when discussing it.

We will then learn to perform the song through singing and playing the glockenspiel.

What are we learning in Computing?

As technology users, we will learn about codes, passwords and the history of computer science. We will:

• explain why codes are used
• decode different messages
• understand what makes a password secure
• learn about Bletchley Park and the machines used to solve cipher codes
• explore the contributions of important historical figures
• create an informative website about Bletchley Park

When is PE?

Our PE day is Wednesday.

Please make sure that your child comes to school with the correct PE kit and that all jewellery has been removed.

What homework will my child receive?

Homework will be set every Friday and must be submitted by the following Thursday. This gives us time to identify any areas where children may need additional help or support.

Children will also be encouraged to use the following online learning platforms:

• SATs Companion
• Rollama
• MathsBot

How can I help my child?

• Read together as often as possible. Ask your child questions about the characters, events, vocabulary and author’s choices. Encourage them to explain their answers using evidence from the text.
• Practise times tables and arithmetic regularly. Short, frequent practice will help your child become quicker and more confident.
• Support your child with their weekly homework. Homework is set on Friday and should be returned by Thursday.
• Encourage the use of our online platforms. SATs Companion, Rollama and MathsBot can provide valuable additional practice.
• Encourage independence. Help your child take responsibility for organising their belongings, completing homework and remembering important information.
• Encourage your child to ask for help. Please remind them that asking for support is a positive and responsible choice.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me through Class Dojo. I will always do my best to help and support you, just as we encourage the children to do their best every day.

Mr Gray :)