Welcome to Year 6
Year 6 Curriculum Overview
Year 6 is a pivotal year of challenge, creativity, and preparation for secondary school. Children consolidate their Key Stage 2 learning, develop independence, and apply their knowledge to real-life contexts, ensuring they are ready for the next stage of their education.
English
Children explore a range of engaging texts, including The Adventures of Odysseus, Dark Sky Park, and Alma. They develop advanced reading comprehension, writing, and performance skills, culminating in a Year 6 performance that showcases storytelling, drama, and creative expression. Pupils refine their narrative, descriptive, and analytical writing while exploring complex themes and character development.
Mathematics
Maths lessons focus on consolidating and extending skills in integers, decimals, fractions, percentages, geometry, coordinates, and measures. Pupils tackle calculation problems, proportion, and statistics, applying their learning to real-life challenges such as the “Fiver Challenge.” In the Spring term, children prepare for the SATs, with focused practice to develop confidence and mastery in all key areas. The Summer term emphasises applying mathematical skills to everyday contexts and problem-solving.
Science
Science in Year 6 combines biology, physics, and practical investigation. Children study living things and their habitats, including classification, evolution, and inheritance. Physics topics cover light, reflection, circuits, and electricity, while biology also explores human circulation and exercise. A longitudinal study tracking growth across the year helps children make connections between scientific concepts and their own experiences.
Computing
Computing lessons develop digital literacy, programming skills, and responsible technology use. Children explore online safety, Python programming, touch typing, networks, data handling, and media creation, including historical computing investigations at Bletchley Park.
History & Geography
History lessons cover ancient history, including the story of the Trojan Horse, British history with a focus on World War II, and “unheard histories” exploring contemporary issues such as representation on banknotes. Geography lessons examine population changes, energy sources, and desert environments, encouraging children to think critically about human impact and the natural world.
PE
Physical education focuses on fitness, teamwork, and skill development through dodgeball, dance, netball, gymnastics, rounders, OAA (outdoor adventurous activities), bikeability, and athletics. Lessons encourage resilience, coordination, and enjoyment in physical activity.
Art, Design & Technology
Art and design projects develop creative expression through drawing, craft, sculpture, and 3D work, while D&T lessons include textiles, structural projects like playgrounds, and digital design with micro:bits. Children explore practical problem-solving alongside creativity and innovation.
Religion & World Views
Children explore creation stories, religious interpretations, celebrations around the world, and ethical questions such as suffering and the role of religion today. These lessons foster empathy, reflection, and a broader understanding of diverse beliefs and cultures.
French
French lessons develop communication and cultural knowledge through topics such as sport, the Olympics, football, daily life, planning holidays, and visiting towns in France, building both speaking and listening skills.
Music
Music in Year 6 combines performance, composition, and creative expression. Pupils explore pitch, notation, chords, jazz and blues, music technology, and collaborative arrangements. The year culminates in the Year 6 Show, showcasing the skills and confidence developed throughout the year.
PSHE
PSHE supports social, emotional, and personal development. Lessons cover family and relationships, health and wellbeing, safety, citizenship, economic awareness, and identity. A key focus is on preparing children for secondary school, including developing independence, resilience, and understanding roles and responsibilities, ensuring a smooth transition to the next stage of their education.
Year 6 is a year of growth, independence, and preparation for the future. Pupils consolidate key skills in English, maths, science, and the arts, while building confidence, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Focused preparation for SATs ensures children have the skills and confidence to succeed academically, and targeted transition activities support them in moving confidently to secondary school with curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning.
To find out details of life in Year 6, please have a look at the curriculum map.