Welcome to Maple - Year 6!

Autumn Term

Maple Class have had a fantastic start to Year 6 and have settled in wonderfully. The pupils are full of energy and enthusiasm as they dive into their final year at school. One highlight so far has been their rugby sessions with a local coach, where they’ve shown off some impressive skills and teamwork. The photos capture the fun and focus they bring to each practice. We’re excited for all the adventures this year will bring!

Mud, Smiles, and Memories: Year 6 Takes on Norfolk Lakes!

At the start of Year 6, our students embarked on an unforgettable residential trip to Norfolk Lakes, filled with exciting outdoor activities. They took on paddle boarding across calm waters, scaled high walls in rock climbing, and tried their hand at fencing. One of the most memorable moments was tackling a challenging and extremely muddy obstacle course, where they showed great determination and teamwork. Take a look at the photos—they speak for themselves: mud, smiles, and even more mud! These pictures capture the joy and excitement as our both Oak and Maple embraced every challenge with enthusiasm.

Trip to Duxford

At the end of November, Year 6 enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Duxford War Museum, immersing themselves in the fascinating history of aviation and World War II. A highlight of the day was the Battle of Britain exhibition, where pupils became documenters for the day. Equipped with a microphone, a camera, and a clapperboard, they reported on key moments and artefacts they found poignant and worth sharing widely.

The experience encouraged them to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of those involved in the war. They also explored modern aircraft, including the iconic Concorde, marvelling at the technological advancements in aviation. It was a truly engaging and inspiring day, bringing history to life in a unique and memorable way.

Spring Term

In Maple, our cross-curricular Forest School, art, and English lesson was full of creativity and adventure! After designing our very own magical wands in English and writing instructions on how to activate, handle, and use them, we headed out to Forest School. There, we searched for the perfect stick to transform into a beautifully embellished wand. Using clay, the students added their personal touches, crafting unique and imaginative wands. It was a wonderful blend of learning, creativity, and outdoor fun. 

Maple have continued their computing topic of artificial intelligence and machine learning through an engaging lesson on how computers make decisions. Using a "Shoe Recommender" app, pupils investigated different strategies AI models use—random selection, decision trees, and data-driven predictions. Through lively discussions and hands-on activities, pupils gained a deeper understanding of how AI learns from information to improve its decisions. A fantastic way to link computing, maths, and critical thinking! 

In science, we have been investigating adaptation, inheritance, and evolution, exploring how living things change over time to survive in their environments. Our learning culminated in a detailed double-page spread on human evolution, tracing the journey from Australopithecus Africanus to Homo Sapiens. Through research, discussion, and creative work, pupils gained a deeper understanding of how traits are passed down and how species evolve. Their fantastic work, complete with illustrations, showcases their knowledge of this fascinating scientific topic. 

Bringing Science to Life: Year 6 Exploring Microorganisms 

Year 6 were incredibly lucky today to have a visiting science teacher from Birchwood Secondary School join us for a hands-on lesson about microorganisms. The session was packed with exciting experiments that brought our learning to life. One of the most eye-opening activities involved tracking the spread of a bacterial infection. Using a special indicator, we were able to discover the original carrier, unknowingly passing it to classmates through pretend playground interactions. The darker red spots revealed just how quickly bacteria can spread in everyday situations.

Another fascinating experiment involved using UV light to show the transfer of bacterial pathogens through contact. Students were amazed at how invisible traces left on their hands and surfaces lit up under the special lamp. It was a powerful reminder of why hygiene is so important.

Finally, we explored real bacterial cells under the microscope, getting a close-up view of these tiny but powerful organisms. Seeing the intricate structures made us appreciate just how complex and important bacteria are in the world around us.

This fantastic session not only deepened our understanding of microorganisms but also gave us a taste of secondary school science. The hands-on approach made learning exciting and memorable, sparking curiosity about the microscopic world.