Welcome to Oak - Year 6!

Autumn Term

Year 6 is off to a flying start!

We’ve kicked off the year with the same energy and teamwork we bring to our weekly tag rugby sessions with the fantastic coach from Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club. Whether we’re tackling tricky maths problems or sprinting across the field, we’re giving it our all and having a ball!

Taking Science to Heart: Dissecting the Circulatory System in Oak Class

In science this term, we are exploring the fascinating world of the circulatory system. During our third lesson, we learned how the heart pumps blood throughout the body by dissecting a lamb’s heart. Though slightly gruesome for some, this hands-on experience allowed us to see and identify key components, making the learning both impactful and memorable.

Oak Class Takes on Litter Pick: Guided by Our Eco Councillors!

This week (14/10), we have completed our first litter pick, following the instructions from our class Eco Councillors. We aim to do this weekly to make a lasting impact on our school grounds. As we continue learning about the importance of caring for the environment, we’re excited to take regular action to keep the playground clear of rubbish, which is home to many animals and plants. We aim to preserve the natural habitats within our school community. 

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.

Embracing the festive spirit, Oak Class proved that learning knows no bounds as they diligently worked on their Christmas cross-stitch projects during the coach journey 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

This week in Oak, 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!

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.

Walking Through the Easter Story

Year 6 absolutely loved taking part in our immersive Easter Journey today! Moving through different stations, they acted out Palm Sunday, shared in the Last Supper, planted seeds in the Garden of Gethsemane, crafted their own crosses, and built beautiful Easter gardens to represent the resurrection. It was a powerful, hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of the Easter story, bringing history to life in a meaningful and memorable way.