Borwick Hall - Day 2 - A little bit of rain and lots of sunshine!

Last night ended with a beautiful reflection around the camp fire as we celebrated the successes of the day - there was an awful lot to celebrate. From acts of kindness, to bravery and sheer determination; every child achieved something remarkable. I also think that this group of children were the best (in my many years of residential) to go to bed. All in bed by 10.30pm - and the majority asleep! A slightly early start but nothing too bad - clearly excited for he day ahead. Breakfast was a full English - oh how we have been spoilt before each group headed out again on adventures.

Mr Cornwell’s group started on the water in the canoes; rafted together and they were the best group I have ever had for canoeing; a great team!. After lunch, it was off on a wander and a scramble where we got a tad wet, before heading back to site for the leap of faith. Mrs Barker’s group kayaked this morning after their adventures in the canoes yesterday, then climbed Warton Crag this afternoon; seeing some breath-taking views from the top. Mr Nay’s group had a double water day with canoeing and kayaking - splashes all round and some very soggy children.

Tonight’s tea was again, utterly delicious - chicken fajita wraps with rice, followed by lemon cake and custard. The children are currently getting their bedrooms tidy, bags packed, showered and ready for tonight’s talent show. They will be setting off at lunch time tomorrow and we will make sure to send a text with their expected time back in school.

We hope you have enjoyed seeing the pictures and the fun they have had; I am absolutely sure that plenty of memories have been made. A huge thank you to the staff who have given up their time to take the children away - they are so very special!

Borwick Hall Day 1 - and we got sunshine!

What a glorious first day! We arrived to heavy rainfall and by the end of it, the sun is shining! After becoming familiar with our surroundings and getting used to our bedrooms, the children met their instructors and headed off to explore the grounds. We are so lucky to be in a beautiful part of the world - surrounded by nature.

The three groups have all had very different experiences today; tree climbing, canoeing and scrambling. The tree climbing and caving was fantastic - a group of very brave children (and teachers) who managed to ring the bell at the top of the tree. A spot of indoor caving too which will prepare them for the real thing tomorrow. The canoe group had fun on the water - after some raft building and team building games, the highlight was sliding down the canoes into the freezing water! Then finally, the last group headed off site on a hike. Check out the photos!

Tonight we have sat down to tea of pizza, chips and salad; with sticky toffee pudding for dessert - absolutely delicious! We have just sent the children off on an orienteering challenge before Mrs Tierney (who has joined us for the evening) lights the camp fire for an evening reflection.

Good night everyone!

Year 6 Weekly ‘the future of life on earth depends on our ability to take action’ David Attenborough

In this week’s gospel,John 14:15–21, Jesus teaches that loving Him means keeping His commandments, and He promises that God will send the Holy Spirit to guide and be with His followers forever. This reading reminds us that our relationship with God is built on love, trust, and obedience, and that we are never alone because God is always present in our lives. It helps us understand that by following Jesus’ teachings, we grow closer to God and reflect His love in the way we treat others.

Sir David Attenborough is one of Britain’s most loved naturalists, famous for his inspiring wildlife programmes that help us understand and protect our planet. As he reaches his 100th birthday, we felt it was really important to celebrate his life’s work, which has encouraged many generations to care about nature and the environment. Today, Year 6 marked this special occasion by creating artwork inspired by his documentaries and taking part in a special live assembly. We were even joined by a fun guest appearance from Mrs Marshall’s monkey teddy, making the celebration even more memorable!

We had some wonderful entries in to our competition, where children had clearly spent a lot of time and effort making their creations- it was so difficult to choose our overall winner! Well done to our winner… Tilly!

We had a wonderful time at The Grand on Thursday to watch ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’ …

After working with the children this week, we feel nothing but pride. The way the children have come in to school every day and giving their absolute best, no matter how they are feeling on the inside, is truly amazing! Each one of them are overcoming barriers and challenges, no matter how big or how small and this process is making them see, that hard work, over a long period of time, really does pay off. This week we celebrated all the children, not on their marks of their final practice papers, but on the progress they have made and for some, this has been huge! We have worked SUPER hard this week on the areas we needed to, and the children couldn’t do any more, other than remember what we always say in class… YOUR BEST IS ALWAYS GOOD ENOUGH.

Going Forward …

Monday will be the start of the children’s SAT’s journey and they are extremely ready for this! There will, of course, be some nerves and anticipation this weekend on the run up, but the most important thing to do over the next few days is to relax, exercise, have plenty of sleep and eat healthily. We need those brains ready and raring to go! It would be a good idea if the children, did a little revision (small doses) to keep their learning ticking over a punctuation revision map and spelling task to prepare them for their grammar on Monday, they need to keep their reading going over the weekend and a short arithmetic task ready for Wednesday- if they wanted to do a bit extra on the areas they find most difficult then they could always have a look at ANTON or ‘maths is fun’ for their maths. It may just give them a bit of practice and confidence before the week begins. On Friday, the children set up the hall ready for Monday, so they all know exactly what they are walking in to and where to sit - I think there was even some excitement by the time we left the hall!

At the end of the day today we shafred this important poem, SAT’s is only one snapshot of your child and while we urge them to do the best we can, we celebrate way more about each and every one of your children than any test results…

Next week’s timetable is as follows so that you know which each day holds. Please ensure that your child is in school on time after a really good night sleep and a substantial breakfast…

 Monday am: Grammar, punctuation and Spelling test.

 

               pm: Reading revision focus

 

Tuesday am: Reading test

 

                Pm: Maths revision focus

 

Wednesday am: Arithmetic and Reasoning 1 test

 

                      pm: Maths revision focus

 

Thursday am: Maths Reasoning 2 test

 

                  pm: read through of script (yey!)

Friday am - auditions for the play!

The following week is residential and Thursday will be the interview for jobs around school (dress to impress)

Onwards and Upwards…

The following Monday, of course, is their forthcoming ‘holiday’ to Bowrick Hall. The teachers are all getting ready and looking forward to spending a few days with Year 6, it is the perfect way to end this half term- making memories, with the class and teachers, they have gone through school with, as well as pushing themselves to do things they have never done before. These children are capable of great things and I know we are going to have a great time away with them.

I have listed some essential information below which you will need to think about and know. Again, if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

  • On Monday 18th May, the children need to arrive at school through the normal way (playground) at 8:45am. Please bring all bags and drop them off in the ‘All Stars’ room, next door to Year 6. Parents on this day are able to bring the children in to school via the playground with their bags where they can then say their goodbyes. There will be members of staff there to help and direct you. The children will need one case/bag with their main clothes in and a back pack for the coach with any smaller items in.

  • All children must bring a packed lunch with them for the first day. Please make sure there is plenty of water and no fizzy drinks please. The packed lunch box they will use on this day, will then be re-used to put their sandwiches in on Thursday. So please make sure you pack a proper Tupperware.

  • If your child needs any medication for the week, this needs to be in a separate bag - clearly labelled - and given to the member of staff who will be at the medicine table in the ‘All Stars’ room. The form below needs to be completed which will indicate the medication, when it needs administering and how much needs to be administered. Please bring this with you on the day with the medicine (not before).

  • Talent Show - Next week, I will be asking the children what their talent show act is and if they have any music etc. Please can you ensure that the act your child is doing is totally appropriate. I will be checking this next week. Anything that the children need for the talent show needs to be brought in on the morning of departure. If it fits in your child’s case - brilliant! Please ensure that they have any music that they need too.

  • Final balance - please ensure that the final balance has been paid please- any difficulties please speak to Mrs Nel.

medication form
kit list

On the Wednesday, our coach will be picking us up from Borwick Hall at 2pm, so we aim to arrive back between 3-3:30pm at the latest. However, this is traffic dependent, so therefore, we will be in contact with school to give a more accurate time and then you will receive a text message, so you know when to come and collect them.

I know you have a kit list list which I am sure you have all studied, but just a couple of reminders of the vital items:

  • no valuable or electrical items please (apart from a hairdryer if necessary)

  • make sure all clothing items are labelled with names

  • does your child suffer from travel sickness, if so they are able to take travel sickness tablets to avoid illness but please make sure it is added to the medical form.

  • packed lunch box and refillable bottle

  • indoor and outdoor shoes

  • sun cream and sun hat!

  • a book or a notebook to write in for quiet time.

  • talent show- if music is required, then please send the song either as a mp3 file, USB stick or a CD as their is not a great Wi-Fi connection at all.

  • bags will be carried by the children and have to be lifted up stairs by themselves up to their rooms, so please make sure you pack lightly.

Delving deeper through talk …

What have you done this week to make you feel proud of yourself?

What are you looking forward to most in these final weeks of Primary School?

This week we will take a break from helping in the mornings and start again after the half term!

Have a lovely restful weekend ready for a busy couple of weeks.

The Year 6 team

Year 6 Weekly Blog 'working hard is important but there is something that matters even more...believing in yourself' Harry Potter

"Feed the lambs and look after the sheep."

During liturgies we focused on this week’s gospel, John 10:1–10, which uses the picture of a shepherd and his sheep to teach an important lesson about trust, guidance, and choices in life. Jesus explains that just as sheep recognise and follow the voice of a good shepherd who cares for and protects them, people should listen to voices that lead them to kindness, honesty, and safety. He describes himself as the gate, meaning he helps people find the right path and protects them from harm, while false voices can lead people into trouble. This story teaches us that everyone is valued and cared for, and it encourages us to make wise choices, listen to good advice, treat others well, and try to help and protect those around us in our everyday lives.

What have we been learning this week?

Revision and building confidence when approaching SAT’s style questions has been the driving force behind all of our learning this week. This week we have recieved feedback and gone through various different SAT’s style questions. We always celebrate what they have achieved so far, but they also know they need to reflect on those problem areas and be determined to overcome them. We have learnt this week, rushing and carelessness has been behind a lot of our mistakes but CONFIDENCE when approaching this area is also key- we have to believe WE CAN DO IT! Listen to Harry Potter!

With a bank holiday coming up, and only a few weeks to go until May, every day is crucial. Please ensure that your children are in school on time to maximise every learning opportunity.

Delving deeper through talk …

How could you be a shepherd and look over others in school?

After your feedback, what can you celebrate about yourself? What are your next steps?

Attentive and Discerning Star

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are attentive in the way we look at the world and in others, taking the time to notice the big and the small things each day. We will also be spotting children who are discerning, who choose the right decisions with integrity. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Daisy for being attentive and discerning to help others.

Leading Learners

Well done to Hudson

We love how focused you are in class, listening intently and making notes in your revision book- your determination and desire to do the best you can helps you to challenge yourself and absorb the learning! You also reflect on your work, learning from mistakes with a positive and reflective attitude!

Helpers in the morning

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Rory Ciaran Isioma Poppy

‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’ …

As a class we have been reading the novel ‘The boy at the back of the class’ and the children are really enjoying this opprotunity to listen, enjoy and discuss this book. The children have loved hearing how Ahmed has transitioned in to his new school, learning about his background and seeing the friendship between him and the narrator develop. We will be setting off to go with year 5 on Thursday 7th May at 1pm. We will not be arriving back at school until approximately 5pm. Please copmplete the form below to state whether your child has permission to walk back on their own at this time ot whether they will be being collected.

collection form

Have a lovely weekend.

I will see you on Monday.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Tierney and Mrs Barker

The Road to the Open - Trophy Tour

For the first time ever, both the men’s and women’s golf open is to be played in the same region this year - Royal Birkdale for the Men and Royal Lytham for the Women. One of my roles is to chair the sports committee for our local primary schools and through this, we have been asked by The Golf Foundation to run a competition in the lead up to the Open at Royal Lytham this year. The staff in our schools will be receiving training for our Year 5 & 6 pupils this coming Tuesday after school.

However, something much more exciting is being put in place. On Tuesday afternoon, our Year 5 and 6 pupils will be receiving a taster session from The Golf Foundation - and they will be part of the Trophy Tour. Both the Claret Jug and the AIG trophy will be on site at school. As part of the Year 5 & 6 afternoon, they will have the opportunity to talk to The Golf Foundation and have photos taken with the trophies whilst they are in school.

As this is such a monumental event, photography will be taken for media purposes by The Golf Foundation, local papers and possibly Granada reports, who we are hoping will cover the event just like they did for the Dance Competition in February. On Tuesday, the children will need to be in full PE kit - navy shorts (not football badged or those which are incredibly short) and the correct colour trainers - as well as school polo top or PE top and school hoodie.

As this event will be publicised beyond the school website, I need consent for each child with regards to the photography taking place. Please can this form be completed before Monday so it can be collated and shared with The Golf Foundation before Tuesday.

Thank you - Mrs Gregan

Golf Event Consent

Year 6 Weekly Blog - 'He is risen. He is not there.'

What a way to end a wonderful term together! I am sure that you were all moved by the children’s depiction of the Resurrection this morning and hopefully you felt the joy of the resurrection! This morning is what education is all about. The children having the opportunity to think outside of the box, be creative and to express themselves. We are incredibly proud of them all.

This week we met with our reception partners to walk around the stations of the cross, which was a beautiful way to share the events of Holy week …

We loved the Easter egg hunt the Easter rabbit sent us on …

This week, on top of preparing for our assembly, we have been learning the active and passive voice in English, continuing with our fraction work and the children have recieved feedback from both their reading and grammar papers. All of the children have homeowrk and their papers to look over during the Easter break, I have attached the grammar paper with the links again to aid your revision. They have worked so hard and we are now onto the final push. Support your child the best way you see fit, whatever level input you feel is necessary then please feel free. If you click on the button below, it will take you to the section on the Year 6 web page ‘How to Help Your Child.’ I have updated the page with lots of useful sites for the children to access. If you see there is an area that children need more practice, then these sites should help, but remember one of the most crucial ways is through books. So please make sure you set aside time of Easter to read together. The final weeks after half term will be focused on revision and helping the children in each of the different areas.

how to help your child

LEARNER OF THE HALF TERM…

Voted for by your classmates for being an excellent learning role model within our classroom. The class think you have shone this half term …

Teddy

Intentional and Prophetic stars

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Logan for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Helpers in the morning

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Isioma Toby Logan Poppy

Notices

  • MEDICAL FORMS- we still have some medical forms that need to be completed and sent back to school. Please ensure any conditions and food or other allergies are mentioned in this form.

  • CLASS TRIP: On Thursday 7th May we have booked to go to the Grand Theatre to watch the book we will be studying after Easter ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’. Previous year 6 groups have been to watch this performance before and it is most definitely worth watching. The show starts at 2pm in Blackpool, so on this day we will be arriving back at school a later time of approximately 5pm. Payment for the tickets and coach is on ParentPay at £22.

On behalf of the Year 6 team, we wish you all a restful and holy Easter. Take time to spend with each other and to enjoy the beautiful weather- hopefully.

Year 6 Weekly Blog 'A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new' Albert Einstein

This week in the teacher’s liturgy we reflected and carried out some quiet contemplation, focusing our thoughts on this illustrations which shows Jesus’ life here on earth and the new commandment Jesus gave to us, telling us to love one another just like He loves us. This means being kind, caring, and thinking about others before ourselves. During His life on earth, Jesus showed this love in amazing ways—He healed people who were sick, calmed scary storms, and helped anyone who needed Him. These miracles showed God’s big heart and His desire to bring goodness and hope to the world. When we follow Jesus’ example, we try to spread that same love every day, making the world a brighter and more loving place.

We have also spent time reflecting on this week’s gospel, John 11: 1-45, when Jesus raised His friend Lazarus from the dead. This showed everyone that His love is stronger than fear and even stronger than death. Many people were amazed and began to believe in Him, but some leaders felt worried and angry because so many were following Jesus. We have looked closely in our RE lessons how this miracle set the stage for the events of Holy Week, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, shared His love with His friends, and prepared to give His life for the whole world. Lazarus’ story reminds us that Jesus brings hope, new life, and light even in the darkest moments.

Thank you to the following children who led us in prayer and reflection on St Patrick’s Day…

Wow we have been a class full of Isabella Insects this week: listening to advice, celebrating the things we have achieved, looking forward to the things we want to develop next and most importantly not comparing ourselves to others. Such vital skills when we are teaching our children to be independent learners; giving them the confidence to take risks, try different skills and most importantly, be allowed to make those crucial mistakes and learn from them. We have had some more feedback from our first practice grammar paper and next week we will continue with this journey. This is a huge learning curve for the children, and a crucial one, as it allows them to celebrate their achievements but also, to see for themselves the areas they need to work on. The first paper is never a full reflection of what your children are capable of, but we must celebrate them whatever mark they got as it is the first hurdle of a journey together. They now fully understand this process, as we have talked at length about how our feelings/ emotions can take control, preventing us to see or read questions carefully, the silly mistakes we make when we feel like we are being timed, the way the questions are worded and decoding ‘what does it want me to do?’ and then the strategies they can use to allow them to become more accurate or efficient. These are just SOME of the barriers, or as we would say, ‘learning opportunities’, that the children need to learn or overcome, before they even then, apply all of their knowledge. I am so proud of the way Year 6 have approached their feedback. They have faced these sessions with such resilience, determination and maturity. This is why it is so crucial to do these papers at this time as they are ready and have the skills to face these challenges. The children have laughed and celebrated at their silly errors, know exactly where they have gone wrong, know what they need to work on and are, dare I say it, even excited to do it again and ‘beat’ their score.

We have loved our tennis lessons in the sun this week! thoroughly enjoyed our PE this week…

You will see from the homework this week that we are really gearing up to the final weeks of teaching. Please continue to keep asking questions and I will help you wherever I can. Over Easter we will be sending a number of practice papers home to have a go at over the holidays, all of these will be due back the first day back after the Easter holidays. Support your child the best way you see fit, these will not be assessed by me, so whatever level input you feel is necessary then please feel free. If you click on the button below, it will take you to the section on the Year 6 web page ‘How to Help Your Child.’Don’t forget we also have ANTON log ins now, which is an excellent tool for both grammar and maths. If you see there is an area that children need more practice, then these sites should help, but remember one of the most crucial ways is through books. So please make sure you set aside time to read together. Below also is the timetable just so you know what SAT’s week looks like.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD

Delving deeper through talk …

What is the difference between simple, perfect and progressive tense?

My Happy Mind…

What are you grateful for this week?

Leading Learner

Well done to Beth this week.

Beth, you could get this certificate every single week for your attitude towards learning. You are enthusiastic, curious, determined and in every piece of work you ALWAYS do your best, putting time and effort in to this. Your books are delightful to mark and always show your deep understanding and enjoyment of learning!

Intentional and Prophetic stars

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Louis for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Helpers in the morning

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Louis Beth Isioma Tommy

Notices

  • Date for the diary- Year 6 Resurrection Assembly is on Thursday 2nd April.

  • FINAL CALL FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS HOODIES - For those that have not been to Top Marques to check sizing. Monday is the deadline to get to the shop to try on and order your prefered size. Payment can be made at a later date, but please do check the sizing.

  • MEDICAL FORMS have also been sent out today for our upcoming residential. I know you have completed these back in Autumn, however, we need to ensure no changes have been added so if you could complete these again we for next week we would be very grateful as I need to start sending information over. Please ensure any conditions and food or other allergies are mentioned in this form.


Have a lovely weekend.

We will see you on Monday.

Year 6 Weekly Blog 'Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each community and every believer. Above all it's a time of grace' Pope Francis

This week we reflected on the gospel story John 9:1–41, where Jesus meets a man who was blind from birth and lovingly gives him sight. We discussed how this shows us that Jesus cares for everyone, even when others overlook them. It also teaches us that God can do wonderful things in our lives, even when we don’t understand what’s happening. We reflected on, how as Christians, we can use this story by remembering to trust Jesus, be kind to others, and look for God’s goodness every day. When Jesus helps us, changes us, or guides us, we can rejoice because His light helps us see the world in new and beautiful ways—just like the man who could finally see for the first time!

Thank you to the following children for the beautiful liturgy they led on Mary, where we listen to the Magnificat…

 

This run up to May is always a crucial one, where we can really refine the skills we need and reinforce any necessary information. So many of you have asked how you can help your child at home and what you can do to give them confidence in the final few weeks. Staying calm and not putting unnecessary pressure on children will ensure that they remain confident and continue to have that ‘I can’ attitude; early nights will be crucial over the next few weeks as they will be tired from all of their hard work and of course keep talking to them about their success but also areas to improve, helping them to set a plan of what they can do to reach their targets. One HUGE way to support your child, is homework. Every week, I spend time organising and planning for the areas that Year 6 need the most, complimenting what we are doing in class. Having a parent work alongside them to do this homework WILL help them. Reading is the other area, reading alongside your child every night- modelling fluency and pace, modelling reading punctuation and asking them questions about what they have read will also have a great impact. If you are looking at extra ways to work with your child then please press the following button below for more geat websites. ANTON is a new revision tool we have brought in to guide your child and help them practise necessary skills, I have set areas for them to focus on, please do not think they have to complete EVERY area for the deadline, 10 minutes each night would help them massively- it is hard to set as different children will take less time or more time to complete, so they need to manage this to suit them and each individual’s needs. Please feel also free to look at different areas, where your child may feel they need to revise or look at also.

Below you will see what the week of SAT’s will look like:

We have fit in so much learnign this week: from simplyfying and adding fractions, to practising our reading skills in focused groups, practising our forward hand in tennis and learning the simple and perfect tense!!

Black history is taught throughout the school, and in Year 6 we learn about the Transatlantic Slave Trade as part of our history curriculum, which we will be starting next week. This important topic helps pupils understand a significant period in world history and the experiences of those affected by slavery.

The topic is discussed in a safe and supportive environment, and children may come home with questions or want to talk about what they have learned. We encourage open conversations at home.

Leading Learners

Well done to Amelia this week.

Amelia, you have been so resilient in your learning and this week we can see how your hard work is paying off! You have persevered with that deep learning, listening and reflecting on how you can improve. Your fraction work this week has clicked in to place and you are reflecting on your responses during comprehension tasks. We love your ‘I CAN’ focused approach, reflection and determination!

Intentional and Prophetic stars

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Tommy for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Helpers in the morning

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

John Paul Tommy Amelia Poppy

Notices

  • Date for the diary- Year 6 Resurrection Assembly is on Thursday 2nd April.

  • School Leaver Hoodies- a Parent payment of £20 has now been set for all those wanting to purchase a school leavers hoody. These are a great keepsake for the children and usually they request to wear these on their leavers day out ready for a class photo! Top Marques, St Annes, are now expecting you to go in to shop to make sure you get the correct size and let them know what size you want- payment is not needed in the shop this is through ParentPay.


Have a lovely weekend.

We will see you on Monday.

 

Year 6 Weekly Blog... “Every time you open a book, you grow—and when you open the Bible, you shine. God made you a reader with a story worth telling.”

What a beautiful week we have had in school. This week we have celebrated world book day and as a school we all came together to join in prayer and Mrs Gregan did an excellent job of reminding us all that every book can take us on an adventure—but the Bible is our greatest adventure of all. Just like the heroes and explorers in its pages, we become brave, curious readers every time we open a book and step into a new story. When we read, we grow—learning more about ourselves, the world, and God’s love. So as we go forward, when we choose a story to read, we must remember that we are all readers with the power to imagine, discover, and shine brightly, just like the people of the Bible who listened, learned, and lived out their faith.

This week in our RE lessons we have reflected on Maundy Thursday and the significant actions of Jesus and the message he was sending us- his new commandment. We reflected on how his action of wasking His disciples feet was a way of showing all Chrsitians that we are here to serve and love one another, just as he served and loved us. This then linked beautifully to our child-led liturgy on Discipleship- a true reminder that we are all called to follow God and be ‘fishers of people’ …

Love Yourself Day …

What another beautiful day we have had in school for National Prayer Day, where we have truly celebrated the gift of praying, everything and everyone we love and of course, as we are raising money by walking to Nigeria during Lent, we have of course had our very own pupil giving us a talk on what Catholic life is like in Nigeria. Year 6 had lots of questions and of course we learnt so much- thank you so much.

We also loved making our spring time planter for someone that we love …

You are never alone when you are lost in a book…

We love World Book Day! Yesterday brought such happiness, laughter and excitement to the classroom. I hope you enjoy looking at the photographs from yesterday! We even did a short writing piece on a scene from Wicked, as part of our Classic Fiction strudy on ‘The Wizard of Oz’- can’t wait to read them!

We loved sharing the gift of reading with our lovely Reception buddies …

Where has our learning taken us this week?

We have got our fraction work up and running- simplifying fractions, comparing fractions and next week we will be adding and subtracting these fractions! In English, we have studied the meeting of Dorothy and Glinda- practisiong our dialogue writing and looking at how we can incorporate action and description in our reporting clauses. In music we have been noting the pitch on the song ‘White Cliffs of Dover’, continuing to explore sequence work on the apparatus in Gymnastics and much more!

Delving deeper through talk …

What was the deeper meaning behind the washing of the disciples feet?

My Happy Mind…

What are the benefits of writing down and practising gratitudes every day?

Leading Learners…

Well done to Isioma this week.

Isioma, you work tirelessly in lessons to be the best you can be and we love teaching you as you are always so focused and engaged. You are really becoming a reflective learner and respond excellently to feedback, as you always want to know exactly what you can do to improve. We have been so impressed with your confidence, knowledge and ability to talk to all the classes of different ages on a topic that is so close to your heart and something that you are passionate about.

Intentional and Prophetic stars

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Jacob for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Helpers in the morning

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Isioma Charlotte Lorenzo Sean

Notices

  • Date for the diary- Year 6 Resurrection Assembly is on Thursday 2nd April.

  • Scholastic book fair starts after school on Wednesday 11th March.

  • School Leaver Hoodies- a Parent payment of £20 has now been set for all those wanting to purchase a school leavers hoody. These are a great keepsake for the children and usually they request to wear these on their leavers day out ready for a class photo! Top Marques, St Annes, are now expecting you to go in to shop to make sure you get the correct size and let them know what size you want- payment is not needed in the shop this is through ParentPay.


Have a lovely weekend.

We will see you on Monday.

Year 6 Weekly Blog - “Lent invites us to live on purpose—choosing each day to turn our hearts toward God with intention, simplicity, and love.”

“Christ has no body on earth now but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on the world; yours are the feet with which he walks to do good; yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.” St Teresa of of Ávila

Welcome back to the second half of the spring term. There is no doubt that it is going to be a busy term with lots and lots going on. I am really excited that we will end the term with an Easter assembly. It will be a lovely way to bring our class family: parents and children together.

This half term, we are focusing on the virtues of being Intentional and Prophetic. We will be growing by making thoughtful choices rather than acting on impulse; Noticing the needs of others and respond with kindness; speaking truth with love; standing up for justice and fairness and most importantly seeing the world with God’s eyes—imagining what it could be.

Yesterday we had a beautiful teacher’s liturgy in the chapel, where we reflected on a reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah 1:4–8. In the reading we heard Jeremiah telling God that he was too young to do what God was asking him to do. He didn’t feel ready or confident. But God told him: “Do not be afraid… I am with you.” This reading showed our two virtues clearly… being Intentional, where  Jeremiah had to make a choice. He could hide, say no, or give up — or he could choose to trust God on purpose. Being Prophetic…Jeremiah became a prophet because he spoke God’s words and helped people come back to what was right. We then reflected on all the ways we could link this to our own lives, especially during this liturgical season of Lent. We talked about how every time we choose the right thing — on purpose — we become more like Jesus.

Thank you to the following children who led us in a beautiful child-led litrugy on Tuesday, on lent and helping us to reflect on the changes we can make this liturgical season …

In RE our lesson this week we reflected on John’s gospel, the ‘annointing at Bethany’, where Martha and Mary annoint Jesus’ feet in preparation for his burial, showing that they recongised Jesus’ true identity, that He is the messiah. The children then connected the learning from last term- how anointing is used in many of our sacraments. We started our lesson smelling some familiar scents, to see if they could recognise them …

Earlier this week we swapped our Lenten boxes with our Reception buddies. We were so impressed with how much time and effort they had all gone to, to make sure their box was perosnalised for their partner. Now it is our mission to fill them for CAFOD as part of our almsgiving this lent…

We were so happy to share our learning journey with you during our book look this week. As you can see, the children have achieved so much and are making such positive progress. Was wonderful to see so many happy faces as you shared their work …

Being an active and curious learner.

I am sure the children have come home to tell you that they have had their arithmetic paper back this week and we have nearly completed the reading. This was such an exciting and worth-while learning journey, where we have been through the paper, celebrated achievements and even mistakes- as the mistakes we make are what we truly learn from the most! I would like to remind all of you that this process is not to label or to level your child, as we have not yet completed the whole curriculum, we simply do this to ensure your children are familiar with the layout, formatting, style of questions and of course to learn what is expected of them. The children have had the chance to think about what areas they know they need to work on now and reflect on what progress they would like to make next time- marginal gains are always the best way! We were so proud of the children’s maturity and resilience during this feedback time. Arithmetic papers will be sent out today, alongside their homework, for you to have a look at and the reading paper will be sent home early next week. Please can we make sure that these papers come back to school, as we keep them in our revision folders so we can refer back to them. Many thanks.

Delving deeper through talk …

What are our kidneys and why do we need them?

My Happy Mind…

What are you grateful for in your life?

Leading Learners

Well done to Sean this week.

Sean- Wow we are so proud of your reflective, focused and determined approached to your work. You also take great pride in your work to ensure it is beautifully presented and always reflects our learning in class but most importantly reflects your true capability. You have made great progress, and your books clearly show this. Well done Sean.

Intentional and Prophetic stars

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank William for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Helpers in the morning for after half term:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Daisy Rose William Joseph

Notices

  • World Book Day Thursday 5th March- dress up, there are many different ideas that Mrs Gregan has put on her blog, to make this not an expensive event!

  • Don’t forget if you would like your child to make ‘people we love’ planter next Friday to celebrate the world day of prayer, then please make a payment on parentpay ASAP.

  • School Leaver Hoodies- a Parent payment of £20 has now been set for all those wanting to purchase a school leavers hoody. These are a great keepsake for the children and usually they request to wear these on their leavers day out ready for a class photo! Please make sure you go in to Top Marques to order the correct size.


Have a lovely weekend.

Year 6 Leavers Hoodies

As tradition, Year 6 leavers hoodies are now available to order ready for the summer term! Names have now been given to Top Marques and are ready for you to go in to the shop to try on and order the size you would like. However, please do not pay via the shop, we have set up a payment of £20 via ParentPay. This needs to be done as soon as possible please.

Year 6 Weekly Blog 6.2.26 “You are the light of the world.”

In our teacher’s liturgy this week we have listened to this week’s gospel, Matthew 5:13–16 which teaches us how Jesus wants us to make the world a better and brighter place.

We reflected on the meaning of this gopsel and how when He says we are the “salt of the earth,” it means we help bring goodness, kindness, and love into the world—just like salt makes food taste better. And when He says we are the “light of the world,” it means our actions can help others see what is good, just like a light helps you see in the dark. Jesus tells us not to hide this goodness. Instead, we should let our kindness, honesty, and love shine so brightly that others notice and feel encouraged. By doing good things, we help people understand what God’s love is like. The children then all shared the ways that they will bring God’s light in to the world…

Thank you to the following children who led us in a truly beautfiul liturgy earlier this week to celebrate the feast of The Presentation of the Lord which remembers when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus was presented to God. This feast is also known as Candlemas, because for many centuries people celebrated it with blessed candles, symbolising Jesus as the “Light of the World.”

Lenten boxes

We soon will be starting our journey to the cross, preparing ourselves for a time of solemnity and self-reflection where we recognise our failings and resolve to live a more Godly life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. During Lent, we are going to be focused on "almsgiving," which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity.

As in previous years we ask that each child to decorate a Lenten box which they can swap with a child from our partner class (Reception). Then, during the Lenten period your child can perform acts of kindness, helpfulness and generosity for a donation into their box. We will then return them to school straight after half term and donate the money to Cafod.

Year 6 will be holding a liturgy together Monday morning and afterwards they will share their likes and favourite colours to help us design the book for their partner. It is important that each child decorates and brings in a Lenten box to ensure that each child in Reception will receive a box. Thank you as always for your support.

Wow we have fit so much work in to one week… in Science we have been comparing the digestive system to the circulatory system, which we studied last half term; we have been developing our hockey skills in PE, learning long division in maths and started our classic fiction topic in English, where we have been analysing the opening to the class book… Wizard of Oz.

This week the children have attemped grammar SAT’s whole papers. The children have of course attempted example questions since September, but this is the first time they have seen them as a whole paper. This is not a benchmark for their learning, and their score is not relevant at this time, as we have not yet covered the whole Year 6 curriculum. This was simply to give the children an insight as to what the papers look like, the style of questionning, to come across misconceptions sooner, rather than later, giving the children the time and space to reflect and evaluate in a safe space. They will be getting a bit of feedback on these after half term, but please do not at this point focus on scores, instead please ask that important question … what did you learn? We have to teach the children to see beyond the immediate scores and instead see this as a process, a journey of self-reflection and learning.

Delving deeper through talk …

  1. How can we let our light shine in our every day lives?

  2. What makes a novel a CLASSIC novel? Why not start reading one together to enhance our English topic? Here is a website of the best classic novels for children…

classic novel list

Leading Learners

Well done to Jacob this week.

Jacob we are so proud of your resilience and determination to improve in all areas of the curriculum! We love your ‘I CAN’ attitude and the way you ask for help when you feel you need it, but most importantly you never give up, you try your best and reflect on how you can improve. Well done Jacob!

Eloquent and Truthful Stars

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are eloquent in their words, that show the language to ask questions, express emotions, speak beliefs, talk about matters of faith and hope, debate points of view, and engage in conversation. Those who are truthful, who speak the truth about themselves and others. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Joseph for being eloquent and truthful.

Helpers in the morning

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Beth Tilly John Paul Lorenzo


Notices

  • Please do continue to keep up to date with your child’s homework (particularly spelling). The vocabulary that the children are being asked to spell are getting more complex and they will need your support to figure out the best strategy to use. Learning them over time, rather than bulking them the night before, always seems like the best route to use.

  • On Friday 13th February it is Parents Day - please email your preferred time at k.harrison@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk.

Have a happy weekend.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Tierney and Mrs Barker