Dear Parents/Carers

We would like to extend a warm welcome back to all our children, parents and
carers. This term promises to be one of the most challenging of your childs
education here at Downsell. We are of course referring to the SATs that the
children are expected to take early in the Summer Term.

How are we helping?

Preparation for SATs have started in the form of Booster classes where the
needs of the children are catered for whatever their ability. These classes
are being run by some of our most experienced teachers. These sessions will
also be supported by regular revision lessons and quality teaching in each
class. We endeavour to give all the assistance possible to your child in order
for them to achieve their very best. In return, we expect them to work as
hard as they can.
Please ensure that your child attends after school Booster sessions if they
have been selected to do so.

How can you help?

As this is an important period in your childs education, it is vitally important
that they attend school regularly. It therefore means that all non-emergency
medical appointments should be undertaken outside of school hours. You can
also help by ensuring that your child undertakes some revision each evening.
Homework will be given every week to consolidate the work being done in class.
If, at any time, you are concerned that your child is not doing any homework,

you can arrange a mutually convenient appointment to discuss the matter with
your childs teacher.
The Staff in Year 6 are:
Class 19 Mrs Dawood Mrs Smith (Senior TA) Ms Folaranmi (TA)
Class 20
Mr Africa Mrs Miller, Mrs Kaur (TAs)
Class 21 Mr Jansen Mrs Payne (Senior TA), Mrs Dore (TA)
Mrs K Britton/Mrs D Williams (Learning Mentors)

Curriculum
Our topics this term are:
Numeracy Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, problem
solving, explaining and reasoning about how to solve calculations, shapes,
measures and decimals, percentages and fractions.
Literacy Non-Fiction: Argument (Discussion & Persuasive texts).
Revision Units: Reading and Writing Narrative (and plays), Reading and
Writing Non-fiction, Reading Poetry, Grammar.
Science Animals including Humans; Light. During both of these units
the children will be expected to plan and carry out investigations.
RE Buddhism: The Sangha. Christianity
History The Victorians: What was it like for children living in
Victorian Britain? How did life change in our locality in Victorian times?
Art & DT People in Action. Structures.
PE Gymnastics. Swimming. Ball games: refining control skills and
working as a team.
PSHE/ Enabling Enterprise Making News

PE
Physical Education is an important part of the curriculum and as such, all
children are expected to take part, unless there is a medical reason that
prohibits them from doing so.
Your child has PE every week on a Wednesday and we would be grateful if you
could ensure that he/she brings their PE kit which includes:
Navy blue or black shorts or tracksuit bottoms
Plain white T-shirt
Plimsolls or trainers

Please ensure that all of your childs clothing is labelled (including their school
uniform) and placed in a bag.

Attendance and Punctuality

May we take this opportunity to remind you that school starts at 8:55am and
finishes at 3:20pm. You need to make sure that your child attends school
regularly and is punctual. If your child is absent from school, you need to
telephone the school on 020 8556 0103, giving a reason for their absence or
provide a note on their return to school. If no reason is given, this will be
recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Trips
A residential visit to Noordwijk in the Netherlands has been arranged for
the children in Year 6, in place of our planned trip to France. The trip will take
place from 16th to 19th June 2015.The total cost is 249. A deposit of
40:00 is required by 5th February 2015 to secure a place, and the
remainder of the payment can be made in instalments. Any payments
already made towards the France trip can be transferred to the new trip. We
would like as many of our Year 6 pupils as possible to participate and enjoy
this cultural experience. Please note that payments are to be made online
through the school shop.
Thank you for your continued support and co-operation.
Yours sincerely,

Ms C Jean
Phase Leader

Mrs H Dawood
Class 19

Mr P Africa
Class 20

Mr S Jansen
Class 21