Year 6: A Half Term Full of Discovery

From Science Labs to New Adventures: Year 6

It has been another incredibly busy and rewarding half term in Year 6, with students enjoying a wide range of experiences that have brought their learning to life both inside and outside the classroom.

One of the highlights for many was a visit to the secondary science laboratories for an eye dissection with the Biology department. Working alongside secondary teachers, students were able to apply what they had previously learned about the structure and function of the eye and observe its different parts first hand. It was impressive to see how much they remembered from earlier lessons, confidently identifying key features and discussing their roles in helping us see. For many students, it was their first experience of this kind of practical science. While there were a few squeamish moments, the curiosity and enthusiasm shown by the class made it a fascinating and memorable learning experience.

Soon after, the Physics department welcomed Year 6 back to the laboratories for a series of experiments exploring light. Students tested theories discussed in class by using prisms and different light sources to investigate how light behaves. One particularly satisfying moment came when students demonstrated that white light is actually made up of all the colours of the spectrum. Seeing this phenomenon first hand made the learning far more meaningful, and the students thoroughly enjoyed experimenting like real scientists.

Beyond the classroom, students also experienced a number of exciting educational trips. Half of the class travelled to Nairobi for a music trip with Ms Gathoni and Ms Pujani, where they participated in a variety of musical experiences and performances. Meanwhile, students who remained in Dar es Salaam visited the port, where they were fascinated to learn about the scale and complexity of one of the country’s most important trade hubs. A particular highlight was visiting the control tower and the top of the Port Authority building, where the views across the busy harbour were spectacular.

Back at school, students demonstrated their creativity and teamwork by writing and performing another outstanding class assembly, this time focusing on the Second World War. The performance was especially impressive in the way students balanced moments of humour with thoughtful reflection on such an important period of history. Achieving that balance is no easy task, yet they handled it with maturity and confidence, producing a performance that everyone was incredibly proud of.

In English, students have continued developing their skills through the Talk for Writing approach. It has been encouraging to see the positive impact this method is having on their writing. By analysing and adapting model texts, students are becoming more confident in crafting their own pieces with greater control and creativity. Lessons remain engaging, with activities such as the “sentence doctor” starter becoming a particular class favourite as students enjoy diagnosing and improving poorly written sentences.

In Mathematics, the introduction of Times Table Rockstars across the Upper School has been a great success. Students have enthusiastically embraced the competitive element and are practising their multiplication facts with energy and determination. We are especially looking forward to the results of our first Interhouse Battle of the Bands taking place for Pi Day, which promises to be a lively and exciting way to celebrate mathematical learning.

Finally, students are eagerly anticipating their upcoming Secondary Taster Week, where they will spend time in the secondary school, meet some of the teachers who will be teaching them next year, and gain a sense of what life in secondary school will be like. Our thanks go to Mr Al-Ghailani and Mr Turner, who visited Year 6 to answer students’ questions and help build excitement for this next stage in their school journey.

As always, it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm, curiosity, and sense of humour that the Year 6 students bring to everything they do. We look forward to sharing even more of their achievements with you in the coming weeks.