Welcome to Badgers Class - Year 6
Welcome to the inspiring world of Badgers Class – Year 6!
This page is full of useful information about what we’ll be learning and experiencing during this important final year at St Katharine’s. Year 6 is a time for deepening knowledge, building independence, and preparing confidently for the move to secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
Useful Information
Year 6 is an exciting and important year – a time of maturity, leadership, and preparation for the next stage of learning. As children reach the top of Upper Key Stage 2, we support them in taking ownership of their learning, showing initiative, and tackling more challenging concepts across the curriculum.
In Year 6, children will:
- Investigate fascinating topics in science (light, electricity, evolution and inheritance), history (Victorians, The Maya) and geography (rainforests)
- Read a diverse range of high-quality literature to deepen comprehension and critical thinking, such as Street Child, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and Pigheart Boy
- Write with precision, style and a strong sense of audience and purpose, applying advanced grammar skills and creative techniques using The Write Stuff
- Master complex mathematical concepts – including algebra, ratio, and data handling – through problem-solving and reasoning with the White Rose programme
- Carry out more independent science investigations, recording and evaluating results with accuracy
- Consider challenging moral, social and philosophical questions in Religious Education and PSHE, preparing them for life beyond St Katharine’s
- Demonstrate confidence and leadership by being buddies to younger children, Sports and House Captains and leading Collective Worship
- Take part in memorable enrichment experiences – such as residential trips, theatre visits, and leavers’ celebrations
At St Katharine’s, our approach is grounded in Christian values – encouraging children to be compassionate, resilient, and respectful role models. By the end of Year 6, pupils leave us as confident, capable, and thoughtful young people, ready to thrive at secondary school and embrace the adventures ahead.
Curriculum
We create Year 6 curriculum maps each term to help families understand what their children will be learning. These maps give a clear overview of the topics and subjects covered, making it easier for parents and carers to support learning at home. By sharing these maps at the start of each term, we aim to keep everyone informed and involved in the exciting learning journey throughout the year. We always aim to go above and beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum, details of which can be found here.
Assessment
MIn Year 6, we use assessment as a tool to support learning, not just measure it. Our approach ensures that children feel encouraged and challenged, while helping teachers tailor lessons to suit individual needs.
Types of Assessment:
- Informal Assessments – these happen every day through marking, feedback, questioning and observation during lessons.
- Times Tables Checks – we continue to build fluency in multiplication facts and each week there is a low-stakes test, individually tailored to each child’s current attainment.
- Spelling Tests – spellings will be set each week, in line with the national curriculum, on Spelling Shed. Children will be tested weekly (sometimes in dictation sentences).
- Foundation Subjects – teachers assess knowledge and skills in subjects like science, history and RE using practical tasks, quizzes and discussion.
- GL tests In Year 6 children take the online GL New Group Reading Test twice a year – in the autumn and spring. In May they will take online GL tests in Cognitive Ability (CATs) and Progress Tests in English (PTE), maths (PTM) and science (PTS).
- KS2 SATs – national curriculum tests taken by Year 6 pupils. These assessments, also known as Standard Assessment Tests, take place in May. The tests cover English reading, mathematics, and grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GaPS). Teacher assessments are also used for English writing and science.
How We Share Progress:
- Parent Consultations – held in the autumn and spring to discuss how your child is progressing and how you can support at home.
- Written Report –an end-of-year report is provided in July, summarising academic progress and personal development.
- Open Communication – we’re always happy to talk if you have questions about your child’s progress. Please contact your class teacher in the first instance either directly via their email or through the office.
Assessment at St Katharine’s is rooted in our Christian ethos – it’s not about comparing children, but helping every child discover and grow their God-given potential.
Homework
Homework in Year 6 is set on Teams, TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed
Daily reading – ideally to an adult (5 x 15 mins)
Spellings (10 mins spread across the week)
Reading comprehension or grammar (20 mins)
TT Rock Stars – 3 times per week (minimum 3 x 5 mins)
Maths task (20 mins)
Occasional research or additional reading
Suggested Book List
With so many great new books being published each year, rather than provide a list that might soon become out of date, we recommend you look at the following sites, visit your local library (librarians are a great source of up-to-date information) or ask at a high-quality bookshop such as Sevenoaks Bookshop, where they have a member of staff dedicated to children’s literature.
Year 6 Books for Topics – Recommended Reads
The books on these lists cover a wide range of genres and reading levels, supporting children as they build confidence, explore big ideas, and grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals. Not all will be suitable for every reader and, if you would like advice with book choices, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Meet the Teacher
Documents
Curriculum Maps
Join Badgers Class Today!
We have space in our Year 6 class. If you’re thinking about moving your child to our school for any reason, please get in touch.