Independence

Developing independence is a really important part of being in Year Six. We are very aware that part of our role in school is to prepare our children for their move to secondary school and with this in mind much of the year six curriculum fosters responsibility and independence. From the moment the children enter year six they are responsible for their own learning, expectations are high and they are encouraged to work independently. We ask that parents support this by helping to develop children’s independence and encouraging them to be responsible. Children should pack their own bag for school, be responsible for their homework tasks and bring their homework in on time.

Reading

By year six we are trying to encourage independence in reading and a love of books. At year six the children will be heard read less often as they are now at a standard where they have the ability and the skills to read independently. Any children that we feel still need additional support will receive this within school. The children will be taught reading strategies once a week during guided reading. Encouraging reading as a leisure activity can be one of the best ways to improve your child’s performance in English. Remember children should be encouraged to read for enjoyment and comics and magazines are sometimes useful to encourage more reluctant readers. Even the most able reader will often appreciate books, which have some illustration. If your child is not enjoying a book encourage them to pick something else.

Homework

Homework is very important in year six and we do insist that all children complete their homework and hand it in on time. Homework is used to prepare the children for their SATs and a variety of homework will be set throughout the year. Some homework will be set to consolidate what the children have done in class, whilst other homework will be set to keep skills sharp (this will be revision style homework which will indicate to us areas that the children need to revisit and need extra support in). We ask that you work with your child and support them with their homework.

From past experience parents concerns with regards to supporting homework usually are about Numeracy. By year six the maths being taught is quite challenging and as a supportive parent you obviously want to support your children in the best way possible. Quite often the biggest worry parents have is about the methods used in school being different to the way in which they were taught at school and is it alright to show your child the way you know. Quite simply the answer is yes it is all right. If your child is struggling with long multiplication and you work with your child and show them a method that they then understand they will be allowed to use it in school! In year six the children are shown a range of methods and are encouraged to use the one they find the easiest.

Friday = Numeracy homework hand in next Tuesday

Thursday = Literacy homework hand in on Monday

Children will receive other homework as and when appropriate, like presentations, projects or just extra practice

Behaviour Philosophy

At Sacred Heart School our Behaviour Policy is firmly rooted in our Mission Statement, in the strong belief that we are all children of God, valued for who we are, not what we are. Our policy is based on positive reinforcement but, of necessity, contains sanctions, which we believe are fair, consistent and focused on the behaviour rather than the child. The aim of any sanction that is applied is to encourage future good behaviour within a forgiving atmosphere where each day is a new day and a chance for a new start. “Love one Another as I have Loved You” John 13 v 34. In year six we are very firm but fair with the children, as a major part of our role is to prepare your child for Secondary school. We spend much time developing skills and strategies with the children to help them deal with situations such as falling out with friends themselves.