HILLTOP JUNIOR SCHOOL
Hill Avenue, Wickford, Essex SS11 8LT
Tel: 01268 734649
15 September 2015
Dear Parents
Upper School Overview – Autumn Term
Staff:
6H
Mr P Hillson (Deputy)
6MT Mrs A Manifold and Mrs H Turton
Year 6 Maths Set
Mrs N Ray
5B
Mr S Botwright (Phase leader)
5LM Mrs A Leech and Mrs S Mate
5T
Mr I Tweedie
Themes for 2015-16
Autumn
Britain since 1930
Spring
To the rescue
Summer
Ancient Greece
This term, Upper School’s main theme is Britain since 1930. The skills the children will be learning include:
 placing events, people and changes in time
 using primary and secondary sources to ask and answer questions
 recognising that the past is interpreted in different ways
 making links between events and changes across periods of time
 forces and micro-organisms in science
 experimenting and exploring materials and techniques to create cityscapes in art
 singing wartime songs and composing background in music
 manipulating paper to create Christmas decorations in Design and Technology.
We are planning to have a day visit during this term to enhance the children’s learning. Further details to
follow.
We would be pleased to receive or borrow any books, posters or artefacts related to this time period.
Some places you might like to visit to enrich their learning are:
 our local library
 Chelmsford museum
 Cater museum in Billericay
 Imperial War Museum, London
 Kelvedon Hatch
 Combined Military Service Museum
English
In English we will be following the National Curriculum with a focus on a range of genres linked closely to our
historical theme. This will include non-fiction skills, study of a historical novel, persuasive writing, biographies,
letters and diaries. In addition to this Guided Reading sessions will take place every fortnight. These sessions
last for about 15 minutes with opportunities for reading aloud and discussing aspects related to the text.
Children are encouraged to continue to record in their home-school books and develop their love of reading
a variety of materials and completing a wide range of activities linked to reading.
Hilltop Junior School is the registered name of Hilltop Junior School Academy Trust
Hilltop Junior School, a company limited by guarantee
Registered as a company in England and Wales, registered number 7711826
Registered office: Hilltop Junior School, Hill Avenue, Wickford, Essex SS11 8LT
Maths
Maths lessons will have a strong problem solving element which requires the children to use skills such as:
independence, resilience, perseverance, reasoning and a “can do” positive attitude. This term, we are
continuing with The Number Crunch. This is one maths session a week where the children will be engaged
in practical number work focused on particular objectives that match the needs of each maths group.
Wednesday’s Outdoor Education (First term 6H & 6MT Second term 5B, 5LM & 5T)
It is crucial that your child has appropriate change of clothing and footwear because we will be outside in all
weathers. Children without the appropriate kit will be unable to participate. PE kit is used specifically for
Outdoor and Indoor PE only.
 waterproof coat with a hood
 wellies or sturdy trainers/shoes
 jumper
 long-sleeved t-shirt
 gloves
 hat/scarf
 change of socks
 trousers – not jeans (once wet, they do not retain heat)
Home Learning and Support
Home learning activities are set to reinforce and develop your child’s knowledge and understanding.
They will Include:
 GPS (Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling)
 Maths multiplication tables
 Longer, more developed task devised to encourage your child to focus on detail and presentation;
often a week is given for this task to be completed.
You can support your child with their learning at home by:
 encouraging your child to read daily from a variety of materials
 sharing reading with your child
 discussing your child’s home learning tasks with them
 helping your child to practice their multiplication tables and related division facts
 helping your child become more organised and independent with completing home learning tasks and
bringing in the equipment/kit they need each day.
Some websites that you may find useful to share with your child for a range of revision and learning
experiences are:
 www.woodlands-juniorschool.kent.sch.uk
 http://nrich.maths.org/public/
 www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/
The children will continue to use DB Primary which includes email, opportunities for home learning and class
tasks to be set and research.
Parents’ Evening will be during this term, at which time you will have a chance to discuss with your child’s
class teacher how they have settled into their new class. However, if you have any concerns, please arrange
with the office to speak to us before or after school.
We look forward to working with you this year.
Yours sincerely
Upper School Team
Hilltop Junior School is the registered name of Hilltop Junior School Academy Trust
Hilltop Junior School, a company limited by guarantee
Registered as a company in England and Wales, registered number 7711826
Registered office: Hilltop Junior School, Hill Avenue, Wickford, Essex SS11 8LT