Thames View Primary School

Welcome to Year 6!

The World We Want to Create

In Year 6, pupils complete their primary school journey by exploring the theme The World We Want to Create. Through History, Geography, Science, English, RE, Computing, Art, DT and PE, children consider how people’s choices shape the world and how they can make a positive difference as thoughtful, responsible Global Citizens.

Pupils will study conflict, migration, culture, identity, human impact and environmental responsibility. They will also continue to develop independence, resilience and confidence as they prepare for secondary school.

Term 1: World War I

Was the outcome of WW1 fair?

Children begin the year by studying World War I. They learn about life in the trenches, the causes and consequences of the war, and the impact it had on soldiers, families and society. Through this, pupils consider fairness, sacrifice, remembrance and the human cost of conflict.

In English and Reading, pupils read Private Peaceful and use their historical knowledge to write letters from the trenches, biographies of WW1 heroes and non-chronological reports about the Great War. In Science, children learn about living things and their habitats, including microorganisms and how disease can spread in conditions such as the trenches.

Term 2: World War II

How did WW2 shape the world?

Children continue their historical learning by studying World War II. They explore how the war began, how people kept safe during the Blitz, how evacuation affected families, and how the conflict shaped Britain and the wider world.

In English, pupils use Rose Blanche as a stimulus for narrative writing, setting description, character writing, action writing and diary entries from a German child’s viewpoint. They also write explanations about keeping safe during the Blitz and narrative poetry linked to wartime experiences. DT links to this learning through a rationing-inspired cooking project.

Term 3: Mexico vs UK

How are Mexico and the UK similar and different?

Children develop their geographical knowledge by comparing Mexico with the UK. They explore location, climate, physical and human features, culture and tourism, building a deeper understanding of how places can be similar and different.

In English, pupils write a first-person recount, a police incident report, a persuasive travel brochure about Mexico and a balanced argument comparing the UK and Mexico. In Computing, pupils continue to develop digital understanding through iLearnAI, helping them think about technology, information and responsible digital choices.

Term 4: Ancient Maya

Why were the Maya magnificent?

Children study the Ancient Maya as a significant civilisation. They learn where the Maya lived, how their society was organised, what they believed, and what their achievements tell us about life in the past.

In Reading and English, pupils use Holes and the Mayan myth Rainplayer to support newspaper report writing, setting description, character development and myth writing. In Art, pupils create stelae, linking creative work to their historical understanding

Term 5: Post-WW2 Migration

How did migration help shape modern Britain?

Children explore migration after World War II and consider how people’s movement has shaped communities, identity and society. This links strongly to the Year 6 theme of creating a fairer and more understanding world.

In English, pupils read a variety of short texts and write persuasive pieces linked to healthy living. In Science, pupils study animals, including humans, focusing on the heart, circulation and healthy lifestyles. In MFL, pupils learn about healthy lifestyles, supporting their understanding of how choices affect wellbeing.

Term 6: Plastic Pollution

How can we shape a healthier and more sustainable world?

The final term focusses on plastic pollution and environmental responsibility. Children learn about the impact of plastic on oceans, wildlife and food chains, and consider what individuals and communities can do to reduce harm.

In English, pupils write explanation texts linked to plastic pollution and develop narrative writing through visual stimuli. In Art, pupils create a 3D sculpture using recycled materials, and in DT they design and make marble runs after SATs. The term also includes transition activities and the Year 6 leavers’ production, celebrating pupils’ achievements before they move on to secondary school.

Term 6 also celebrates the final term at Thames View for the children and a big focus this term is our leavers' production. Children will have the opportunity to take part in their preferred way – singing, acting, producing, props, music, sound – to enable a final, memorable performance to parents at the end of term.