Windhill21

 A new half term!

Year 6 came back to school well rested and ready to learn - as always, they have impressed the entire team with their enthusiasm for lessons and the real pride they are taking in the work they do.

This week, in our History lessons, we have been learning about The Battle of the Somme. Through interrogating Field-Marshal Haig and viewing various sources, we were all shocked to learn just how devastating this battle was, how long it lasted for and how little changed as a result of the near five months of brutality. The children were all very thoughtful when discussing Haig's battle plans - and when it came to answering our key question: "World War I - commemorate or celebrate?'' They all showed truly historical minds debating the importance of not omitting important events from history, but being mindful about how they are recorded.

The children have also finished their trench diaries this week, and we have been blown away by the quality of these pieces of work. Without exception they have been emotive, detailed, full of rich vocabulary and have transported every single person who has read them back to the misery and horror of these places the soldiers called 'home'.

We have started a new guided reading text this week - 'Holes', by Louis Sachar. Set in Texas, this was a well-timed piece, as the year 6 classes are all showing a real interest in America and how it is run, as a result of the American elections. Covering topics such as friendship, fate, racism, young offenders and education...we can see that the children are already gripped by this fantastic text.