Year 6 news letter...historical controversy reigns!

What a wonderful week of learning we have all had in year 6!

Lichtenstein finished their week of examining the much maligned Richard III - and have emerged a new generation Yorkists and Ricardians...to the extent they have even reenacted The Wars of the Roses at lunchtimes!

The children all wrote wonderful discussion texts on whether Richard was a 'Cruel King or Loyal Leader' and, in these, weighed up the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, Tudor propaganda and many sources of evidence that point towards what kind of person Richard was.

We were fortunate enough to enjoy zoom calls with Matt Lewis and Michele Schindler, prominent authors and historians, who were blown away with both the questions the children posed - but also with their excellent engagement and enthusiasm.

The learning lead to an impassioned debate that tested some of the class, as they learn to become accomplished in debating points of view and opinions they personally disagree with. The entire class were captivating. 

Lichtenstein also produced beautiful Medieval illuminated letters; we are sure you will agree that the display board is something Medieval royalty would have been very impressed with!

Hockney class had a fascinating week looking into the controversy that surrounds Cecil Rhodes - someone whose name is very familiar to most Stortfordians.

The class enjoyed a day with Janet Shepherd (Learning and Outreach Co-ordinator of 

South Mill Arts formally Rhodes Arts Cenrte) and interviewing Deirdre Glasgow, chairman of Rhodes Charitable Trust. They were both impressed with the children's deep thinking and careful questioning.

Hockney  produced some outstanding Ndebele art - filling the class with so much colour and vibrancy - and some fascinating writing asking whether Rhodes Avenue should be renamed. The children were so engaged throughout the week and enjoyed passionate discussions, founded in historical evidence.

Meanwhile, the children in Kobra class have been taking Henry VIII to task and working out whether he really should be remembered as great 'bluff King Hal' or...perhaps a cruel King with a very short temper!

The children all enjoyed writing an advert for Henry, in the hopes of him getting (yet another) wife - and most felt extremely sorry for those wives who were, at best cast off....and at worst executed!

The class were fascinated to learn about Henry's Reformation and how he started the Church of England...they were also keen to understand why he was so desperate for a male heir, living in times of political unrest.

The class had a trip to St Michael's church where they enjoyed a talk and saw some Tudor roses carved both into the ceiling, and also into some surviving pieces of furniture from the time. We challenge you to spot a Tudor rose next time you are in a church!

Some symmetry portraits of Henry and his wives and making our own Tudor roses has created some remarkable and eye catching art, too.

Well done, year 6  - you are, without doubt, truly remarkable historians in the making. We have been delighted with your deep thinking, deep questioning and truly impressive love for the learning.