John Singer Sargant-'Gassed'

Year 6 explored the powerful World War I painting Gassed by John Singer Sargent through drama and performance. The artwork shows injured soldiers who have been affected by mustard gas, being led to safety after treatment. It captures both the suffering of war and the quiet care and teamwork between the soldiers. In a week that saw us complete the Night line at Robinwood, it wasn't hard for us to imagine losing our sense of sight.

To deepen their understanding, the children used drama techniques including freeze frames, role play, and thought-tracking. They carefully studied the body language, facial expressions, and positioning of the figures in the painting before recreating the scene themselves in the school hall. This helped them think about what the soldiers might have been feeling, seeing, and thinking in that moment.

By stepping into the roles of the figures in the painting, pupils developed empathy and a stronger emotional connection to the historical context of World War I. They also considered themes such as courage, teamwork, vulnerability, and hope.

The approach allowed the class to move beyond simply observing a piece of art. Instead, they experienced it from the inside, using drama to bring history and art together in a powerful and memorable way.

Robinwood

Videos hopefully will be added on here soon....!

David Hockney

Inspired by the work of renowned artist David Hockney, Year 6 have been developing their skills in analysing and interpreting the famous artworks with Mr King.  The children had fun  exploring how artists use colour to create atmosphere and represent feelings. They also learned how shapes help organise key elements within a composition, and how lines can guide the viewer’s eye to important parts of the artwork. The children discussed how artists are influenced by the world around them, including culture, politics and technology, and how an artwork can be interpreted differently depending on each viewer’s own life experiences.

Crucial Crew

Year 6 took part in Trafford’s Crucial Crew event as part of our PSHE learning.  Across Tuesday morning, the children worked with a range of professionals and services to learn about staying safe, making responsible choices, and treating others with respect. Sessions included:

• Road Safety – developing awareness of hazards, risk assessment and how to stay safe as pedestrians and road users.

• Trafford Youth Services – learning about gender imbalance, misogyny and respectful relationships, understanding how stereotypes and attitudes can harm others and what to do if something feels unsafe or unfair.

• Transport for Greater Manchester – learning how to travel safely and responsibly, including safe choices when using public transport.

• Level Up: Fairness in Sport – exploring equality, respect, teamwork and inclusion, and challenging discrimination in sport and wider society.

• Metrolink Safety – understanding how to travel safely on the Metrolink and what to do in emergencies.

• British Transport Police and local PCSOs – learning about personal safety, recognising risky situations, and practical strategies on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime, including how and when to seek help.

• Thank you for all of the Services for helping us prepare so well for transition to secondary school!

Buddy Time Reunions!

Year 6 had a wonderful time during Buddy Time this week as they were reunited with their Reception buddies. It was lovely to see the children back together, chatting, smiling and sharing special moments — just like old friends! We tried to be fantastic role models, showing kindness, patience and encouragement as they listened carefully and helped their buddies feel confident and included. These Buddy Time conversations are so valuable, helping to strengthen communication skills, build friendships across the school and nurture a real sense of family within our school community.

Science

Year 6 have been working practically in Science to develop their understanding of electricity by building their own circuits. Using batteries, bulbs and wires, the children tested different components, investigated what makes a complete circuit and worked together to troubleshoot when things didn’t work at first.

Happy New Year! Feliz Navidad!

Epiphany and Spanish Traditions in Year 6
Year 6 enjoyed a wonderful lesson linking our learning about the Epiphany with traditional Spanish customs and celebrations. With the help of Sr Lopez, the children began by acting out a Spanish Nativity scene (Belén), exploring how the story of Jesus’ birth is remembered and celebrated in Spain.

They then took part in the traditional New Year custom of eating twelve grapes — one for each chime of the bells at midnight — symbolising good luck for each month of the year. (We used raisins instead of grapes!)

To end our celebrations, we adapted another Spanish tradition: the Kings’ Cake (Roscón de Reyes). A figure of Jesus was hidden in one cake and the lucky person who discovered it was crowned King or Queen for the Day. Our very own Reina Letizia was Lana — a benevolent monarch who ruled wisely and kindly… even granting us a little extra playtime!