Year 6
Our School Council Representatives (2025 - 2026)
Reading - When the Sky Falls (Autumn 2)
Year 6's focus text this half term will be When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle. Set during World War II, this powerful story follows Joseph, a boy sent to live in a city under constant threat from air raids. As he learns to care for a huge silverback gorilla at the local zoo, Joseph discovers courage, kindness, and the importance of friendship in the most unexpected places.
Year 6 will be exploring the novel’s themes of bravery, empathy, and resilience through reading, discussion, and creative writing. We can’t wait to see the thoughtful ideas and imaginative work this inspiring story will spark!
Centenary Shield Winner (Autumn 1)
A huge congratulations to the first Centenary Shield winner of the Year - Harlie!
Every day, we are blown away by how determined and hard-working Harlie is: she never shies away from a challenge, is always happy to help others and is a true St. Anthony's girl.
Well done Harlie - you should be immensely proud!
Reading - The Boy at the Back of the Class (Autumn 1)
This half term, Year 6's focus text will be The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf. It is a moving and thought-provoking story that helps us see the world through the eyes of children who show kindness, courage, and curiosity.
The book introduces us to a new pupil who joins a class under very unusual circumstances. Through the eyes of his classmates, we discover how small acts of friendship can make a big difference, and how standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy but is always important.
As we read together, consider the key themes of compassion, resilience, and how even children can change the world for the better.
Citizenship - Cultural Heritage Week 2025 (Autumn 1)
From Monday 20th - Friday 24th October, our school came alive with colour, creativity, and community spirit as we celebrated Cultural Heritage Week!
Throughout the week, our children explored their family histories and cultural backgrounds, creating wonderful display work that proudly showcased their identities. From family trees and traditional art to clothing, music, and stories, every class shared something special that reflected the rich diversity of our school community.
During the week, we hosted a cultural heritage exhibition, where pupils presented their projects and families brought in delicious dishes from their cultures to share — turning our hall into a feast of flavours from around the world!
To celebrate our local heritage, we created collages made from all things Yorkshire to explore what makes our county so special. We also researched the significant locations and attractions that showcase the rich history of Leeds. We were also thrilled to welcome the Burley Banksy, who led an inspiring street art workshop. Pupils learned about his creative process and even designed their own pieces inspired by their heritage.
A huge thank you to all the families who contributed and to everyone who made the week such a meaningful celebration of who we are and where we come from!
NFL Visit to London
Over the past 18 months, Year 6 have been fortunate enough to participate in partnership work with the Leeds United Foundation. This partnership is funded by the 49s Group (owners of Leeds United) and involves expert coaching in Flag Football, teaching the children the basic concepts of American Football. The sessions are enjoyed by our pupils and they have received various types of free merchandise during this period. To further raise the profile of American Football in the local area, the Leeds United Foundation made an incredible offer to the school. There was the opportunity for 10 lucky pupils to attend a live American Football game on Sunday 12th October. The game saw the Denver Broncos take on the New York Jets at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. I thank Mr Whittle and Mr James who attended with our children and gave up their Sundays to bring this experience to our children. The children were a credit to their school, their families and themselves.
Geography - Out of Africa! (Autumn 1)
In our first geography topic of the year, Year 6 have been exploring the vast and beautiful continent of 
Africa, learning about its key human and physical geographical features.
We began by using atlases to locate the continent and identify its 54 countries. Building on this, we used one of our key texts for the half term, Amazing Africa by Atinuke, to independently research a range of African countries. The children were so passionate about their work and produced fantastic comparisons between their chosen countries and our own city of Leeds.
Next, we turned our attention to Africa’s diverse physical geography, investigating its varying landscapes. The children created detailed trioramas to showcase Africa’s mountains, savanna, deserts, and tropical rainforests.
We have been so impressed with Year 6’s enthusiasm and creativity this half term – what a brilliant start to the year!
Computing - Communication and Collaboration (Autumn 1)
In our computing lessons this half term, Year 6 have been exploring how the internet is used to communicate
data between people.
We learned how information is sent across the internet, including how computers use data packets to deliver messages to specific addresses. To put this into practice, we collaborated using shared files to create presentations about different countries we researched.
It has been a fantastic opportunity to develop our communication skills while working together – well done, Year 6!
Science - Living Things and Their Habitats: Classifying Organisms (Autumn 1)
Year 6 began their science learning this year by exploring how scientists identify and classify
organisms.
We started by investigating the four conditions of life that all living things must meet, before grouping plants and animals according to their defining features. Using closed questions, we practised narrowing down our organisms in as few steps as possible.
Next, we turned our attention to microorganisms, discovering what makes bacteria, viruses and fungi unique, and learning how to classify them.
Year 6 have worked exceptionally hard this half term and have truly proven themselves to be super scientists – well done, everyone!
RE - The Kingdom of God (Autumn 1)
In Autumn 1, Year 6 have been exploring the Kingdom of God—considering what it is and what it is not. 
Through exploring a range of parables, we have reflected on its qualities and values, and discussed how everyone is invited to be part of the Kingdom.
After our visit to St Anthony's Catholic Church, we designed webpages spreading the Good News, supporting our beliefs using references to scripture from our school Bibles.
Take a look at some of our fantastic classwork as we share the Good News!
Science, MFL and PE - Mount St Mary's Taster Afternoon (Autumn 1)
O
n Monday 22nd September, Year 6 visited Mount St Mary's Catholic High School for an action-packed afternoon filled with exciting lessons.
In Spanish, we practised describing ourselves and others using a range of interesting vocabulary. In physics, we experimented with magnetism by creating our own electromagnets, which we used to collect loose paperclips. To finish the day, we took part in a team rowing competition, using rowing machines to measure how far we could travel in two minutes.
A huge thank you to Mount St Mary's for inviting us to this exciting afternoon!
PSHE - Bikeability (Autumn 1)
This week, our Year 6 class took part in Bikeability training, learning how to ride their bikes safely and with confidence. The children worked very hard, practising important cycling skills and showing great care and consideration for the rules of the road. We are very proud of the effort and enthusiasm they all showed – well done, cyclists!
A huge thank you to the Bikeability team for supporting us, helping us to grow in skill, safety and confidence!
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Year 6 Rugby lessons weekly led by The Jason Robinson Foundation
Welcome to Year 6!
We are so excited to welcome our Year 6 pupils back for their final year at St. Anthony's!
In Year 6, we look forward to new learning challenges, becoming more independent learners, and preparing for the exciting transition to secondary school. Along the way, we’ll also be creating lasting memories - whether that’s through our exciting lessons, trips, or the many opportunities to work together and support one another.
Because you are now in Year 6, we expect even more of the top of our school. To help get ready for our final year together, always consider the following:
- Come into school every day excited and ready to learn
- Remember that every day is a new challenge, and we are all here to help each other succeed
- Read every night and make sure an adult signs your planner – reading is the key to success in Year 6!
- Spelling homework is to be completed each week and returned by Thursday: Year 3 and 4 spelling words will be tested on Wednesday and Year 6 words will be tested on Fridays
- Times tables practise is essential for success
- Ensure you come to school in the correct uniform every day - you are now at the top of the school and, therefore, must lead the rest of the school by example
- Grow in maturity and independence – you are now entering your final year at St. Anthony’s and one of my main jobs is to ensure you are well prepared for high school. I will set you lots of challenges in school to help you develop your independence but try to do the same at home. For example: make your own pack lunch; get your uniform and school bag packed the night before; set your own alarm clock to wake up on time
- Always be positive!
We know this year will be full of hard work, teamwork, and achievement, but also plenty of fun. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful things our Year 6 children will accomplish as they make the most of their final year at St. Anthony's.
See you in September!
Mr Cook