Our School Council Representatives (2025 - 2026)

Year 6 have been fortunate to be invited to lead on a project with Leeds United, having weekly PE lessons on Flag Football as part of the Unlocking Potential Programme. The programme hosted a celebration event at Leeds Beckett University and invited our Year 6 class to take part. along with attendees from the San Francisco 49ers and NFL Foundation. The session featured a variety of activities, including mini-tournaments designed to encourage participation and skill development. The event was a true celebration of sport, inclusion, and opportunity, and a powerful step forward in unlocking potential across Leeds.

Special congratulations to Stella and Oliver who were each awarded a special trophy at the event as a mark of their potential and effort in the tournament.

Well done Year 6!  

Our recent Science Fair was a fantastic celebration of curiosity, creativity, and independent learning, perfectly reflecting this year’s Science Week theme: “Curiosity – What’s Your Question?”

Children across the school embraced the challenge of exploring a scientific question that truly interested them. Working independently at home, they researched their chosen topics and presented their findings in a wide variety of imaginative and engaging ways.

The hall was filled with an impressive range of projects. There were interactive models, including erupting volcanoes, dazzling disco ball creations, and even hologram projectors. Informative posters and displays explored fascinating questions such as how glow sticks work, whether humans could adapt to live on Mars, and the ever-popular “Can you walk on custard?” experiment.

We were also delighted to see musical instruments crafted from recycled materials, showcasing both scientific understanding and environmental awareness. Many projects included hands-on elements, allowing visitors to get involved and experience the science in action.

The confidence, enthusiasm, and depth of understanding demonstrated by the children were truly inspiring. It was wonderful to see them take ownership of their learning, ask meaningful questions, and share their discoveries with others.

A huge well done to all of our young scientists for their hard work and creativity—and thank you to families for supporting their learning at home!

British Science Week 2026 - Biology: The Circulatory System (Spring 2)

To celebrate British Science Week 2026, Year 6 have enjoyed a fascinating, week-long topic exploring the human circulatory system.

We began by comparing the different systems of the human body, such as the skeletal system, which we learned about in Year 3, and the digestive system from our Year 4 science lessons. We also compared the three types of blood vessels - arteries, veins and capillaries - distinguishing them by their functions.

We then investigated the three main components of blood and their functions: red blood cells, which carry oxygen on the haemoglobin and remove waste products; white blood cells, which fight infections from bacteria and viruses; and plasma, which carries nutrients and hormones around the body. We even created our own 'blood' using Cheerios and red food colouring for our red blood cells, mini marshmallows as our white blood cells, and water and yellow food colouring as our plasma.

We then explored the heart, describing its role in pumping blood around the body as part of the circulatory system, including how different activities affect our heart rates. We then described the journey of a red blood cell through the circulatory system and, specifically, the heart, including where it becomes oxygenated (rich in oxygen) and deoxygenated (lacking in oxygen).

To celebrate our final lesson on the circulatory system, our class was visited by Mrs Vasconcelos and David from Mount St. Mary’s, who brought with them something very special: real hearts! We dissected sheep hearts and put our learning about the heart into practise. We found each of the heart’s major blood vessels and, once we had opened them up, its four chambers. We also explored the importance of valves in the heart and veins to control the direction of blood flow in the heart. We were very brave for our dissection – what an exciting morning!

I have been blown away by all of Year 6's hard work and perseverance in this topic - the circulatory system is a complex and vast system that can be tricky to understand, well done!

Science and Geography - Stump Cross Caverns (Spring 2)

Year 6 had a fantastic and fascinating trip to Stump Cross Caverns in the Yorkshire Dales! The day began with an engaging presentation that explored how the landscape of Yorkshire has changed over millions of years. We learned that the area was once covered by shallow tropical oceans before gradually transforming into the vast moorlands we see today. The children were amazed to discover that animals such as wolverines and reindeer once lived in Yorkshire tens of thousands of years ago, and we explored the evidence scientists use to uncover these incredible stories from the past.

Following the presentation, we ventured underground to explore the impressive cave system. As we walked through the caverns, the children observed a range of remarkable natural rock formations and discovered fossilised remains of ancient organisms hidden within the rock.

Later in the day, we took part in a discussion about how fossils are formed and learned about the important work of scientists and palaeontologists, such as Mary Anning, who have made significant contributions to our understanding of prehistoric life.

To finish the day, the children enjoyed a hands-on exploration of a collection of extraordinary fossils. They had the exciting opportunity to closely examine precious specimens, including Megalodon and Woolly Mammoth teeth, as well as real dinosaur eggs.

It was a fantastic trip, and every child showed great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day. Their engagement, thoughtful questions and excitement for learning made it a truly memorable experience.

World Book Day (Spring 2)

Year 6 had a fantastic time celebrating World Book Day!

The children arrived at school dressed as their favourite characters from books, plays and other works of literature, and it was wonderful to see such a wide range of imaginative costumes.

During the day, we were visited by Year 1, who were on an exciting mission to find the missing pages from their story so that they could enjoy story time. Our Year 6 pupils were happy to help them search and solve the mystery together.

We also took part in a book swap shop, where the children donated pre-loved books and exchanged them for new stories and adventures to enjoy. It was a brilliant way to share our love of reading and discover something new.

Well done to everyone for making it such a fun and memorable World Book Day!

Science - Biology: Fossils (Spring 2)

To prepare for our upcoming trip to Stump Cross Caverns, Year 6 launched their exciting new Science topic all about fossils!

In our first lesson, we explored how fossils are formed over millions of years. We learned that when plants and animals die, they can become buried under layers of sediment. Over time, these layers build up and press down, eventually forming rock and sometimes preserving the remains as fossils.

To help us understand this process, we carried out a fun (and slightly sticky!) investigation. We used gummy bears as our ‘organisms’ and carefully placed them into layers of liquid to represent sediment building up over time. We observed how the ‘organisms’ became trapped and discussed how pressure and time play an important role in fossil formation.

Reading - Macbeth (Spring 1)

Science - Physics: Light (Spring 1)

In our science lessons this half term, Year 6 have explored light, developing our scientific enquiry skills through practical investigations and research.

We began by exploring how humans see, learning about the key parts of the eye and understanding that light reflects off objects and travels into our eyes.

We then learned that light travels in straight lines and used this knowledge to explain how shadows are formed.

Using this information, we planned and carried out our own investigation to test whether the size of a shadow changes depending on an object’s distance from the light source. We made predictions, measured carefully, recorded results and evaluated our findings and method.

We ended the topic by exploring refraction and observed how light bends when it passes between different materials. To support this, we independently researched famous physicists who contributed to the study of light: Sir Isaac Newton and Ibn-al Haytham.

Well done for a fantastic half term of learning - our class is full of physicists of the future!

English and Drama - Macbeth with Splats Entertainment (Spring 1)

On Tuesday 27th January, Year 6 enjoyed an exciting full-day drama workshop with Splats Entertainment, where they rehearsed and performed a rendition of our focus text, Macbeth.

Working in groups, the children supported one another to learn lines, develop characters and bring scenes to life. Their hard work paid off in a fantastic afternoon performance - there were countless standout performers who perfectly portrayed their characters, no matter how big or small, and made the audience feel as though they were watching Shakespeare's finest works at the Globe Theatre!

We would like to extend our thanks to Leigh from Splats Entertainment who led us in putting together a fantastic performance - thank you!

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!

History - Leeds City Museum Trip (Autumn 2)

Thursday 18th December 2025, Year 6 visited the Leeds City Museum to explore the rich and diverse history of Leeds!

We explored the influence of invaders and settlers in our country, including their contributions to modern-day civilisation and reflected on how our country has changed because of them.

Then, we split into teams and completed a museum-wide scavenger hunt, using clues to locate artefacts that told us about Leeds' interesting history.

After lunch, we explored each section of the museum. Some of our favourite exhibits included the Ancient Worlds section containing artefacts from Egypt, Italy and Greece, and the Life on Earth exhibit which taught us about how animals have changed over time, as well as how they have adapted to survive in specific habitats.

This was the first time many of our pupils had visited our city's museum - I hope you all had a fantastic time and would love to visit again!

PE - Flag Football Tournament (Autumn 2)

On Wednesday 3rd December, our Year 6 pupils enjoyed an action-packed day at Middleton Leisure Centre as they took part in a fantastic Flag Football Tournament, proudly sponsored by Leeds United and the San Francisco 49ers. It was a celebration of teamwork, energy and enthusiasm from start to finish.

Our Year 6 class was split into three teams and every single one of them played with determination and resilience, supporting one another throughout the day. Their hard work truly shone through, as all three teams made it to the semi-finals before going on to win the entire tournament. Watching them work together, encourage each other and celebrate one another’s successes was a real highlight.

As well as the main competition, the children also took part in a variety of skills-based challenges that brought plenty of smiles and excitement. They tackled an agility test that had them weaving and changing direction at speed, an accuracy challenge that encouraged careful aim and control, and a speed test that showcased some incredibly quick reactions. The skills gauntlet was especially exciting, giving pupils the chance to combine everything they had learned in one fun, fast-paced course.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was warm and supportive, with Year 6 showing maturity, sportsmanship and a wonderful sense of school spirit. We are incredibly proud of them all for the way they represented our school - well done!

Science - Physics: Electricity (Autumn 2)

In Autumn 2, Year 6 have been diving into their electricity topic, developing both their

scientific knowledge and their practical investigation skills.

We began by learning how to construct series circuit diagrams using accurate component symbols, building confidence in recognising and drawing each part clearly. We then went on to explore the difference between complete and incomplete circuits, explaining how electricity flows and why certain circuits will or will not work. Using this understanding, pupils investigated how changing the number of components—such as bulbs, buzzers or switches—can affect the overall output of the circuit.

To finish this topic and put our learning into practice, Year 6 planned, carried out and evaluated a full scientific enquiry exploring how the voltage of a circuit affects its components. Their investigation focused on one key question: How does increasing the voltage of a circuit affect the loudness of a buzzer? Pupils made predictions, tested their ideas safely, and reflected on their results, drawing thoughtful conclusions.

PSHE - PCSO Visit (Autumn 2)

On Thursday 20th November 2025, our Year 6 pupils were visited by our local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). The session focused on helping children understand the risks and consequences of being associated with weapons, even indirectly.

The PCSO spoke about the importance of making sensible choices, staying safe in the community, and recognising how our actions can affect ourselves and others. Pupils also explored the idea of responsibility and accountability, discussing real-life scenarios and how to respond in a safe and mature way.

It was an informative and engaging session that encouraged thoughtful discussion and helped reinforce the values of good judgement and personal responsibility.

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!

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)

On 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!

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