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    • Year 6 - Turtle Class

     

    Welcome to Turtle Class

    My name is Miss Lee and I am the Year 6 teacher; I work closely with Mrs Smith (our fantastic TA). We are delighted to welcome your children to Turtle Class and are excited to begin the year together. Year 6 is a special and memorable time, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, take on new responsibilities and create lasting memories!

     
     

    Why are we named Turtle Class? 

     

    All our classes in school are named after different endangered species. 

    Turtles represent perseverance, resilience and steady progress. They may not be the fastest animals, but they keep moving forward, overcome challenges, and reach their destination through determination and consistency. These are qualities we encourage in Year 6 pupils as they prepare for their transition to secondary school.

    Here are some facts, which the children found out about turtles during our transition days:

    • Turtles have been on Earth for more than 200 million years—they lived alongside dinosaurs!
    • A turtle's shell is actually part of its skeleton and is made up of over 50 bones.
    • Turtles can't come out of their shells—the shell is attached to their body.
    • Some turtles can live for over 100 years.
    • Sea turtles can travel thousands of miles during migration.
    • Different species of turtles live all around the world, from oceans and rivers to forests and deserts.
    • Sea turtles can hold their breath underwater for several hours while resting.
    • Baby turtles are called hatchlings.

    Reading for pleasure:

    Why is reading important?

    Reading is one of the most important skills a child can develop. Research consistently shows that children who read regularly for pleasure tend to achieve better academic outcomes and are more likely to become lifelong learners. For Year 6 pupils preparing for secondary school, regular reading helps strengthen the vocabulary, stamina and comprehension skills they will need for a successful transition. Even 10–20 minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference.

    Suggested recommended reads:

    For Year 6 (ages 10–11), here are some widely recommended reads that offer a mix of challenge, enjoyment and discussion points:

    Adventure & Mystery:

    • The Explorer – Survival adventure in the Amazon rainforest.
    • Cogheart – Mystery, steampunk and mechanical creatures.
    • Stormbreaker – The first Alex Rider spy adventure.
    • The Wolf Wilder – Historical adventure set in Russia.

    Modern Classics:

    • Wonder – Empathy, friendship and belonging.
    • Holes – A clever, multi-layered story that rewards careful reading.
    • Skellig – A thought-provoking modern classic.

    Fantasy:

    • Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief – Greek mythology meets modern adventure.
    • How to Train Your Dragon – Funny, exciting and imaginative.
    • The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Beautifully written fantasy.

    Historical Fiction:

    • Letters from the Lighthouse – World War II mystery.
    • When the Sky Falls – A moving wartime story.
    • Street Child – Inspired by the life of a Victorian child.

    Humour:

    • The Boy at the Back of the Class – Funny, warm and thought-provoking.
    • Kid Normal – Superhero comedy.
    • The 13-Storey Treehouse – Fast-paced and hilarious.

    For strong readers seeking more challenge:

    • Northern Lights
    • A Monster Calls
    • The Hobbit

     

    Useful Websites

    Here are some excellent resources for Year 6 pupils to use at home:

    English & Reading

    Maths

    • BBC Bitesize KS2 Maths – Interactive lessons and quizzes.
    • Topmarks Maths Games (Ages 7–11)– Engaging maths games linked to the curriculum.
    • Times Tables Rock Stars - a fun way for children to practise and improve their times tables recall through games and challenges.

    General Learning

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