Autumn 1

Year 6 Master the Art of Performance Poetry with Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est

This week, our Year 6 classrooms were filled with powerful emotion, striking imagery and incredible theatrical confidence as students took on one of the most famous War Poems in history: Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est.

Studying World War poetry requires both deep historical empathy and a strong command of literary devices. Rather than simply reading the poem on the page, Year 6 took their learning to the next level by exploring how tone, pacing, vocal expression and physical movement can bring Owen’s stark realities to life.

Working in small groups, pupils analysed the rhythm and dramatic shifts in the text—from the exhausted march of soldiers in the opening lines to the sudden, frantic panic of a gas attack. Students experimented with vocal dynamics, strategic pauses and collective choral reading to heighten the dramatic impact for their audience.

 

Year 6 PGL Adventure at Osmington Bay!

We have returned from the most amazing experience, having spent a fantastic weekend at the beautiful PGL centre in Osmington Bay, Dorset.

43 children and 5 adults set off on Friday 22nd September, stopping at Marwell Zoo along the way. We then travelled on to the PGL centre for three days of action-packed activities designed to push our boundaries, build confidence, and strengthen our teamwork skills.

Here is what George had to say about his experience:

"I loved the weekend—especially the rafting, as it helped me with construction and abseiling too, as it helped me attempt to conquer my fear of heights. Now I'm no longer scared!" — George

Welcome to Year 6!

Welcome Year 6 to the new academic year! You have made a fantastic start, and we are both extremely impressed with how settled and focused you have been since returning from the summer break.

We have an exciting term ahead, and we know you will enjoy exploring all the fascinating topics we will cover this half term. Our primary focus topic for this half term is World War II.

To complement our learning in class, here is a list of recommended reading books linked to our WWII topic:

• Once by Morris Gleitzman

• When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

• Carrie’s War by Nina Bawden

• My Secret Diary by Flossie Albright by Marcia Williams

• Waiting for Anya by Michael Morpurgo

• The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier

• The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall

• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

• The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

• Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll

• Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

• Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo

• The Skylarks' War by Hilary McKay