Inspired by: My Secret War Diary - Curriculum Objectives

Inspired by "My Secret War Diary" by Marcia Williams, Year 6 pupils are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards reading through engaging with a diverse range of literature. They are taught to read and discuss a broad spectrum of texts including fiction, poetry, plays, non-fiction, and reference books. The curriculum objectives aim to increase pupils' familiarity with various genres, such as myths, legends, traditional stories, modern fiction, and works from different cultures. Pupils are also expected to recommend books to their peers, identify and discuss themes and conventions, compare writing across different books, learn poetry by heart, and prepare for reading aloud and performing texts with clear intonation, tone, and volume.

When it comes to writing, pupils are instructed to write legibly and fluently, choosing the appropriate letter shapes and writing implements for different tasks. They explore various aspects of language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, with activities such as rewriting speeches using synonyms, understanding diary styles, and employing hyphens correctly. Pupils also delve into the morphology and etymology of words, using dictionaries and thesauruses to enhance their vocabulary. They are taught to plan, draft, evaluate, and edit their writing with a clear understanding of the audience and purpose, and to use a range of grammatical structures and punctuation to clarify meaning. The curriculum also focuses on developing comprehension skills through reading about historical events like the evacuation during war, distinguishing between fact and opinion, making predictions, and summarising key ideas. Composition tasks range from writing letters and research notes to performing and writing diary entries, all of which consolidate pupils' learning and understanding of the concepts taught.