Summer
Oak Class – Summer Term 2026 | The Maya
Summer Term 2026
Oak Class — Discover the Maya
Year 6 · Newstead Primary & Nursery School
In Design and Technology, we have created moving toys using cams. You can see some of them working in the videos below.
Welcome Back
A Warm Start to Summer
The year continues to race along, and we will hopefully have some warmer and pleasant weather to enjoy. This newsletter gives you more information about the Summer Term and what the children are going to be learning.
Our big topic this term is: ‘Who were the Maya and what have we learned from them?’ We will compare this fascinating Non-European civilisation with the Vikings we studied at the start of the year.
If you have any questions, please get in contact through the office or email: oak@newstead.notts.sch.uk
— J. Oldfield, Class Teacher
What We’re Learning
Summer Term Curriculum
Here is an overview of every subject this term, all woven around our Maya topic.
History & Geography
Who Were the Maya?
Comparing this remarkable Non-European civilisation with the Vikings. We’ll study where the Maya lived and what made their culture extraordinary.
English
Stories & Writing
Exploring The Delivery, The Piano, Kensuke’s Kingdom and The Highwayman — all linking to our Mayan topic and beliefs.
Science
Electricity & Light
Building on previous learning of circuits, we’ll design and build electrical circuits for a real purpose in the second half of term.
Art
Tribal Artwork
Studying and reproducing the rich, symbolic artwork of the Maya. Children share thoughts and opinions about these remarkable works.
Design & Technology
Mayan Pyramids
Exploring how Mayan pyramids were designed with internal rooms. Children will design and build their own using archaeological evidence.
Music
Composing with GarageBand
Listening, appraising, then constructing our own pieces using GarageBand and real instruments — which may feature in our films!
Computing
Film Making
Creating our own informative, curriculum-inspired films using original music compositions as the soundtrack.
French (MFL)
Telling the Time
Developing French vocabulary to read, write and say sentences relating to telling the time ahead of secondary school.
RE
Fighting Discrimination
Exploring how religions and beliefs have stood up against discrimination and persecution throughout history and the modern world, including The Holocaust.
PE
Gymnastics, Dance & Outdoor and Adventurous Activites (OAA)
Learning skills and techniques for gymnastics and OAA, developing teamwork and knowledge across both weekly sessions.
Topic Focus
The Maya Civilisation
The Maya were an extraordinary civilisation that thrived in Mesoamerica — across what is now southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador.
Fascinatingly, they existed at exactly the same time as the Vikings in Northern Europe, making this a brilliant direct historical comparison.
Children will explore their mathematics, astronomy, architecture, art, writing systems and beliefs, discovering why this civilisation still inspires and amazes people today.
2000+ Years of history
40+ Major cities
7M Maya people today
365 Day calendar
Chichen Itza, Mexico · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Supporting Learning
Home Learning
Here is how you can support your child’s learning at home this term. Every little bit makes a real difference!
Reading
Children should read at least 4 times each week. Please encourage reading at home and record progress in their reading diary. Regular reading is one of the most valuable habits for secondary school readiness.
Spellings
Children should work through the spelling challenge in their reading diary. New spellings will be given regularly. Little and often is the best approach.
Maths & Times Tables
Practise times tables every week, even if your child feels confident. School has invested in workbooks for SATs preparation. Times Tables Rockstars is a great tool!
Additional homework may include topic work, consolidation tasks and SATs revision materials. These tasks should take around 30–45 minutes per week in total.
Important Dates
SATs Week
SATs week is approaching. Tests cover English (Reading, Grammar, Spelling) and Maths. We prepare thoroughly while keeping learning positive and stress-free — your child is so much more than any test result!
Monday 11th – Thursday 14th May 2026
Plenty of Sleep
A well-rested mind performs so much better. Try to keep a consistent bedtime in the week leading up to SATs.
Good Breakfast
Never skip breakfast! A nutritious morning meal fuels concentration and energy throughout the school day.
Positive Talk
Keep conversations encouraging. Celebrate effort over results and remind children how much they have grown this year.
Active Learning
PE & Sport
PE takes place every Tuesday and Friday afternoon this term, focusing on gymnastics, dance and Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA).
Please ensure your child has the correct PE kit in school on both days. Earrings should be removed for safety.
Tuesday
Miss Martin · Gymnastics & Dance
Friday
Mr Oldfield · OAA
Get in Touch
We’re Here to Help
Thank you for reading about our Summer Term. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are grateful for your continued support throughout the year.
Class Email
oak@newstead.notts.sch.ukSchool Office
Contact via the school office for urgent mattersClass Page
newstead.notts.sch.uk