What We Do in Upper Keystage 2
We would like to welcome you to Upper Key Stage 2! This is where your child starts the next part of their exciting learning journey at Combe Down CEVC Primary School.
Key Stage 2 is divided into two "phases". The Lower Key Stage 2 phase, as you are probably already aware, is made up of both Year 3 and Year 4. These are important bridging years of learning where skills are imbedded and your child is encouraged to attempt new independent skills and responsibilities. During Year 5 and 6 the planned learning increases with appropriate challenge, building upon and strengthening the skills and knowledge they have already achieved. The children also have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities like monitor and play leader roles. The Upper Key Stage 2 classes are based in the Log Cabin.
You can find out about the fabulous staff we have in Upper Key Stage 2 in our Teacher Feature.
Partnership with Parents
Although as your child gets older and more independent, we still value greatly and encourage healthy dialogue between home and school. Please do feel free to come in to talk about any aspect of your child's education with their class teacher at the beginning or end of the day or arrange an appointment to see one of us.
At Combe Down Primary School we aim to make links between the subjects and try to have one overriding theme for a term or a series of weeks. The topics and schemes of work are shown to you each term as part of our integrated Topic Webs. Typically the week is split between the core subjects Literacy, Numeracy, Science and ICT. The other curriculum areas covered include History, Geography, RE, PE, Design and Technology, Music, French and SEAL (Social and emotional aspects of learning). Topics in Year 5 include the Victorians and Myths and Legends.
Assessment
During the year there are a number of 
mini-assessments taking place - in fact there is continual teacher assessment going on. These help inform planning the next steps in each child’s learning, boosting confidence and ensuring that we are tracking the progress that each child is making. In a similar way to Year 4, at the end of Year 5 the children will sit their optional SATS, this takes place during the same week as Year 6 are sitting their end of Key Stage 2 SATS often during the second week in May. We don’t just aim to provide evidence of tests though; we want to show how your child has progressed through the year acquiring a range of skills and learning, celebrating their achievement.
Trips and Visits
There are many opportunities for educational visits and trips in the Upper Key Stage 2 phase. Trips and visits are linked to the topics that are covered in class and aim to deepen and build upon those learning experiences. One visit gives the children an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Victorian child at Sevington Victorian School. In the past few years we have also had a Year 5 Activity Week during Term 6.
Transition between Year 5 and Year 6
During the final summer term the Year 5 children will be getting to know his or her new teacher. The teacher will meet with the children in during some informal moments like at interclass/year-group sports matches. They will also spend the morning with their new teacher on our whole school transition day. We hope by doing this the process of transition from one year to another will be a smooth and happy one.
Moving up to Secondary School can be a very exciting but also daunting time for all children. As a School we are aiming to continuously improve our approach to transition between the key stages. Throughout the Phase there are increased links with local secondary schools including visits to use various sporting and science facilities. The final term of Year 6 has focused time given to making steps towards KS3 as well as visits to the Secondary Schools and discussions with Secondary Staff.
