15 End of Term Activities, Games and Ideas for School Children
As the school year comes to a close, Year 6 pupils are preparing for one of the biggest milestones of their educational journey: moving on to secondary school.
For many children, leaving primary school brings a mixture of excitement, pride, nervousness, and nostalgia. After years spent learning, growing and making memories together, the final weeks of term are the perfect opportunity to enjoy a range of end of term activities, games and celebrations that recognise everything they've achieved and help create lasting memories before they move on.
Why End of Term Activities Matter for Primary School Pupils
Well-planned end of term activities for primary schools do more than simply fill the final days of the school year. They give children an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, strengthen friendships, reflect on their personal growth and build confidence for the future.
For Year 6 pupils, these transition day activities can also support a smoother move to secondary education by encouraging positive conversations about change and helping children focus on the exciting opportunities ahead.
If you're looking for ways to make your year 6 leavers' final days extra special, here are some fun and meaningful end-of-term activity ideas for 2026.
1. Create a School Memories Art Project
A creative project remains one of the best ways for pupils to reflect on their time at primary school.
Ask children to design a personal memory board, collaborative mural, or "My Primary School Journey" collage featuring their favourite moments, achievements, friendships and aspirations for the future.
You could even challenge pupils to design their dream leavers' hoodie or create artwork that represents their school experience.
2. Produce a Class Time Capsule
A modern twist on a classic activity.
Invite pupils to contribute letters to their future selves, favourite photos, predictions for secondary school, current trends, and memories from their primary years.
Store everything digitally or in a physical capsule that can be opened at a future reunion or milestone year.
3. Host a Student Awards Ceremony
Celebrate every child with a light-hearted awards event.
Categories might include:
- Most Helpful Classmate
- Future Inventor Award
- Kindness Champion
- Problem Solver of the Year
- Best Team Player
- Most Memorable School Trip Moment
4. Record Video Farewell Messages
Video reflections remain one of the most powerful keepsakes.
Instead of using a single platform, allow pupils to record short clips answering questions such as:
- What's your favourite memory from primary school?
- What are you most proud of?
- What advice would you give younger pupils?
- What are you looking forward to at secondary school?
5. Create a Leavers' Podcast
Turn reflections into a fun media project.
Small groups can record short podcast episodes discussing school trips, favourite lessons, funny classroom moments and hopes for the future.
This develops communication skills while creating a lasting record of the year.
6. Organise a Movie and Picnic Afternoon
A movie day is still a firm favourite.
Let pupils vote for a film, bring blankets outside (weather permitting), and enjoy a relaxed picnic-style afternoon with friends.
Adding snacks, games and outdoor activities can make the event feel more like a celebration than a standard school day.
7. Build a Class Playlist
Music is strongly connected to memories, making this activity just as relevant today as ever.
Ask pupils to nominate songs that represent their primary school years and explain their choices.
Create a class playlist to play during celebrations, leavers' assemblies or the final afternoon of term.
8. Host a Primary School Festival Day
Transform the playground into a mini festival experience.
Ideas include:
- Outdoor games
- Face painting
- Craft stations
- Dance challenges
- Talent showcases
- Bubble zones
- Photo booths
9. Create Digital Yearbooks
Digital yearbooks are increasingly popular and easy to share with families.
Include:
- Class photos
- Pupil messages
- Teacher comments
- Favourite memories
- School trip highlights
- Achievement awards
10. Write Letters to Future Year 6 Pupils
Ask pupils to write advice and encouragement for next year's Year 6 class.
They might share tips for SATs, school trips, leadership responsibilities and making the most of their final year at primary school.
It's a reflective activity that also helps younger pupils prepare for the future.
11. Run a "Then and Now" Challenge
Display photographs from Reception or Year 1 alongside current pictures.
Pupils can reflect on:
- How they've changed
- What they've learned
- Their proudest achievements
- Their ambitions for secondary school
12. Hold a Talent Showcase
Give every child the opportunity to perform, demonstrate a skill or share a hobby.
Whether it's singing, dancing, coding, drawing, magic tricks or sports skills, a talent showcase helps pupils celebrate their individuality and confidence.
13. Create a Gratitude Wall
Encourage pupils to leave positive messages for classmates, teachers and support staff.
A gratitude wall promotes kindness, reflection and appreciation, helping pupils end the year on a positive note.
14. Organise a Leavers' Treasure Hunt
Design a school-wide treasure hunt featuring clues linked to important locations and memories around the school.
Each stop could celebrate a different stage of their primary school journey, ending with a small keepsake or class photo.
15. End with a Leavers' Celebration Assembly
Bring together pupils, families and staff for a final celebration.
Share photographs, videos, awards and memorable stories from throughout the year. Recognise pupils' achievements and wish them well as they begin the next chapter of their education.
It's the perfect way to mark the end of an unforgettable primary school journey.
Making the Last Days Count
The final weeks of Year 6 are about more than simply finishing the school year. They're an opportunity to celebrate achievements, strengthen friendships and help pupils feel confident about the transition ahead.
Whether you choose creative projects, outdoor celebrations, digital keepsakes or reflective activities, the goal is the same: creating memories that children will carry with them long after they've left primary school.