Willow Class 2021 - 2022

WELCOME TO WILLOW

Class teachers - Mr M Heathcote (mheathcote@whitegate.cheshire.sch.uk)

Mr J Smith

Learning Support Assistant - MrsW Rowland

This term, we are explorers … adventuring into A Box of Freedom

Freedom…

What a loaded word that it!

I am really excited to be going on a journey into the murky past exploring the topic of slavery and what it means to be free. We will be exploring the story of Henry ‘Box’ Brown and his miraculous escape from slavery and exploring the Abolition of Slavery through the eyes of those who were there.

We have already begun to enjoy our first class novel of the year as we have devoured ‘Journey to Jo’Burg’. This will help us understand a little more the harsh realities of racism and the only way to fight against it - love.

As part of our Slavery topic, we will be diving into the geographical make up of the United States, designing and making Henry’s Freedom Box adventuring to Liverpool to visit the thought provoking World Slavery Museum and so much more.

Reading

Reading is at the heart of successful learning and we will immerse ourselves in a range of quality texts over the course of the year. As Reading is a priority across all subjects, we regularly use a range of fiction and non-fiction texts in our lessons to help inform richer learning across the curriculum in the afternoon. In addition to this cross-curricular learning, a single day might also see us exploring the motivations of characters in our gripping class novels or simply allowing children time to develop a love of reading through our provision of high-quality fiction books. Wherever and whenever possible, we will prioritise developing the skills and positive attitudes towards Reading that will enable Willow class to become confident, informed and engaged learners.

Our first class novel was Journey to Joburg by Beverley Naidoo. This was a fantastic way to introduce us into the dark world of apartheid and racism which are such significant themes within our topic of slavery. Our second and current class novel is the remarkable story of Rooftoppers by Kathrine Rundell. Journeying from London to Paris, this intriguing story has opened our eyes to the length people will go to in order to get what they want.

Home Reading expectations are detailed below, but should your child express and interest in a particular author, series or genre, please let us know and we would be delighted to order books from our library partners free of charge. Visits to your local library are also encouraged!

PE will be on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Please can children come into school on Wednesdays and Thursdays already dressed in their PE kits.

Homework

Please ensure your child reads at home at least 4 times per week. In Year 5, they are expected to record their own reading in their Home – School contact books; parents just need to sign each time.

TT Rockstars should be practised at least 3 times per week also for a minimum of 10 minutes each time.

Don't forget about Education City as well!

If you have any questions, please get in touch with me using the Home-School book or by email via the school office.