Hawthorn Class 2026 - 2027
WELCOME TO HAWTHORN
Class teacher - Mr A Fowles
Learning Support Assistant - Mrs C Morris
Mrs Shapland teaches on a Tuesday morning.
Mrs Shapland teaches on a Friday afternoon for French and Mrs Rowland for Art.
PE days are a Tuesday and Wednesday
This term, our curriculum is designed to help children build their knowledge, creativity and confidence across all subjects.
In English, we will use Escape from Pompeii alongside other well-known texts to inspire descriptive and historical writing. Children will develop their use of dialogue, prepositional phrases, adverbs and ambitious vocabulary. They will also learn how to choose words carefully to create atmosphere, build tension and describe characters, settings and events in detail.
Our Year 4 grammar and punctuation focus will include expanded noun phrases, fronted adverbials and a wider range of conjunctions to add detail and improve sentence structure. We will help children use commas after fronted adverbials, inverted commas and other punctuation for direct speech, apostrophes for possession and omission, and commas to separate items in a list. They will also develop their understanding of paragraphs, pronouns and Standard English, including using verb tenses and subject–verb agreement accurately.
Our Year 5 grammar and punctuation focus will include relative clauses, modal verbs, adverbs of possibility and expanded noun phrases to add precision and detail. We will explore how to vary sentence length and structure, use subordinate clauses effectively and choose vocabulary for impact. Children will practise using commas to clarify meaning, brackets, dashes and commas for parenthesis, as well as punctuation for direct speech. They will also develop their understanding of cohesion within and between paragraphs, formal and informal language, and the accurate use of tense and Standard English.
In mathematics, we will focus on place value, addition and subtraction. We will develop pupils’ understanding of the value of digits in numbers, including the importance of each place within larger numbers. Children will compare, order and round numbers and use practical resources, pictorial representations and written methods to support their understanding. They will develop fluency with mental and formal addition and subtraction strategies, including exchanging where necessary. Lessons will emphasise reasoning and problem solving, enabling pupils to explain their thinking, identify efficient methods, check their answers and apply their knowledge in different contexts.
In history, we will investigate the influence of the Romans. We will explore who the Romans were, why they invaded Britain and the impact they had on settlements, roads, buildings, culture and daily life. Children will examine evidence from the past, including artefacts, maps and written sources, and consider how the Roman invasion changed Britain. They will develop their understanding of chronology and learn about the legacy of Roman rule, including the lasting influence of Roman roads, towns and engineering.
In computing, we will develop pupils’ coding skills using Scratch. They will learn how to create and sequence algorithms, use commands and events, and apply repetition and selection to make their programs work effectively. Children will design, create, test and evaluate their own games, identifying errors and making improvements. This unit will build confidence in programming, logical thinking, creativity and problem solving.
In geography, we will locate European countries and environmental regions, developing our map skills and understanding of different landscapes and environments.
In RE, we will explore prayer and how it is practised within Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. We will also learn about Christmas and explore Buddhism as part of Interfaith Week, developing respect and understanding of different beliefs.
In PE, children will develop their skills through golf, focusing on coordination, control and accuracy. We will also develop gymnastics and fundamental movement skills, building strength, balance, agility and confidence.
In PSHE and RSE, our learning will cover important themes including the Rule of Law, democracy, relationships, road safety, online safety and new beginnings. We will explore spirituality, Harvest, mental health and wellbeing, British Values and the importance of respectful relationships. Through No Outsiders and Anti-Bullying Week, children will develop their understanding of inclusion, equality and respect for others.
As part of One Unselfish Act, children will think about how they can be courageous advocates by carrying out an unselfish act to help others. We will focus on making a positive difference rather than fundraising. One idea will be writing thank-you notes to members of staff who may not usually receive them.
For One Big Problem, we will explore the work of Larry Sabato and consider whether the impact of a man-made disaster can be worse than that of a natural disaster. Children will discuss different viewpoints and think about how people respond to disasters.
During One Moment to Shine, children will prepare and serve an Italian banquet for their parents and guardians, developing teamwork, organisation and confidence while celebrating their learning.
Our Courageous Advocate will be David Alexander Johnston, a volcanologist who believed scientists should take necessary risks to help protect the public from natural disasters. We will learn about his work investigating volcanic gas emissions and how scientists use evidence to understand and predict volcanic activity.
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 Hawthorn class to become confident, informed and engaged learners.
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!
Homework
Please ensure your child reads at home at least 4 times per week. In Year 4 and 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 15 minutes a week. This will be checked each Friday with extra time in school for those who can not fit it in.
Personalised spellings will be sent out at the start of each time, please allow time for analysis to be complete in school before they're sent home.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with me using the Home-School book or by email via this address: contact@whitegate.cheshire.sch.uk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: YEAR 4 MULTIPLICATION TABLES CHECK
What is the Year 4 Muliplication Tables Check
The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a Key Stage 2 assessment to be taken by pupils at the end of year 4 (in June). The purpose of the MTC is to make sure the times tables knowledge is at the expected level.
What to expect:
The MTC is an online test where pupils are asked 25 questions on times tables 2 to 12. For every question you have 6 seconds to answer and in between the questions there is a 3 second rest. Questions about th e 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 times tables come up more often. The questions are generated randomly based on the rules of the MTC.
How to prepare:
The best way to prepare is to start early, this is why Timestables Rocksters is to completed at least 3 times a week as part of home learning, in addition to class practise. With regualar pracitse, children will learn all the questions and gain confidence. Do also use the web links below:
Times Table Resources:
Times Table Rockstars – (soundcheck, at least 4 times a day)
Multiplication Tables Check – 2022 – Timestables.co.uk
Times tables Speed Test X – Timestables.co.uk
Times tables games – Learn them all here!
Times Tables Games for 7 to 11 year olds (topmarks.co.uk)
Test your Multiplication – Times Tables From 2 to 15 (mathsisfun.com)
Multiplication Tables Check – Mathsframe
Proposed timetable within the 'Files' section.