Willow Class 2022 - 2023

WELCOME TO WILLOW

Class teacher - Mr M Heathcote

Learning Support Assistants - Mrs W Rowland and Mrs C Morris

In year 4 and 5, the children in Willow class will be supported and guided in growing to understanding of the world around them. Through a wealth of experiences, we develop thankfulness for all we have. In all that we learn, we aim to find opportunities to shine both in what we have learnt and in what we do. Above all, being in Willow class gives us the opportunity to develop self-control, and self-motivation and the chance to act wisely in all we do and say.

The Land of the ‘Bard of the Avon’

We have made it to the summer term and what a term it will be! This term sees us voyaging into the Land of the ‘Bard of the Avon’; William Shakespeare. We will be digging into his plays, sonnets and on our residential we will be visiting his home town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. It promises to be a term full of fun and laughter (as we look at the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and excitement.

Within our learning we will be engaging with map reading and really homing in on reading maps and developing our geographical skills. We will venture into Tudor Britain, engage with electricity and so much more in our final term of the year.

Do not forget to look at the bottom of the page for this terms Knowledge Organiser and our topic map.

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 star author this term is Michael Rosen. We are really excited to be getting into some of her stories soon!

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 happening twice a week and the pupils will need to come into school in their PE kit. Our PE days are Tuesday and Thursdays.

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 Thursday with extra time in school for those who can not fit it in.

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 this address: contact@whitegate.cheshire.sch.uk