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Willow Class Newsletter Autumn 2025

🌿 Welcome to Class Willow!

Dear Parents,

Firstly, a very warm welcome to Class Willow! The children have made a brilliant start to the year. Although a few were understandably a little apprehensive at first, everyone has settled in quickly. A big well done to the children for their positive start, and a heartfelt thank you to you for your support.

I hope you enjoyed a restful summer break and are looking forward to the exciting year ahead. Below you’ll find some key information that will help with routines this term.

✏️ Spelling

Attached is a list of words children are expected to know by the end of Year 4, along with the Year 1 and 2 lists.

  • We will revisit any words that children are not yet secure with.

  • These words form part of our daily routine in school.

  • Regular practice at home alongside reading will really help build confidence.

🏃 PE

PE Days: Tuesday and Friday

On these days, children should come to school wearing:

  • A plain house-coloured t-shirt

  • Plain shorts

  • Plain tracksuit bottoms (grey, black, or green preferred in colder weather)

  • School jumper

  • Outdoor trainers

👉 Please ensure all items are clearly named.

If you have any questions about PE or swimming, feel free to chat with me.

🌲 Forest School

You will receive a text reminder the night before each session. Children need:

  • Suitable clothing

  • A change of footwear

  • A waterproof jacket (essential)

  • Waterproof trousers (recommended)

Even on dry days, these help to keep under-layers clean and dry.

📘 Homework Expectations

We encourage a consistent homework routine to support your child’s learning and development. Thank you for supporting your child with these key areas:

📖 Reading

  • Daily reading is essential for developing English skills, reasoning, and critical thinking.

  • Children may change their reading books as often as they complete them—even daily.

  • Please record any reading in your child’s Reading Record and let us know when they finish a book.

✏️ Spellings

  • The attached spelling lists cover words from Years 1–4.

  • Children practise these daily at school, and extra practice at home will make a big difference.

🔢 Mathematics

Daily practice of number facts and multiplication tables will greatly support progress. We recommend:

  • Numbots and Times Table Rock Stars (logins are in Reading Records).

  • One Minute Maths (free White Rose Maths app for tablets and smartphones).

💡 Tip for Parents: Setting aside just 15 minutes a day for reading, spellings, or maths can make a big impact over time.

Times Table Rockstars

💬 Staying in Touch

If you would like to discuss any concerns about your child’s progress, please pop in at the end of the school day or make a formal appointment through the school office. If you’d like to be more involved in classroom learning, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Kind regards,

Mr. Daniel Wood

Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term 1

Autumn Term 2

Science:

Rocks

Science:

Light

History:

Stone Age to Iron Age

History:

Ancient Sumer

RE:

What does it mean to be called by God?

RE:

Why do people travel to Bethlehem?

Computing:

Crumbled-powered historical scenes

Computing:

Desktop Publishing

PE:

Y2 Playground Games

Dodgeball

PE:

Dance - Rock and Roll

Health-related fitness

Music:

Learning to play the Ukulele

Music:

Learning to play the Ukulele

PHSE:

How can we be a good friend?

PHSE:

What keeps us safe?

Art:

Story-telling through drawing

Design Technology:

Designing a mechanical Christmas card