Willow Class Newsletter Autumn 2026
🌿 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.
🏃 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 that all items are clearly named.
If you have any questions about PE, please 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, waterproof clothing helps to keep the clothes underneath clean and dry.
📘 Homework Expectations
A consistent homework routine will support your child’s learning and development. Thank you for helping with these key areas:
📖 Reading
Daily reading is essential for developing English skills, reasoning and critical thinking.
Children may change their reading books whenever they complete them—even daily. Please record reading in your child’s Reading Record and let us know when they finish a book.
✏️ Spellings
Attached are the Years 1–2 and Years 3–4 statutory spelling lists. Together, these contain words that children are expected to know by the end of Year 4.
We will revisit any words that children are not yet secure with as part of our daily spelling routine. Regular practice at home, alongside reading, will help build confidence.
🔢 Mathematics
Daily practice of number facts and multiplication tables will greatly support progress. We recommend:
NumBots and Times Tables Rock Stars—login details are in Reading Records.
One Minute Maths—the free White Rose Maths app for tablets and smartphones.
💡 Tip for parents: Setting aside just 15 minutes each day for reading, spellings or maths can make a significant difference over time.
Spellings for Years 1–4
Times Tables Rock Stars
💬 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 an appointment through the school office. If you would like to be more involved in classroom learning, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Kind regards,
Mr Daniel Wood
Curriculum Overview
Autumn Term 1 | Autumn Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
English: | Loch Ness: fiction and non-fiction | English: | Romans: balanced arguments; Christmas fables |
Mathematics: | Place value; addition and subtraction | Mathematics: | Multiplication and division |
Science: | Sound | Science: | Light |
Geography: | Scotland and Loch Ness | Geography: | — |
History: | — | History: | Roman Britain |
RE: | Harvest; faith leaders called by God | RE: | Jesus as Emmanuel (‘God with us’) |
Computing: | Connecting Computers | Computing: | Sequencing Sounds |
PE: | Cricket and athletics | PE: | Fundamental skills; playground games |
French: | Core Unit 1 | French: | Core Unit 2 |
Music: | A Shining Performance | Music: | Music and Sound; Carol Service |
PSHE: | How can we be a good friend? | PSHE: | What keeps us safe? |
Art / DT: | Art: gestural drawing with charcoal | Art / DT: | DT: sewing a small Christmas stocking |
Many thanks,
