Walnut 2026 - 2027

Welcome to Walnut Class

Autumn Term

This half term our topic is ‘The Tudors and the Stuarts’. Pupils will learn about important events, and find out how people lived during Tudor and Stuart times. Through exciting activities, quizzes and challenges, pupils will develop their historical knowledge and develop their skills across all curriculum areas.

In Autumn Term 2 pupils will be exploring ‘Houses and Homes around the World’. They will discover how people live in different countries, compare a variety of homes, and learn how climate, culture and lifestyle can influence the way homes are built and used. Through stories, practical activities and discussions, pupils will develop their understanding the world around them.

In our English and Communication lessons, our reading will include, The Great Fire of London, Samuel Pepys Dairies and associated stories, followed by A Christmas Carol. We will cover early reading and comprehension skills, writing, including fine motor and gross motor skills to support early writing, developing our communication and interaction skills with a range of speaking and listening activities.

In Maths our focus will be on Shape and Measure focusing on shape and geometry in Autumn Term 1 and weight, capacity and temperature in Autumn Term 2. We will continue to work towards individual targets and enjoy a wide range of practical activities to support our learning.

In our Science lessons we will be exploring Forces, in Physics, and learning more about gravity and push and pull forces using magnets. We will then move on to look at Animals, including Humans, in Biology after half term.

This year Walnut pupils will be working towards their ASDAN qualification – Transition Challenge as well as starting our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award which we are all very excited about. These qualifications will help pupils to develop a wide range of skills and focus on Preparation for Adulthood and building our independence.

Key Information

· As the wet weather months begin, please ensure your child has a spare change of clothes in school in case they get wet along with waterproofs, appropriate footwear (wellies), hat and gloves.

· Please name all items of clothing, particularly jumpers, coats, hats, and PE kit.

· Snacks and/or lunch: Please ensure a school lunch is ordered if appropriate. If your child brings snacks, please send enough for the day, and include juice if this is their preferred drink.

Please let us know of any issues or useful information that will help us care for your child via email walnut@hillside.lancs.sch.uk

Thank you

Louise, Fiona and the Walnut Team