Willow 2026 - 2027

🌿 Welcome Back to Willow Class! 🌿

We hope you’ve all had a wonderful summer break, with plenty of sunshine, fun and opportunities to relax! We’re delighted to welcome everyone back and can’t wait to begin another exciting school year together. The autumn term will be packed with adventure, discovery, creativity and plenty of hands-on learning. We have two fascinating themes to explore: Brazil and Ancient Greece.

Brazil

We’ll begin the term by travelling to the colourful and fascinating country of Brazil. In Geography, we’ll locate Brazil on a map and globe, learn about its climate and explore its incredible landscapes, including the Amazon rainforest. We’ll discover what life is like in different parts of the country and compare Brazilian homes, buildings, communities and ways of life with our own.

Our learning will become even more colourful as we explore the sights, sounds and energy of a Brazilian carnival! In Art, the children will experiment with colour, pattern, shape and texture while designing and creating their own fabulous carnival masks. Expect plenty of feathers, sparkle and wonderfully imaginative creations!

In Music, we’ll explore the exciting rhythms of carnival music. The children will have opportunities to listen, respond, perform and create their own rhythms using a range of instruments. We’ll bring everything together in our very own Willow Class carnival celebration.

Greece

Later in the term, we’ll step back in time and journey to Ancient Greece.

During our History lessons, we’ll find out what life was like for the Ancient Greeks and explore their homes, clothing, food, beliefs and everyday activities. We’ll meet some famous Greek gods and goddesses, discover exciting myths and legends, and learn about the lasting influence Ancient Greece has had on the world today - including the Olympic Games.

In Art, we’ll investigate the patterns and pictures found on Ancient Greek pottery. The children will develop their drawing and design skills before creating their own Greek-inspired pottery artwork. We’re looking forward to seeing some magnificent masterpieces.

English

Our English lessons will be filled with captivating tales, exciting adventures and imaginative storytelling linked to our termly themes.

We’ll bring stories and characters to life through role play, share ideas during group discussions, and develop our reading and writing skills in creative and enjoyable ways. The children will have lots of opportunities to build their confidence in speaking, listening and expressing their ideas while exploring stories connected to Brazil and Ancient Greece.

Maths

In Maths this term, we’ll focus on:

• Length
• Fractions
• Place value
• Temperature

We’ll use practical, hands-on and multi-sensory activities to explore, investigate and solve problems. From measuring and comparing to sorting, counting and perhaps checking whether our classroom feels more like Britain or Brazil, we’ll make Maths meaningful and fun!

Every child will also work towards their own individual targets, helping them to develop their confidence, independence and understanding at a pace that is right for them.

PSHE

During the first half of the autumn term, our PSHE focus will be Self-Awareness: How Do We Treat Others?

The children will explore kind and unkind behaviours, think about how their actions can affect others and learn what to do - and who they can speak to - if they need help or support. We’ll encourage everyone to recognise and celebrate the qualities that make them and their classmates special.

During Autumn 2, our focus will be Self-Care, Support and Safety: What Is Being Online?

We’ll introduce the children to some of the ways the internet is used in everyday life. Through age-appropriate activities and discussions, we’ll begin to explore how to use technology safely and who to ask for help when needed.

PE

PE will take place on Tuesday afternoons. This half-term, we’ll be developing key skills through dance and target games. We’ll also encourage the children to become more independent when changing into and out of their PE clothes. Therefore, please send your child to school with a full PE kit that can be kept in school. This should include:

• A T-shirt
• Shorts, joggers or leggings
• Pumps or trainers

This does not need to be the official school PE kit - anything comfortable that allows your child to practise changing independently is perfect. PE kits will be sent home at the end of each term to be washed.

A Few Daily Essentials

To help your child feel comfortable and prepared each day, please provide:

• A set of spare clothes to be kept in school
• A waterproof coat and wellies to keep in school - we believe it’s important to get outside whatever the weather!
• A named water bottle that can remain in school, or a drink each day
• Snacks for the morning and afternoon breaks
• A packed lunch, unless a school lunch has been ordered

Please name belongings wherever possible. It makes reuniting mysterious jumpers, bottles and wellies with their owners much easier!

Keeping in Touch

We’ll continue to share updates about your child’s learning and progress through ClassDojo. Parents can also use ClassDojo to send us a private message if there is anything we need to know.

Please share any important information that may help us support your child. We also love hearing about special achievements, exciting experiences and memorable moments from home so that we can celebrate them together!

We’re incredibly excited about the fun-filled autumn term ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued support - we can’t wait to make more wonderful Willow Class memories together!

Warm regards,

Kelly and the Class Team