Welcome to Willow

Teacher - Willow Jacob Millin
Photo of Jacob Millin

In Willow Class we support all of our children and young people to achieve the best that they can through an exciting and challenging approach to learning, both in the classroom and within the local community.

We make learning fun and rewarding through a series of projects based around a different theme each half term. Though this, our learners can experience and practice skills that demonstrate how each curriculum area can be applied in the real world.

We have the highest expectations and aspirations for all of our learners and continually adapt our approach in response to their changing needs and interests.

Autumn Term 1 Timetable 2019

Curriculum Information for Parents. Autumn Term 1 2019Topic: Autumn
SubjectProfileIdeas for home
EnglishTo begin the new academic year we will be exploring the theme of ‘Autumn’ and the changing environment around us. We will practice listening to a selection of poetry, letters, descriptions and information texts in order to learn new words as well as create our own. We will gain inspiration for our writing by spending time outside observing the changing natural environment.Read as many different sources of writing as possible -books, magazines, labels, advertisements, leaflets, cereal boxes! Encourage your child to try sounding out any tricky new words. Take time to focus on the colour, smell and texture of a variety of natural objects that you may come across such as leaves, flowers, sticks, stones and tree bark.
MathsOur first topic this year focuses on patterns. We will start by looking at how patterns can be used to help understand mathematical concepts. Once we are confident with this we will apply what we have learnt to a series of problems to help us solve an autumn themed mystery! Help your child to identify any shapes and patterns at home or when out and about together. Make shape finding into a game. “Who can name the most objects that are a circle?” “Who can find an object that is the same shape as a triangle?”
PSHEThis half term we will be looking at the importance of listening to others to have different opinions and the differing ways that we vote to make decisions. We will create a set of class rules by listening to and discussing the needs of the class and what we want to achieve together this year. Take opportunities when you are with groups of family or friends to vote – “Who would like a drink, put your hands up?” “We could play outside or play a board game inside, how could we decide?” Watch politicians debate in parliament on the news or on YouTube. Do they always follow the rules? What happens when they don’t?
ScienceWe will be exploring the life cycle of plants this half term. We will conduct several experiments to discover how a plant grows and what happens when it is not given enough light or water. Pupils will keep a diary of their findings. This topic provides a great opportunity to observe how nature works in cycles and patterns as the season changes from Summer to Autumn. Discuss with your child what other changes occur when we reach autumn and relate this conversation to patterns giving us the ability to predict what will happen next.
ComputingWe will be investigating types of information that are visible in our local community such as pictures on signs, words on posters and sounds at traffic crossings. We will combine our knowledge to produce information posters of our own. Look at charts, adverts and images that display information – “what are they trying to tell us?” In one day can you complete a ‘full house’ by finding an example of information displayed as a sound, picture and a piece of writing?
ArtLinked with our Maths topic of we will be exploring how patterns are used in Art. We will take inspiration from the artists Sarah Morris and Gustav Klimt to produce our own original artwork. Spend time looking at some of the art work by the artists. Do you have a favourite? Take the time to look and discuss.
GeographyWe will be investigating rivers and how land use can affect the way rivers operate. We will be conducting experiments in order to fully understand the water cycle. Ask your child “What activities can you take part in on rivers?” “What dangers do we need to be aware of when we are near rivers?”
Music: Supporting our work on patterns in Maths and Art, we will look at how to creating repeating patterns in music that we make together. Pupils will explore a range of brass and woodwind instruments. Listen to songs and music together. Can you notice any parts which repeat? Do you know what instrument is playing the repeating part?
MFLThis term we will be exploring the traditions, language and culture of Spain.Have you ever been to Spain or know any Spanish words? Share your experiences, photographs and stories. We would love to hear and see them!
PEOn Tuesday mornings PE will focus on fun teamwork games and using individual skills to help complete team based tasks. Encourage your child to be active and aim for one physical activity each day (go for a walk, ride a bike, climb the stairs 3 times in a row, hop instead of walking for 2 minutes, stretching exercises whilst sat down)