• Meet The Teaching Team
• Home Learning
• Curriculum Planner 2022-23

We are so excited to embark on a new school year and are thrilled to welcome Arthur, Bobby, Emily, Teddy and Maisie as they join us here in Willow Class.  We look forward to sharing adventurous and engaging learning opportunities over the forthcoming Autumn term, both inside and out of the classroom.

Year 1 and 2

In our English lessons we will enjoy studying the beautiful language-rich narrative 'Old Bear' about a group of friends in a playroom.  Bramwell Brown remembers his friend, Old Bear, who, a long time ago, was put away in the attic for safe keeping. Bramwell and his friends decide to get Old Bear back - but it’s a long way up to the attic and there is no ladder.  As our unit of learning unfolds, the children will discover how the friends attempt some dramatic and heroic rescue missions, yet nothing quite works - until they remember the little toy plane ...   ?  

Homework packs will be allocated each TUESDAY and assessment will take place on the following MONDAY.  Each homework pack will be accompanied by a new decodable reading book as selected from our Ready Steady Phonics scheme.  You will be able to monitor your child's progress in their Home School Journal and we ask that you please record details in this each time that your child reads at home.  Children need to bring their Home School Journal, all allocated reading books and their purple phonics book in to school with them each day please - NOT their entire homework pack. 

We use Power Maths across our school to help develop the children's fluency and to deepen their conceptual understanding of mathematics. To help support this, we hold weekly arithmetic tests each MONDAY.  The outcomes of these will be recorded in your child's Home School Journals to help keep you informed of their progress.

In our Wider Curriculum subjects the children will learn about the Great Fire of London in Humanities.  They will consider why this occurred and the various reasons why this spread so quickly.  In Science, we will be studying Animal Antics and in addition to discovering which animals make the environment around school their home, we will think about how best to care for our pets. In art we will be exploring different ways to create collages and structures using a variety of different media.  We will use what we have learnt to construct our own version of Maman by Louise Bourgeois.  We will be studying the story of Creation in RE and discussing how Christians show thanks for the world around us.  During our computing sessions, we will be exploring how computers group data to help us find the information we need.  Music is delivered each Thursday by Mr Kitcher from Shropshire Music Service.  Physical Education will be delivered twice weekly* with the 'Sports Coaching Group’ attending school on a Friday (- please see below).

Please have a look at our Curriculum Page on the website for further information on what will be taught.

Key Information for  Autumn Term 

• Children should wear full uniform and black school shoes each day.
• Our PE sessions will be on a *Wednesday and Friday.  On these days, children are required to attend school in their new school PE kit.
• Children should bring a water bottle in with them each day.  
• Children do not need to bring pencil cases or other personal items in to school.
• Please clearly label all clothing in order to avoid the loss of property.

We are really looking forward to sharing another wonderful term with you.  Remember to regularly check back here for any updates and also, please interact with our ClassDojo page - the children love to see when parents have left comments or responded to their achievements.

The Early Years Foundation Stage 

Children in Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (EYFS). 

What Is the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework? 

This is a statutory framework that sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. The standards ensure your child will learn and develop well and that they are kept healthy and safe.  

What Will My Child Be Learning? 

 The EYFS framework outlines seven areas of learning and development and educational programmes.  

 There are three prime areas of learning. These are particularly important for your child’s development and future learning:   

• Communication and Language  
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development  
• Physical Development 

There are four specific areas of learning through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied: 

• Maths  
• Literacy 
• Understanding the World 
• Expressive Arts and Design 

We will consider your child’s needs and interests in order to plan challenging and enjoyable activities and experiences.  

How Will My Child Be Learning?  

The EYFS framework identifies the essential role of play in your child’s development. It is through both child-led play and play guided by an adult that your child will develop confidence and relationships with others. Through play, our Early Years’ Team will help your child to extend their vocabulary and develop their communication skills. The EYFS framework identifies three characteristics of effective teaching and learning: 

• Playing and Exploring  
• Active Learning Creating 
• Thinking Critically 

A greater focus on teaching specific skills will occur as your child progresses through their Reception year, which will help them to prepare for Year One. 

How Will I Know How My Child Is Doing?  

Our Early Years Team will use their professional knowledge to understand your child’s level of development. If we have any concerns about your child's progress, we will discuss these with you. During your child’s time in Reception we will carry out the following formal assessments:  

• Reception Baseline Assessment (at the start of the Reception year)  
• Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (at the end of the EYFS)  

Discussions at Parents Evenings will advise you on how your child is progressing. At the end of the academic year, a report will be given to you to inform you of their progress and whether they have met, or are continuing to work towards, their early learning goals (ELGs). There are 17 ELGs your child is expected to achieve by the end of the EYFS. 

• Please keep a fully named Forest School kit of waterfproofs and wellies in school ready for your child to use as required.  This should include an additional long-sleeved top, a spare pair of socks and waterproof gloves to help keep them cosy when outdoors. 

Finally, if you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the Willow Class team at the start or end of the school day.  Alternatively, you can direct any enquiries to us on: admin@welshampton.shropshire.sch.uk

To find out more about who will be teaching the class click on our 'Meet The Teaching Team' page.

Regards, 

Mrs Peile, Ms Truswell, Ms Evans and Mrs Richardson 

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