Hawthorn Class 2025 - 2026

WELCOME TO HAWTHORN

Class teacher - Mr A Fowles

Learning Support Assistants - Mrs C Morris 

Miss Graves teaches on a Friday afternoon for French and Mrs Rowland for music. 

Mr Parrish teaches PE year 5 on a Tuesday.

Swimming for year 4 on a Tuesday.

Mr Fowles teaches PE on a Wednesday.

This term, the children will be immersed in an exciting and wide-ranging curriculum that builds knowledge, creativity and confidence across all subjects.

In History, our main topic will be Britain’s settlement by the Anglo-Saxons. As part of this learning, the children will explore who the Anglo-Saxons were, why they came to Britain and how they settled. We will develop key historical skills including understanding continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity and difference and historical significance. A particular focus will be placed on Sutton Hoo, which will allow pupils to explore what archaeological discoveries can tell us about the past.

In English, Sutton Hoo will provide rich inspiration for reading and writing. The children will develop descriptive writing skills through discovery narratives, focusing on dialogue, prepositional phrases, adverbs and ambitious vocabulary. Reading comprehension will be strengthened through non-fiction texts linked to the Anglo-Saxons, allowing pupils to deepen both historical knowledge and literacy skills.

In Art, the children will investigate mountains and a range of urban and rural settlements, developing sketching techniques and observational skills. This work will link closely to both history and geography as pupils consider how people interact with and shape their environments.

In Geography, learning will focus on scale, space and place, as well as physical and human processes. Pupils will explore environmental impact, sustainability and cultural awareness and diversity, building a strong understanding of how landscapes and settlements develop over time.

In Mathematics, the children will begin the term by consolidating multiplication and division, before moving on to fractions, decimals and money. Lessons will place a strong emphasis on reasoning and problem solving, helping pupils explain their thinking clearly and apply their skills in real-life contexts.

In Science, the children will investigate states of matter. They will explore solids, liquids and gases, observe changes of state and learn how these changes happen in everyday situations.

In Music, the children will be singing regularly in preparation for Northwich Sings. The songs this term are based on Kitty Whittington, giving pupils the opportunity to develop their vocal skills, confidence and performance techniques.

In Physical Education, Year 4 pupils will take part in swimming lessons, while Year 5 pupils will be developing teamwork and coordination through dodgeball with Mr Parish. On Wednesdays, all children will participate in gymnastics, focusing on balance, control and movement.

Our Spring term trip took place early with a fantastic visit to Altrincham Ice Rink, which supported physical development and confidence while providing a memorable shared experience.

In Religious Education, the children will explore the question “Why do Christians believe Jesus was a great teacher?” They will reflect on stories, parables and teachings and consider how these messages influence people today. As part of our learning about special times, pupils will also explore “Why do Christians believe Easter is the celebration of victory?”

Our Courageous Advocate this term is Ellie Simmonds, whose determination and resilience will inspire discussions about perseverance, inclusion and overcoming challenges.

Across the curriculum, pupils will continue to add to a shared class timeline, helping them see how historical events link together across the year. Through engaging lessons, practical activities and thoughtful reflection, the children will deepen their understanding of the past while developing key skills for the future.

Reading

Reading is at the heart of successful learning and we will immerse ourselves in a range of quality texts over the course of the year.  As reading is a priority across all subjects, we regularly use a range of fiction and non-fiction texts in our lessons to help inform richer learning across the curriculum in the afternoon. 

In addition to this cross-curricular learning, a single day might also see us exploring the motivations of characters in our gripping class novels or simply allowing children time to develop a love of reading through our provision of high-quality fiction books.  Wherever and whenever possible, we will prioritise developing the skills and positive attitudes towards Reading that will enable Hawthorn class to become confident, informed and engaged learners. 

Home Reading expectations are detailed below, but should your child express and interest in a particular author, series or genre, please let us know and we would be delighted to order books from our library partners free of charge. Visits to your local library are also encouraged!

Homework

Please ensure your child reads at home at least 4 times per week.  In Year 4 and 5, they are expected to record their own reading in their home – School contact books; parents just need to sign each time. 

TT Rockstars should be practised at least 15 minutes a week. This will be checked each Friday with extra time in school for those who can not fit it in.

Personalised spellings will be sent out at the start of each time, please allow time for analysis to be complete in school before they're sent home.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with me using the Home-School book or by email via this address: contact@whitegate.cheshire.sch.uk 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: YEAR 4 MULTIPLICATION TABLES CHECK

What is the Year 4 Muliplication Tables Check

The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a Key Stage 2 assessment to be taken by pupils at the end of year 4 (in June). The purpose of the MTC is to make sure the times tables knowledge is at the expected level.

What to expect:

The MTC is an online test where pupils are asked 25 questions on times tables 2 to 12. For every question you have 6 seconds to answer and in between the questions there is a 3 second rest. Questions about th e 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 times tables come up more often. The questions are generated randomly based on the rules of the MTC.

How to prepare:

The best way to prepare is to start early, this is why Timestables Rocksters is to completed at least 3 times a week as part of home learning, in addition to class practise. With regualar pracitse, children will learn all the questions and gain confidence. Do also use the web links below:

Times Table Resources:
Times Table Rockstars – (soundcheck, at least 4 times a day)
Multiplication Tables Check – 2022 – Timestables.co.uk
Times tables Speed Test X – Timestables.co.uk
Times tables games – Learn them all here!
Times Tables Games for 7 to 11 year olds (topmarks.co.uk)
Test your Multiplication – Times Tables From 2 to 15 (mathsisfun.com)
Multiplication Tables Check – Mathsframe

Proposed timetable within the 'Files' section.