CURRICULUM NEWS
Welcome from our Head
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EYFS
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Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Year 4
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Year 5
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Year 6
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Sports Update
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Computing Update
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Welcome to the Second Edition of the Willow Brook Curriculum Newsletter!
As we continue our journey through the school year, we are delighted to bring you the second edition of our Curriculum Newsletter. This half-term has been brimming with exciting learning experiences, and we ’ re thrilled to share the highlights with you.
At Willow Brook, our curriculum remains grounded in our four core values: Creativity, Collaboration, Care, and Critical Thinking. These principles are not only the foundation of our approach to teaching and learning but also the threads that weave through every activity, project, and lesson They inspire our pupils to engage deeply with their learning, care for one another, think critically about the world, and tackle challenges with creativity and confidence.
In this edition, you’ll discover how these values have come to life in our classrooms over the past half term. From innovative projects to memorable events and achievements, the stories here reflect the enthusiasm, dedication, and growth of our pupils and staff.
We are proud of the way our children embrace challenge, show curiosity, and support each other as part of a vibrant and nurturing community These qualities ensure that every child is developing not only academically but also as a compassionate, independent, and resilient learner ready to make a positive impact on the world
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the Willow Brook journey. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the incredible learning happening across our school.
Warm regards,
Lucie Dawn Head of School
Nursery
Throughout these celebrations, the children have engaged in a range of creative and sensory activities, from crafting and painting to storytelling and role play. These activities have helped them develop their understanding of the world around them and fostered a sense of curiosity and wonder about different traditions and cultures
A particular highlight this term was Nursery's participation in the Griffin Literacy Festival, where they joined in with exciting storytelling sessions and literacy-based activities. This festival provided a wonderful opportunity to spark a love for reading and to celebrate the power of stories in bringing people together
It has been a busy and joyful term in Nursery, full of learning, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
Reception
This term in Reception, children have immersed themselves in the fascinating topic of celebrations From spooky Halloween fun to the twinkling lights of Diwali, from joyful birthdays to the magic of Christmas and Hanukkah, the children have explored a variety of traditions and festivities that bring people together around the world.
Our story times have been filled with captivating tales linked to these celebrations, including Room on the Broom, Rama and Sita, Kipper’s Birthday, Stick Man, The Snowman, and The Night Before Hanukkah. These stories have sparked the children’s imaginations, inviting them to connect with characters, explore themes of family and friendship, and deepen their understanding of the meaning behind each celebration
The children have also had the opportunity to reflect on their own personal experiences, sharing how they celebrate special occasions with their families. These discussions have come to life in the classroom through a range of engaging and creative activities, such as crafts, role play, and even class parties. These activities have helped to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for the diversity of celebrations within our community and beyond
In addition to this, our young learners have been wonderful mathematicians! They have been busy strengthening their understanding of numbers 1–5, using hands-on activities to represent numbers in different ways. The children have also explored sorting objects by shape, colour, and size, developing their reasoning and organisational skills They have begun to investigate 2D shapes and their properties, and even taken their first steps in understanding the part-part-whole model, laying the foundations for future mathematical thinking.
This term has been a joyful and enriching one, full of learning, laughter, and celebration The children have embraced every opportunity to grow and shine, and we are so proud of their enthusiasm and progress!
This term, Year 1 have embraced their learning with creativity, care, collaboration, and critical thinking, making it an exciting and enriching time.
In English, we explored Paddington Bear, discussing key events in the story and sequencing them using a story map. Pupils demonstrated critical thinking as they analysed the story and creativity as they wrote letters to Aunt Lucy, using adjectives to describe what they did, saw, and felt.
In maths, the children learned to add and subtract numbers up to 10. They used concrete and pictorial resources to solve problems and worked collaboratively to apply their knowledge to reasoning challenges Their resilience and critical thinking shone as they tackled more complex tasks
Science lessons focused on weather and the seasons. The children conducted experiments, such as using cotton wool and food colouring to demonstrate how rain forms in clouds. They enjoyed learning about the seasons, discussing their birthdays, and identifying which season they were born in, showing care for one another as they shared personal stories.
In art, pupils explored mark-making and experimented with lines and shapes to create unique pieces of art. They showed creativity by mixing primary colours to make secondary colours and by painting with various tools, including brushes, sponges, and even their fingers. For their final pieces, the children created observational drawings of a fruit bowl or pumpkin, focusing on the details and shapes of the objects. They added patterned backgrounds to enhance their artwork, demonstrating their ability to use techniques purposefully and with expression
In Spanish, pupils learned the names of jungle animals d during singing sessions, making the learning process both
Year 1 have worked hard this term, embracing our school v
Year 2
What an incredible and busy term it has been in Year 2! We’ve had so much fun learning together, and we can’t wait to share all the amazing things we ’ ve been up to.
We kicked off the term by celebrating Black History Month, to explore important themes They were inspired by Amanda Go ul poetry They also created stunning polystyrene floral prints insp re proudly displayed at our Ubuntu Festival. The whole school came together to enjoy the work, and it was a moment of true celebration for our creative Year 2 students!
Another highlight of the term was the very first Griffin Literacy Festival! The children were absolutely captivated when a magical egg was discovered in school, sparking some incredible stories filled with imagination. We’re sure you ’ ve enjoyed reading the little books they created from this magical event!
In our reading lessons, we ’ ve been exploring Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman, which has sparked important discussions about prejudice, friendship, and pursuing our dreams. The children have been writing fantastic persuasive letters to their teachers, full of powerful adjectives, conjunctions, and vocabulary Their words have certainly left a lasting impact on all of us!
Maths has also been an exciting adventure this term. The children have become confident with number bonds to 10 and 20 and have been adding and subtracting two-digit numbers. We’ve been using the tens and ones method to help with this and have even started adding and subtracting across tens, where the children exchange one ten for ten ones. They’ve been working so hard and have made fantastic progress.
We’ve also learned about some truly inspiring individuals in history, like Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Mary Seacole, and Katherine Johnson. The children have loved discovering how these brave people stood up for their rights and made a difference in the world.
We have made some incredible landscape paintings in the style of our artist this term, Matthew Wong. Children were inspired by his dream like colours and interesting details They learnt to draw with perspective too! In science, we ’ ve been exploring the fascinating world of plants The children carried out an experiment to discover which conditions are best for plant growth Can you believe the cress seeds even germinated in the fridge? It’s been a wonderful hands-on learning experience!
Overall, it’s been a fantastic term filled with le ue our learning journey in January, but for now, we hop s.
Year 3
As we move through the second half of the autumn term, we ’ re excited to share what Year 3 have been learning and exploring. From engaging with literature to diving into hands-on science and history, it’s been a busy and enriching time Here’s a glimpse of how Year 3 have embraced our school values of creativity, care, collaboration, and critical thinking this term
In English, Year 3 have been captivated by The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. Pupils have explored figurative language, including similes, metaphors, and personification, to create vivid imagery in their writing. They have shown great creativity as they applied these techniques to their own storytelling, crafting imaginative descriptions that bring their ideas to life.
In maths, the children have focused on column addition and subtraction, building confidence in carrying and borrowing to solve complex problems. This strong foundation has prepared them for their next challenge: multiplication and division. They’ve also been practising their times tables and applying them to problem-solving tasks, demonstrating critical thinking and determination.
Reading lessons have introduced reciprocal reading, a collaborative approach where pupils take turns guiding discussions, asking questions, and making predictions about the text This method has encouraged teamwork and deeper comprehension, with the children showing care and respect for one another’s contributions.
In science, Year 3 have been investigating the human body, learning about bones, joints, and muscles. Through hands-on activities like creating models and labelling skeletons, they’ve demonstrated curiosity and critical thinking, asking insightful questions about how the body functions and stays healthy.
History lessons have taken Year 3 on a journey through Prehistory, exploring the lives of early humans, their tools, and significant developments from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. Pupils have shown great interest in how life evolved, using creativity and critical thinking to understand this fascinating period.
It’s been a fantastic term for Year 3, full of curiosity, collaboration, and enthusiasm for learning Well done to all our pupils!
Year 4
This half term, Year 4 has been involved in a variety of exciting learning experiences, demonstrating our school values of creativity, care, collaboration, and critical thinking across all subjects.
In English, pupils have been exploring The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, developing their reading and writing skills. They’ve shown creativity by crafting vivid setting descriptions of Narnia and using similes, metaphors, and personification to bring their writing to life. The class worked collaboratively to discuss and share ideas, deepening their understanding of the story and its characters
In maths, Year 4 has tackled addition and subtraction with 4-digit numbers, applying different strategies and ensuring accuracy They’ve also studied area, using multiplication to calculate the area of squares and rectangles Pupils are refining their multiplication and division skills, working together to solve word problems and demonstrating critical thinking as they explore more complex problems.
In science, Year 4 has investigated teeth, the digestive system, and food chains. They conducted experiments with eggshells to see how different drinks affect teeth and explored how proper chewing aids digestion. The class enjoyed a trip to the Natural History Museum, where they brought their science learning to life, exploring exhibits on the human body and ecosystems
History lessons have been filled with creativity as pupils studied famous royals such as Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I They compared the reigns of these monarchs, showcasing their understanding through posters, timelines, and newspaper reports.
Pupils have been strengthening their reading skills by exploring poems like Don’t Tread on Worms and novels such as Lon and a Bag Full of Stories. They worked together in Book Club, sharing favourite books, writing reviews, and discussing characters and themes, fostering a deeper love of reading.
In art, Year 4 studied Paul Cézanne’s still life paintings, practising shading techniques and creating their own fruit bowl masterpieces.
It has been an exciting and enriching half ter ation, and crit r 4 for their hard work and enthusiasm!
What a fantastic half term it has been, full of curriculum highlights and exciting learning experiences across all subjects!
In English, we have been focusing on writing vivid setting descriptions. Each class explored a unique setting, using drama activities to bring the scene to life before translating those experiences into their writing. The Year 5 students have shown remarkable growth as writers, demonstrating creativity in their descriptions and critical thinking as they analyse and refine their work. It has been a joy to watch their skills and confidence flourish throughout this process.
This term’s Spanish learning focused on the theme of where we live (Mi Casa). Pupils have expanded their vocabulary as they described their homes and began confidently speaking full sentences in front of their classmates. They also explored a range of verbs in both the positive and negative forms
In Art, pupils drew inspiration from the artist Cheri Samba to create their own self-portraits One of the highlights of this term was our visit to the National Portrait Gallery This visit was a fantastic blend of both our art and history learning, as we explored portraits while studying the Stuarts (and last year, the Tudor Monarchs). The children had a great time acting as history detectives, identifying famous faces in the galleries, and then trying their hand at being Holbein.
Our history topic will continue in the spring term, but so far, Year 5 have enjoyed enhancing their research skills by creating their own timelines of the Stuart era and comparing it to the modern day. Next term, we will delve into the Plague and the English Civil War.
In Reading, pupils studied adapted versions of Oliver Twist and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, approaching both texts with great enthusiasm and curiosity They asked insightful questions and demonstrated a keen care for every word! We also launched a weekly Book Club lesson, offering students the chance to share what they love about reading and recommend books to each other
As part of our commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive, the school’s values of Creativity, Care, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking continue to be central to our learning experiences. This term, Year 5 have exemplified these values in their work and interactions, demonstrating a strong sense of community and a love for learning.
Year 6
As we approach the end of the term, we ’ re delighted to share the fantastic learning experiences Year 6 have embraced, showcasing our school values of creativity, care, collaboration, and critical thinking across all subjects
In English, the students have been captivated by The Witches by Roald Dahl Through writing diary entries in character, they demonstrated creativity and critical thinking by exploring different perspectives and developing complex character voices Grammar, punctuation, and spelling have also been a focus, with pupils working hard to master these important skills. Meanwhile, our shared reading of When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle has sparked reflective discussions, enriching their understanding of World War II and fostering collaboration as students exchange insights.
In maths, pupils have built on their arithmetic skills, tackling addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with growing confidence They’ve demonstrated critical thinking by applying these skills to reasoning problems and real-world scenarios Topics such as fractions, decimals, and the order of operations have deepened their mathematical understanding, providing a strong foundation for future learning
Reading sessions have challenged students to think critically as they analyse themes, characters, and writing styles across a range of texts. SATs practice papers have introduced them to different question formats, helping to build confidence and highlighting the importance of collaboration, as they discuss answers and share strategies for success.
Science lessons have focused on the fascinating topic of light Through hands-on experiments, pupils have explored how light travels, reflects, refracts, and creates shadows Their investigations showcased creativity and critical thinking as they designed experiments and applied their learning to real-world scenarios. Collaborative teamwork allowed them to share observations and deepen their understanding.
In history, we ’ ve delved into World War II, with pupils analysing its global impact and significance. Working in collaborative groups, they researched and presented their findings, developing their critical thinking and creativity Our class novel, When the Sky Falls, provided a powerful connection to historical events, further enriching their learning experience
Art lessons centred on the work of David Hockney, inspiring pupils to experiment with various techniques and express their ideas with creativity. Collaborative discussions and peer feedback have encouraged growth in their artistic skills, while fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
In PSHE, pupils have explored negotiation and life organisation, developing critical thinking as they navigated social situations and practised resolving conflicts They’ve shown care and collaboration by learning to build strong, respectful relationships and recognising the importance of empathy
In RE, the theme of Christmas has provided opportunities for students to reflect on its religious significance and the cultural traditions associated with the season. Collaborative group work allowed them to share insights and learn from one another, with a focus on caring for others and embracing the spirit of the holidays.
Thank you for your continued support this term s, please don’t hesitate to contact the Year 6 team
Sports Update
The new school year at Willow Brook has kicked off with an action-packed start, particularly in the world of sport Already, pupils from all key stages have had the opportunity to represent the school in a range of exciting events, and many children are participating in sports for the first time. Recent highlights include the Year 3/4 badminton, girls' football, and netball festivals, as well as the Griffin Sports Festival. Our Year 3/4 boys’ football team also performed admirably, securing a 4th place finish in their tournament, while the Year 5/6 athletics team showed their competitive spirit, winning 5 out of 12 races.
Our Year 5/6 boys’ football team showed incredible skill, teamwork and perseverance in some extremely tough games. They finished with a very respectable 4th place.
Our Year 3/4 athletics team performed amazingly in the competition, finishing in an impressive 7th place out of all schools in the borough
The sports calendar for 2025 is full to the brim, offering endless opportunities for our pupils to showcase their skills and teamwork.
In PE lessons, all year groups are making impressive progress. The Early Years Foundation Stage children are developing their throwing and catching skills with great enthusiasm, while working collaboratively in small groups. Meanwhile, Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils have immersed themselves in the fast-paced world of dodgeball, refining their throwing, catching, and tactical abilities. With each week that passes, children across the school are building confidence and improving their fitness, all while having fun and learning new skills.
Willow Brook’s commitment to fostering a love of sport is clear, with a busy term ahead filled with opportunities for all students to grow, challenge themselves, and work as a team It has been a wonderful term of sport already and we look forward to celebrating many more successes in the months to come!
Computing Update
Since October 2024, following the success of #SafeOnlineSeptember and our collaboration with Digital Matters, every year group has been immersed in learning about the technology that shapes our world From Reception to Year 6, children have been exploring, programming, and problem-solving with enthusiasm and creativity.
Our youngest learners in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 have been programming robots to respond to basic instructions, fostering their curiosity about how technology interacts with the world. Some children also had the exciting opportunity to experiment with Bluetooth technology, remotely controlling robot balls and programming Marty the Robot to attempt penalty kicks!
For Years 3 and above, the focus has been on understanding how the Internet works. They’ve been busy creating and sharing digital content, writing online quizzes, and collaborating in new ways to explore this critical technology In an exciting highlight, one of our Year 4 classes hosted a team of programmers from Google who observed a special Computing lesson The visitors were astounded by the collaboration and care the children showed, helping one another through the challenges of creating a program for the micro:bits to play a version of the retro-style “Space Invaders” game.
The guests were particularly impressed by the critical thinking and problem-solving skills demonstrated by the children, as they carefully tested each stage of their programming. They noted that the class’s ability to grasp advanced concepts like loops and variables skills often taught to much older students in the US was remarkable. The micro:bits were also used in a meaningful cross-curricular link, as some children helped transform them into digital thermometers for Year 1’s Science lessons on data collection.
It’s been an incredible term in Computing, showcasing our school values of creativity, collaboration, care, and critical thinking every step of the way
