Autumn 2 2026

Welcome back Willow class! I hope you had a restful break and are ready for an exciting and busy half term, with lots of opportunities to develop your creativity, confidence and key learning skills across the curriculum.

Here is what we have to look forward to ...

In English, we will begin by exploring the poem Crackle and Spit, perfectly timed to coincide with Bonfire Night celebrations. Throughout the half term, we will use the wonderful books Flashlight, The Leaf Thief, One Snowy Night and Snow as inspiration for our reading and writing activities. We will be learning about onomatopoeia and how authors use sound words to bring their writing to life. We will develop skills in writing recounts, lists, captions and speech bubbles, while building our understanding of characters through discussion and inference. We will be encouraging the children to think carefully about how characters are feeling and to explain their ideas using evidence from the texts.

In Mathematics, we will continue to strengthen our understanding of place value, as well as developing fluency and confidence with addition and subtraction. We will also begin exploring aspects of geometry and measurement, giving the children opportunities to solve practical problems and apply their mathematical knowledge in different contexts.

In Art, we will be learning about the work of famous artists Piet Mondrian and Robert Delaunay. We will explore colour, shape and pattern, experimenting with a range of painting techniques to create our own vibrant pieces of artwork inspired by these artists.

In Religious Education, we will be exploring Nativity journeys, helping the children to deepen their understanding of the Christmas story and its significance. In Music, we will be developing our singing skills and learning songs ready for our Christmas Nativity performance. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the children to build confidence, perform together and enjoy sharing their learning with others.

In Geography, we will be learning about the countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom. We will also develop our geographical skills by creating and interpreting simple maps and learning how maps help us understand the world around us.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled half term of learning and discovery and can't wait to see all the progress the children make along the way!

Below there are some links to websites that can help you with your learning this term. You will also find a copy of this term's home learning.

Phonics Resources for Parents

Reminders

• P.E. will be on a Tuesday and a Wednesday, so please wear your P.E. uniform to school on these days.
• Please do not send children to school with large bags. We do not have the space to store them. Packed lunches are stored on trolleys when the children enter school, so a book bag is more than sufficient.
• Please ensure no items are brought from home to school unless they are essential to learning or transitional / support devices previously agreed with school.

Communication

• Please contact the school office either by telephone 01252 871188 or email  enquiries@newlands.hants.sch.uk
• For direct contact with the teacher please use the above methods to request a meeting or telephone call, teachers are available for brief handover in at drop off and at the end of the day
• Please allow 48 hours for a response

We look forward to learning together this term

Mrs Ware & Miss Davis