Woodpecker Class in action
Spring Term 2:
It has been very exciting to explore Extreme Earth this half term. Woodpeckers have discovered volcanoes, tsunamis and tornadoes. They have conducted research into the layers of the earth. We have discussed diversity and the advantages this brings to our communities.
We followed Lila, The Firework-Makers Daughter on her journey to the heart of Mount Merapi where she discovered Ravani’s Grotto. Woodpeckers practised using their prediction skills and explored how Lila and her father, Lalchand, might be feeling at different stages of the book. Using this knowledge they were able to write fantastic from Lila to her father. Woodpeckers moved on to use fronted adverbials to improve sentences and identify the features of an instruction text. Following Lila’s lead, Woodpeckers became firework-makers themselves. This meant they needed to write an instruction text for how to make a firework.
Next, we moved on to Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit. Using expanded noun phrases, powerful adjectives and similes, we described post-eruption Pompeii. We used sensory sentences to keep the reader immersed in our writing. We then practiced writing in second-person. To engage the reader even more, we wrote about post-eruption Pompeii using the pronoun ‘you’. This unique style of writing helped the reader feel like they were there experiencing post-eruption Pompeii. We were very impressed with the creativity and description in Woodpeckers writing.
In Science, we have enjoyed learning about forces and magnets. We have tested whether forces push or pull and how things move on different surfaces. Our scrapyard challenge saw us testing whether materials were magnetic or not. Woodpeckers excitedly tested may different materials across school. We will finish up the term observing magnets to understand magnet strength and magnetic poles.
Woodpeckers made a clay models in humanities to show the layers of the earth. This gave a fantastic visual to support Woodpeckers with their descriptions of what we find under our feet. We were very excited to look at volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and tornadoes to understand key aspects of physical geography. Woodpeckers have enjoyed learning about the causes and impact of these elements of Extreme Earth.
We have been very impressed with Woodpeckers this term. They have applied themselves extremely well to their learning across all subjects. We are very excited to host our Extreme Earth museum on Wednesday afternoon.
Our new topic for Summer 1 will be Super Skeletons Get Active!
We hope all Woodpeckers and their families have a wonderful, and restful, Easter break. We look forward to welcoming you back next term.
It has been very exciting to explore Extreme Earth this half term. Woodpeckers have discovered volcanoes, tsunamis and tornadoes. They have conducted research into the layers of the earth. We have discussed diversity and the advantages this brings to our communities.
We followed Lila, The Firework-Makers Daughter on her journey to the heart of Mount Merapi where she discovered Ravani’s Grotto. Woodpeckers practised using their prediction skills and explored how Lila and her father, Lalchand, might be feeling at different stages of the book. Using this knowledge they were able to write fantastic from Lila to her father. Woodpeckers moved on to use fronted adverbials to improve sentences and identify the features of an instruction text. Following Lila’s lead, Woodpeckers became firework-makers themselves. This meant they needed to write an instruction text for how to make a firework.
Next, we moved on to Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit. Using expanded noun phrases, powerful adjectives and similes, we described post-eruption Pompeii. We used sensory sentences to keep the reader immersed in our writing. We then practiced writing in second-person. To engage the reader even more, we wrote about post-eruption Pompeii using the pronoun ‘you’. This unique style of writing helped the reader feel like they were there experiencing post-eruption Pompeii. We were very impressed with the creativity and description in Woodpeckers writing.
In Science, we have enjoyed learning about forces and magnets. We have tested whether forces push or pull and how things move on different surfaces. Our scrapyard challenge saw us testing whether materials were magnetic or not. Woodpeckers excitedly tested may different materials across school. We will finish up the term observing magnets to understand magnet strength and magnetic poles.
Woodpeckers made a clay models in humanities to show the layers of the earth. This gave a fantastic visual to support Woodpeckers with their descriptions of what we find under our feet. We were very excited to look at volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and tornadoes to understand key aspects of physical geography. Woodpeckers have enjoyed learning about the causes and impact of these elements of Extreme Earth.
We have been very impressed with Woodpeckers this term. They have applied themselves extremely well to their learning across all subjects. We are very excited to host our Extreme Earth museum on Wednesday afternoon.
Our new topic for Summer 1 will be Super Skeletons Get Active!
We hope all Woodpeckers and their families have a wonderful, and restful, Easter break. We look forward to welcoming you back next term.
Spring Term 1:
Woodpecker Class had an exciting and very busy start to 2025. In our first week back to school, we had a wonderful visit from Reverend Sue Lepp who came in to support our Religious Education topic this term Christianity: What’s the Bible’s ‘Big Story’? Woodpeckers demonstrated great knowledge and asked insightful questions.
In our second week back to school, Woodpeckers and the rest of the school attended The Lion King at the Lyceum theatre. We were extremely impressed with pupils’ behaviour throughout the whole day. It was incredible to see all their faces light up as soon as the music started and the actors entered the auditorium. A memory both pupils and adults will have for a very long time. Following the trip, the whole school participated in a Lion King themed arts day. Woodpeckers were able to practice and demonstrate a range of artistic skills including dance, music and design and technology.
Week three saw Woodpeckers climb aboard the coach once more and head off to The Living Rainforest. Woodpeckers were able to explore two glasshouses, exploring all of the rainforest trees, plants and animals. We were very excited to see all of the animals roaming freely around us. Cinnamon the sloth slowed climbed across the rooftop while Luigi the yellow-knobbed curassow sat watching as we wondered through the enormous plants. There were many wild birds on the forest floor, practicing landing in the waters and Kevin, who was very entertaining causing chaos in the trees. He flew hilariously close to Woodpeckers! Our tour guides commented on Woodpeckers brilliant knowledge, listening skills and inquisitive questions.
Woodpeckers read The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry to explore the impact of deforestation and decided how they felt about the loggers cutting down trees. Using the knowledge and understanding they gained from their trip Woodpeckers wrote meaningful, persuasive letters to a logging company about felling trees in the Amazon Rainforest. There were some well-presented arguments with Woodpeckers giving reasons to support their own viewpoints, asking questions to the logging bosses and using powerful verbs and
adjectives.
The Shaman’s Apprentice 2 is currently in working progress. Woodpeckers followed Kamanya’s story and learnt how he became the Shaman’s Apprentice. We revisited paragraphs, expanded noun phrases and punctuating speech correctly. Woodpeckers have a creative song to remember where they use inverted commas! We look forward to sharing our published stories to find out what happens to Kamanya next.
In maths we have been multiplying and dividing up to three digit numbers, reinforcing methods that helps us solve problems. We have used lots of concrete materials to support our maths this term. This has helped a lot of Woodpeckers solve more complex calculations. With the upcoming Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) it is very important that we keep working hard to practice. Times Tables Rockstars is a fantastic tool which, if used regularly, will help with times tables.
We have explored rainforests across the world and now know that many rainforests can be found across the equator. Woodpeckers created and presented their own weather report to demonstrate the difference in weather across a range of rainforests. This was done very professionally, we were impressed with Woodpeckers research and presenting skills.
In science we have looked at plants including what they need to grow and survive. Woodpeckers have grown their own peas, tomatoes and strawberries from seed. As we have planted into clear vessels, we have been able to watch how seeds germinate and roots and stems grow. There has been much excitement as the plants grow bigger and bigger. Woodpeckers are able to identify important factors for plant life.
This half term, our art focus was printing. Woodpeckers were surprised with a trip to Painty Pots! In groups, Woodpeckers visited Painty Pots and they were taught print methods to create wonderful backgrounds for their toucans, tree frogs and sloths. A huge THANK YOU to Mrs Allen and her brilliant team for allowing Woodpeckers this exciting opportunity.
Woodpeckers have been working hard with Lizzie in their dance lessons. They are looking forward to their live performance on Thursday 6th March at 2:30pm in Providence Chapel. We hope parents are able to join us and watch Woodpeckers Lion King themed performance.
We have reinforced the importance of reading, spelling and times tables this half term. Woodpeckers are finding success across all areas when they are regularly practicing.
Reading regularly, and listening to their adults read, is greatly beneficial to opening up their world. We have seen confidence and application to learning grow in abundance when Woodpeckers are able to read more fluently and gain a better understanding of what they are reading. When reading, it is also beneficial to ask questions to challenge understanding, prediction, recall and inference.
We are quickly approaching the time for Year 4 MTC and regular practice will not only improve their times tables scores but importantly, it will also increase their confidence.
Woodpeckers have had a wonderful half term with lots of new activities and experiences. Well done!
We look forward to welcoming you back next term and starting our new topic, Extreme Earth. We hope you have a restful break.
Woodpecker Class had an exciting and very busy start to 2025. In our first week back to school, we had a wonderful visit from Reverend Sue Lepp who came in to support our Religious Education topic this term Christianity: What’s the Bible’s ‘Big Story’? Woodpeckers demonstrated great knowledge and asked insightful questions.
In our second week back to school, Woodpeckers and the rest of the school attended The Lion King at the Lyceum theatre. We were extremely impressed with pupils’ behaviour throughout the whole day. It was incredible to see all their faces light up as soon as the music started and the actors entered the auditorium. A memory both pupils and adults will have for a very long time. Following the trip, the whole school participated in a Lion King themed arts day. Woodpeckers were able to practice and demonstrate a range of artistic skills including dance, music and design and technology.
Week three saw Woodpeckers climb aboard the coach once more and head off to The Living Rainforest. Woodpeckers were able to explore two glasshouses, exploring all of the rainforest trees, plants and animals. We were very excited to see all of the animals roaming freely around us. Cinnamon the sloth slowed climbed across the rooftop while Luigi the yellow-knobbed curassow sat watching as we wondered through the enormous plants. There were many wild birds on the forest floor, practicing landing in the waters and Kevin, who was very entertaining causing chaos in the trees. He flew hilariously close to Woodpeckers! Our tour guides commented on Woodpeckers brilliant knowledge, listening skills and inquisitive questions.
Woodpeckers read The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry to explore the impact of deforestation and decided how they felt about the loggers cutting down trees. Using the knowledge and understanding they gained from their trip Woodpeckers wrote meaningful, persuasive letters to a logging company about felling trees in the Amazon Rainforest. There were some well-presented arguments with Woodpeckers giving reasons to support their own viewpoints, asking questions to the logging bosses and using powerful verbs and
adjectives.
The Shaman’s Apprentice 2 is currently in working progress. Woodpeckers followed Kamanya’s story and learnt how he became the Shaman’s Apprentice. We revisited paragraphs, expanded noun phrases and punctuating speech correctly. Woodpeckers have a creative song to remember where they use inverted commas! We look forward to sharing our published stories to find out what happens to Kamanya next.
In maths we have been multiplying and dividing up to three digit numbers, reinforcing methods that helps us solve problems. We have used lots of concrete materials to support our maths this term. This has helped a lot of Woodpeckers solve more complex calculations. With the upcoming Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) it is very important that we keep working hard to practice. Times Tables Rockstars is a fantastic tool which, if used regularly, will help with times tables.
We have explored rainforests across the world and now know that many rainforests can be found across the equator. Woodpeckers created and presented their own weather report to demonstrate the difference in weather across a range of rainforests. This was done very professionally, we were impressed with Woodpeckers research and presenting skills.
In science we have looked at plants including what they need to grow and survive. Woodpeckers have grown their own peas, tomatoes and strawberries from seed. As we have planted into clear vessels, we have been able to watch how seeds germinate and roots and stems grow. There has been much excitement as the plants grow bigger and bigger. Woodpeckers are able to identify important factors for plant life.
This half term, our art focus was printing. Woodpeckers were surprised with a trip to Painty Pots! In groups, Woodpeckers visited Painty Pots and they were taught print methods to create wonderful backgrounds for their toucans, tree frogs and sloths. A huge THANK YOU to Mrs Allen and her brilliant team for allowing Woodpeckers this exciting opportunity.
Woodpeckers have been working hard with Lizzie in their dance lessons. They are looking forward to their live performance on Thursday 6th March at 2:30pm in Providence Chapel. We hope parents are able to join us and watch Woodpeckers Lion King themed performance.
We have reinforced the importance of reading, spelling and times tables this half term. Woodpeckers are finding success across all areas when they are regularly practicing.
Reading regularly, and listening to their adults read, is greatly beneficial to opening up their world. We have seen confidence and application to learning grow in abundance when Woodpeckers are able to read more fluently and gain a better understanding of what they are reading. When reading, it is also beneficial to ask questions to challenge understanding, prediction, recall and inference.
We are quickly approaching the time for Year 4 MTC and regular practice will not only improve their times tables scores but importantly, it will also increase their confidence.
Woodpeckers have had a wonderful half term with lots of new activities and experiences. Well done!
We look forward to welcoming you back next term and starting our new topic, Extreme Earth. We hope you have a restful break.
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Autumn Term 2:
Woodpeckers have had great fun this term exploring Tribal Tales. We started off developing our prediction skills by looking at the front cover of The Stone Age Boy by Satoshi Kitamura. Woodpeckers explored ways of adding detail to their responses referring back to the text and extending their vocabulary. Next, we following The Stone Age Boy on his journey back to the Stone Age where he met his new friend, Om. We used comparison to identify similarities and differences between the two friends before moving on to our big write – our own version of The Stone Age Boy. Woodpeckers planned their very own stories, collating key words and phrases they wanted to use. We were extremely impressed with the vocabulary, presentation and imagination shown in all of the stories Woodpeckers produced. It was fantastic to hear about all the different adventures The Stone Age Boy had before returning back home.
After The Stone Age Boy, Woodpeckers have been learning all about Mary Anning and the positive impact she has had through her work as a palaeontologist. We have researched a wide range of events throughout Mary’s life and used that fantastic knowledge to write her biography. Woodpeckers have worked extremely hard to ensure their biographies are written in chronological order and in a way that captures the reader. There has been an enormous amount of effort put into biographies, Woodpeckers should be very proud of themselves.
In maths, we have moved on to multiplication where Woodpeckers have been learning methods to support them in remembering all of their times tables. This is excellent practice which should now be built on ready for Year 4’s Multiplication Tables Check. We would encourage all Woodpeckers to ensure they are making regular use of Times Table Rockstars to support their practice.
Woodpeckers have had great fun this term exploring Tribal Tales. We started off developing our prediction skills by looking at the front cover of The Stone Age Boy by Satoshi Kitamura. Woodpeckers explored ways of adding detail to their responses referring back to the text and extending their vocabulary. Next, we following The Stone Age Boy on his journey back to the Stone Age where he met his new friend, Om. We used comparison to identify similarities and differences between the two friends before moving on to our big write – our own version of The Stone Age Boy. Woodpeckers planned their very own stories, collating key words and phrases they wanted to use. We were extremely impressed with the vocabulary, presentation and imagination shown in all of the stories Woodpeckers produced. It was fantastic to hear about all the different adventures The Stone Age Boy had before returning back home.
After The Stone Age Boy, Woodpeckers have been learning all about Mary Anning and the positive impact she has had through her work as a palaeontologist. We have researched a wide range of events throughout Mary’s life and used that fantastic knowledge to write her biography. Woodpeckers have worked extremely hard to ensure their biographies are written in chronological order and in a way that captures the reader. There has been an enormous amount of effort put into biographies, Woodpeckers should be very proud of themselves.
In maths, we have moved on to multiplication where Woodpeckers have been learning methods to support them in remembering all of their times tables. This is excellent practice which should now be built on ready for Year 4’s Multiplication Tables Check. We would encourage all Woodpeckers to ensure they are making regular use of Times Table Rockstars to support their practice.
Rocks have been the focal point of science this half term. We have had fun investigating whether rocks are permeable or impermeable and whether layers are metamorphic, sedimentary or igneous. Woodpeckers have been intrigued by fossils and developed a good understanding of how fossils show us what the world may have been like many years ago.
In humanities, Woodpeckers have travelled through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages! Many detailed conversations and exploratory questions have been posed by Woodpeckers as they have been very keen to learn how and why people lived as they did in Skara Brae. Imaginations have been captured while Woodpeckers have gained more knowledge and understanding of life through the different ages.
Woodpeckers attempted their 25m swim assessment in their penultimate swimming lesson this half term. Every single Woodpecker challenged themselves to swim as far as they could, we are very proud of you all – as you should be of yourself! Well done to everyone on their achievement. Woodpeckers have represented themselves and CVPS impeccably during their time swimming.
Pictures this term show Woodpeckers enjoying Odd Socks Day showing their support during Anti-Bullying week and Woodpeckers enjoying some time playing their fantastic games developed as part of their Funky Pharaohs homework. We were extremely impressed with the games and all homework elements which were produced by our wonderful Woodpeckers.
Next term, we look forward to our new topic ‘Radical Rainforests’. Woodpeckers will be visiting The Living Rainforest and Reverend Sue Lepp will be visiting to discuss our RE topic. We also look forward to dance lessons on Thursday afternoons which will focus on the Lion King ready for a performance in February. This ties in nicely with our very exciting trip to the theatre to watch The Lion King!
We hope you all have a wonderful and restful break over the festive period. We look forward to welcoming you back to Woodpecker class in 2025!
In humanities, Woodpeckers have travelled through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages! Many detailed conversations and exploratory questions have been posed by Woodpeckers as they have been very keen to learn how and why people lived as they did in Skara Brae. Imaginations have been captured while Woodpeckers have gained more knowledge and understanding of life through the different ages.
Woodpeckers attempted their 25m swim assessment in their penultimate swimming lesson this half term. Every single Woodpecker challenged themselves to swim as far as they could, we are very proud of you all – as you should be of yourself! Well done to everyone on their achievement. Woodpeckers have represented themselves and CVPS impeccably during their time swimming.
Pictures this term show Woodpeckers enjoying Odd Socks Day showing their support during Anti-Bullying week and Woodpeckers enjoying some time playing their fantastic games developed as part of their Funky Pharaohs homework. We were extremely impressed with the games and all homework elements which were produced by our wonderful Woodpeckers.
Next term, we look forward to our new topic ‘Radical Rainforests’. Woodpeckers will be visiting The Living Rainforest and Reverend Sue Lepp will be visiting to discuss our RE topic. We also look forward to dance lessons on Thursday afternoons which will focus on the Lion King ready for a performance in February. This ties in nicely with our very exciting trip to the theatre to watch The Lion King!
We hope you all have a wonderful and restful break over the festive period. We look forward to welcoming you back to Woodpecker class in 2025!
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Autumn Term 1:
An action packed last day for Woodpecker Class! We welcomed lots of visitors to our Roman museum.
It was evident that all members of Woodpecker Class have been working extremely hard to complete their homework menus. We saw lots of strong Roman armour, delicious baked goods, puzzling crosswords and much, much more.
Well done Woodpecker Class. Ms McAdam, Mrs Young, Ms Lachaal and Mrs Malagoli are all very impressed with your hard work. You should be very proud of yourselves.
We hope you have a fantastic half term and we look forward to seeing you back in the classroom on Monday 30th October.
An action packed last day for Woodpecker Class! We welcomed lots of visitors to our Roman museum.
It was evident that all members of Woodpecker Class have been working extremely hard to complete their homework menus. We saw lots of strong Roman armour, delicious baked goods, puzzling crosswords and much, much more.
Well done Woodpecker Class. Ms McAdam, Mrs Young, Ms Lachaal and Mrs Malagoli are all very impressed with your hard work. You should be very proud of yourselves.
We hope you have a fantastic half term and we look forward to seeing you back in the classroom on Monday 30th October.
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Woodpecker Class enjoyed an exciting trip to Bignor Roman Villa.
We saw lots of Roman artefacts in the museum and participated in a range of activities. As you will see from our photographs, we used a quern stone to grind wheat to make flour, practiced our Roman letters and numerals on the wax tablets and created colourful mosaics like the Romans. Next we went on our tour of the Villa where Woodpecker Class impressed our tour guide with their knowledge of the Roman Empire and how the Romans lived. We saw many mosaics throughout the villa each telling their own story. Pupils spotted Jupiter, Medusa and Venus within the different mosaics! Next we discovered how the hypocaust system was used to heat the villa, including in the bath house. Well done Woodpeckers! |
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Woodpecker Class have been exploring the Roman invasion of Britain. As part of our learning we looked at weapons the Romans might have used as they battled the Celts on the beaches in Kent.
Here you can see Woodpecker Class building and testing their catapults.
Here you can see Woodpecker Class building and testing their catapults.
