Willow Class
Welcome to Willow Class (Year 4 and 5)
Willow Class is a warm and cosy classroom right in the heart of the school. The space itself brilliantly reflects the children’s stage of their time here at Twyford St Mary’s. When they first arrive in Willow, they are well into their journey through KS2, are establishing their own individual voices and styles, and are finding their feet as the more senior members of the school.
Our classroom leads onto The Orchard and library on one side, and is next to the Headteacher’s office, giving the children a real sense of their progression through the school. Its location by the library (and probably because of my role as English Lead) means Willow is a naturally a hub for all things literature! We have a large display space which we use for showcasing our writing projects, and our Reading Corner is refreshed regularly to tie in with the term’s themes and topics.
Carly Wilkinson
How it works
Willow is a unique class in the school as it is the only one where two partial year groups come together. Selection for which Year 4s are in Willow rather than Sycamore is done very carefully each year with a close eye on the overall mix of learning styles, needs for greater depth and support, and – of course – friendship groups.
There are some special events for Willow Class that often stand as highlights in the year (or two for the lucky!) the children spend with us. We have a Willow Class choir and have been privileged to sing at the Cathedral on a number of occasions. The Willow Year 4s will go on their first residential trip to Stubbington whilst they are with us, and the Year 5s will enjoy their swimming lessons, which will begin in Spring 2.
Year 5 benefits from dedicated time in the Spring term when year 4 are on residential and doing Listen2Me to have masterclasses on specific year 5 skills (particularly trickier Maths topics!) and year 4 benefits from dedicated time when year 5 are swimming and doing Listen2Me to have times tables masterclasses to prepare them for their MTC check and to introduce longer reading texts as great preparation for year 5!
Meet the teachers
Mrs Wilkinson
Willow Class Teacher and English Lead Carly Wilkinson always knew she wanted to teach as she loves helping others to learn and feel successful. She has a passion for all things writing and reading and always used to get in trouble as a child for reading her books at the dinner table! Naturally Carly studied English Literature at university before doing her teaching qualification.
As well as being a self-confessed book worm, Carly loves the outdoors and being active. She was a keen horse rider as a child and – up to the age of 18 – competed at affiliated level in British Eventing. She still loves riding but now also enjoys playing netball, long-distance running, and walking her crazy, lovable cockapoo Flo!
Staying in touch
We have regular touch points across the school year to keep families informed of your child’s progress, including parents’ evenings, in-class events and meet the teacher sessions.
I am always happy to talk to parents or carers about any aspects of your child’s learning or well-being and if you have any quick questions or pertinent information you want to share about your child, you can usually find me on the playground at pick up. If I can please ask that you wait until I have ensured all children are safely on their way home, then we will be free for a quick chat!
For any other concerns, or if you would like a meeting to discuss any issues, please contact the office and we can arrange a phone call or a meeting.
Key days and dates
PE – Tuesdays and Wednesdays
For the diary
Summer 1: 23rd April – Tudor House Trip
Summer 2: 19th June – Trip to Winchester Science Centre