Yew Class

Welcome to Yew Class (Years 5 and 6)

Situated in the cabin, slightly away from the main building, Yew Class is the perfect setting for Year 5 and Year 6 children as they work towards the end of their time at primary school. The location of the classroom gives the children an increased sense of independence, and its open, airy feeling gives the older children a feeling of space and freedom. Yew Class is a place for discussion, personal development, and learning through enjoyment. There is often a lively and upbeat atmosphere in the class as the children engage with the topics together, exchange views, and share insights. This a class that frequently sees new productive relationships develop between Year 5 and Year 6 children – which will often follow them into their secondary setting, helping with that adjustment.

As we journey through the academic year, it can be a poignant time for our Year 6 group. In Yew, they will experience their last primary school Harvest Festival, Carol Concert, residential, and so many more milestones. Towards the end of the year, the Year 6 children sit their National Curriculum Assessments (SATS) which we gently guide them towards through the Autumn and Spring Terms. The small number of Year 5 children in the class are always supportive of this time, as well as taking the opportunity to observe and learn from their older peers.

It is a privilege to guide the children through this meaningful time, to see how the Year 5s support their classmates, and the Year 6s mentor their friends. With the end of their time in Yew being the end of their time at Twyford St Mary’s, we cherish the terms they spend with us in Yew Class and look to make it as positively impactful as we can.

Tracy Aitken

How it works

At this stage in the school, Year 5 and 6 curriculums are closely matched which provides plenty of opportunities for collaborative working across the year groups. English and Foundation subjects teaching is wholly integrated, and we run most maths teaching in parallel. However, at times, we split inputs to ensure each year group is covering all aspects of their curriculum, appropriate to their year group.

Year wide events help Year 5s in Yew Class maintain strong links with the rest of their cohort, such as drama workshops, weekly swimming lessons in the summer, Listen2Me and activities such as choir, netball, and football clubs.

Meet the teachers

Mrs Aitken

Yew Class Teacher and Twyford St Mary’s Maths Lead, Tracey Aitken, describes herself as South African English and her bio reads like an intrepid world traveller! With more than 30 years in teaching – and 10 years at Twyford St Mary’s – Mrs. Aitken is one of the longest-serving members of staff at the school. She remains as passionate about teaching now as she was when she started, back in South Africa, and her experience at several different sizes and types of school is evident in her breadth of knowledge and unflappable nature.

Miss Newell

Yew Class LSA, Heidi Newell, is a highly experienced LSA, as well as being the school’s Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) and leading the wraparound care provision. Miss Newell is well-known and loved by children across the school as she embodies her role in supporting their emotional well-being throughout their time at Twyford St Mary’s, as well as their learning and development in the classroom.

Key days and dates

PE – Monday and Thursday