Welcome to Woodpecker Class!

We are a class of Year 5 and 6 children taught by Mrs Smith, with one member of support staff working with us each morning and afternoon throughout week (Mrs Glover) and another supporting us each morning (Mr Harris).

As members of the eldest class, we are given greater responsibilities across the school, for example, Sports Crew and Book Nook Buddies. Year 6 can also nominate themselves to become House Captains for the school. We all write in blue handwriting pens or fountain pens (not biros).

Extracurricular Activities:

Years 5 and 6 also have the opportunity to attend a five-day residential in the Autumn term, biennially. (Our next full residential is taking place in September 2025.) Additionally, during Year 5, we have the chance to take part in Bikeability which teaches us the skills needed so we can cycle safely and confidently on the roads.
Throughout the year, we take part in the school’s Harvest Festival, Christmas Carol Concert - leading the readings - and Easter Service, rounding up the year with our Leavers' Service to celebrate Year 6 as they move on to secondary school. Years 5 and 6 enjoy rehearsing and performing an end-of-year theatrical production for the community and parents too. Our 2024 production was ‘Matilda the Musical: Junior’ – a musical extravaganza!

Home/School Reading:

Reading is a fundamental skill, helping us to access all areas of the curriculum, and reading books are required to be in school each day. In Woodpecker Class, we can choose our own reading book from our class library (with guidance from an adult where necessary to broaden our reading experience or to provide appropriate challenge). We are also welcome to bring our own suitable reading book from home to school each day. In Year 5 and 6, we are responsible for changing our own books and updating the class reading log as we start and finish each book. We are asked to read at home regularly (approximately 20 minutes per day) and to regularly promote our ‘Recommended Reads’ to each other in class, leaving book recommendations for our friends.

Homework:

Homework is set every Friday and completed by the following Wednesday. In addition, we have a weekly spelling test and times table fact test every week.

PE, Uniform and Equipment:

We have PE on a Tuesday afternoon so we need to ensure we wear our PE kit to school on this day. We have lots of space for our belongings: lunchbox shelves, water bottle shelves, individual pegs and drawers. We make sure we look smart and are ready to learn by limiting jewellery to one pair of earlobe studs. These must be removed by ourselves during PE (or covered with micro-pore tape supplied by our parents). Make-up, nail varnish and large hair accessories (e.g. Jo-Jo bows) are not allowed. Any hair bands or clips must reflect the school colours of red / grey / black / white. Year 5 and 6 are permitted to bring their own stationary for use in school if they wish. Their pencil case should include (and be limited to): a pencil, blue handwriting pen, purple pen, red pen, black pen, ruler, and highlighters (optional).

Class Updates:

Throughout the year, we share photographs and school news via Instagram (@clipstonvcprimary), showing various activities, inside and outside the classroom that we have enjoyed! Please visit us and follow our page for regular updates. (You do not need to be a member of Instagram, or follow us, in order to do this.)

We look forward to welcoming you to Woodpecker class this year!

Woodpecker Class Homework 2024 - 2025:

Woodpecker Class Spelling Lists:

Woodpecker Class Learning: