Woodlea Junior School

Elephants

Welcome to Elephant Class 2025–2026

We are thrilled to welcome Elephant Class into the Upper Juniors this year! The children have made a fantastic start and are already showing great enthusiasm for the new challenges ahead.

A big well done to everyone for the effort you’ve put in so far, and thank you to families for your continued support—it really makes a difference.

This year, Mrs Younis will be guiding Elephant Class, supported by Mrs Rufus. Together, we can’t wait to see all the brilliant learning, achievements, and memories that will be made as part of our Upper Junior journey!

Exploring, Creating, Achieving

This Spring term, our learning journey is packed with exciting opportunities across the curriculum.

In English, our writing focus will be science fiction, with the children working towards writing their own imaginative science fiction stories. For our non-fiction unit, the children will create an information booklet linked to our Science topic on Forces.

In History, pupils will be learning about the Kingdom of Benin. During Spring 2, our Geography learning will focus on a city study of Liverpool.

In Science, children will study Forces during Spring 1, before moving on to Living Things and Their Habitats in Spring 2.

Our RE learning will focus on Hinduism in Spring 1, followed by Judaism in Spring 2. To support this learning, the children will take part in a Synagogue visit on Wednesday 25th February 2026.

In Art, children will explore landscape art before creating their own landscape artwork. In DT, during Spring 2, pupils will design and make African musical instruments.

For PE, both classes will continue with swimming. In addition, Elephants will take part in Military School for their second PE lesson, while Leopards will study dance in Spring 1 before moving on to invasion games in Spring 2.

Exploring, Creating, Achieving

This Autumn term, our learning journey is packed with exciting opportunities across the curriculum.

In English, children will dive into Michael Morpurgo’s Beowulf as part of our Legends of the British Isles theme. They will craft their own legends and later develop persuasive writing skills, learning how to present arguments with confidence and clarity.

In History, we will explore the formation of the Kingdom of England, studying the Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and the pivotal Battle of Hastings in 1066. Moving into Autumn 2, our focus shifts to Geography, where children will investigate the United Kingdom—its land, people, and regions.

In Science, children will carry out hands-on investigations into the properties of materials, while in Art they will develop creative techniques in printmaking. Our PE sessions will concentrate on striking and fielding, building teamwork, coordination, and self-confidence.

In Music, children will perform and explore Living on a Prayer, refining rhythm, pitch, and performance skills. In PSHE, our focus will be on friendships, helping children to build positive, supportive relationships.

In Computing, children will learn how to stay safe online while beginning their journey into programming, creating digital projects of their own. Topics will include Self-Image and Identity, Online Relationships, Online Reputation, and Online Bullying.

Get Moving!
PE takes place on Monday and Tuesday.

Monday: Swimming — please bring full kit (costume, towel, cap, goggles if needed). Tuesday: PE kit (white/red t-shirt, black shorts, pumps; outdoor kit optional).

This term we’ll begin with striking and fielding, building skills, fitness, and teamwork.

Homework
Set every Friday and due the following Friday, homework is completed online via Seesaw, with activities on Mathletics, Spelling Shed, and TTRockstars.

For extra support, Homework Club runs every Wednesday until 4:15pm.

Literacy Kicks

Great to see Gareth, who is a sports journalist, inspiring young minds this Spring Term in Elephants. Engaging children to enjoy reading and writing through the power of sport!