Summer

Summer

Woodpeckers Summer Term Topic web

I hope you all had a restful Easter break and enjoyed some time in the spring sunshine. It has been lovely to welcome the children back for the final term of the school year—it's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown!

We are very excited about the learning opportunities ahead and are looking forward to seeing the children continue to flourish and grow. As always, we begin the term with a whole-school topic, and this time we are exploring The Tin Forest by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson. This beautifully illustrated book links closely with our school's ongoing focus on sustainability, building on last year's litter-picking event. It explores the inspiring idea that even a dream can be created from discarded materials—an important message for us all.

Following on from this, our class topic for the rest of the term will focus on Our Oceans and Seas. We’ll be learning about this vital ecosystem, the impact humans have on it, and what we can do to help protect it. A topic web is attached to give you a fuller picture of the exciting activities and learning that will take place.

Multiplication Tables Check – Year 4

The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) will take place between Monday 2nd June and Friday 13th June 2025. This is a short statutory online test for all year 4 pupils designed to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so additional support can be provided. Children have been practicing their multiplications daily at school since September but to help support your child, please encourage them to practice their multiplication tables to 12 x 12 at home. Little and often is the key—practice makes permanent. For further information, please review the government website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multiplication-tables-check-information-for-parents

Reading

Reading remains a key focus for us at Suckley. Regular reading at home helps to build fluency, confidence, and a love of books. Please encourage your child to read at least four times a week and record it in their reading log—this also puts them in the running for a golden ticket and the chance to win a book sent directly from David Walliams! Reading books and logs should be brought into school every day. We will change books as needed and continue to monitor comprehension closely.

Spellings

Spelling assessments were updated at the end of the Spring term, and new spellings will continue to be sent home each Friday in your child’s spelling book. While we do not conduct formal spelling tests in Years 3 and 4, the children engage in daily spelling practice during morning skills sessions. These activities focus on understanding word patterns and meanings, which supports long-term retention. Please ensure spelling books are brought to school daily and encourage your child to practise at home too.

P.E. and Forest School

P.E. will resume on Friday afternoons. Please make sure your child has a complete P.E. kit in school, including suitable footwear and hair tied back if necessary. We recommend keeping kits at school and taking them home at half term for washing.
Forest School continues on Wednesdays. Even as the weather warms up, long sleeves and trousers must be worn to protect against scratches and bites, and waterproofs should remain in school just in case (British weather!). Sun hats and sunscreen can also be kept in school for those sunnier days.

As always, my door is open—please don’t hesitate to pop in for a chat or get in touch if you have any questions or if there’s anything I can do to support your child during this final term. It promises to be a busy and exciting one, with trips, musicals and swimming to mention just a few. Can’t wait!

With warmest wishes,

The Woodpecker Team!