Welcome to Hawthorn Class

Teachers:

Miss Antoniadou 

Support staff:

Mrs Mansi (teaching assistant) 

Mrs Smith-Anderson (HLTA) PPA Cover 

Welcome to Year 5 and 6

Hello and welcome! I’m Miss Antoniadou, the Year 5 and 6 teacher at Chestnut Primary School. I’m incredibly proud to guide our pupils through their final years of primary education, helping them grow into confident, independent learners ready for secondary school. 

I’m passionate about both Mathematics and Religious Education—two subjects that challenge me in very different but equally rewarding ways. Maths fuels my love for solving problems and exploring patterns, while RE invites deep reflection and encourages meaningful questions about life and beliefs. Outside the classroom, singing brings me joy—and though I may not always admit it, I secretly enjoy singing my heart out when no one’s watching! 

In Hawthorn Class, we value: 

- Respect 

- Cooperation 

- Resilience 

These are the building blocks for learning and personal development. Our pupils take on important responsibilities as role models to the rest of the school. We work together to build strong foundations—not only academically, but also as members of our local community. 

As we look ahead to secondary school choices and transition, we ensure every child has the key skills, confidence, and support they need for this exciting new chapter. 

In Hawthorn Class, having both Year 5 and Year 6 pupils together creates a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Younger pupils benefit from the guidance and example of their older peers, while Year 6 children gain confidence and leadership skills by mentoring others. It fosters a real sense of community, where pupils learn from one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and develop mutual respect. Mixed-age teaching also allows for flexibility in learning, helping us tailor challenges to the needs of each child and encourage progress at the right pace. 

Year 6 SATs – What You Need to Know 

As part of their final year at Chestnut Primary School, Year 6 pupils will take part in the Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs), which are set by the government and take place each May. These tests assess children’s understanding and attainment in Reading, Maths, and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG). 

At Hawthorn Class, we ensure pupils are well-prepared in a calm and supportive environment. The SATs not only reflect academic progress but also help identify areas where children may benefit from further support as they transition to secondary school. 

We aim to build confidence and resilience, so that each child approaches the SATs with a positive mindset and feels proud of their achievements. 

Church School values  

Term 1 - Humility

Term 2 - Trust 

Term 3 - Compassion 

Term 4 - Respect 

Term 5 - Forgiveness 

Term 6 - Perseverance 

Reading in Hawthorn Class 

Over the course of the year, children are expected to read regularly both in school and at home. They are encouraged to explore a wide variety of texts, including reading for  books for pleasure. 

Each child is responsible for recording their reading in their reading diary, helping build habits of reflection and independence. 

Our aim is to give every child the opportunity and support to become a fluent reader who not only understands what they read, but truly enjoys learning and reading. We believe that developing a lifelong love of reading opens doors to creativity, curiosity, and success in all areas of learning. 

PE 

PE will take place on ________ afternoons. If this changes, a dojo will be sent as well as children informed.  

Please ensure children to bring their school PE kit in a suitable bag (black shorts, red top, appropriate hoodie and joggers if needed, and trainers). Please ensure that long hair is tied up and any jewellery is removed. 

Home learning 

Each week both year groups are set weekly homework.  

Homework will be given every Wednesday and must be completed by Monday. 

For the Reading, Writing, or  SPaG tasks, it is important for your child to use either a pencil, a black or blue pen. Coloured pens or highlighters should only be used if the task specifically requires them. If your child prefers to type their English work, ensure that you print a copy, trim the edges neatly, and glue it into their homework book. 

When it comes to the Maths task, please ensure that your child uses a pencil and a ruler. Showing working out is crucial for their understanding, so that I can provide necessary support in class in case of any misconceptions. 

The homework book should be kept neat and completed by your child. Encourage them to store it in a safe place, away from any food or drinks. In the instance that homework is not completed and submitted on time, please encourage your child to complete it the following week without causing unnecessary worry. 

While you may support your child with their homework, it is not mandatory. Encouraging independent work is beneficial, though I am more than willing to assist if any difficulties arise. Should there be any issues, please do not hesitate to contact the office using MCAS. 

Spellings are also set on Spelling shed on a weekly bases.  

Spelling are set Tuesday afternoons - we complete Hive game Tuesday. 

Trips/ visitors 

In Year 5/6 we learn about the Battle of Britain and we have a school trip to the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.  

As part of our local study of Ruskington, we will be going out into our village and possibly a little further to our local city, Lincoln. 

After their SATs, Year 6 pupils enjoy a well-earned adventure at PGL residential, building teamwork and independence in a fun and active setting. 

 Around June, the Year 6 children will also attend the Church Schools' Festival at Lincoln Cathedral—a wonderful opportunity to reflect, celebrate faith, and mark this special stage in their primary school journey. 

Useful learning links