Welcome to Ashdown Class

Older pupils enjoy reading. They enthusiastically discuss their favourite authors and types of books they read. Comprehension skills are taught well.

OFSTED December 2019

Meet the Class Teacher

Ashdown is a mixed class of children in Year 5 and Year 6. Our teacher is Mrs Apps and our teaching assistants are Mrs Froude and Mrs Cleverley.

Our classroom provides a calm, spacious, and well-equipped learning environment, offering access to a wide range of supportive and valuable resources.

Long Term Planning

In Years 5 and 6, children take on greater responsibility for their learning and begin to develop the independence and maturity needed for the next stage of their education. With growing confidence, they tackle more complex ideas, think critically, and work with increased focus and determination. Our curriculum supports this development by offering rich, varied learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful reflection. By the end of Year 6, pupils are well-prepared — both academically and personally — to take the next step into Year 7 with confidence and enthusiasm.

Please click on the buttons below for an overview of what will be taught in Ashdown Class over a 2-year rolling programme.

COMING SOON! 

Timetable

 

Our Classroom

 

Daily Reading

Reading continues to be a vital part of learning in Years 5 and 6, as children grow into confident and thoughtful readers. During this stage, pupils engage with a diverse range of complex texts—including challenging fiction, non-fiction, and poetry—that deepen their comprehension and analytical skills. They explore stories, poems, and informational texts that encourage critical thinking and broaden their understanding. Regular reading supports vocabulary development, enhances writing, and nurtures a love of books, inspiring each child to discover stories that excite them and prepare them for the next step in their educational journey at secondary school.

Spellings

In Years 5 and 6, mastering statutory spellings is an important part of building strong writing skills. Pupils focus on learning and applying a set list of spellings that are expected by the end of Key Stage 2. Through regular practice, spelling games, and engaging activities, children become more confident in spelling challenging words correctly, which helps improve their overall communication and writing fluency. This solid foundation prepares them for the spelling demands of secondary school and beyond.

You can view the Year 5 and 6 Statutory Spelling list here:

Click here for further information

Violins

Throughout Key Stage 2, children have the chance to develop their violin skills step by step, building confidence and enjoying making music together. KS2 violin lessons take place every Wednesday, so please remember to bring your violin to school on that day.

Forest School

Forest School is a great way for Years 5 and 6 pupils to keep building their confidence and independence. They’re encouraged to take safe, thoughtful risks, work together to solve problems, and celebrate what they achieve. Forest School happens every Friday, so Ashdown pupils should bring clothes to change into, along with waterproofs and wellies, to make the most of their outdoor adventures.

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Year 6 SATs

Year 6 SATs are important tests that all children take in their final year of primary school. These tests check how well children are doing in reading, grammar, spelling, and maths. At our school, we work hard to help every child feel ready and confident through fun lessons and plenty of practice. We want all our pupils to do their best while feeling calm and supported.

This year, the SATs will take place from Monday 11th May to Thursday 14th May 2026, with tests on:

• Monday 11th May: Grammar, punctuation, and spelling

• Tuesday 12th May: Reading

• Wednesday 13th May: Maths (arithmetic and reasoning)

• Thursday 14th May: Maths (reasoning)

While these tests give a helpful picture of how your child is doing, we also take lots of other things into account to celebrate their progress and achievements throughout the year.

How can you help?

• Ask your child what they have been learning today at school.
• Please listen to your child read each day - little and often - it should be fun and not a chore.
• Help them with their spellings.
• Praise independence.
• Tell us about achievements at home.

Keep Up To Date

We use Bromcom to communicate with parents and carers. We also use Bromcom for meal bookings, trips and clubs.

We publish a newsletter each term.

Transition

Children at Ashbury have excellent opportunities to take part in learning and sporting events at Faringdon Community College and at Pinewood Independent School.

These partnerships provide a secure link for our Year 6 children when they move up to secondary school, ensuring a well-managed, supported and confident transition.