Welcome to Chestnut Class home page

My name is Mr Brereton and I am the class teacher for Chestnut and the PE and PSHE lead. 

I enjoy seeing the children working together as a team and learning to develop their skills and grow in confidence.

I have a passion for sport and enjoy supporting Wolverhampton Wanderers and playing cricket for Great Alne CC. 

 

Summer Term Topic- Ancient Civilisations

In the Ancient Civilisations project, the children will learn about three of the earliest civilisations in the world; ancient Sumer, ancient Egypt and the Indus Valley civilisation. They will study the ancient Sumerian and ancient Egyptian civilisation in detail, to discover how crucial factors like water sources and farming helped them to develop and thrive. They will find out about important inventions and the growth of cities. They will also study the lives of different people in society, including the roles of kings and pharaohs. The children will reflect on their learning by identifying the similarities and differences between the two civilisations, before studying the Indus Valley civilisation independently. They will explore sources of evidence about the location of the Indus Valley, cities and trade, and note the reasons why historians know less about the Indus Valley than other ancient civilisations. The children will then compare all three civilisations, before learning about the causes and consequences of each civilisation’s decline. They will also consider whether or not these civilisations left a lasting legacy.

 Our class reader will be:

Pugs of the Frozen North by Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre

Chestnut Class Spotlight- June 2025

This term, as part of out ancient civilisations topic, we have learnt about Sargon the Great. We found out many curious facts about the ruler of Mesopotamia including how he is the first recorded emperor in history, how he played a prominent role in developing language and culture, how he invented the powerful composite bow and used battle tactics that were still used 2000 years later. We then debated and explained whether we thought he was a good or a bad leader and compared him to other leaders.

In English, we have looked at the features of non-chronological reports and have researched pugs as part of our Pugs of the Frozen North class text. We have used sub-headings, paragraphs, present tense, bullet points and amazing facts to create an interesting guide to the species of dog.

In Maths, we have looked at different types of angles and have ordered and compared shapes based on lines of symmetry.  

In Science, we have used the symbols of electrical components to create designs for electric circuits. We have then predicted which circuits would work and explained the reasons why some circuits will not work. The National Grid volunteers also taught us about how we could help to stop climate change and help to save energy in school and at home.

In PE, we have been practising our running, throwing and team work skills ready for Sports Day and have learnt facts about the England Red Rose’s rugby player Ellie Kildunne to be used on our banner and to perform as part of our sports day chant.

As part of our PSHE ‘My Happy Mind’ we have learnt about the different parts of our brain, their roles and how they work to help us think, move, learn and remember. The different parts are the Hippocampus, the Amygdala and the Pre-frontal Cortex.

We also had the opportunity to learn about the importance of First Aid. Mr Allsopp came in to deliver a fantastic session where we were able to learn about and practise CPR and putting people in the recovery position. Crucial skills that can preserve life.

Chestnut Class Spotlight- Ancient Civilisations Topic

As part of their new topic inspiration day, the children learnt this week about ancient civilisations focussing on what all civilisations have in common. They then used these key features to write Civilisation acrostic poems. They also became archaeologists, exploring a range of ancient Sumerian artefacts. In groups, they collaborated together to use the clues to work out what materials the artefacts were made from and then used their curiosity skills to discuss what the artefacts might have been used for in ancient Sumerian times. They also used their art skills to sketch the ancient artefacts and find out more interesting facts.

In English, the children have started to read the class reading book Pugs of the Frozen North. They used alliteration, expanded noun phrases and similes to describe the sounds of the frozen setting and have started to look at writing a diary entry about the character’s experiences.

In Maths, they have ordered and rounded decimals and are starting to find the total cost of a variety of items and work out the change.

In PE, the children have been practising their running, throwing and jumping skills ready for Aylesford Athletics event and will focus on developing skills needed to play rounders and netball.

 

Science Week 2025- Change and Adapt

Well done to all those who entered the Science Week competition. There were some fabulously curious entries from Chestnut Class.

World Book Day 2025

Children in Chestnut Class came to school dressed as their favourite book characters. There were plenty of characters from Harry Potter, fantasy characters, a racing car driver, plenty of super heroes, sports stars and a Gangsta Granny! As you can see, the costumes were amazing!

https://play.ttrockstars.com/?_gl=1*1koujn3*_ga*Mjk3MzU0NjE1LjE3MjkwMTUyNjg.*_ga_FYSNH92ZJH*MTcyOTAxNTI2Ny4xLjAuMTcyOTAxNTI2Ny4wLjAuMA.. 

Click the link and sign in to practise your times tables .Can you work yourself up to become a rock legend? Do you think you have what it takes to challege Mr Brereton?

Enjoy learning your times tables in a fun and enjoyble head banging way!

Chestnut Class Spotlight- February 2025

It has been a very exciting time in Chestnut class. As part of our ‘Misty Mountains, Winding River’ topic, we have been learning about the journey of a river as the water travels from the source, through the upper, middle and lower course and then out to sea. We have looked at the physical features of waterfalls, oxbow lakes, meanders, river deltas and how the water has changed the landscape over time. We have also researched rivers from around the world and have learnt interesting facts such as the Nile River is the world’s longest river flowing through 11 different countries and stretches a whopping 6,695km – that’s as long as 65,000 football pitches!

In English, as part of The Great Kapok Tree unit, we have written letters to the man in the story to persuade him not to cut down the tree using persuasive and emotional language. We have researched and produced guides to the Amazon Rainforest using sub-headings, paragraphs and amazing facts and have written stories during story telling week based on Jungle animal fables. We are now going to debate the arguments for and against cutting down trees in the rainforest.

In maths, we have been multiplying and dividing numbers by 10, 100 as well as multiplying and dividing 3 digit numbers by a 1-digit number. We have also been measuring in metres and kilometres, finding the perimeter of rectangles and finding the missing lengths of rectilinear shapes.

In science, we have researched the found out about the particle theory and states of matter including the properties of solids, liquids and gases.

In PE, we have been developing our jumping skills as part of gymnastic routines. We have also been challenging ourselves to beat the personal bests for the Fits a Knockout chest moves and speed bounce events.

As well as all the exciting curriculum learning, Chestnut Class have welcomed Warwick Sings to help us learn a variety of exciting singing warm ups as well as practising some catchy songs!

Chestnut Class Spotlight- December 2024

It has been a very exciting time in Chestnut class. To further enhance our Invasion topic, we visited St John’s House to participate in an Anglo-Saxon Day. The children were very curious and asked lots of thoughtful questions as well as taking part in a history debate and finding out about ancient Anglo-Saxon artefacts and clothes.

In English, we have been reading the fascinating tale of Arthur and the Golden Rope. We have written persuasive letters to Professor Brownstone including reasons why we should be chosen to see his unique collections of ancient artefacts. We have also created an information guide about Iceland and have produced playscripts for a travel advert to encourage tourists to visit the country.

In maths, we have been practising our 6,7,8,9,11 and 12 times tables and have challenged ourselves on www.ttrockstars.com to become rock legends!

In science, we have learnt about sound. We have found out that sound is measured in decibels and we have investigated what happens to sound when the sound source is further away and for safety what material is best for muffling sound using sound meters to record the sound levels.

In PE, we have been developing our ball control skills and have challenged ourselves to complete catching and dribbling challenges.

In RE, we learnt about Diwali and made diva lamps out of clay, painting them and decorating them to make them eye-catching.

As well as all the exciting curriculum learning, members of the class performed a variety of Christmas songs using Makaton at the Hampton Magna Lantern Walk.

Year 4 Class trip

Chestnut Class visited St John’s House this week to take part in an Anglo-Saxon day as part of their ‘Invasion’ topic.

The class’ imagination was hooked by a story box that included the key words of significance, Anglo-Saxon facts, treasure and a planning application.

The themed day then saw Chestnut Class taking part in a council meeting, splitting into 5 groups – Farmers, Residents, Environmentalists, Builders and Shopkeepers - to debate whether Super Superstores should build a new supermarket on farm land that contained Anglo-Saxon artefacts and relics.  

Each group used their super debating skills to put forward a series of well thought out points and respectfully listened to others arguments and views.

The children then looked at all the equipment that would be needed for an archaeological dig before viewing a selection of artefacts that had been found where the Anglo-Saxon settlement had been discovered, including a brooch, knives, spear heads, belts, necklaces and crystal stones. They then discussed what the items told us about the lives of Anglo-Saxon people and sorted the items into those that would have been owned by a cunning woman, a rich woman or a warrior.

Ancient pottery was then unearthed and the children were able to use their brushing and sketching skills to record what the items looked like and explained their significance.

In the end, the children in the role of archaeologists wrote acrostic poems to talk about the importance of history and then came back together to debate whether building a supermarket on Anglo-Saxon land would be beneficial to the local area.

“I enjoyed finding out about what Anglo-Saxon people wore and what was found in the grave site.”

“I liked sorting the artefacts and finding out about the lives of Anglo-Saxon people.”

“I liked the archaeological dig where we found pottery and looked at the patterns.”

“I enjoyed the debating in the council meeting. I was able to give my thoughts and I grew in confidence.”

Mr Brereton said: “Thank you to Warwickshire Heritage Learning for an excellent Anglo-Saxon Day.  It was a great hands on experience and the children were able to showcase all their knowledge of the topic and use their excellent debating skills. Thank you to all the parent helpers for your help.”

 

Year 3/4 Harvest Festival Performance

Holly and Chestnut class performed their harvest production of The Little Red Hen at St Michael’s Church.

The Year 4 children were the narrators and acted out the tale while the Year 3 joined in with the singing and the actions for the catchy tunes.  

The PAIS team then led an interesting quiz involving Penelope Pineapple and questions about where in the world different fruit and vegetables come from and Rev’d David Brown promoted the meaning of harvest.  

Thank you to Rev’d David Brown and the PAIS team for hosting us at St Michael’s Church and for the parent helpers who walked with us to church.

Chestnut Class Spotlight- October 2024

It has been a very exciting time in Chestnut class. As part of our ‘Invasion’ topic, we have been very curious to learn interesting facts about the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain and how the language and culture changed after the Romans left.

In English, we have acted out the story of ‘Beowulf’ and have written Anglo-Saxon narrative poems using noun phrases, alliteration, kennings and powerful verbs to create adventurous and arm-gripping poetry about the warrior defeating a monster.

In maths, we have ordered, partitioned and compared four-digit numbers on number lines, rounded numbers to 10, 100 and 1000 as well as showing great confidence when using column addition and subtraction to solve word problems.

In science, we have researched the functions of the parts of digestive system and have found out about the different types of teeth and how to look after them.

In PE, we have been developing our fundamental skills such as running, jumping and have challenged ourselves to complete skipping challenges.

As well as all the exciting curriculum learning, Chestnut Class have welcomed Councillor Matecki to find out about the local council and have also practised the singing and acting ready for the Harvest assembly performance at St Michaels Church on 25^th October.

Rotary Club Presentation

Dick Dixon, the president of the Warwick Rotary Club, visited Budbrooke this week to present Year 4 children from Chestnut with their dictionaries.

The Warwick Rotary Club organises events such as the Warwick Thai Festival, the Warwick Castle carols and Warwick racecourse bonfire night. The money raised then goes to help with local projects as well as supporting with overseas aid such as providing toilets for schools in West Africa and sending shelter boxes to Libya and Morocco.

The Year 4 children said: “The dictionaries are superb. They have lots of fantastic diagrams with a lot of information about many topics. The dictionaries will be really helpful because we can use them to help spell exciting words in our writing. We have already found information about Beowulf and Anglo-Saxons that we have been learning about in our history topic as well as teeth and the digestive system from our science topic.”

Year 4 Local Councillor Visit

This week, as part of Parliament Week, Chestnut Class welcomed Jan Matecki to Budbrooke Primary School to find out about his role as a local councillor.

Councillor Matecki of the local Budbrooke Ward gave an interesting talk about the role and responsibilities of councillors in the County Council, District Council and the Parish Council including how councillors are chosen and the services each council provides.

The children, who listened superbly all the way through, then asked curious questions to find out more information about the role including what inspired Jan to become a councillor, what makes a good councillor and what he enjoys about his role. They would make very good journalists. It appears that councillors share many values with Budbrooke- confidence, challenge, curiosity, consideration and most importantly collaboration.

Many thanks to Councillor Matecki for taking the time to visit Budbrooke Primary School and sharing his knowledge with Chestnut Class.

Mr Brereton & Chestnut Class

Chestnut Class Reminders:

Chestnut class PE days are Tuesday and Friday. PE kit should stay in school and will be sent home at the end of every half term.

Children should have a water bottle and a coat in school. 

Home Learning:

Home learning will be uploaded each week in the 'files' section at the bottom of this page. There will be three colours to choose from. Your child will be given a colour every Thursday. The colour will be found in the margin of their home learning book. Select and complete the colour your child has been set.

Homework will be handed out on Thursday to be completed and returned by the following Tuesday. 

Spellings-    to be handed out on 10.07.25

Adverbials of manner

awkwardly

frantically

curiously

obediently

carefully

rapidly

unexpectedly

deliberately

hurriedly

reluctantly

 

Spellings-    handed out on 03.07.25

Adverbials of frequency and possibility

regularly

occasionally

frequently

usually

rarely

perhaps

maybe

certainly

possibly

probably

 

Ways to support your child:

-Practise your child's spellings with them.

-Read (preferably daily) with your child. Try and encourage them to read a range of genre of books and authors. Here are a couple of useful lists of recommended books for year 4 children:

https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/reading-lists-for-ks2-school-pupils/suggested-reading-list-for-year-4-pupils-ks2-age-8-9/

https://www.thereaderteacher.com/year4

-Practise times tables with your child. Little and often is often the best way with times tables. Purple Mash is an excellent resource which has lots of times table activities on. Here are a few good websites with games that your child can play whilst also practising their times tables:

Each child has login details for www.timestables.co.uk where they can explore and practise the timestables ready for the Multiplication Check towards the end of the school year. 

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/times-tables/coconut-multiples

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/daily10

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/daily10

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/arithmetic

-Support your child in completing their weekly maths and English/topic homework which (starting from wk beg 9th September) will be handed out on a Thursday to be completed and handed in by Tuesday. . 

 

Reading:

Any bit of reading you can do with your child will be hugely benficial. The following link will take you to a list of great books that are recommended for year 4 children: https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/Pie-Corbetts-Reading-Spine-Year-4-Pack-x-7-9789951118682

This link will take you to a website that will suggest alternative options if your child enjoys one particular author or genre of book: https://www.booksfortopics.com/booklists/branching-out/

Whilst it is great when a child finds an author or genre that they love, it is also important that they branch out and try alternative authors or genres. The guide above will help you make suggestions for your child to try, based on what they know they already love.