Welcome to Woodpeckers Class (Class One)

My name is Lisa Scott-Russell and I am the class teacher for Woodpeckers Class at Marsh Baldon CE Primary School.  In the classroom, we are lucky enough to also have Joy Scott-Russell, Fiona Varrie and Poppy Procter as Teaching Assistants.  

About our Class
Woodpeckers is our youngest class, made up of a mix of Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception) and Key Stage 1 children (Years 1 and 2).

In Reception, children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which is built around both prime areas—Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Communication and Language—and specific areas—Literacy, Mathematics, Expressive Arts and Design, and Understanding the World. This balanced approach supports every aspect of children’s learning and development, laying strong foundations for their future education.

In Key Stage 1, children follow the National Curriculum. English and Maths are taught every day, alongside a broad and balanced range of other subjects including Science, History, Geography, PE, RE, PSHE, Computing, Art and Music. Some subjects are taught discretely, while others are explored through engaging class topics, helping children make meaningful connections in their learning.

At Marsh Baldon, we believe that play is a powerful and meaningful way for young children to learn. In Reception and Key Stage 1, play-based learning provides opportunities for children to explore, experiment and make sense of the world around them. Through carefully planned, purposeful play, children develop curiosity, creativity and independence while building strong foundations in oracy, literacy, mathematics and problem-solving.

We combine structured teaching with child-initiated exploration, ensuring every child is challenged and supported in their learning journey. Whether indoors or outdoors, play encourages collaboration, communication, and resilience—skills that are essential for lifelong learning.

We are committed to creating a rich, engaging environment where play inspires a love of learning and nurtures the whole child.