Welcome to Oaks Class 🌳

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.” – Isaiah 61:3

Welcome to Oaks Class, home to our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils and the eldest children at St Joseph’s.

Our class name takes its inspiration from the beautiful words of Isaiah 61:3. Just as an oak tree grows from small beginnings to become strong, deeply rooted and able to withstand challenges, we want our children to grow in faith, wisdom, confidence and character. We encourage every member of Oaks to develop strong roots, reach high and use their gifts in the service of others.

Growing Through Challenge

In Oaks, we believe that some of our very best learning happens when things feel difficult.

Our Learning Pit teaches us that challenge is not something to avoid – it is where learning becomes deeper. We encourage our children to be resilient, ask thoughtful questions, learn from mistakes, try different strategies and support one another when the answer isn't immediately obvious.

We celebrate these behaviours through our PRAISE Award, recognising children who demonstrate the attitudes we value as learners: perseverance, resilience, independence, ambition, self-reflection and engagement.

We don't expect learning always to be easy. We expect our Oaks to keep growing.

Finding Our Voice

Being one of the oldest pupils in our school comes with exciting opportunities – and important responsibilities.

We are working hard to develop confident, articulate young people who can express their ideas, listen carefully to others, question respectfully and speak with purpose.

Oracy is therefore woven throughout our learning. We debate, discuss, present, explain and justify our thinking across the curriculum. Our children also have opportunities to use these skills beyond the classroom through pupil groups and leadership roles, where they can contribute their ideas and help shape the future of our school.

We want our pupils to know that their voices matter – and that they can use those voices to make a difference.

Faithful in Service

As the eldest children at St Joseph’s, our Oaks have a special responsibility to model our school mission:

Fidelis in Servitio – Faithful in Service.

Our faith is not something that simply belongs in an RE lesson. We want our children to understand how they can live out their faith through their actions – through kindness, compassion, justice, forgiveness and service.

Our pupils explore Scripture, ask big questions and discuss Catholic Social Teaching. They participate in Mass and prayer and have opportunities to take an active role in the Catholic life of our school.

Some of our children also represent their classmates through our Mini Vinnies, inspired by St Vincent de Paul. Through Mini Vinnies and our wider pupil groups, children learn to notice where help is needed, think about what they can do and then put their faith into action.

Leading by Example

Our Oaks understand that younger children look up to them.

Whether they are helping someone on the playground, welcoming a visitor, contributing during Mass, supporting a younger pupil, representing the school or simply making the right choice when nobody is watching, we encourage them to recognise that leadership is about how we serve others.

Alongside high academic expectations, we want Oaks Class to be a place of curiosity, laughter, discussion, challenge and belonging. We want our children to leave us not only ready for secondary school academically, but as confident, compassionate young people who understand their own strengths and recognise their responsibility to others.

Like the oak trees that inspired our name, we hope every child leaves St Joseph’s with strong roots, growing confidence and the courage to reach upwards.

We would love to welcome you into Oaks Class and let our children tell you all about the learning, leadership and opportunities they are so proud of.

Mrs Hamilton
Oaks Class Teacher