Class Names 2026/27

At Castleway, our class names are about much more than simply finding a way to tell one classroom from another. Each class is named after an inspirational person whose life, achievements and character give our children something to learn from.

From scientists and explorers to artists, authors and people who stood up for change, each was chosen because their story connects in some way with the qualities we want to nurture in every Castleway child. Across their stories, we see friendship, honesty, kindness, responsibility, resilience and respect, as well as the confidence to be themselves, challenge expectations and make a difference.

As children move through Castleway, we hope they get to know these remarkable people and, more importantly, understand what they can learn from them as they continue to Be kind. Be confident. Be your best.

Donaldson Class – Day Care

Julia Donaldson is one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors, creating stories filled with friendship, imagination, adventure and fun. Her books show even our youngest children that words and stories can take us anywhere. We chose Julia Donaldson to inspire our Day Care children to develop a love of stories, grow in confidence and discover the joy of learning together. A perfect place to begin learning how to Be kind. Be confident. Be your best.

Goodall Class – Early Foundation

Jane Goodall is known around the world for her ground breaking work with chimpanzees and her lifelong commitment to protecting animals and our planet. Her story is one of curiosity, kindness, patience and respect for the world around us. We chose Jane Goodall for Early Foundation because these are wonderful qualities to nurture right from the very beginning: caring for others, asking questions and learning to take responsibility for our world.

Lennon Class – Foundation One

Growing up just across the Mersey in Liverpool, John Lennon went on to become one of the most famous musicians and songwriters in the world. His creativity, confidence and belief in imagining a better and more peaceful world continue to inspire people today. We chose John Lennon to encourage our children to use their imaginations, express themselves confidently and understand the importance of friendship, kindness and respect.

Anning Class – Foundation Two

Mary Anning was a pioneering fossil hunter whose discoveries helped change what people understood about prehistoric life. Growing up with few advantages and receiving little recognition during her lifetime, she remained curious, determined and resilient. We chose Mary Anning because her story reminds our children to keep exploring, keep asking questions and never underestimate what they are capable of achieving.

Jemison Class – Year 1

Mae Jemison is a doctor, engineer and former NASA astronaut who became the first Black woman to travel into space. She followed her ambitions despite barriers and refused to allow other people’s expectations to limit what she could achieve. We chose Mae Jemison to inspire our children to be curious, courageous and confident, and to know that their dreams really can be as big as space!

Parks Class – Year 2

Rosa Parks became an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus. Her quiet courage helped challenge unfairness and contributed to lasting change. We chose Rosa Parks because she shows that being confident does not always mean being the loudest person in the room. It can mean having the honesty, resilience and courage to stand up for what is right and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Earhart Class – Year 3

Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator who challenged expectations about what women could achieve and became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Adventurous, determined and independent, she was never afraid to aim high. We chose Amelia Earhart to encourage our children to be confident enough to try, resilient enough to keep going and brave enough to follow their ambitions.

Curie Class – Year 4

Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist whose discoveries transformed our understanding of radioactivity and helped advance medicine. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. We chose Marie Curie because her determination, curiosity and commitment remind us that achieving your best takes hard work, resilience and the confidence to explore new ideas.

Kahlo Class – Year 5

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist famous for her distinctive paintings and powerful self-portraits. She experienced significant challenges throughout her life but used art to express her identity, experiences and emotions in her own unmistakable way. We chose Frida Kahlo because she reminds our children that being confident means being comfortable with what makes you you, while resilience means continuing to create, contribute and be your best even when life is difficult.

Kusama Class – Year 5/6

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist whose instantly recognisable work uses bold colours, patterns, dots and immersive installations. Her determination to develop her own creative voice has made her one of the world's most celebrated living artists. We chose Yayoi Kusama to encourage our children to think differently, express themselves confidently and respect the creativity and individuality of others. At Castleway, we want children to know there is more than one way to shine.

Mandela Class – Year 6

Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to challenging apartheid and racial inequality in South Africa. After spending 27 years in prison, he emerged committed not to revenge but to reconciliation, later becoming South Africa's first Black president. We chose Nelson Mandela for our oldest children because his extraordinary life demonstrates courage, resilience, responsibility, forgiveness and respect. As our Year 6 children prepare for life beyond Castleway, his example reminds them that true confidence comes with kindness and responsibility towards others.

Together, our class names introduce children to writers, artists, scientists, explorers, campaigners and pioneers from different backgrounds, cultures and periods of history. Their achievements are very different, but the qualities behind them have much in common: friendship, honesty, kindness, responsibility, resilience and respect. They remind our children that there are countless ways to make a difference and countless ways to succeed.

Most importantly, each of them gives us a different example of what it can mean to Be kind. Be confident. Be your best.