School Newsletter : 08 May 2026

| Issue 230 | Summer 1 | Week 4 |

Run Kids Run 2026

We are thrilled to announce that once again, we have registered to participate in Run Kids Run on Sunday 7th June in Battersea Park.

Run Kids Run is a registered charity helping primary school communities connect with long term corporate benefactors, through a fun running event that promotes a healthy body and mind, while fundraising for our school!

How does it work?

All pupils from Nursery to Year 6 can register to compete in this fundraising event. Nursery & Reception will complete a 1km run, with a parent, and Years 1 – 6 will complete a 2km run. Older siblings can also take part, making it a fun day for all the family.

Then get training and fundraising! After the Easter Break, we will offer an in-school (for pupils only) running club as part of the Summer Term Extended School Day Menu of options. A Just Giving page will also be set up, making donations and sponsorships easy for everyone.

Then on Sunday 7th June, bring your child/ren to Battersea Park from 2 – 4pm. The children will run their races and on completion, will receive an exclusive medal and healthy snack.

You can seek sponsorship from as many friends, family & neighbours as possible, as every donation will go towards raising funds for our school.

Our Corporate Sponsor:

We have partnered with OPLM (Old Park Lane Management) ever since our first Run Kids Run in 2024. Like us, they are excited to be working in collaboration to create positive change through a vibrant and ambitious partnership for the benefit of our pupils and the wider local community.

OPLM will be supporting whole-school projects, including School Council visits to their Millbank site and a collaborative art project to design hoardings, with further opportunities for pupils’ artwork to be showcased.

Happy 100th Birthday to David Attenborough

Image of All Aboard sign copyright of TFL

At Burdett-Coutts, we would like to send our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Sir David Attenborough, on this very special occasion of his 100th birthday.

For generations, Sir David has helped children and adults alike discover the awe and wonder of the natural world, inspiring us to appreciate and care for the incredible planet we share. Through his storytelling, wisdom and unmistakable voice, he has encouraged us all to think more deeply about our responsibility to protect and nurture our environment for future generations.

His work reminds us of the importance of stewardship, compassion and respect for the world around us – values that are so important within our school community.

Thank you for the joy, curiosity and understanding you have brought to so many lives. We hope you have a wonderful celebration and know how deeply valued and admired you are by people across the world.

In celebration of David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, the BBC brought the nation together for a special live event on Friday evening, honouring his remarkable contribution to natural history storytelling.

Held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the programme took audiences on a journey through a century of exploration and discovery, seen through the prism of Sir David’s extraordinary life and work.

Accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the evening featured music from many of his landmark series, alongside dramatic wildlife storytelling and reflections from public figures, conservationists and wildlife filmmakers who have worked alongside him over the years.

If you missed it, the programme is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

Out & About…..

On Monday, Year 1 enjoyed an exciting visit to Camley Street Natural Park, where the children became young botanists and nature explorers for the day. Surrounded by woodland trails, ponds and wild plants, the children took part in a hands-on plant workshop that brought their classroom learning to life.

The children explored the different parts of plants, carefully examining roots, stems, leaves and flowers, while learning about the important role each part plays in helping plants grow and survive. They also investigated a variety of habitats around the park, searching for minibeasts and observing how living things thrive in natural environments.

The visit sparked wonderful curiosity, thoughtful questioning and fantastic discussion, with the children showing great enthusiasm as they explored the outdoors. It was a brilliant opportunity to develop scientific observation skills, deepen understanding of the natural world and inspire a love of learning beyond the classroom.

Year 6 SATS week

Next week is SATs week for Year 6, an important period for our Year 6 pupils to demonstrate their learning across Key Stage 2.

To help us ensure optimal learning conditions whist these exams are taking place each morning, we would ask that all pupils are in school on time, to ensure that corridors and surrounding area are quiet once the exams begin.

Thank you for your support during this week, and wishing the best of luck to all our Year 6 pupils!

Remember to have a restful weekend and an early night on Sunday!

Treasures of the Orchestra Workshops

On Thursday 7th May we welcomed nine players from the Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra. In total, there were 3 violinists, a viola player, an oboist, a bassoonist, a trumpeter, a cellist, and a cercussionist with their animateur, Martha, who came to play and to tell us a story of pirates and treasure.

The sound of all of those orchestral instruments absolutely filled our hall, and it was so exciting to watch their brilliant playing techniques, and to talk to them about how their various instruments work.

A reflection from Reception on this amazing experience:

This week we were fortunate enough to welcome Treasures of the Orchestra to our school for an unforgettable musical adventure. As the students entered the hall, they were instantly transported into a world of imagination, surrounded by talented musicians positioned throughout the space with a variety of unique instruments.

Guided by a treasure map, the students became part of an exciting pirate journey, travelling to different “locations” in search of hidden treasure. At each stop, they listened carefully to the beautiful sounds of different instruments, including the violin, cello, trumpet and bassoon, learning how each instrument created its own special sound and discussing how the music made them feel and what it reminded them of.

The children were introduced to musical vocabulary such as reed and bow and were fascinated to see how the instruments worked. One of the highlights was watching the musicians work together to create vivid soundscapes – from the gentle movement of the ocean to fast-paced, energetic music that had everyone feeling as though they were racing across the deck of a pirate ship.

The performance was truly mesmerising, and the children were completely engaged from beginning to end. It was a joyful, immersive experience that sparked curiosity, imagination and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of live music.

Swimming Lessons for Years 3 – 6

We are delighted to announce that swimming lessons will begin again this term, for pupils in Years 3 to 6. Please see the table below for your child’s swimming weeks.

These lessons are an important (and statutory) part of the national curriculum and provide an opportunity for pupils to develop key skills and knowledge about water safety and learning basic swimming skills and strokes.

Pupils are issued with certificates at the end of each unit of swimming, which acknowledge the skill level that they have met.

All swimming lessons will take part at the Queen Mothers Sports Centre. Classes will complete their lessons in blocks (6 consecutive lessons over two weeks), instead of one lesson per week (over 6 weeks).

This arrangement ensures pupils have the best chance to consolidate and make the most of their lessons, with the opportunity to build on learning over sequential days, as opposed to having a week between each lesson.

On the weeks that your child’s class is swimming, they will need to wear their bathing costume to school with their PE kit over the top. They also need to bring in a bag; a towel, underwear and goggles, plus a cap (if they choose to use one).

Children will change into their PE kit after each lesson and put their towel and bathing suit in their bag to return to school.

If you have any questions or queries about your child’s swimming lesson, please contact the office to arrange a time to meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Year 3

  • Tuesday 12 May: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 13 May: 09:30 – 10:30
  • Thursday 14 May: 12:00 – 13:00
  • Tuesday 19 May: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 20 May: 14:30 – 15:30
  • Thursday 21 May: 12:00 – 13:00

Year 4

  • Tuesday 02 June: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 03 June: 09:30 – 10:30
  • Thursday 04 June: 12:00 – 13:00
  • Tuesday 09 June: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 10 June: 09:30 – 10:30
  • Thursday 11 June: 12:00 – 13:00

Year 5

  • Tuesday 16 June: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 17 June: 09:30 – 10:30
  • Thursday 18 June: 12:00 – 13:00
  • Tuesday 23 June: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 24 June: 09:30 – 10:30
  • Thursday 25 June: 12:00 – 13:00

Year 6

  • Tuesday 30 June: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 01 July: 09:30 – 10:30
  • Thursday 01 July: 12:00 – 13:00
  • Tuesday 07 July: 11:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 08 July: 09:30 – 10:30
  • Thursday 09 July: 12:00 – 13:00

Community Corner

This week in Collective Worship, Mr Carden accompanied the choir as they filed onto stage by playing some Beethoven before singing our first song, Kumbayah. Vicar Graham discussed with us the Bible reading this week, which was delivered by Ciaran and Eleen.

Graham explained, with the help of his personal and numerous collection of keys, how Jesus can unlock the path to love, joy and the Kingdom of Heaven. After singing the Lord’s Prayer, we sang our second worship song, He’s got the whole world in His hands – along with all the actions that our school community knows so well!

Bible Teaching of the Week: John 14:1-14

Jesus comforts His disciples, reminding them that He prepares a place for them, remains the way to the Father, and that He is still at work in the world.

Community Questions:

  • How do you feel knowing Jesus is at work in the world today?
  • Why is it important to keep believing in Jesus?
  • How can the Bible help us when we feel unsure or worried

Community Challenge:

Say or do something kind to help someone feel less worried. Remember Jesus’ words and try to show hope and reassurance to others.

Class Assemblies 09:00 – 09:25

  • 15 May: Year 3
  • 22 May: Year 5
  • 12 June: Year 6
  • 19 June: Year 1
  • 25 June: Reception (Thursday as Friday is an INSET day)
  • 03 July: Year 2
  • 10 July: Nursery

Please arrive on time, as late entry can disrupt the children and the flow of the assembly. Photos must not be shared on social media.

Disney Musicals in Schools

Year 3 and 4 are enjoying their Disney Musicals in Schools journey with this year’s production, Frozen. Throughout their rehearsals, the children are showing fantastic enthusiasm as they bring the story to life through singing, movement and teamwork.

As part of the excitement, we are launching a Poster Design Competition. All pupils are invited to create a bright, bold and eye-catching A4 portrait poster, including the words Frozen, Burdett-Coutts Primary School, and Year 3 and 4 Performance.

Entries should be handed into the school office by Wednesday 20th May 2026, with the child’s name and class clearly written on the back.

Please see the poster below for full details.

Our PTA: The Friends of Burdett-Coutts

If you are a parent, carer or a guardian of a child that attends our school, then you are automatically a member of our Parent Staff Association, Friends of Burdett-Coutts.

Being part of our PSA offers an exciting opportunity for you to meet other parents, whilst supporting our school, through organising fundraising events, volunteering and much more.

Even if you can only give a small amount of time, you will be making a difference to the school experience for your child and other pupils in our school.

Our meetings take place on  Wednesday mornings from 09:00 – 10:00 in the Ground Floor Hall, with refreshments. Everyone is welcome!

Our next events are:

School International Evening and World Day for Culture Diversity – Thursday 21st May @15;30 – 17:30

School Summer Fair – Saturday 20th June @12:30 – 16:00

Meeting dates:

  • 20th May
  • 10th June
  • 17th June

World Day for Cultural Diversity & International Evening

This year we are combining these two important events, by including our International Evening alongside World Day for Cultural Diversity.

To celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures in our school community, on Thursday 21st May we’d like to encourage all students, staff, and families to join us in honouring cultural diversity by wearing traditional clothing that reflects your heritage.

Whether it’s a small accessory or full attire, every expression is welcome.

We would also welcome donations of cultural food dishes to share as part of the evening. Our PTA will provide further details about this, alongside any ingredient information that would need to be provided with your food donations over the coming weeks.

Let’s make the day vibrant, meaningful, and inclusive! (and a feast for our taste buds😋)

Upcoming Events

May 2026:

  • Monday 11th – Friday 15th: Key Stage 2 SATS week. Good luck to all our Year 6 pupils
  • Wednesday 20th May: Keep Smiling, Tooth Brushing  & Fluoride Application Program (Day 2/2)
  • Wednesday 20th May: Year 4 Trip to the Science Museum
  • Monday 25th – Friday 29th: May Half Term – School Closed to all pupils.

June 2026:

  • Tuesday 2nd: Reception trip to London Zoo (Rescheduled date)
  • Monday 8th – Friday 12th: Year 1 Phonics Screen Assessment Week
  • Wednesday 10th: Year 6 participating in Walter Greaves workshop led by Peter Daniels, 09:00 – 12:30 (in school)
  • Friday 19th: Y6 Trip to Wapping – Thames Foreshore Mudlarking with Peter Daniels.
  • Saturday 20th: School Summer Fair: 12:30 – 16:00
  • Wednesday 24th: Year 4 & Year 5 Tate Britain Animation Workshops (in school)
  • Wednesday 24th: School Choir Singing Morning (themed on storytelling and literature – including songs from Matilda: The Musical at St. Gabriel’s Church 09:00 – 12:00.
  • Friday 26th June: INSET Day – SCHOOL CLOSED to all pupils

July 2026 (continued):

  • Monday 29th: Disney (Frozen) Matinee Performance 14:15 – 15:15 (details to follow)
  • Tuesday 30th: Disney (Frozen) Matinee Performance 14:15 – 15:15 (details to follow)

July 2026:

  • Tuesday 2nd: Disney (Frozen) EveningPerformance 18:00 – 19:00 (details to follow)
  • Tuesday 7th: Year 1 Trip to the Florence Nightingale Museum.
  • Thursday 9th: Whole School Sports Day
  • Friday 10th: Last day of Booster and Extended School Day Clubs
  • Tuesday 14th: Founders Day Service – Year 6 (Time TBC)
  • Wednesday 15th: Year 3 and Year 6 KEIR site visit, 09:15 – 12:00
  • Thursday 16th: Y6 Trip to Rochester Cathedral
  • Friday 17th: Last day of school for the summer term. School finishes at 13:30 for all pupils

1. Pupil Medications

A polite reminder to parents and carers that we are unable to give over the counter or prescription medicines to pupils unless they have an agreed medical plan in place.

Should your child requires medication to be taken 3 times per day due to winter season illnesses, please give them their doses before school, after school and before bed time.

Alternatively, if you’re able to do so, you can pop into school during your child’s lunch break (12:30 – 13:30) to administer a midday dose if required.

Please do not put any medications, creams, ointments etc in your child’s book bag. This can be very dangerous for other pupils or adults who may have allergies or if other children access these items.

If you have any questions, please email the school office and a member of staff will get back you. Many thanks for your understanding with this important Health & Safety issue.

2. Pupil Permission Forms for Trips

Parents & carers, please ensure that when pupil trip letters are sent home requesting permission for trips or visits, that you correctly read and complete the forms attached and return them to school by the date requested.

When forms are returned late, it is a challenge to manage and accurately provide the required confirmation / information to venues – which are usually requested 48 hours in advance. Furthermore:

  • Our admin and catering teams face additional pressure to prepare lunch orders and first aid.
  • These are difficult to amend at the last minute, and it also pulls them away from other duties & responsibilities they have.
  • Teachers are also unable to assign group pupil:adult ratios to ensure a smooth trip briefing with other staff/parents supporting the trip.

Because of this, pupils will miss out on attending a trip if the correct permission slips are not returned by the designated deadline. Instead they will be assigned appropriate class work to complete in a supervised buddy class.

Many thanks for your understanding and support with this matter.

3. Enrichment Clubs: Late Collection

  • We understand that on occasions you may be running late due to circumstances outside of your control.
  • If this should occur, please email or phone the school office to inform them and of your expected arrival time.
  • This helps us ensure staff who work until 18:00 will be able to leave on time, with a member of the SLT providing cover if needed if they are unable to stay.
  • We thank you for understanding with this request.
  • A reminder that that a £5 late charge is applied to your fees for every 5 minutes that you are late.

4. School & PE Uniform:

With the warmer weather now settling in, pupils are welcome to switch to their summer school uniform options.  Please ensure that all pieces of school uniform are named.

Please ensure that your children are wearing the correct school uniform to school each day. It is important that all pupils are also wearing the correct school shoes – which are black shoes, and not trainers.

The Summer term uniform options for pupils in Nursery to Year 6 are:

Girls:

  • Navy blue and white gingham dress
  • Dark grey trousers, skirt or skort
  • Short-sleeve white shirt (Years 3 – 6)
  • White school logo polo shirt (Nursery – Year 2)
  • Tie (Years 3 – 6)
  • V-neck navy school logo jumper (Years 3 – 6)
  • Navy logo school sweatshirt (Nursery to Year 2)
  • Navy logo school sweatshirt (for PE lessons: Years 3 -6)
  • Blazer (Year 6 only)
  • Plain black shoes (not trainers)

Boys:

  • Dark grey shorts or trousers
  • Short-sleeve white shirt (Years 3 – 6)
  • White school logo polo shirt (Nursery – Year 2)
  • Tie (Yers 3 -6)
  • V-neck navy school logo jumper (Years 3 – 6)
  • Navy school logo sweatshirt (Nursery to Year 2)
  • Navy school logo sweatshirt (for PE lessons: Years 3 – 6)
  • Blazer (Year 6 only)
  • Plain black shoes (not trainers)

On PE days, pupils must wear the school PE kit only.

This is especially important for safety.  Having the correct shoes for physical activities, and clothing that is not restrictive, for completing physical activity are essential for helping us to ensure pupils complete all PE lessons safely.

The Autumn/Winter term PE kit for all pupils from Year Reception to Year 6 consists of:

  • A school navy logo t-shirt
  • Navy  leggings, tracksuit bottoms or skort (no logos etc)
  • Plain black trainers
  • A school logo sweatshirt (not the v-neck jerseys for KS2 pupils. Sweatshirts are available from the school office in KS2 sizes).

Please note that pupils who do not have the correct PE kit will not be able to participate in their PE lesson. They will be given alternate work to do, and a note will be sent home highlighting why they were not able to complete their lesson that day.

We thank you in advance in supporting our school’s uniform policies.

Bi-Borough Autism Service

Parents and carers of Year 5 and 6 pupils are warmly invited to join an online session with the Bi-borough Autism Service on preparing your autistic child for secondary school.

The session will take place on Tuesday 5th May, 2.00–3.00pm.

To sign up, please email AEYIT@RBKC.GOV.UK

Term Dates 2025-2026

Please find here the agreed term dates set by our school’s Governing Body for the upcoming academic year, starting September 2025.

Please remember that holidays will not be authorised during the school term, and that all children should be in school (on time) every day.

Alternatively, you can click on the image thumbnail on the right to view the PDF (please note this will open in a new window) or you can click on the link below:

Term Dates 2026-2027

Please find here the agreed term dates set by our school’s Governing Body for the upcoming academic year, starting September 2026.

Please remember that holidays will not be authorised during the school term, and that all children should be in school (on time) every day.

Alternatively, you can click on the link below:

Preschool, Nursery & Reception Admissions

We currently have the following availability for places in our Early Years provision from January 2026:

  • Nursery Class (3-year olds): 1 part-time (afternoon) place available at present.
  • Preschool (2-year olds): From April 2026 we have 4 full-time places and 2 part-time (afternoon) places available

September 2026 Reception:  We have a waiting list for Reception places for September 2026.  Please feel free to book a tour and submit admissions documents to secure a place on the waiting list.

If you are looking for a Preschool, Nursery or Reception place for your child, please come along for a 30-minute bespoke EYFS tour. Here, you’ll have the chance explore our Early Years setting, speak to key staff and ask any questions regarding admissions, and your child starting with us at Burdett-Coutts.

Contact us to register for our tours which take place every Thursday, with times available from 09:15 – 14:30 during term time.

Online Safety

Did you know that not all apps are safe for children, with many popular ones having certain age restrictions. For example, WhatsApp, Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook operate a minimum age of 13+ years, and therefore primary school children should not have their own, nor access to, such apps or accounts.

As parents, you can help safeguard your children online by researching these apps and their purposes, as well as their age restrictions, BEFORE agreeing to download them. If you do choose to download them, remember that parental controls such as password protection, can be set up so that in-app downloads or purchases, cannot be completed by the children themselves.

For example, to prevent iTunes, Apple App Store purchases or downloads, all you need to do is:

  1. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
  2. Tap Content & App Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.
  3. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
  4. Select a setting and set to Don’t Allow.

Tips on how to install parental controls on other apps and devices (Android or Apple) can easily be found online, or even from the app developers themselves.

Funding eligibility letter for Pupil Premium, Early Years Funding & Free School Meals

Due to changes in the eligibility criteria for Pupil Premium, Free School Meals and qualifying for 30 hours of funding for Nursery provision, many pupils currently enrolled at our school may now be entitled to one of these funding allocations.

We will be issuing letters to families who are currently not in receipt of the above, asking you to complete the registration for the identified funding option your child/ren maybe eligible for. Thank you so much in advance for your help in completing this.

This funding allows us to increase additional staffing hours to run booster groups, and an exciting range of extended day activities, that benefit our school and your child, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated at this difficult time for school budgets.

  • If you should have any queries with regards to the letter sent to you, please contact Mrs Deary or the school office.

Preschool:

This week in Preschool we have been busy creating a collaborative jungle project! Each day, the children have added new layers of green to our artwork while exploring photos of jungles and learning about different jungle animals to inspire their creativity. We have been using a variety of materials and techniques to build our jungle scene, and the children are excited to continue adding new elements over the coming week. This project connects beautifully with our core text, The Animal Boogie, as we bring the vibrant world of jungle animals to life through art and imagination. through this experience, the children are developing creativity, fine motor skills, collaboration, and an understanding of the natural world through art and storytelling.

Nursery:

This week in Nursery we introduced a new and exciting core text, Lulu Loves Flowers as our topic this term is all about plants and growing. We have been learning about flowers and identifying the different parts of a plant including the roots, stem, leaves and the flower. The children also began to understand the role of each part and how they help the plant to grow and stay healthy. We also talked about what plants need to survive such as rain, sunlight and air. The children enjoyed having discussions about the things plants need to help them grow and they got thinking about what might happen to a plant if one of these things was taken away. As part of our learning the children enjoyed a creative activity where they decorated a sunflower using different coloured materials.

Reception:

In Reception’s reading sessions, there has been so much exciting progress. Many of the children are now reading their phonics books aloud to us with real fluency and expression. It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago they were identifying initial sounds and practising mark-making – and now they’re confidently turning pages, segmenting, blending, and enjoying stories as readers in their own right. What a journey!

Year 1:

Inspired by our visit to Camley Street Natural Park, Year 1 have continued developing their scientific thinking back in the classroom by becoming expert young botanists! The children have been learning to identify and classify different types of plants, exploring the differences between wild plants and garden plants through observation, discussion and investigation. During our trip, the children carefully searched the nature reserve for different plants, identifying daisies, buttercups, nettles and other wildflowers along the way. They used tally charts to count how many of each plant they could spot and noticed patterns in the environment around them. Because we were exploring a natural habitat rather than a garden, the children quickly realised that most of the plants they discovered were wild plants growing naturally. Back in class, the children used their growing knowledge to label plants, compare features and create beautiful scientific drawings inspired by what they had seen outdoors. We have been so impressed by the curiosity, enthusiasm and observational skills shown by our wonderful Year 1 scientists throughout this topic.

Year 2:

This week in Science, Year 2 explored a variety of habitats around the world, including oceans, deserts, rainforests, and the Arctic. We learnt about the different animals and plants that live in each habitat and discussed why these environments are suitable for them to survive and thrive. The children then chose one habitat to research in more detail, becoming experts on their chosen environment. They created wonderful drawings of their habitat, including the animals and plants that live there and carefully labelled their work. We were so impressed by their enthusiasm, research skills and creativity throughout this topic!

Year 3:

Year 3 have been investigating how water is absorbed and transported around plants. We used food coloured water and white flowers to see what would happen to our flowers. We predicted the petals would change colours but weren’t sure if the leaves would too. It took quite a while for the flowers to change colour, and we observed only the petals changed in the end. A great experiment to show how the tubes inside the flower/plant take the water around it. We have also enjoyed continuing our money maths and learning to subtract pounds and pence, and give change. In PSHE we learnt about being a global citizen, and how we each have an impact and are connected across the globe, even if we haven’t met them. We used examples of the food we eat and clothes we wear, and how these are made by people in other countries. We showed gratitude for everyone, and how we all have an impact on each other in the products we make, buy and use.

Year 4:

Year 4 have had another busy and creative week! In English, we’ve been building on our Iron Man work, this time using charcoal and chalk to create striking portraits inspired by the different illustrations of the Iron Man since the book was first published. The class worked hard to develop a mysterious, industrial feel in their artwork, and the results are fantastic. In PSHE, we have continued our focus on relationships. This week’s lesson explored getting on and falling out, with pupils taking part in roleplay scenarios to better understand these situations. They also began developing practical “toolkits” of strategies they can use in their own lives.
In Maths, we have started our new topic on Money and will soon be moving on to Time. This is also the focus of this week’s IXL homework. Please continue to support your child in practising their times tables, as we prepare for the Multiplication Check at the beginning of June.

Year 5:

Year 5 have had a short but busy week of learning. In Writing, we have started our next text type, a survival guide inspired by The Lost Book of Adventure. We explored new vocabulary and different writing styles to help us prepare for writing our own guide at the end of term. In Maths, we began using protractors to measure and draw acute and obtuse angles. Although it was tricky at first, we learned when to use the inner or outer scale of the protractor for each angle. In RE, we learned about the Sangha (the Buddhist community) and compared life as a Buddhist in wider society with life in a monastery. In PSHE, we explored online gaming and discussed our rights and responsibilities when playing games online. In Science, we compared the life cycles of mammals and birds, identifying their similarities and differences.

Year 6:

As Writers this week, Year 6 began exploring the features of newspaper reports through one of our class texts The Explorer by Katherine Rundell. Using the dramatic plane crash from the story as inspiration, the class stepped into the role of journalists to investigate the mysterious disappearance of four children in the Amazon rainforest. Throughout the week, they analysed the key features of newspaper reports, including formal language, direct speech, chronological order and the use of active and passive voice. The pupils then carefully planned each paragraph of their report before drafting, editing and publishing their own newspaper articles.