School Newsletter : 05 June 2026

| Issue 33 | Summer 2 | Week 1 |

Run Kids Run 2026 is Here!

SUNDAY 7 JUNE @ 2 – 4pm
MILLENNIUM ARENA, BATTERSEA PARK

We now have 88 children signed up (and counting!) but there is still time to register!

Registration opens from 1:30pm, with races beginning at 2:00pm.

When you arrive at the Millennium Arena, please look for Miss Barnett and Miss Rachida at the Burdett-Coutts registration desk (located to the left of the entrance). This is where you will collect your child’s running bib before taking your seat in the stands.

Important Information

  • All pupils should wear their full school PE kit and trainers.
  • We will have a general first aid kit available, but we will not be bringing individual pupil medications. If your child normally requires an inhaler, EpiPen or other medication, please ensure this is brought with you on the day.
  • Following each year group’s race, we would like to take a group photograph of participating pupils. Please look for Miss Barnett near the finish area.
  • We have also been advised by the organisers that dogs and bikes are not permitted within the arena area. Sadly, this means Biscuit will be cheering everyone on from home this year!

A HUGE thank you to all our Burdett-Coutts families who have already generously supported our fundraising campaign. If you have not yet done so, there is still time to seek sponsorship from friends, family and neighbours.

Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help us reach our fundraising goal and make a real difference to our school.

We can’t wait to see you there and cheer on our amazing runners!

———————————–

Run Kids Run is a charity initiative that brings school communities together through fun running events which promote healthy bodies, healthy minds and fundraising for schools. This year, our fundraising goal is to transform and refurbish the school Art Room for the benefit of all pupils across the school. We are hoping to raise £12,000 to support:

  • New carpets
  • Replacement sinks and work benches
  • Drying racks for artwork
  • Redecoration and painting
  • New art supplies and resources

These improvements will help create a brighter, more inspiring and creative space where pupils can continue to develop their imagination, confidence and artistic talents.

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.

Out & About..

Year 4 Trip: Tennis in the Square
Year 4 enjoyed an exciting and memorable trip to Trafalgar Square, where they took part in a fantastic tennis experience led by professional coaches. Throughout the day, the children participated in a variety of fun and engaging activities designed to develop their tennis skills and build their confidence.

The session began with energetic warm-up drills and reaction games, helping pupils improve their agility, coordination and quick thinking. They then took part in a range of tennis challenges focused on ball control, accuracy and consistency, practising how to strike the ball with precision, maintain rallies and aim successfully at targets.

Alongside developing their tennis skills, the children strengthened important qualities such as hand-eye coordination, balance, concentration, teamwork, communication and resilience. They also learnt key techniques, including racket control, effective footwork and accurate shot placement.

The trip provided a wonderful opportunity to experience tennis in a unique and iconic setting. Well done to the pupils who represented our school brilliantly throughout the day, demonstrating enthusiasm, determination and excellent behaviour.

Biscuits Bytes

Woof!

Welcome back to Summer Term 2, everyone!

It is so lovely to see all my friends back at school. I hope you had a wonderful half-term break. The weather was simply pawsome ☀️

I had great fun swimming and splashing around in my paddling pool and spray mat. Long afternoon naps and relaxing on my cool mat were the perfect ways to stay comfortable in the sunshine.

I hope you all enjoyed finding your own ways to keep cool too, and I am very pleased to know everyone stayed safe and sensible around water.

If you take a look at the calendar below, you’ll see we have a very busy and exciting seven weeks ahead. There is so much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Biscuit x

KS2 ABBA Voyage Experience: Thank You For The Music.

On Wednesday, a group of pupils from Years 3–6, selected for achieving 97% attendance or above, enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon at ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford.

What a FANTASTIC event!

The children (and staff!) loved every minute of it. I only wish I could have captured some of the experience on film so you could have heard the excitement in their voices as they shared stories from the afternoon with their friends, families and staff on their return to school.

Standing back and watching the arena was actually quite emotional. Everywhere you looked there was laughter, singing, dancing and huge smiles. It was wonderful to see so many children and young people completely immersed in the music and enjoying such a special shared experience. Opportunities like this allow us to connect with our pupils in a different way, creating memories that will stay with them long after the final song.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the appearance of two original ABBA members, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, who attended as special guests.

You can read more about it here (external link to www.guardian.co.uk) >

What a treat! It must have been incredible for them to see so many young people singing, dancing and enjoying their music decades after it was first released. The whole arena was buzzing with excitement.

We are incredibly grateful to Go Live Theatre Projects for the wonderful opportunities they have provided our pupils throughout this academic year, and we look forward to continuing to work together to create more memorable experiences in the future.

As mentioned above, I wish I could have captured the children’s reactions on the day. However, the next best thing is sharing their reflections of the show. Enjoy reading!

  • Joshua (Y6): I found ABBA Voyage very exciting because the atmosphere was ecstatic. The music, lights and special effects made it feel like a real concert, and everyone was singing and dancing along. My favourite part was hearing all the famous songs and sharing the experience with my friends. Seeing Ann-Frid and Benny at the end was a brilliant surprise.
  • Zaeem (Y6): The show was jaw-dropping, energetic and exciting from start to finish. The digital performers looked incredibly realistic, and it felt as though ABBA were actually performing in front of us. My favourite part was singing and dancing along with my friends and teachers. It was also amazing to see the special guests, Ann-Frid and Benny, at the end of the show.
  • Adam (Y6): I thought ABBA Voyage was magical because of the lights, the voices and the amazing atmosphere. The special effects were incredible and made the performers look so realistic. It was an unforgettable experience that I will remember for a long time.
  • Waleed (Y5): I liked the concert because I got to see 2 of the ABBA singers. It was so loud the ground was vibrating but I really enjoyed it! It was the best day of my life!
  • Adam (Y5): It was so much fun because it felt like we went into a portal to go back in time.
  • Lawand (Y5): It was exciting when the room went dark, the music started and they entered from the ground.“
  • Hussain (Y5): I was so shocked to realise that they weren’t real people.
  • Joe (Y5): It was extremely loud when they entered but I had a great time dancing with my friends and my teachers. My favourite song was Money, Money, Money!
  • Ren (Y4): BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! The ABBA Voyage was great! What’s better than non-stop dancing and singing? My favourite bit was at the end when they did all the best ones (apart from Mamma Mia which was in the middle). Frank and myself had the time of our lives. “Dancing Queen, young & sweet, only 17!” I met Frida and Benny. They waved to me!
  • Nina (Y4): The ABBA Voyage was the best concert I’d ever been to! All I can say is it was great, amazing and fantastic! What’s better than dancing and singing non-stop. My favourite song was obviously Dancing Queen. Robyn, Amira, Evanna and myself definitely had the time of our lives. Everybody enjoyed it, especially the adults! After the concert, we saw two real members, Frida and Benny. It was BRILLIANT!
  • Keshava (Y3): I was so excited! It was my first concert and it felt so energetic!
  • Isabella (Y3): I thought it was one of the best things that had happened to me!
  • Simon (Y3): The lights were outstanding!
  • Theo (Y3): I loved dancing with my friends
  • Lavin (Y3): It was amazing, I loved hearing ‘Money, Money, Money!
  • Rayna(Y3): It was so exciting and fun, the music made me dance crazy

Summer Fair

Disney

Tickets are now on sale for the Disney performances this term. Prices are £5 per adult and £3 per child. Children under 3 years go for free but will have to sit with an adult.

Performance Dates & Times:

  • Monday 29th June at 14.15
  • Tuesday 30th June at 14.15
  • Thursday 2nd July at 18:00

 

 

Year 4 Multiplication Test: Parents Guide

Swimming Lessons for Years 4 – 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 4

  • 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, Jun in Year 6 showcased his excellent piano skills by accompanying the choir during our worship songs. The school enjoyed singing How We Love You as a round and I, the Lord of Sea and Sky.

Our readers, Eleen and Mohammad, shared a passage that had also been read in church on Sunday, focusing on the Holy Trinity and Jesus’ message to the disciples to spread the Gospel throughout the world.

Vicar Graham reflected on the recent success of Crystal Palace F.C., using it as an example of achieving far more than might have seemed possible. He linked this to the disciples, who began as a small group of ordinary people but went on to share their message with people across the world.

It was a powerful reminder that, with faith, perseverance and belief, great things can be achieved.

Bible Teaching of the Week: Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus invites us to follow Him and promises to be with us as we grow and learn how to live in love.

Community Questions:

  • Who helps you learn to live with kindness and love?
  • How can we show courage in our actions like Jesus teaches?
  • Why is it important to support and care for each other?

Community Challenge:

Do one kind thing each day for someone else. Notice how it helps you and them, remembering Jesus is with you as you learn to live in love.

Class Assemblies 09:00 – 09:25

  • 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.

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 event is:

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

Meeting Dates:

  • 10th June
  • 17th June

Upcoming Events

June 2026:

  • 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
  • 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.

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): We have a waiting list for Nursery  places for September 2026.  Please feel free to book a tour and submit admissions documents to secure a place on the waiting list.
  • Preschool (2-year olds): We have 1 full-time and 2 part-time (PM) places available for September 2026.

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.

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, Preschool were introduced to their new core text, The Drum. The children enjoyed reading the story together and talking about the different sounds that drums can make. To extend their learning, they explored creating sounds using a variety of objects from around the classroom. They discovered that everyday items can be used as drums and enjoyed experimenting with tapping, banging and beating to create different rhythms and volumes. The children listened carefully to the sounds they made and compared how different materials produced different noises. Through these activities, they developed their listening and communication skills, explored cause and effect, and strengthened their understanding of sound. They also practised turn-taking, creativity, and both fine and gross motor skills while experimenting with rhythm and music.

Nursery:

This week in Nursery, the children began exploring a new core text, Pop!, a story all about popcorn and the five senses. As part of a tuff tray activity, the children investigated popcorn kernels and used tweezers to pick them up and move them around. This highly engaging activity helped develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and concentration, while also encouraging sensory exploration. The class also spent time thinking about their five senses and discussing what happens when popcorn is made. The children talked about what they might hear when the popcorn pops, what it smells like, how it feels and what it tastes like. Led by their own ideas and interests, the activity sparked lots of conversation, curiosity and imaginative thinking.

Reception:

It is hard to believe that Reception have already reached the final term of the school year. The children have grown enormously in confidence, independence and maturity since September, and their progress across all areas of learning has been fantastic to see. This week, the class have been focusing on reading and writing polysyllabic words, applying their phonics knowledge to tackle longer and more challenging vocabulary. They have shown great enthusiasm and resilience as they segmented and blended sounds within these words, using their phonics skills to support both their reading and writing. The progress the children have made in phonics this year has been particularly impressive, and they should be very proud of all they have achieved so far. There is much to look forward to in the weeks ahead, with lots of exciting learning opportunities still to come.

Year 1:

This week, Year 1 have been buzzing with excitement as they began learning to play the ukulele with Mr Carden. The children have loved exploring their new instruments, learning how to hold them correctly and practising their first strumming techniques. The ukulele has quickly become a firm favourite, and the class has shown fantastic enthusiasm, focus and perseverance as they begin developing their musical skills. With Mr Carden’s blessing, the children are hoping to perform on their very own ukuleles during their Class Assembly on 19th June. They are already looking forward to sharing what they have learnt with their families and loved ones. We are incredibly proud of the confidence, determination and excitement they have shown so far, and we cannot wait to see our budding musicians continue to grow. Watch this space – Year 1’s ukulele stars are getting ready for their big performance!

Year 2:

In Maths this week, Year 2 have started their new topic on time. The children have been focusing on telling the time to quarter past and quarter to the hour, as well as reading and recognising times past the hour. They have worked hard to understand the roles of the minute and hour hands and how these help us tell the time accurately. To support their learning, they have been using real analogue clocks during lessons, giving them lots of opportunities to move the hands themselves and explore different times in a practical way. The class has enjoyed taking part in hands-on activities, matching times to clock faces and discussing important times in their daily routines, such as waking up, lunchtime and bedtime. Any opportunities to practise telling the time at home would be a great support to their learning and confidence.

Year 3:

Welcome back to our final half term of Year 3! We hope everyone had a wonderful break and enjoyed the beautiful weather. The class has returned full of enthusiasm and has made a fantastic start to the term. In English, pupils have begun a new writing unit based on Into the Woods, exploring personification and how it can be used to create vivid descriptions and bring writing to life. The children enjoyed working collaboratively to generate ambitious nouns, verbs and adjectives, and we look forward to sharing some of their wonderful ideas and writing with you. In PSHE, pupils have started an important unit on changing bodies, taking part in thoughtful discussions about growing up and the responsibilities that come with it. In Maths, the class has continued developing their understanding of time, including telling the time, using calendars and calculating the duration of events. Alongside our learning, we are continuing rehearsals for our Disney production and are excited to see it all come together over the coming weeks. We look forward to another busy, enjoyable and successful half term together.

Year 4:

Welcome back to the final half term of Year 4! We hope everyone had a wonderful break and is feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting and busy few weeks ahead. This week and next, the class will be completing their Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). We are incredibly proud of the effort pupils have put into learning their times tables throughout the year. Continued practice at home will help build confidence and ensure they feel fully prepared, so please keep encouraging regular times tables practice. In English, pupils have begun a new writing unit based on the wonderful book Secret Sky Garden. To support their learning, the class will be planting seeds and creating a growing garden to accompany their current barren and litter-strewn paving stone display. We are looking forward to seeing how it transforms over the coming weeks, just like the setting in the story. In PSHE, pupils have started a new unit, Changing Me, exploring growth, change and preparing for transitions. In Science, the class is beginning an exciting topic on sound, investigating how sounds are made, how they travel and how we hear them.

Year 5:

Year 5 have made a wonderful start to their final term together, returning with enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards learning. In English, the class began exploring their text, King Kong by Anthony Browne and used ambitious vocabulary to describe Kong as a character. They will build on this work later in the term when writing their own dilemma narratives. In Maths, pupils started a new unit on decimals, focusing on adding and subtracting decimal numbers using a variety of strategies, before progressing to adding numbers with the same number of decimal places. In PSHE, the class explored self-esteem and the importance of recognising their strengths and celebrating what makes each person unique. In RE, pupils began a new unit on Christianity, considering how Christians show their commitment to God. Meanwhile, in Science, the class embarked on an exciting new topic on Space, learning about the planets within our solar system.

Year 6:

As Theologians this week, Year 6 continued exploring their enquiry question: How far is Christianity still important in people’s lives today? The class revisited key learning from the unit, including the teachings of Jesus, the Ten Commandments, Christian festivals and the work of Christian charities. Pupils then took part in a respectful and thought-provoking debate, considering different perspectives on whether Christianity continues to influence modern society. Using evidence from their learning, they discussed the impact of Christian values, traditions and charitable work, while also reflecting on how some customs and celebrations have changed over time. Following the debate, the class stepped into the role of newspaper reporters, writing balanced articles that presented both sides of the discussion before sharing their own conclusions. Throughout the lesson, pupils demonstrated excellent critical thinking, reasoning skills and respect for the views and beliefs of others.