Welcome back to a new term everyone! We hope you all had a restful break and are ready for the exciting weeks ahead. Although the weather outside may be cold and grey, there is plenty to look forward to in school. This term is packed with fun learning opportunities, special events and activities that will keep our classrooms bright and busy. We’re looking forward to seeing our pupils settle back into routines, challenge themselves and enjoy everything this term has to offer. 

We are delighted to share with our community that we received 148 applications for our 60 Reception places in September 2026. We are so proud of what we offer at Belswains, and it is wonderful to see so many applications, despite the continued decline in birth rates locally and nationally, which is affecting primary schools. 

Over the past two weeks, our EYFS children have been learning all about road safety. They have enjoyed using road safety equipment to help them understand how to cross the road safely and to learn the meaning of the different coloured traffic lights. Through practical activities and role play, the children have developed important awareness skills that will help keep them safe when out and about in the community. 

In Art, Year 1 have been exploring transient art. This is a type of art that is temporary and made from loose parts. We linked this learning to our Science topic on weather and had great fun creating different weather symbols using a variety of resources. After admiring our creations, we cleared them away and enjoyed making something new all over again! 

On Thursday 8th January Year 3 had an unforgettable Stone Age Day filled with hands-on learning and excitement! They arrived at school dressed as Stone Age boys and girls. In the morning they took part in a workshop during which the children explored a fascinating range of Stone Age artefacts, which truly brought their previous learning to life. They impressed everyone by confidently showing off their amazing knowledge of the Stone Age. Activities included making their own axe, re-creating Stonehenge, searching for buried artefacts in the sand, throwing ‘spears’ at a woolly rhino, and fighting off a fierce wolf! The workshop ended with a fantastic foam snow surprise that the children absolutely loved. In the afternoon, the children became Stone Age artists, creating their own cave art using wallpaper and charcoal. It was an amazing day from start to finish and one that Year 3 will remember for a long time. 

We are excited to share some news regarding our school menu. From Monday 19th January, we will be expanding our Halal offerings on the below days.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Week 1 - Monday: Halal Chicken Burger
                  Wednesday: Halal Chicken Roast

• Week 2 - Tuesday: Halal Chicken Sausage

Wednesday: Halal Chicken Roast

• Week 3 - Monday: Halal Beef Bolognese

           Wednesday: Halal Chicken Roast

Pupils will order in the morning in their class. We believe that offering a diverse menu is important to meet the needs of our pupils and ensure that everyone has access to meals that align with their dietary preferences and cultural practices. We hope these new options will continue to make lunchtime enjoyable for all our students.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming these new additions to our school menu!

On Thursday 15th January, both the Belswains Ospreys (football) and the Belswains Kestrels (netball) competed against Boxmoor Primary School. Despite the torrential rain, the children showed fantastic resilience, determination and sportsmanship throughout their matches.

The Ospreys delivered an outstanding performance, storming to an impressive 6-0 victory and securing valuable points in what is proving to be a very close league. A huge thank you to Mr Rooney for refereeing so brilliantly and to Mr Wheeler for supporting the team both on and off the pitch. The children played with excellent skill and attitude, and we are incredibly proud of them. With only a handful of games left in the league, please wish the Ospreys luck in their final fixtures!

The Belswains Kestrels played their very first netball match against another school after being coached by Mrs Freedman since September. Made up of enthusiastic Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, the team worked brilliantly together and represented Belswains with pride. They demonstrated excellent passing, communication and focus, finishing with a fantastic 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Amelia and Codie. A special well done to Amelie, who was deservedly chosen as Player of the Match by Boxmoor.

The Kestrels are back in action next Thursday, taking on Chambersbury Primary School on the Belswains MUGA from 3:30-4:15pm. Please come along and support them if you can!

Well done to all our players- what a brilliant afternoon of sport! 

We are pleased to confirm that Mrs Claridge will be leading Nursery tours this term. If you know someone who is considering joining our community, please let them know that they can contact the school office on 01442 264 324 or via email at admin@belswains.herts.sch.uk to arrange a visit. Available dates and times are listed here.