In Reception, every morning the children complete a fun activity which change daily during busy-fingers. These activities are tailored to each class to support their fine motor skills. These are so important for developing hand strength ready for fantastic writing!
Carefully placing the buttons and pom poms down using a pincer grip.
Completing a shape activity holding our pencils correctly.
Children practising cutting around the shape.
Using their pincer grip manipulating the tiny harma beads.
In Year 1, we have been learning about the addition symbol. The children have been writing addition number sentences systematically using tens frames and counters.
In English, the children have created their own books in which they are retelling the story of Rapunzel. They all created a front cover for their books using inspiration from different versions of Rapunzel.
Year 4 had an exciting and immersive Viking Day filled with hands on learning and creativity. The children took part in a lively drama workshop focused on Viking Gods. They all baked their own Viking oat flatbread, experiencing the simple yet hearty food of the era. To complete the day, pupils designed and built their own Viking longboats, learning about their structure and importance in Viking exploration. It was a fantastic day that brought history to life!
Year 5 had an exciting and inspiring day out at the Science Museum in London! The highlight of the trip was exploring the incredible Wonderlab, where pupils got hands-on with interactive experiments and discovered the magic of science in action. Everyone was amazed by the stunning IMAX film about the International Space Station, which gave a breathtaking view of life and work in space. The group also enjoyed an exhilarating rocket show, learning how rockets launch and soar into the sky. The day ended with time to explore the fascinating Space Exhibition, where pupils marvelled at real spacecraft and astronaut equipment — the perfect end to a day full of discovery and wonder!
As we’ve now grown into a full two-form entry primary school, we’ve taken some time to review how we organise our productions across the year. With more children taking part than ever before, we needed to think carefully about everything, from rehearsal schedules to ensuring there’s enough room for all our excited mums, dads, and families in the audience!
We’re really looking forward to celebrating together and giving every child their chance to shine on stage. Our aim is to make sure every pupil has their special moment to perform and feel proud.
Please check the diary section of the newletter for upcoming dates! For now, here’s an overview of what’s in store this accademic year:
Nursery: Christmas Carols
Reception: Christmas Nativity
Key Stage 1: Spring Production
Year 3: Christmas Carols Around the Tree and Mince Pies (for parents and grandparents)
Years 4, 5 & 6: Carols at the Church
Year 6: End of year production
We can’t wait to see our talented pupils perform and to celebrate these special moments with you all!
We celebrated Odd Socks Day on Monday 10th November and it was a great success. The day served as an important reminder about celebrating individuality and reinforcing our whole-school commitment to standing against bullying in all its forms. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped promote such a positive message.
Our large green recycling bin is situated near the entrance to the school hall. We partner with Astra Recycling as they will also pay the school for items that are branded with the school logo. Any items that are not re-saleable etc get recycled into insulation material, so very little will end up in landfill.
Therefore we ask that when sorting out uniform etc, if items are in good condition and can be donated to the PTA, please continue to leave those items in their collection bin. Any items that may have seen better days can now be recycled in the green clothing bin and still benefit the school.
Everything added to the bin must in in plastic bags please i.e. no loose items.
Items that can be recycled are:
· Clothing
· Branded clothing inc. school uniform
· Shoes
· Bed linen (sheets and duvet covers)
· Accessories such as: belts, gloves, hats, handbags
· Soft toys
You cannot recycle:
X Duvets
X Cushions
X Carpets
X Curtains
X Material off cuts
A further reminder that we have a lost property bin outside the school office. Any items that are labelled we endeavour to return to pupils. If items are misplaced, please do come and rummage in the bin at drop off or pick up. With 400 pupils there is often a lot of lost property, we cannot stress enough the importance of labelling all items and checking regularly that those labels are still in place.
At the end of term, all items in lost property are donated to the PTA shop or recycled.
Three Year 3 pupils presented a commendable performance in our celebration assembly. Their dedication was evident through the well executed choreography, carefully prepared costumes, and the overall quality of their presentation. They performed with confidence and maturity and we are very proud of them!
At 11am on Tuesday 11th November, the pupils of Belswains took part in the national two-minute silence to mark Remembrance Day. The children have been learning about the importance of remembrance in their lessons, reflecting on the bravery and sacrifices of those who served. Everyone stood in silence beautifully while the Last Post played, showing great respect and understanding during this special moment.
Congratulations to all the pupils who received a certificate in assembly, staff have noticed you doing something above and beyond!
Reception Robins Ava for a great improvement in her phonics blending and reading the sounds.
Reception Robins Theo P for fantastic improvement in phonics, also a great attitude to learning.
Reception Sparrows Kayden for super progress in forming his letters.
Reception Sparrows Elianna for using her sound knowledge to help her spell.
Year 1 Goldcrests Sienna for always helping her peers and teachers.
Year 1 Goldcrests Oscar for working really hard on writing sentences in English.
Year 1 Firecrests Archie for doing some great work about being a good friend.
Year 1 Firecrests Kady for writing some fantastic sentences independently.
Year 2 Starlings Ffion for being a resilient learner.
Year 2 Starlings Temidara for always joining in with class discussions.
Year 2 Swifts Sofia for always being ready to share her ideas.
Year 2 Swifts Alfred for coming into the classroom enthusiastically and being ready to learn
Year 3 Jays Aizah for her excellent work in Maths and her great attitude towards her learning this week.
Year 3 Jays Lenny for excellent Maths and being a positive influence on his peers.
Year 3 Redwings Freddie for making good choices and having an excellent attitude in his learning.
Year 3 Redwings Lottie for always trying her best and her fantastic attitude towards her learning.
Year 4 Owls Charlie for always listening and doing his best in all subjects.
Year 4 Owls Maya for an excellent summary of the book so far Fantastic Mr Fox.
Year 4 Nightingales Poppy for creating excellent homework.
Year 4 Nightingales Luca for excellent focus and a wonderful attitude to his work.
Year 5 Eagles Cameron for being very enthusiastic on our school trip.
Year 5 Eagles Emily for an outstanding character description.
Year 5 Hawks Jack for being able to take a full and active part in our trip to the Science Museum.
Year 5 Hawks Zabava for being a great role model to her peers.
Year 6 Red Kites Jake For being a good role model in the class.
Year 6 Red Kites Dylan for an excellent attitude towards learning.
Year 6 Falcons Amelia for her amazing participation in class this week.
Year 6 Falcons Harrison for showing great initiative in his lesson this week.
Saturday 22nd November
PTA Christmas Market 1.00- 4.30pm
Friday 28th November
Year 3 Redwings class assembly 2.45pm
Friday 5th December
Year 4, 5 and 6 Carols at St Mary's Church
9.30 - 10.30 Year 4 Nightingales, Year 5 Eagles, Year 6 Red Kites
11.00 - 12.00 Year 4 Owls, Year 5 Hawkes, Year 6 Falcons
Tuesday 9th December
Reception Nativity Dress Rehearsal
Thursday 11th December
Reception Nativity 9.30am
Friday 12th December
Nursery Carols 10.30am
Reception Nativity 2.15pm
Monday 15th December
KS2 Choir singing at Tesco Jarman Park at 10am
Tuesday 16th December
Year 3 Carols in the hall 2.45pm
Wednesday 17th December
Christmas jumper and dinner day
Friday 19th December
Last day of term - School closes at 1.30pm
Monday 22nd December - Friday 2nd January 2026
Christmas holiday
Monday 5th January 2026
Staff INSET
Tuesday 6th January 2026
Children return to school
Monday 19th January 2026
World Religion Day
Friday 23rd January 2026
Year 3 Jays class assembly
Friday 30th January 2026
Year 5 Hawks class assembly
Friday 6th February 2026
Year 1 Firecrests class assembly
Friday 6th March 2026
Year 4 Nightingales class assembly
Friday 24th April 2026
Robins class assembly
Friday 1st May 2026
Sparrows class assembly
Friday 8th May 2026
Year 1 Goldcrests class assembly
Friday 12th June 2026
Year 2 Swifts class assembly
Friday 3rd July 2026
Year 4 Owls class assembly
We have introduced the online learning platform NumBots to EYFS and Key Stage 1. This exciting and engaging series of games helps children practise subitising, learn number bonds, and secure their understanding of addition and subtraction. The children have already had the opportunity to try NumBots in school and are very keen to share the games with their families at home. If your child is in Reception or Key Stage 1 and you have not yet received their login details, please speak to your class teacher.
We would also like to encourage children in Key Stage 2 (and Year 2 from the summer term) to use Times Tables Rock Stars more frequently. Children will use the programme in school at least once a week, and Times Tables Rock Stars will form part of their regular homework expectations. Little and often is best—just a few minutes, three or four times per week, is enough to make a real difference. Teachers will share progress with the children in class to help them focus on the times tables they need to learn. Speak to your class teacher if you have any difficulties accessing Times Table Rock Stars at home or if your child is unsure of their log in details.
Mrs Claridge has begun leading school 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.
We are delighted to share that admissions to Belswains continue to be strong, bucking the national trend of falling pupil numbers due to the lower birth rate. This is a wonderful reflection of the school’s profile and reputation within our community.
For Reception 2025, we received an impressive 151 applications for just 60 places.
See below a link for the latest Herts Online safety newsletter for parents and carers.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/santas-grotto