Early Years Foundation Stage 

Reception have had a busy week following the half-term break, exploring their new topic, On the Beach. The children learned about holidays in the past and discussed how holidays have changed over time. They were able to write a list of items they would need to take to the beach and showed a good understanding of how to stay safe in the sun. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and engagement with the topic. The children also explored rock pools and learned about the different creatures that live in them. They enjoyed discovering a variety of sea life and discussing the habitats and needs of these fascinating animals. 

Key Stage 1

Year 2 have been enthusiastically exploring their new topic in English this week. On Monday, they became detectives, using clues displayed around the classroom to predict what their new learning theme would be – the Olympics!

The children are now reading extracts from Sportopedia, where they are discovering a range of competitive sports and learning fascinating facts about them. They have also been practising their writing skills by composing factual sentences about the Olympics and developing their understanding of possessive apostrophes.

It has been a fantastic start to an exciting topic, with lots of curiosity and engagement from all learners!

Lower Key Stage 2

Year 3 Visit to St Albans Cathedral

Year 3 had a fantastic trip to St Albans Cathedral, where they stepped back in time to learn about the Romans. On arrival, the children were greeted by a Roman Soldier and his slaves, who recruited them into his army, bringing history to life in an exciting and memorable way.

During the day, the children took part in two engaging workshops. The first was a learning walk exploring the story of St Alban, where the children had the opportunity to dress up and act out key moments, deepening their understanding through drama and role-play. In the second workshop, the children became artists, designing and creating their own Roman-style mosaics using bricks and grout.

It was a fun-filled day of exploration, creativity, and hands-on leanring, helping the children to gain a deeper understanding of Roman life and history.

Upper Key Stage 2

Year 5 Become Time‑Travelling Archaeologists

This week, Year 5 stepped into the shoes of time‑travelling archaeologists as they journeyed back to Ancient Athens to investigate the Acropolis and uncover what it reveals about the lives and values of the Ancient Athenians.

Pupils took part in a lively Human Acropolis, using their bodies to recreate temples, columns and defensive walls. This helped them understand why the Acropolis was built high above the city and why it was such an important symbol of religion, power and pride.

They then explored a range of historical evidence — including images of temples, statues, maps and artefacts — to piece together clues about Athenian beliefs, craftsmanship and daily life. Through discussion and investigation, pupils discovered how much we can learn about a civilisation by studying the buildings and objects it leaves behind.

Year 5 showed fantastic curiosity, teamwork and historical thinking throughout their archaeological adventure.

NSPCC

NSPCC Visit: Speaking Out and Staying Safe

This week, pupils in Years 2, 5 and 6 took part in the NSPCC’s Speak Out, Stay Safe programme. During the sessions, children learned an easy‑to‑remember rhyme for the NSPCC helpline number and explored the different types of abuse in an age‑appropriate and sensitive way.

The workshops helped pupils understand that they can always talk to a trusted adult if they ever feel worried or unsafe at home, school, or anywhere else. They also learned that support is available 24/7, including through the NSPCC website and the child‑friendly NSPCC app.

The sessions reinforced an important message: every child has the right to feel safe, and there are always people and places they can turn to for help.

Lockdown Drill 

This week, we carried out a lockdown drill with the children. We explain to them that we practise these procedures in case we ever need to bring everyone indoors quickly, for example if an animal were to escape from a nearby zoo or if a helicopter needed to land on our field.

The children were brilliant and responded calmly and sensibly. They quickly helped to ensure doors were locked, blinds were lowered, and everyone sat quietly until the all-clear was given.

The drill went very well, with all doors secured and checked within minutes. Regular practice helps us ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency and supports our ongoing commitment to keeping all children safe.