Furze Platt Juniors 2023-24 Newsletter
Newsletter 15th December 2023
No better job at Christmas (except being Santa)!
Seven Nativities, six trees decorated (four as part of an inter-house competition), four Pantos, two guitar concerts, two Christmas lunches, Christmas jumpers and adornments galore, festive assemblies, an epic Christmas Fair (thank you FPSA and volunteers), staff 'singing' carols on the playground, a Carol Concert and 90 Early Years children singing Christmas songs. You cannot get more magical and festive than that! We can almost make our own '12 days of Christmas'!
That is just some of the recent events at Furze Platt Primary Federation in our lead up to the Winter Holiday. It has been another action-packed term with so many events, activities and trips packed in for the children to enjoy and be immersed in.
With all that in mind, I do want to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff. As I have said before, our children get an amazing time at FPJS and the staff do all that they can to make each and every child's time here a perfect mix of striving for academic excellence with a nurturing environment so that our children can flourish in every way. Thank you to all the staff that make this school the place it is.
With sadness, I do need to let you all know that two members of staff will be leaving us this term. Miss Brewerton (Year 4 Class Teacher) is leaving us to take on a new, exciting career. We thank Miss Brewerton for all of her support in year 4 and wish her well in her next adventure. We are pleased to welcome Miss Oddy to year 4 and she will be taking on the teaching of Swift Class. Miss Oddy has worked across FPJS for a while now and has already taught some of the children when they were in year 3.
We are also saying goodbye to Mrs Vanstone from our Year 3 team. We would like to thank Mrs Vanstone for all of her support in year 3, in her role as teaching assistant, and for helping the children settle so well into their new school.
That leaves me just to wish you all a relaxing, enjoyable and safe break and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Mike Wallace
Executive Headteacher
Quick Links
Diary Dates:
Weds 3rd January - INSET Day. School closed to all pupils
Thurs 4th January - School starts back for all pupils
Fri 12th January - Y3 trip to British Museum
Fri 19th January - TTRS day
Thurs 30th January - SEND coffee morning at FPIS 9.15-10.15
Weds 31st January - Rhos meeting for Y5 parents at FPJS 5.30-6.30
Fri 9th February - Safer Internet Day
Mon 12th- Fri 16th February - Half Term
Y4 and Y5 Girls in Space at FPSS
On Tuesday 5th December, the girls in year 4 and 5 were invited to attend a 'Girls in Space' event at Furze Platt Senior School. 97 girls attended with Miss Thomas, Miss Scott, Mrs Belfrage and Mrs Mule along with some very willing parent volunteers.
It was a lovely afternoon in which the girls spent over an hour inside a huge planetarium where they learnt about planets, constellations and stars. It was a very interactive experience and the girls heard about how there are future hopes to send people to Mars - who knows, maybe an FPJS student may lead the mission!
Inter House Christmas Tree Competition
The annual fun event of Inter House Christmas Tree Decorating culminated in a victory for Normans (red). Led by the creative House and Vice Captains, all the children were tasked with creating decorations from paper and then decorating a tree within one hour. The winning house created some lovely origami style decorations, themed in red, including a hot chocolate mug and straw and 3d presents. It was definitely a fun event for all!
Well-being Warriors
Our two schools have combined together to create a team of Well-Being Warriors with the aim to focus on well-being for the children, staff and our families. The staff team has representatives from different roles across the schools and they are joined by five year 6 pupils who have recently completed Royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Well-Being Champions training.
We will be sharing our plans in newsletters but we wanted to let you know a few of our upcoming events and ideas aimed at supporting our children’s’ Mental Health and Well-Being.
Firstly, we will be organising a special day during National Children’s Mental Week (5 th -11th February) for the children to take part in sessions such as Mindfulness and Yoga. The theme this year is ‘My Voice Matters’ and assemblies and sessions will be focused on this theme. More information to follow.
We will also be launching our new FPPF Well-Being Challenges, based around the main six pillars of well-being; Take Notice, Give, Learn, Active, Care and Connect. More information will follow on how you and your child can take part in challenges through the year to not only gain rewards in school but also help support each and everyone’s well-being.
For families, we want to draw your attention to our websites where we have some information that may be of use to you. We will be adding to this as the year progresses so please do send in any links or information that you feel may be useful to other families. Finally, please do remember that there is always someone here if you need to talk to someone or need someone’s help. Mrs B, our Family Support worker, is always happy to meet with families to help them through challenges in their lives, especially at this time of year. The festive season can be difficult for some families so please do seek support if you need it.
Rhos Y Gwaliau - Year 6 Residential
Year 6 embarked on an unforgettable six-night adventure at Rhos Y Gualiau in Wales, delving into a range of exhilarating activities. Despite the biting weather and challenging endeavours like rock climbing, gorge walking, mountain climbing, and canoeing, their teamwork and resilience shone brilliantly throughout the week. Beyond the thrill of these activities, they returned home not only with cherished memories but also equipped with newfound life skills. From mastering the art of bed-making and lunch preparation to confidently tackling chores, their independence and responsibility have blossomed. We hope you've noticed the evidence of their incredible journey reflected in their newfound skills at home.
Equally, we had a brilliant group of students back at school who were partaking in lots of creative and team building activities. Throughout the week they built and designed a lifesize robot, made tie dye t-shirts and went on a local walk where they had to use their orienteering skills. All of the children showed brilliant collaboration throughout the week!
Well done Year 6 - you did yourselves very proud!
Y5 - In School Visit from Maidenhead Heritage Centre
In the week of 20th November, Year 5 had a visit from Richard Poad who works at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre. He delivered an interesting and insightful lesson to each class and took us back in time to Victorian Maidenhead. He showed the children what life would have been like before the introduction to the railway in our local town. He showed us some old photos of places in Maidenhead which are unrecognisable and old maps of Maidenhead from 1830.
At the end of the lesson, he gave the children a task to make a bridge with the widest arch they could from Duplo bricks. They weren't allowed to have a support holding it up in the middle. The children were certainly up to the task and did very well. Unfortunately, no one beat the record though.
Y4 - Christmas Unwrapped at St Peter's Church
On Monday 27th November, Y4 attended a 'Christmas Unwrapped' workshop at St. Peter's Church.
The workshop was a very enjoyable day out and children learnt lots about the true meaning of Christmas. We learnt that Jesus was probably born in a cave rather than a stable and that it was also very unlikely that Mary rode a donkey all the way to Bethlehem!
As well as learning lots about the true Christmas story, the children also got to ice biscuits to take home.
It was a brilliant day out and definitely helped us start getting into the Christmas spirit!
Y3 - Lantern Making with Norden Farm
Last week Year 3 had the amazing opportunity to make some bee lanterns with Norden Farm. The children thoroughly enjoyed spending the day making these and on Saturday 8th December met at the Town Hall in Maidenhead to parade them. The parade was absolutely breathtaking and the children, adults and staff who attended said how much fun they had at the event. A huge thank you to Norden Farm especially Amanda and Paul who came into school, staff who supported this and the parents for bringing the children to the parade. Well done Year 3 - another fantastic achievement.
Y3 Christmas Productions
We are so proud of the whole of Year 3 for their wonderful performance of 'Lights, camel, action'. The children have not only been learning lines but have also had to learn songs and dances - some of these very tricky. Every child had an important role to play and supported each other every step of the way. They were always positive and excited to perform and the shows really were magnificent! What a wonderful way to start our Christmas activities in school. Well done Year 3 - you are all superstars.
Christmas Assembly - another epic event!
What a way to finish off this term! The 'Festive Spinning Wheel' (the children will know what we mean) was in full swing and the school celebrated Christmas Homework, TT Rockstar champions and other celebrations of our children alongside the annual Inter House Christmas Singing Competition. For this competition, the House and Vice Captains draw out a name of a famous Christmas Hit and they then are given time with their house to plan a routine to the song. The children are judged on singing, enthusiasm, dancing and the overall amazingness. This year the Normans Year 5&6 ran away as winners with an excellent rendition of 'Merry Christmas Everyone' by Slade. Well done to Samuel Boddy and Daniel Wilcockson for leading the performance.
The Christmas Homework competition was outstanding this year with poetry, animation, artwork, pieces of writing, research presentations and fabulously constructed models as some of the entries. Well done to everyone that entered and especially those that even managed to enter more than one! The top three for each class were given a prize and the overall year group winners chosen by the year group staff.
Well done to all finalists and a special well done to Jonas Lanyon (Year 3 winner), Mathilda James (Year 4 winner), Chizara Okwuegbuna (Year 5 winner),Aidan Craig & Tawana Nyerenyere (Year 6 winners).
Finally, we are pleased to announce that Furze Platt Primary Federation raised a whopping £812 for Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day 2023! Thank you all for your donations.
FPJS Staff Choir
Some dedicated and talented (?) staff took to the stage (driveway) on Tuesday evening to sing some Christmas songs and carols to to the children and families. Led by Mr. King and his trusty mini light show and speaker, the staff had a great time covering some classics. They hopefully put a smile on your faces and added another little bit of Christmas cheer!
Guitar Concerts at FPIS and FPJS
Led by Mr Hastings, our fabulous guitarists took to the stage and performed a selection of Carols and Christmas hits for their families and our children. It is truly amazing how far these musicians have come on through the years and they all played with confidence and outstanding ability. Thank you guitarists and thank you Mr Hastings for working so hard with this group of talented children.
Stars of the week - Class Stars & PE Stars
TT Rock stars- Top Ten & Top Ten progress children this term
Well done to all our children who use TT rock stars regularly to practise times tables! In this edition we have an updated top ten and the top ten children who have made the most progress this term.
Spelling Shed- Top Ten
Well done to our top ten spelling pupils this week!
Top Ten Progress in TT Rock stars
Sports Update
PE News!
PE Update!
Another fantastic half term in P.E.
A massive well done to everyone for all taking part in their lessons! this half term we have been doing Gymnastics in the hall working on their shape, balances, rolls, jumps and their dynamic movements. creating amazing routines. They have also been working on their basketball skill outside slowly bringing in match play.
Just a reminder that it is now getting colder so please make sure your child is wearing appropriate clothing as they will be having one P.E. lesson outside.
Mrs Winter & Miss Gill
Netball News!
Wow what a win! On Tuesday 21st November FPJS hosted St Edmund Campion in our last game of 2023. This was an extremely competitive match will both teams leading at different times in the game. In the final quarter, a brilliant goal from Megan Taylor saw FPJS clinch the win. Every member of the squad contributed to this win with their determination, resilience and teamwork.
Well done squad!
The league continues after Christmas, so watch this space for our next match update....
Y5/6 Sportshall Athletics 21st November 2023
Following 7 successive wins in as many years in Sportshall Athletics, and with little time to train as they were in Rhos the week before; this year’s year 5/6 sportshall team had a lot to live up to. They were determined and trained during many breaks and lunch times and even when in Rhos! On the day, it was fantastic to watch the team members give their absolute bests against the other 12 teams to gain 14 x 1st, 5 x 2nd, 3 x 3rd places out of a possible 24, winning the competition overall by an amazing 100 points with a score of 586. As the winning team, the A team have qualified for the county finals in Newbury next March where they will compete against the winners from other schools in Berkshire.
Best records of the day: Megan G standing long jump - 176cm, Kimberley vertical jump - 41cm, Immy - javelin 12m, Elsie triple jump – 498cm, Aidan triple jump 520cm.
Added to this, we have been so lucky this year to be allowed to take B team’s to represent FPJS in this sport from both years 5/6 and 3/4. Although the B team only had a week’s notice - so little time for training - they also put in brilliant effort, winning 2 x 1st, 5 x 2nd and 6 x 3rd places. It is amazing to announce that the B team were second overall in the competition, gaining 486 points and silver medals!
Sportshall is a physically and mentally challenging event to take part in and all pupils who did this should feel very proud. As well as this, winning gold and silver medals in this competition has never been achieved before by FPJ or any other local school. So well done all!
Many thanks goes to Stephen Francis and Sammie Phillips for volunteering to help.
Mrs Tisshaw
Y3/4 Sportshall Athletics 21st November 2023
On Tuesday 21st November, 2 teams from years 3/4 represented Furze Platt in the annual Sportshall Competition at Braywick Leisure.
The teams competed against many other schools in the Borough as well as each other in a variety of events. The events were split between the track and field, with each child able to compete in 2 track and 2 field events. These events ranged from long distance and short distance relays, obstacle races to standing long jump and speed bounce.
After 3 hours of competing, the competition was over. Due to the over-running of the event, we had to wait until the following day for the results.....
The fantastic news came through that one of our teams had WON GOLD and the other just outside the medals.
Our winning team will represent the borough in the County Games in March 2024.
Well done to everyone who participated in this wonderful sporting competition and a big thank you to all the parents for your continued help and support ensuring our Furze Platt children are able to attend these sporting occasions.
Mrs Winter & Miss Gill
New Age Kurling 28th November 2023
On Tuesday 28th November, Furze Platt returned to Braywick Leisure Centre for a New Age Kurling competition. The two teams competed against a number of other Borough schools in 6 rounds of NAK. This excellent competition is all about getting your "stones " closer to the target than your opponent. Our A team won all their matches which resulted in them winning the whole competition. The B team did really well too but just missed out of a top 3 finish.
The A team will now attend the County finals in Newbury in July 2024.
A massive well done to everyone who participated in this competition!
Mrs Winter
Boccia Competition 28th November 2023
On Tuesday 28th November, FPJS competed in a Kurling and Boccia competition at Braywick Leisure Centre.
The students who went were: Andrew, Mohsin, Alice, Cassidy, Charlie, Rose, Makayla, Joseph, Betsy-Rose, Phoenix, Lily and Sam. We were accompanied by Mrs B, Mrs Ridley, Mrs Tisshaw, Miss Priti and Mrs Winter The boccia team won 1st place and were all extremely excited! We were all very proud of our accomplishment.
We would like to thank Braywick Leisure Centre for inviting us to this brilliant competition and to all the amazing teachers who organised it - you are brilliant!
Lily S - Cormorant Class
Year Group Updates
Year 3 News
What a fantastic few weeks we have had in Year 3. The children have been super busy rehearsing daily for their Christmas nativity plays as well as continuing to work hard in lessons.
In English we have been using headings and sub-headings to organise super hero content and then retrieve information from texts. We have also been continuing to practice our handwriting and spellings.
In maths we have been focusing on the 3 and 4 times tables as well as how to multiply and divide by 3 and 4. The children have used lots of pictorial representations as well as a variety of manipulatives.
In science the children have been learning about levers and pulleys and using k'nex to show how these work.
In DT the children have been designing and creating their own pop-up books using a variety of folds. The children have then been using their computing skills to design one of their pictures on the iPad and deciding if it is best to use paper or technology.
The children also created some fabulous lanterns with Norden Farm as well as decorations for the classroom to keep up our fabulous Christmas spirit.
This has been a very busy, but fun filled term for the children and we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break.
See you all in the New Year!
Mrs Barry- Y3 Team Leader
Year 3- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks!:
What folds did you use for your pop up books?
Can you explain what grouping and sharing are?
How do Christians celebrate Christmas?
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y3...
The Iron Man - Ted Hughes
Amazing Islands - Sabrina Weiss and Kerry Hyndman
After the fall - Dan Santat
Year 4 News
As we bid farewell to Autumn Term 2, we reflect on a term filled with laughter, learning, and festive cheer. The children have been on an exciting journey across a spectrum of subjects, creating long lasting educational experiences.
Our classrooms were transformed within the past two weeks into winter wonderlands as we unwrapped the magic of Christmas. From exploring the theory behind the Christmas story, to engaging in delightful activities, the children experienced the joy of giving and receiving. The festive spirit continued with the Girls in Space workshop, year 3 Christmas plays, lively discos, and a heart-warming shared Christmas lunch, where the children came together sharing memories with their friends. Also, some shockingly embarrassing dancing from their class teachers!
The project homework submissions have been nothing short of brilliant! The variety of creativity on display has been fantastic and I know all the teachers have been really impressed with the effort put in. Alongside this, in Design Technology, the winter ornaments project also brought challenges and triumphs as the children persevered, showcasing their newfound sewing skills in creating a series circuit. Trial and error led to success, a valuable lesson in resilience and dedication. I think you can agree they look fantastic!
Maths recently took on a winter theme, as the students engaged in activities involving Roman numerals. From snowflakes to snowmen, the children had fun translating digits into Roman numerals, adding a festive twist to their Maths. Challenge your child to share their Roman numeral skills with you!
In English, the children used metaphors and similes to craft beautiful winter poems. Their words painted vivid pictures of the season's magic, and we're delighted to share some examples of their proud work.
As the term concludes, the Year 4 team wishes you a restful and joyful break. Merry Christmas from all of us—may the spirit of the season bring warmth and happiness to your homes.
Miss Keating-Bell Y4 Team Leader
Year 4- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks:
Can you name two types of stitches you used to create your winter ornament?
How do humans use rivers around the world?
Why is it so difficult to eat upside down? What does the oesophagus do to support the body in passing food down to the stomach?
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y4..
Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell
Brand New Boy by David Almond
Libby and the Parisian Puzzle by Jo Clarke
Year 5 News
I cannot believe how quickly term 2 has gone! It has certainly been a productive term, even with all the Christmassy events at the end.
In maths, the children have been learning about fractions. They have found equivalent fractions, added and subtracted fractions with and without the same denominator and found the common denominator.
In writing, the children finished the non-chronological reports on their planets and presented these beautifully for the final piece. (pictured). We have moved on to some Christmas writing where the children are writing up their version of the perfect Christmas. Is there such a thing? We think so!
In other areas of the curriculum, we have been working on our DT projects this term and the children have used kits to make a fairground ride. They had the choice of making a Ferris Wheel, Chair-O-Plane or a Merry Go Round. The Year 5 staff were admiring how well the children went to work to create their fairground rides in pairs. They look brilliant!
We also used our computing lessons to add the electrical components so that the fairground ride could function.
The Year 5 team want to wish all our families a happy, safe and not so hectic break!! We look forward to seeing you back in school in 2024!
Mrs Dean, Y5 Team Leader
Year 5- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks:
What is a modal verb?
How do you find the common denominator of a fraction?
Explain how you made your fairground ride in DT.
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y5...
Football School - Alex Bellos
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Joan Aiken
Twitch - M G Leonard
Year 6 News
What a brilliant end of term we have had. The children have been working incredibly hard all the way up until the very end and they all deserve a well needed festive break!
In English, we have been busy writing persuasive letters to the our Chair of Governors to try to persuade them that extending the school day by an hour is not a good idea. As a year group, we have thought of some brilliant arguments and have used some powerful persuasive techniques to ensure our point of view is heard.
In maths, we have finished our unit on fractions and we have begun a small unit on co-ordinates - Christmas themed of course!
In design technology, the children have created their CAM and have been decorating them to suit a Christmas toy shop window. This unit required lots of precision and understanding of mechanisms; we are excited for you all to see them!
Finally, the Year 6 Christmas project homework has been of outstanding quality and we are very proud of all the children for their submissions. We have enjoyed sharing these in class and it is clear and lot of time and effort has gone into all of them.
On behalf of the Year 6 team, I would like to wish you a relaxing, festive and happy Christmas full of lots laughter!
Miss Morales, Y6 Leader
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y6...
The House with Chicken Legs - Sophie Anderson
Cogheart - Peter Bunzl
A Poem for Everyday of the Year - Allie Esiri
Year 6- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks!:
Name three persuasive writing techniques
Where about would the co-ordinate (-4 , 8 ) be plotted on a four quadrant graph?
What has been the most challenging part of building your CAM?
FPSA Updates
Christmas Fair
The Christmas Fair was back on Saturday 2nd December and 100's of families joined in the fun which took place at both schools. Just before the fair opened, fair goers were treated to some singing by Furze Platt Junior School Choir in the Infants shelter and inside the hall, St Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band joined us and played some lovely carols.
Stalls at the Infants school included the popular kids tombola, hook a duck, pick a card, the secrets room, arcade basketball, name the giant teddy (his name turned out to be 'Terry' by the way!) and the nearly new stall amongst others. Over at the Juniors school, there was the adults tombola, tuck shop, pocket money stall, Lego water pong and the tea, coffee & cake stall. The FPSA ran a winter BBQ in the year 6 courtyard together with warm mulled wine. Topped off with the beauty room and Santa's grotto, there was fun for all the family.
The FPSA would like to thank all the people who contributed to the fair whether that was through donations, helping setting up or running a stall for an hour or two (or three in some cases!). The fair has raised around £7.600, money which will be split between both schools. Roll on Christmas Fair 2024!
Junior School Discos
The Junior School discos were back on the 8th December with DJs King and Sawle playing the tunes in the hall. Years 3 and 4 went first followed by the year 5 and 6 disco. Some great dancing and singing went on with a huge cheer for 'Merry Christmas Everyone' by Shakin' Stevens.
The FPSA would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our events in 2023 and we look forward to another year of fundraising fun in 2024. Happy Christmas all.
Dates for your diary:
Adults' Disco - Friday 9th February (TBC)
Mr T's Quiz Night - Friday 22nd March (TBC)
FPSA AGM - w/c Monday 25th March (TBC)
Other Useful Information For Parents
Christmas Junior Touch Rugby Camp
In 2 Touch will be running a Junior Touch Rugby Camp during the Christmas holidays at Maidenhead Rugby Club (SL6 1BN) on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th December (9.30am to 3pm) for juniors aged 5 to 17, which will be a combination of outdoor and indoor games and skills development for touch rugby:
Passing & Catching
Running & Agility
Kicking & Coordination
Scanning & Communication
Problem-solving & Teamwork
This camp will be supported by regional and international coaches and athletes from England Touch
Juniors of any playing level are welcome from complete beginner to experienced players
Please complete the booking form below if your junior would like to join us and please share with any parents/guardians who might be interested for their juniors too:
There will even be chocolate drinks and marshmallows to keep the juniors warm and energetic throughout the camp!
