Furze Platt Juniors 2023-24 Newsletter
Newsletter 17th November 2023
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Is it Christmas already?
Is it Christmas already?
Three weeks ago we were talking to the children about Halloween and Firework safety. Fast forward to now and we are in full Christmas preparation! Where has the term gone already?
The saying "time flies when you are having fun" is the answer to this conundrum. Today, the three weeks of amazing times at FPJS culminated in a Children in Need themed day, full of challenges and fun! We have seen tongue twisters, press-up and cartwheel challenges, paper aeroplanes flying around the school and over £40000 'Bearpees' over the week. Well done to everyone that took part in a challenge and helped us raise money for the amazing work that Children in Need do for children and families across the United Kingdom.
As we move through the term towards the Winter break, there will be lots of special dates and events. Please do take a few minutes to check the calendar and make a note of the key dates for your family. One key event coming up soon is the FPSA Christmas Fair. The FPSA are busy planning and organising the stalls and would love as many families as possible to join us on this festive and fun day. All the money raised goes back ito our two schools to spend on your children.
Before you read on to see all the exciting news below, please can I draw your attention to two important points.
Firstly, road safety. Whilst we try to staff the school gate and the main gate, at times, we cannot always staff both areas. Please can I remind all families that the main driveway gates close from 8:30am but the short driveway, between the front metal gates and Oaken Grove Road, is still a road. Cars with Blue Badges can use this drive to park on and therefore they need to turn into our drive to park. If your child is on a scooter, bike or is just so keen to get to school that they run in, please ensure that they stay safely on the path until they get past the front gates.
Secondly, the Children's Commissioner for England is currently surveying views of our children, this is called the Big Ambition.
The Big Ambition aims to hear from children across England on what they think is important! In the lead up to the next General Election, the Children’s Commissioner wants to take children’s thoughts, opinions and ideas to decision-makers, to make sure that the Government hears young people’s voices on what they think needs to be done to make children’s lives better in England.
https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/the-big-ambition/
If you would like your child's voice heard, please do complete the survey below, more detail is available on the link above.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/the_big_ambition/
Thank you again everyone for your support this term and especially for the kind messages to our staff that are not able to be in school at the moment.
Best wishes
Mike Wallace
Executive Headteacher
Quick Links
Quick Links
Diary Dates:
Diary Dates:
Weds 22nd November: NSPCC Workshops for Y5 and Y6
Tues 21st & Thurs 23rd November: Maidenhead Heritage Centre visitor in school for Y5
Fri 24th November: Dress down day for FPSA Christmas Fair- adult tombola donations please!
Fri 24th November: Y2 parents talk and tour 9-10am
Mon 27th November: Pantomime touring company to whole school
Mon 27th November: Y4 to St Peter's Church for Christmas Unwrapped
Saturday 2nd December: FPSA Christmas Fair
Tues 5th December: Wren Class Christmas Play 9am
Weds 6th December: Finch Class Christmas Play 9am
Thurs 7th December: Robin Class Christmas Play 9am
Fri 8th December: Christmas Jumper Day
Fri 8th December Y3 & Y4 - 4pm-5pm and Y5 & Y6 5.15pm-6.30pm
Weds 13th Dec: Christmas Lunch day
Fri 15th Dec: End of term. School closes at 3.15pm
Year 6 Trip to Bentley Priory
Year 6 Trip to Bentley Priory
Last week, Year 6 had the opportunity to further their knowledge of World War 2 and visited the Bentley Priory Museum. Here they explored the brilliant role of the RAF and WAAF who contributed to the victorious battle of Britain. All of the children took part in a workshop where they recreated the filter room and had a chance to plot aircraft that was approaching the United Kingdom's coastline. In groups, they had to work efficiently to represent the aircraft on a map using co-ordinates and counters and got a feel for the intense atmosphere of working in the filter room during a raid.
On their walk through the museum, they explored the story of some of the pilots in detail and learnt all about the incredible leadership of Sir Hugh Dowding who led the whole operation. This trip really encompassed everything they have learnt in their topic lessons and gave them a further insight into what life was like on the Home Front.
Stars of the week - Class Stars & PE Stars
Stars of the week - Class Stars & PE Stars
Top Ten Progress in TT Rock stars
Top Ten Progress in TT Rock stars
TT Rock stars- Top Ten & Top Ten progress children this term
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
Spelling Shed- Top Ten
Well done to our top ten spelling pupils this week!
Sports Update
Sports Update
PE News!
PE News!
PE Update!
A great start to our new term, everyone has been participating in their PE sessions. We have continued with Netball outside and have begun Gymnastics in the Hall. The children have been practicing their shapes, jumps and balances on mats. This will lead to sequence work and incorporating these techniques on the equipment up until Christmas.
In Netball, the year groups have been working on their ball skills, learning the 3 main passes, basic footwork drills and shooting practice leading to the upper Key stage years putting these skills together to play mini matches. They will be moving on to Basketball until the end of this term.
Just a reminder regarding PE, we will continue to be outside for our sessions, as the weather starts to get colder, please ensure your children have the appropriate clothing.
Mrs Winter & Miss Gill
Invictus Games
On Thursday 9th November, a group of 10 children went to Altwood School to take part in the annual Invictus games competition. The children got the opportunity to participate in 3 activities, New Age Kurling, Danger Ball & Target Run. They all worked as a team and enjoyed learning new skills.
A big thank you to Mrs B and Mrs Ridley for taking the group to the competition, both said how incredibly proud they were of all the children.
I would also like to say Thank you to all the parents who helped to transport the children to this event, without your continued support these competitions become very difficult to attend.
Invictus Games at Altwood School 9th November 2023
Invictus Games at Altwood School 9th November 2023
On the 9th November, we went to a competition called Invictus Games at Altwood School.
While we were there, we played hockey, Nerf gun target practice, archery and played ball games.
My favourite was the Nerf gun practice because I liked having to crawl through the small spaces - it was like I was in the army!
During the day, I learnt how to be more independent and all about sportsmanship. It was the most amazing competition I've ever been to!
Ezra S - Kingfisher Class
Speed Stacking at FPSS 2nd November 2023
Speed Stacking at FPSS 2nd November 2023
On 2nd November, Skylark class went to Furze Platt Senior School for a Speed Stacking tournament.
Speed Stacking is when you have a set of cups, which you have to stack into a particular formation and then take them down again and you have to hit the clock when you finish to see how quickly you can do this.
Everyone got really engrossed in Speed Stacking and we learnt that we could use it when we are bored or when we need time to calm down, as it is really easy to set up.
It was a great sport to learn and it blew my socks off!
Saskia H - Skylark
Well done, Farrin!
Well done, Farrin!
A huge congratulations to Farrin in Y3 Finch class. Farrin has completed 21 Junior Park Runs, which is equivalent to a MARATHON! Farrin received her marathon wristband last weekend. What an achievement!
Well done, Ella!
Well done, Ella!
Well done to Ella in Y6 Heron class. Ella is in a Modern Junior dance group at the Elizabeth Fenton School of Dance. The group competed at the Maidenhead Dance Festival at Furze Platt Senior School during the October half term and came away with a silver medal. Ella even managed to do an aerial (no handed cartwheel) in the routine! Congratulations!
Year Group Updates
Year Group Updates
Year 3 News
Year 3 News
Year 3 have had a really wonderful start back after half term and have been fully engrossed into play rehearsals for our upcoming Christmas Nativity - lights, camel action. The children are working so hard on this and we cannot wait to perform it to you all.
In English we have been creating a leaflet that gives instructions on how to survive the Stone Age. The children have been looking at organisational features, subordinate conjunctions and coordinate conjunctions when completing these.
In maths we have been using written methods to solve addition and subtraction problems as well as beginning to look at arrays, equal groups and multiples for multiplication.
In Geography we have looked at climate zones and discussed the difference between weather and climate. The children have also looked at the equator as well as northern and southern hemispheres.
As part of our DT topic, the children are starting to learn a variety of folds which will help them to create their own pop-up books later on in the term.
The children have had such a fantastic term so far and we are so proud of how well they have settled and how hard they continue to work.
Mrs Barry- Y3 Team Leader
Year 3- What are we learning?
Year 3- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks!:
Are countries closer to the equator warmer or colder?
What is a beak fold?
What must Stone Age people be prepared for when entering a cave?
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y3...
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y3...
The Iron Man - Ted Hughes
The boy who Grew Dragons - Andy Shepherd
Fantastic Mr Fox - Roald Dahl
Year 4 News
Year 4 News
The children have been immersed in a rich tapestry of learning experiences across various subjects this term so far, and we can't wait to give you a glimpse of their adventures.
In English the students embarked on an exciting journey to Oaken Grove Park, transforming the outdoors into their classroom. Armed with notebooks and cameras, the children delved into the park's nooks and crannies, collecting research for their upcoming informative leaflets. The results are nothing short of superb, showcasing their keen observations and creative expressions. Keep an eye on Seesaw to see your child's published piece.
In the realm of Science, our budding scientists have been hands-on in exploring the digestive system. A messy but unforgettable experiment unfolded as the children navigated the processes of digestion. From stomach-churning moments to "aha" discoveries, the students not only learned about the science behind digestion but also experienced it first-hand. Be warned—the pictures are not for the faint of heart!
In our French the lessons, the focus has been on vegetables—learning their names and practicing how to order them in a shop. It's a delightful combination of getting those greens in and mastering the art of conversation in French. Why not engage your child in a linguistic journey by asking them to name some of the vegetables they enjoy during dinner?
As we approach the festive season, the children are eagerly crafting winter ornaments. Stay tuned for a showcase of their imaginative designs and creative flair. We can't wait for you to witness the magic that unfolds as Year 4 transforms simple materials into festive masterpieces. Watch this space for updates!
Thank you for your continued support in making Year 4 a place of excitement, curiosity, and growth. We look forward to the remainder of Autumn Term 2 and the adventures that lie ahead.
Miss Keating-Bell Y4 Team Leader
Year 4- What are we learning?
Year 4- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks:
What does a fronted adverbial do? Can you give an example?
Can you name the three types of teeth?
What is the pentatonic scale?
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y4..
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y4..
Apes to Zebras - Liz Brownlee
The Land of Roar - Jenny McLachlan
Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City - Rob Biddulph
Year 5 News
Year 5 News
The Year 5 children have been fully engaged across the curriculum in the last few weeks. They have been designing, making, experimenting and problem solving in different subjects.
In maths, the children have moved on from multiplication and are currently exploring fractions. They are understanding equivalence and how a fraction can be mixed or improper.
In writing, Year 5 have been writing a non-chronological report based on planets that has been discovered from astronauts at the FPJS branch of NASA. They have been using their knowledge from last terms science topic on space to help with this.
In science, the children have been busily investigating forces such as air and water resistance, gravity and friction. They are also learning how all of these forces have an impact on our daily lives. (Pictured)
The children have loved using the crumble kits in computing and have grasped new concepts of programming to enable lights to flash. (pictured) Through trial and error, the children have also debugged the algorithm.
Throughout this week, the children have enjoyed the Children In Need challenges whilst raising money for a great cause.
We look forward to showing you some more of the fantastic learning that has taken place on the next newsletter.
Mrs Dean, Y5 Team Leader
Year 5- What are we learning?
Year 5- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks:
What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on Britain?
Explain how you have designed your fairground ride in DT.
What is an equivalent fraction? Give 3 examples.
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y5...
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y5...
The Last Bear - Hannah Gold
The Dam - David Almond
New Kid - Jerry Craft
Year 6 News
Year 6 News
This week, most of the children have been in Rhos Y Gualiua on their residential trip. The children have had a brilliant jam packed week and once we are back to school and have time to collate photos we will give a thorough update. All the staff are incredibly proud of how much resilience, independence and the fantastic team work they have shown this week.
Equally, we have had a brilliant group at school this week who have been participating in team building activities including a local farm walk and STEM activities.
In English, we have started writing our autobiographies about our future selves and they have come up with some very inventive jobs and accomplishments. We are looking forward to sharing these with you when they are complete (especially the aged faces we have on the front!).
In science, we have been looking at classifying animals and creating keys based on their characteristics. Next week we will be exploring the work of Carl Linnaeus. In geography, we have begun our unit on the United Kingdom following the children's brilliant project homework.
Well done for a brilliant couple of weeks!
Miss Morales, Y6 Leader
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y6...
Our current reads we are enjoying in Y6...
Dread Wood - Jennifer Killick
The Explorer - Katherine Rundell
The Big Book of the UK - Imogen Russell Williams
Year 6- What are we learning?
Year 6- What are we learning?
Ask your child the following questions to see what they have learnt over the last few weeks!:
What are the characteristics of a mammal?
What is the role of a follower in a CAM?
Where have you shown resilience this week?
FPSA Updates
FPSA Updates
Happy School Bags
Thank you to everyone who dropped off filled Happy School Bags for our collection on Tuesday. This is a really good fundraiser for the FPSA so your support with this is much appreciated. We raised £417 this time round which is fantastic!
New shed for 2nd hand uniform!
The FPSA are delighted that we now have a brand new shed to store all of our 2nd hand uniform in. Whilst there are still quite a few bags to sort out (thanks for all of the donations folks!), we hope to have a regular day/time when parents can access this shed. Watch this space.
We did manage to have a second hand uniform sale on Wednesday which was very popular and raised over £150.
Dates for your diary:
Christmas Fair - Saturday 2nd December (11.30am - 2.30pm)
Thank you to everyone who signed up to have an Oakwood Estates board advertising our fair outside their house. We had a tremendous response with over 75 households signed up. Look out for the boards going up this weekend!
This week, children came home with a very important letter that has key information on how you can help with the Christmas Fair. In addition, there were 2 books of raffle tickets and 2 tombola cups. The cups should be filled with stickers, trading cards, stationary, small toys and sweets. Please return filled tombola cups on Friday 24th November (which is non-uniform day). These cups form the 'Kids Tombola' stall which is located in Holly classroom.
Our Christmas Fair stalls cannot run without your help. Please sign up to be on a stall for one hour (or more) using the following volunteer sign up page: https://volunteersignup.org/QXRYM
Finally, please sell as many raffle tickets are you can. We have some great prizes for the raffle.
Junior School Discos - Friday 8th December (4pm-5pm & 5.15pm-6.30pm)
It's time for the Juniors to get down and boogie! Tickets on sale soon.....
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