Furze Platt Juniors 2024-25 Newsletter
Newsletter 11: 23rd July 2025
Embedded Files
End of a super year!
End of a super year!
And that's a wrap on a fantastic year at FPJS!
We would like to say a huge thank you to all our parents and carers for your incredible support of our school this year. As you may know, Ofsted carried out a fully graded inspection right at the end of term—an already busy time of year. To add to the challenge, an additional fourth inspector was present to quality assure the process. Despite this, our school community rose to the occasion. The inspection coincided with a Y3 trip, the Y6 production, the Y5 Zoolab day, and no fewer than four county-level sports finals—but our pupils’ behaviour was exemplary throughout.
We were also heartened by the overwhelmingly positive responses in both the staff and parent surveys—thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. The parent results revealed that:
-95% agree or strongly agree that their child is happy at school.
-96% agree or strongly agree that their chilld is safe at school.
-96% agree or strongly agree that the children are well behaved in the school.
-95% would recommend this school to other parents.
The final report will be published during the autumn term, and we look forward to sharing more information with you then.
Today we say goodbye to our wonderful Year 6 children—and to the families whose journey with FPJS comes to an end. While we will be sad to see them go, we are incredibly proud of this terrific year group. They leave us not only secondary-ready, but confident, capable, and full of potential. It fills us with pride to know they are stepping into the next chapter with such positivity and promise. We have no doubt they are destined for great things. Wishing all our leavers every success and happiness for the future—and remember, you will always be part of the FPJS family!
To all our children in Years 3 to 5, we look forward to welcoming you back in September for the start of a new chapter—one that promises exciting learning opportunities, new challenges, and plenty of enrichment along the way. Don't forget to take part in both the reading and writing challenges over the summer- both are completely free and will impress your new teachers ahead of a new year. More information can be found in this newsletter.
Have a wonderful summer break FPJS community and thanks once again on behalf of all our staff!
Anna Clark & Mike Wallace
Head of School & Executive Head
Staff end of term film 2025
Staff end of term film 2025
We do like to celebrate the end of term at FPJS. Here is our staff film we created this year- we hope it makes you smile!
Quick Links
Quick Links
Key Dates for Term 1 2025
Key Dates for Term 1 2025
Weds 3rd September- Inset Day - Training for all staff
Thurs 4th September- 1st day back for all pupils
Tues 16th September- Meet the Y3 Team in the hall 5.30pm
Tues 16th September- Meet the Y4 Team in the hall 6.00pm
Weds 17th September- Meet the Y5 Team in the hall 5.30pm
Weds 17th September- Meet the Y6 Team in the hall 6.00pm
Thurs 25th September- Smartphone free Childhood event @ Courthouse 6.30pm
Mon 13th October- Individual and Sibling photos
Thurs 16th October- Parents consultation evening 1 (bookable)
Fri 17th October- FPSA Quiz Night
Tues 21st October- Parents consultation evening 2 (bookable)
Weds 22nd October- End of term 1
Thurs/Fri 23/24th are Inset days
Mon 3rd November - Term 2 starts
Exciting news for next year..
Exciting news for next year..
Furze Platt Juniors will be singing in the Young Voices Concert at the O2 in London on Wednesday 25th February 2026 for the first time ever! More details will follow in September, so look out for details if you would like your child to take part as places will be limited!
FPJS School News
FPJS School News
Y3 Copas Farm
Y3 Copas Farm
On Tuesday 8th July, all of the Year 3 children were lucky enough to have a visit to Copas' Farm in Cookham. This was part of our DT topic where the children have looked at how food is imported and exported. We also discussed seasonal food and how food is grown locally. The children had a wonderful time picking strawberries and raspberries as well as having a great time getting lost in the maize maze! The children were wonderful and behaved so well, even if the walk back was hot and long. In the afternoon the children cut the fruits using the claw and bridge cuts and created their own fruit puddings. What a fun packed day we had.
Y6 Business Project
Y6 Business Project
As part of their maths unit on bills and business, Year 6 took on an exciting challenge — to launch their very own mini-businesses! Each group was given £10 as start-up capital and tasked with creating, marketing, and selling a product. From handmade bookmarks to personalised bracelets, the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit on display were truly impressive.
Throughout the project, the children learned how to manage a budget, reinvest profits, and work collaboratively. The final selling day included baked goods — a definite highlight that proved very popular!
It was inspiring to see the pupils so engaged, enthusiastic, and united by a common goal. Altogether, they raised over £850 in profit, which will be donated to Cancer Research and Muscular Dystrophy charities.
Well done, Year 6 — a fantastic effort for a fantastic cause!
Y6 Play- The Wrong Way Round
Y6 Play- The Wrong Way Round
Last week, our incredible Year 6 children wowed audiences with their end of year production, The Wrong Way Round. Both the Orange and Purple casts delivered one daytime and one evening performance each – all of which ended in well-deserved standing ovations from proud parents and families.
Every single child brought passion and energy to the stage, showcasing their fantastic singing, acting and dancing talents. The show was a true triumph and a perfect celebration of the creativity and confidence they’ve developed throughout their time at Furze Platt Junior School.
A huge well done to the whole Y6 team for bringing the show to life – with special thanks to Miss Morales, Mr Sawle and Mrs Tisshaw for the hours of hard work they poured into designing stunning scenery, crafting costumes, and ensuring every moment of the performance was polished to perfection.
What a way to end the year – bravo, Year 6!
P.S. If you didn't get a chance to make a donation to our fund for future productions, here's the link!
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/fpjs2025
Y6 Pizza Making
Y6 Pizza Making
The day after their brilliant Year 6 performance, the children enjoyed a well-deserved treat with a fun and hands-on pizza-making session. The afternoon was filled with creativity, laughter, and delicious smells!
To start, the children made their own dough entirely from scratch, learning the important skills of kneading and stretching – no pre-made bases here! They also worked together to create a healthy tomato sauce, cleverly packed with "hidden vegetables" to boost its nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
Once their dough was shaped and sauces spread, the children added their own toppings before handing their creations over to Mr Wallace, who did a fantastic job managing the oven and ensuring each pizza came out perfectly cooked.
It was a brilliant end-of-year experience – combining learning, teamwork, and tasty rewards!
Y5 Zoolab
Y5 Zoolab
On Tuesday the 8th of July, Year 5 pupils had the unique opportunity to meet some amazing animals, brought in by ZooLab. The aim was to consolidate our learning about life cycles in science, and the inspirational presenter – Lottie – made sure to highlight life cycle facts at every opportunity while showcasing her fascinating pets!
She showed great passion and expertise as she introduced each animal, allowing children to hold or pet them if they wished and she answered a myriad of questions posed by our inquisitive learners. Year 5 were both curious and brave during the visit, with most pupils giving it a go. Some children (and staff!) even surprised themselves.
They met and petted a giant African land snail, Fred the tree frog, a hissing cockroach (just one from a colony of 100), an albino corn snake, and a tarantula (who stayed safely in her box).
The workshop was interactive, highly informative, and thoroughly enjoyed by both children and staff.
Y6 Oscars Cermony
Y6 Oscars Cermony
Yesterday, Tuesday 22nd July, our Year 6 children enjoyed a truly special event: the much-anticipated Y6 Oscars! Dressed to impress in their finest outfits, the children walked the red carpet, snacked on popcorn, and settled in to watch the short films they’ve been creating over the last few weeks.
Each film showcased the hard work, imagination, and technical skill of our brilliant Year 6 pupils. A panel of judges — the Y6 staff — awarded Oscars in a range of exciting categories, including Best Cinematography, Best Actor and Actress, Best Use of Sound, and Special Effects.
The prestigious Best Film award went to “Revenge”, praised for its gripping storyline, clever camera work, and standout performances.
A huge thank you to the Year 6 team for organising such a memorable event and for helping to make the final days of primary school so creative and fun for the children.
Mr Hasting's Guitar concert
Mr Hasting's Guitar concert
Last Thursday, Mr Hastings hosted his annual guitar concert—and this year saw a record number of pupils take part! The concert was a fantastic celebration of the children’s developing musical skills, with performances that were both entertaining and impressive.
Pupils performed a variety of songs using backing tracks, including crowd favourites like Yellow Bird, The Banana Song, and Everybody Wants to Rule the World. A special highlight was a duet between Alistair in Year 6 and Mr Hastings, which captivated the audience.
We were also proud to recognise several children who have recently passed their Grade 1 guitar exams—an great achievement. Well done to all the performers and a big thank you to Mr Hastings for inspiring our young musicians!
FPJS pupils perform at the Berkshire Music trust celebration
FPJS pupils perform at the Berkshire Music trust celebration
Well done to our brand new brass players who confidently performed in their first concert on Saturday 5th July at St Mary's school in Ascot. Superb confidence and musicality demonstrated by all!
Well done to...
Well done to...
Mollie in Y4 Skylark who did her first individual ice skating competition on Sunday and brought home a bronze medal and and a special mention from the British Ice Skating association. Well done Mollie! We hear Mollie also took the initiative with supporting her friends during the competition too. Fantastic!
Progress Prizes
Progress Prizes
Progress Prizes 2025 Y3-Y5
Progress Prizes 2025 Y3-Y5
Congratulations to the following children in Y3-Y5 who were chosen for making the MOST progress this year overall in each class. Well done! Y6 prizes for the year can be found under the Y6 section.
PE star of the year 2025 Y3-Y5
PE star of the year 2025 Y3-Y5
Congratulations to the following children in Y3-Y5 who were chosen for being the PE star for their class this year. Well done! Y6 prizes for the year can be found under the Y6 section.
Final House Points total of the year 24-25
Final House Points total of the year 24-25
Well done to the Vikings who won on house points this year!
TT rock stars and Bedrock Learning
TT rock stars and Bedrock Learning
TT Rockstars- Fastest speed
TT Rockstars- Fastest speed
Well done to our superstars below who are the fastest of the year!
TT Rockstars- Most Progress of the year!
TT Rockstars- Most Progress of the year!
Well done to the following children for the most progress this year.
Bedrock Learning- Most Progress this year
Bedrock Learning- Most Progress this year
Well done the following children who have made the most progress overall in their bedrock learning this year.
Sports Update
Sports Update
PE News
PE News
It's official! We have been accredited with the prestigious sportsmark GOLD award!! The School Games Mark is a government-led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community and we are incredibly proud to receive the accolade due to our aims to ensure all children have the opportunity to take part in competitions throughout their time at FPJS.
Miss Gill & Mrs Tisshaw
FPJS Ekiden
FPJS Ekiden
On Thursday 4th July, Furze Platt Junior School took part in its very first Ekiden — a Japanese-style long-distance relay — and what an incredible event it was!
To celebrate the UK Ekiden taking place between Windsor and Oxford, we brought the spirit of the race to our own school track. Each of our four school houses entered two teams — one girls’ team and one boys’ team — and we carefully balanced them to make sure every year group was equally represented. This meant some children ran twice to keep things fair. Altogether, we had 55 runners per team, all working together to pass on the tasuki — a traditional sash handed from runner to runner in place of a baton.
In total, we ran an astonishing 154 kilometres, which is the same as 440 laps of our school track — more than the distance from Windsor to Reading and back again! We timed the changeovers between year groups, and some of the leads after 15 and 28 runners were just seconds apart — it was incredibly close!
The girls’ race was a nail-biter, with Vikings storming to victory and Danes finishing just 57 seconds behind — an amazing finish after so many laps! In the boys’ race, it was the Romans who took the top spot, with a strong performance from the Normans, who secured second place.
A huge shout-out to our Year 6 house captains, who were absolutely brilliant at organising their teams and making sure every runner was ready on time. The staff really got into the spirit of the day too — many stayed to cheer the children on and said it was one of the best events of the year.
The Ekiden was a fantastic celebration of teamwork, determination, and house pride — and it’s safe to say, we’ll definitely be doing it again next year!
Mrs Sweatman
Gym Club in pictures
Gym Club in pictures
Look at our brilliant gym club! Well done to all our gymnastics for their enthusiasm, passion and sheer talent!
Mrs White/Miss Gill
Berkshire Games Summer Festival 2025
Berkshire Games Summer Festival 2025
We have been very lucky with the Berkshire Games as this year we qualified for 4 events and were invited to attend 2 more. The 6 invites were: Quadkids, Footgolf, Boccia, New Age Kurling, Golf skills. Reports below.
Footgolf finals
Footgolf finals
On Wednesday 9th July, we had the pleasure of taking 10 Year 6 pupils to represent Furze Platt Junior School – as well as Ascot and Maidenhead – at the Berkshire School Games held at Braywick Leisure Centre.
The children took part in Footgolf, a fun and challenging sport similar to golf, but instead of using clubs and golf balls, players kick a football into oversized holes in as few kicks as possible.
Our team showed fantastic teamwork, great sportsmanship, and a brilliant attitude throughout the event. We are extremely proud to announce that they finished 3rd overall in their event!
Well done to all the girls and boys who took part – a great achievement!
Miss Gill
Golf finals Y4
Golf finals Y4
On Wednesday 9th July, 10 Year 4 pupils had the exciting opportunity to represent Furze Platt Junior School, as well as Ascot and Maidenhead, at the Berkshire School Games held at Braywick Leisure Centre.
We started the day with a variety of active skill zones, including bike skills, football shooting, skateboarding, and much more. The children embraced each challenge with enthusiasm and energy as part of the 60 Active Minutes initiative.
In the afternoon, we moved on to our main event: Golf Skills. The team performed brilliantly, demonstrating excellent teamwork, positivity, and determination throughout.
It was a fantastic day out, and we are incredibly proud of all the pupils who took part. Well done, girls and boys – you represented the school superbly!
Miss Gill
Quadkids finals
Quadkids finals
Just when we thought the outstanding athletes at FPJS couldn’t get any better, they proved us wrong yet again!
On Wednesday 9th July, our FPJS Quadkids team competed in the Berkshire Games County Finals, going head-to-head with 12 other top schools who also qualified.
Quadkids is a demanding four-discipline event designed to test key areas of athleticism: sprint, 600m run, long jump, and howler throw. Each of our 10 incredible competitors excelled—outstanding in at least two events and excellent in the others—forming a well-rounded, truly exceptional team.
They demonstrated fantastic teamwork and support throughout the day, with many achieving personal bests. Jamie and Bea delivered remarkable performances in the 600m run; Freya flew in the sprints; Megan, Jack, Max, Jamie, Lucy, Skye, and Bea leapt brilliantly in the long jump; and Henry, Aidan, and Jamie impressed in the howler throw.
The competition concluded with a lively and fun relay while the final scores were tallied. In typical fashion, results were announced in "no particular order"...
But we are thrilled to share that FPJS won—with a record-breaking 1824 points, the highest we’ve ever scored!
What an amazing achievement—congratulations to our phenomenal athletes!
New Age Kurling
New Age Kurling
On Wednesday 9th July, five pupils had the exciting opportunity to represent Furze Platt Junior School, as well as Ascot and Maidenhead, at the Berkshire School Games held at Braywick Leisure Centre.
They took part in the New Age Kurling event and showed outstanding teamwork, focus, and determination throughout the competition. Their effort and skill truly paid off, with the team earning a well-deserved 1st and 2nd place finish!
Well done to all the girls and boys – an excellent job and a fantastic achievement!
Miss Gill
Boccia
Boccia
On Wednesday 9th July, two pupils had the exciting opportunity to represent Furze Platt Junior School, as well as Ascot and Maidenhead, at the Berkshire School Games held at Braywick Leisure Centre.
They took part in the Boccia event – a precision ball sport similar to bowls – and worked extremely well together, showing a strong understanding of the game and great teamwork throughout.
Their hard work paid off, as they finished 2nd overall in the event!
A huge well done to Konga and Mohsin – an amazing achievement!
Miss Gill
Cricket Finals for girls
Cricket Finals for girls
On Thursday 10th July, nine Year 6 pupils had the exciting opportunity to represent Furze Platt Junior School, as well as Ascot and Maidenhead, at Reading Cricket Club, taking part in the Girls’ Cricket Finals.
The girls played absolutely amazingly – showing incredible teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination throughout the day. Despite the heat, they powered through every match with a positive attitude and gave it their all.
Their energy, effort, and spirit were a credit to the school.
Well done, girls – you represented Furze Platt brilliantly!
Miss Gill
FPJS Kurling event
FPJS Kurling event
On Monday 21st July, we held our annual FPJS NAK (New Age Kurling) event at the Senior School. Over 60 students took part in this exciting day—either competing or supporting as sports leaders.
Our brilliant Heron Class stepped up as sports leaders, taking responsibility for scoring, officiating, and encouraging all participants throughout the event. Their leadership and positive attitude helped make the day a huge success!
With 8 teams in total, the competition was tough—but all teams showed fantastic sportsmanship and determination. A big congratulations to the teams who earned gold, silver, and bronze medals!
Well done to everyone who took part!!
Miss Gill and Mrs Tisshaw
Year Group Updates
Year Group Updates
Year 3 News
Year 3 News
What a truly memorable year we have had in Year 3!
We are so incredibly proud of every single child's achievements and progress this year. This is both academically and personally.
Over the past week the children have been writing letters to Year 2 explaining what they have been doing this year and including key features such as 2A sentences, ly words, BOBS sentences and paragraphs.
In maths we have focused on statistics which has involved the children creating tally charts, pictograms and bar charts. The children collected data and then found the best way to represent this.
In science we drew around our shadows at different points in the day to see how they change and why. We then concluded our light topic with sun safety posters. The children were very creative and understood the importance of sun protection.
Our trip to Copas was a highlight and the children really enjoyed fruit picking and then creating their own fruit puddings - which were delicious!
Our year has been full of fun, laughter and learning and we as staff could not have asked for a more creative, kind and motivated cohort of children.
We wish you the best of luck in Year 4 and know you will continue to flourish. Look out for us in the playground. We will miss you all.
Have a fantastic summer break!
Mrs Barry, Mrs Sweatman, Miss McGillicuddy and the whole Year 3 team
Year 4 News
Year 4 News
What a fantastic end to Year 4!
The final weeks of the term have been packed with adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories. From exploring the heights of Mount Everest with Al Sylvester to challenging themselves with new activities at Longridge, the children have embraced every opportunity this year with enthusiasm, curiosity, and courage.
In English, they have written thoughtful and reflective recounts to share with their new Year 5 teachers — a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their proudest achievements, favourite memories, and get ready for their next chapter.
In maths, we have finished the year by learning how to plot coordinates and translate shapes, applying our understanding through engaging, hands-on tasks. We are especially proud of the children’s effort and determination in preparing for the Multiplication Tables Check — their fantastic results are a real testament to their hard work.
In geography, we brought our Amazon Rainforest topic to a close. The children explored the importance of this extraordinary ecosystem, developing a strong understanding of how it supports all life on Earth and why it must be protected.
We are incredibly proud of everything Year 4 has accomplished this year. The children have grown in confidence, resilience, and independence — and we have no doubt they will continue to shine in Year 5.
Wishing you all a wonderful, restful summer break — you truly deserve it!
Mrs Batchelor – Year 4 Team Leader
Year 5 News
Year 5 News
Year 5 – A Brilliant Year of Learning and Growing.
As the academic year comes to an end, we would like to reflect on what a fantastic journey it has been for Year 5. The children have amazed us with their curiosity, creativity and determination across all subjects and they should be proud of themselves and celebrate their success.
This year has been packed with memorable experiences. We launched into space at the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, got hands-on with incredible creatures during the ZooLab visit and explored volcanoes and earthquakes through virtual reality headsets—bringing our learning to life in unforgettable ways.
History came alive with our immersive Greek Day and fascinating Mayan workshop, helping pupils to deepen their understanding of these ancient civilisations through drama, art, food-tasting and storytelling.
Children have learned invaluable practical life skills by designing, preparing and cooking their own delicious vegetable soups and designing and sewing their own personalised tote bags—a brilliant combination of creativity, independence, and teamwork.
From creating tension in fiction and cracking maths problems to scientific investigations and incredible creative projects, Year 5 have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. We are so proud of all they have achieved and how much they have grown this year.
Well done, Year 5—you have been superstars! We cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish in Year 6. Have a restful, fun-filled summer holiday—you have earned it!
Miss Scott & Mrs Slyfield, Y5 Team Leaders
Year 6 News
Year 6 News
Year 6 – How Time Flies!
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of Year 6 — it feels like only yesterday the children were settling into life at the top of the school. Now, in the blink of an eye, they’re ready to begin the next chapter of their journey. As the saying goes: time really does fly when you're learning, growing, and having fun!
We are incredibly proud of every single one of our Year 6 pupils. This cohort has shown such kindness, resilience, and teamwork throughout the year. They have supported one another and constantly celebrated each other’s successes.
To round off our English learning, the children have been writing their own leavers’ speeches, reflecting on their time at FPJS. It’s been heartwarming to read their favourite memories and see just how much their time here has meant to them.
Our Year 6 projects have been a huge success — from the innovative Business Project to the much-anticipated Year 6 production. And let’s not forget the pizza-making day, which was full of fun (and flour!). We hope your child will be making you their signature pizza over the summer!
We’ve also just finished our class book The Final Year, a powerful story about a child preparing for transition, navigating friendships and learning to manage big emotions. The children really connected with the poetic writing style and the themes of the book.
This final term has been packed with experiences designed not just to create life-long memories, but to develop essential life skills — confidence, teamwork, and independence.
To our fantastic Year 6s: we wish you all the very best for the exciting adventure ahead. We hope you walk into your new school with your heads held high and strolling tall. Keep being the best version of yourselves — the world is ready for you!
Miss Morales, Y6 Team Leader
Y6 Outstanding Achievement and Progress Awards
Y6 Outstanding Achievement and Progress Awards
Reading challenge for summer 2025
Reading challenge for summer 2025
We’re excited to share that this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, run by The Reading Agency in partnership with local libraries across the UK, is now live! The 2025 theme is "Story Garden".
Children are challenged to read six books over the summer holidays, earning rewards and stickers along the way—and a certificate and medal for completing the challenge! It’s a fantastic way to keep reading skills sharp over the break while having fun with family and friends.
Pop into your local library to sign up—it's completely free and open to all children. Don’t miss out on this brilliant adventure through books!
For more information, visit: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Books for the summer- GET AHEAD FOR NEXT YEAR
Books for the summer- GET AHEAD FOR NEXT YEAR
We absolutely love books at Furze Platt Junior School! We love reading for pleasure and we encourage all our children to love books as much as we do. Our teachers are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting reads and we regularly update our library with current reads.
If you are struggling for ideas for your children, here are a brilliant lists of recommended reads. Remember, you can often get these books from the library. Children love to browse and look through books too - so it is a great summer activity to get into! Try the library challenge too for an added incentive:
This year's theme is "Story Garden:- you can find out more at your local library.
Year 3 recommended reads: https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/reading-lists-for-ks2-school-pupils/reading-list-for-year-3-pupils-ks2-age-7-8/
Year 4 recommended reads: https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/reading-lists-for-ks2-school-pupils/suggested-reading-list-for-year-4-pupils-ks2-age-8-9/
Year 5 recommended reads: https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/reading-lists-for-ks2-school-pupils/suggested-reading-list-for-year-5-pupils-ks2-age-9-10/
Year 6 recommended reads: https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/reading-lists-for-ks2-school-pupils/suggested-reading-list-for-year-6-pupils-ks2-age-10-11/
Summer Writing Challenge 2025
Summer Writing Challenge 2025
We’re delighted to share that Furze Platt Junior School has been selected to take part in the Summer Book Writing Festival 2025—the world’s largest free summer writing programme for children aged 8–16, proudly organised by BriBooks.
What’s in store for your child?
-The chance to write and publish their very own book
A Certificate of Participation for every published author
-Free access to an expert-led masterclass on the A to Z of book writing (available after registration)
-National & International Recognition Awaits
-Top entries will receive: A book launch opportunity at the Global Literary Festivals Features & on the BriBooks YouTube Channel
-An invitation to be featured on the Authors of BriBooks podcast
There is no cost at all—participation is entirely free for all students. Register your child today at:
Further information can be found below
Student_brochure_95_189898.pdfSchool Council/Eco at FPJS
School Council/Eco at FPJS
What a Year We’ve Had!
This year has been packed full of exciting events, incredible achievements and brilliant teamwork across the school! Our amazing Eco and School Council teams have led the way in making our school greener. They carried out surveys on single-use plastics in lunchboxes, gave powerful assemblies, and inspired Year 3 to create persuasive posters encouraging everyone to cut down on waste. We’ve seen a big rise in the number of children using reusable containers and fewer plastic bottles and wrappers - We still have a way to go to be single use plastic free but we have taken some big steps in the right direction. If you’re getting a new lunch box this summer, why not choose some reusable plastic containers to go with it – they’re great for snacks and sandwiches and help cut down on single-use plastic!
The Eco team have also worked hard to save energy, checking classrooms and helping introduce a smart traffic light system to show which appliances should be switched off. The results speak for themselves – classrooms are making smarter energy choices and we’re all more aware of how we can help. All of this has been part of our journey towards earning the Eco Green Flag Award – and we’re nearly there!
But that’s not all… we’ve been busy raising money too! We sold over 240 Red Noses for Comic Relief, raising a fantastic £600, and raised more than £275 for the Poppy Appeal.
Some of our team had an unforgettable trip to Parliament, sitting in the House of Commons and visiting the House of Lords, seeing British democracy in action. We were also lucky enough to welcome local MP Joshua Reynolds into school to speak answer our questions.
It’s been a fantastic year — and we’re already looking ahead to next year. We can’t say too much just yet, but there’s a jumbo surprise on the way… so watch this space!
FPSA Update
FPSA Update
School year 2024 - 2025 - it's a wrap!
Phew - we've had a blast once again over the past 11 months with our fundraising events! We've run the following events and activities: Early Years Tea Party, Happy Bags collections, 2nd hand uniform sales, Quiz nights, Christmas Cards, Christmas Fair, Junior Discos, Adult Disco Night, Bingo Night, Year 2 Quiz, EY sports day t-shirts & caps, Junior sports day refreshments, Summer Fair, Year 6 play refreshments, summer camp, year 2 leavers disco. Around £30,500 has been raised over the last school year, valuable money which will be split between both schools.
Money raised has been put to good use once again over the last 12-18 months including pond area development, Forest School resources, KS1 investigation areas resources, PE speed stacking kit, neurodiversity books and KS1 globes all at the Infant School. At the Juniors, FPSA money has been used for the year 6 leaver books, log park redevelopment, outdoor picnic benches, basketball posts and library artwork.
A huge thank you to our school community - children, parents & carers, teachers, TA's, support staff and governors. We could not run these without your help and support. We'd also like to say a special thanks to three year 6 mums who have been amazing over many years helping, supporting or running some of our events - Jen Francis, Tess Slater and Serena Thomas - all legends!
Finally, we would like to say an enormous thank you and good bye to Holly who has been on the team for around 5 years now and has made a massive contribution over that time. Holly is leaving the FPSA to focus on her new role as a FPPF governor.
Summer Fair (28th June)
What a tremendous summer fair was had at the end of last month, with 100s of families joining us on the Junior sports field, courtyard and hall. So many happy moments and so much live entertainment this year with both Infant and Junior School choirs, Street Dance and Jump Start Jonny workouts. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the fair via donations, stall volunteering or simply coming along on the day to join in the fun. The fair has raised over £8,500 for both schools. Roll on Summer Fair 2026!
Year 2 Leavers' Disco (11th July)
The Infants school hall was packed with 80 children from Hazel, Holly and Willow classes dancing and singing to the tunes from DJ Dee and DJ Dexter. What a fabulous event, one of the best year 2 discos we've ever had. All children received a year 2 leavers keyring at the end as a memento of their time at FPIS.
Summer Camp (19th/20th July)
Our Summer Camp was back at the weekend with over 100 people attending including a large contingent from Early Years families. It was touch and go whether the rain would hold off enough to ensure it went ahead and was a fun experience for all. Thank you to Jamie who looked after the BBQ and all the volunteers who helped set up, clear up or run the BBQ and tuck shop/bar. The event has raised over £1,200 for both schools which is fabulous.
Davies Caravans for hire/rent
Davies Caravans are a local, family run business who have 3 modern caravans available to rent. One is based on the Isle of Wight on Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park and has use of a private beach. The other two are based in Dorset, on Oakdene Forest Park.
If you choose to book with them, they will give the FPSA £10 for each weekend break and £20 for longer breaks. Please see the following Facebook link: www.facebook.com/daviescaravans
Personalised name label stickers
We have an updated discount code for buying school uniform labels and labels for water bottles etc. from the 'Easy2Name' company. Simply order from the following site: https://www.easy2name.com/stickeasy, quote code 'FR-FPIS-72' and not only will you will get free delivery, the FPSA will receive 20% of the order value. These labels will help the schools return mislaid uniform and will help cut down on the lost property.
Windsor & Maidenhead Community Lottery
This is a weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in the Royal Borough including the FPSA. Tickets for the lottery cost just £1 and from that 60p goes to good causes including 50p to the FPSA. Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance to win a prize each week with a top prize of £25,000!
So please sign up and buy a weekly ticket or two using the following link: https://www.windsorandmaidenheadcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/furze-platt-schools-association
Headteacher for the day
Headteacher for the day
FPJS held its very first “Headteacher for the Day” event – a unique prize won by Yasmin’s mum, who was the highest bidder at the FPSA Summer Fair. Yasmin stepped confidently into Mrs Clark’s shoes and took on the role with great enthusiasm and maturity.
Her day started bright and early, greeting pupils and families at the school gate before heading straight to lead the morning assembly. Yasmin had a packed schedule: granting extra playtime (a very popular decision!), signing important order forms, helping to order new stock, and even writing a report on what each class was up to – including a light-hearted review of which teachers seemed the happiest!
She also enjoyed a well-earned break in the staffroom, though she quickly discovered that the headteacher’s job isn’t all about drinking tea and eating biscuits! Yasmin thoroughly enjoyed the experience and impressed everyone with her commitment and positivity throughout the day. Well done, Headteacher Yasmin!
SEND updates for parents
SEND updates for parents
Transition webinars poster.pdfSupport Line - general.pdfSafeguarding information for parents
Safeguarding information for parents
Touch Rugby Summer Camp - 19-20 August - Maidenhead Rugby Club
Junior players aged 5-17 are welcome to join us this Summer for a Touch Rugby Camp where they will learn all the skills needed to play the game, improve their fitness and coordination, as well as developing important interpersonal skills and making many new friends in the local area!
More info on the booking form and flyer below
Booking Form:
Page updated
Report abuse