grafton primary school
Autumn 2 Newsletter 2025
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lETTER FROM MRS BANA
lETTER FROM MRS BANA
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we wrap up another busy term and look ahead to the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your incredible support throughout the term.
We’ve enjoyed some fantastic moments together — from the wonderful performances by our EYFS children to the brilliant Christmas Fayre, expertly organised by our dedicated PTA. Their hard work and generosity help raise much-needed funds for the school, and we are truly grateful.
The pantomimes and the orchestra thoroughly entertained the children, and it was equally heartwarming to see a group of pupils spreading festive cheer by singing carols at a local care home. A group of Year 5 & Year 6 Rights Ambassadors visited Barking Town Hall to take part a UNICEF Rights conference.
A special thank you to all parents who contributed to our local food bank — your generosity was a true blessing. We were also touched by a parent who is a Tesco manager, who kindly donated two large bags of food. In these challenging times, the kindness and spirit of our community really shine through.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas filled with love and togetherness, and a Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Mrs Bana
Nursery
Nursery
What a wonderful and busy half term it has been in nursery! The children have settled in beautifully and we are so proud of all they have achieved.
We have been spending lots of time learning our daily routines, and the children are now able to follow them with growing confidence. From tidy-up time to snack time and getting ready to go outside, they are beginning to understand what happens next in our day, which has helped them feel happy, safe and secure.
It has been lovely to see friendships developing within the group. The children are learning how to play together, share resources, take turns and communicate their needs with both adults and their peers. We have seen lots of kindness, teamwork and smiles as new friendships continue to grow.
We have also been encouraging independence, and the children have made fantastic progress. They are learning to put on their own coats, find their belongings, and begin to take responsibility for their own things. These small steps are a big achievement and help to build confidence and self-esteem.
Christmas has brought lots of excitement and fun to the nursery! We had a fantastic time at the Christmas pantomime, which was full of laughter, music and amazement. The children also enjoyed baking gingerbread men and decorating festive biscuits – a wonderful sensory experience and a great opportunity to practise following instructions.
To finish off the term, we held our Christmas sing-along show. The children did an amazing job singing their songs and joining in with the actions. Thank you so much for your support and for joining us to celebrate this special moment.
We have also introduced Class dojo where parents and carers can now see photos, videos and updates of their child’s learning journey online. The nursery team has received very positive feedback, and we are delighted that families are enjoying seeing what the children are learning and experiencing each day.
Please note that ClassDojo is used to share learning and celebrations; if you need to speak to a member of staff, we kindly ask that you continue to do so in person or via the usual school communication channels.
We are extremely proud of everything the children have achieved this half term and would like to thank you for your continued support. We look forward to lots more learning, laughter and fun next half term!
2 Clyde class
2 Clyde class
Clyde class has had a busy half term and have thrown themselves fully into all learning opportunities across the curriculum. At the start of the term, the children found a mysterious suitcase in the classroom. Once opened, Clyde class looked at its contents and predicted who the suitcase might have belonged to. After studying the flap cap, paintbrush, shells, tea cup and walking stick, the children guessed that it might belong to a grandad. They were correct! We then explored the text of ‘Grandad's Island’ and wrote their own version of the text, by creating a character who is special to them eg, mummy, daddy, aunty etc.
In Maths, we have covered units on numbers to 100, where the children counted in 2’s, 3’s, 5’s and 10’s, compared numbers and made estimates on a number line. Clyde class also worked hard when solving fact families and addition and subtraction problems, using a part-whole model, a place value grid and 100 square to support them. We then tackled more challenging concepts, such as subtracting across a 10. However, this did not deter Clyde class, as we follow the motto ‘we like challenges’ and recognise that making mistakes is how we learn! We are currently working on 2D and 3D shapes and are learning the properties and vocabulary needed to describe them.
In Science, we have been learning about everyday materials. Clyde class became scientists by conducting experiments after making predictions about which material were the stretchiest or bounciest. The children learned about key vocabulary and the properties of each material.
In DT, the children have been learning about a ‘balanced meal’. Clyde class are able to name the five food groups: fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy, carbohydrates and oils and spreads. The children then took part in a practical activity, whereby they practiced preparing foods by cutting, grating and spreading, using various kitchen equipment e.g. graters, table knives, scissors and spoons. Clyde class took part in food tasting and were able to choose their favourite ingredients for a wrap. The children then made a balanced wrap using chosen ingredients from the protein, fruit and vegetable and dairy food groups.
For outdoor PE, we have been developing our ball skills by practising our dribbling and passing skills. Clyde class focused on close control and used both hands as well as looking at defending and interception play. For indoor PE, Clyde class have participated in dance and have moved their bodies in various shapes to imitate water.
In Geography, we have learnt about human and physical features. Clyde class learned about what an island is, what mountains are and that rivers start with a source, have a middle bendy section called a meander and an end called the mouth.
3 Farook class
3 Farook class
What a busy, exciting and fun-filled half term it has been in 3 Farook!
In Literacy, we immersed ourselves in the wonderful world of 'The Day the Crayons Quit.' We read the letters that the crayons wrote to Duncan and then wrote our own replies as Duncan, responding to each crayon’s complaints and offering thoughtful solutions. The children had fantastic ideas and plenty of creativity!
In Maths, we learned how to add and subtract three-digit numbers using the column method – clever, right? Everyone worked incredibly hard and showed great confidence with this new skill.
One of our highlights was our visit to Valence Library. It was such an exciting trip, especially for those who brought their own library cards and were able to borrow books on the day. A real reading adventure!
We also discovered how Science and Music can be combined in a special conductive music workshop. The children were fascinated to learn that tapping a friend’s nose could make a sound when connected in a circuit – the surprise (and giggles!) were priceless.
Our Christmas Fayre was a truly magical event. The reindeer, the snow globe and the raffle—along with so many other attractions—made it a huge success enjoyed by all.
In Science, we explored forces and magnets. Parents, take note: those holes in trousers at the knees aren’t always mischief—sometimes it’s simply the force of friction at work!
In Geography, we learned about the landscapes and landmarks of the USA. The children then created their own travel leaflets for future visitors—so creative and full of fascinating facts!
DT was a big hit this term. The class designed and made their own pneumatic toys and when they presented them to Year 1, the younger children were truly impressed (and inspired!).
In Computing, we explored how animations are made and even created our own. Watch out, Hollywood—here comes 3 Farook!
It has been a wonderful half term full of learning, laughter and lots of proud moments. We can’t wait to see what adventures Spring 1 brings us!
4 Farah class
4 Farah class
We’ve had an incredibly exciting and busy few weeks in 4 Farah Class! In Literacy, we’ve been exploring the story Escape from Pompeii and using it to inspire setting descriptions filled with drama and detail. The children have really brought ancient Pompeii to life through their writing.
In Maths, we’ve been working on multiplication and division across all the times tables and have also looked at area, making great connections between the two. Our Geography learning has focused on volcanoes, earthquakes and natural disasters, with a highlight being the playdough models the children created to show the Earth’s layers. Science has been just as engaging, as the class explored sound and vibrations by making their own straw flutes and investigating how pitch changes.
In Design and Technology, the children worked in groups to build their own pavilions using a range of materials, showing fantastic teamwork. P.E. has been full of energy as we’ve been playing rounders and developing batting and fielding skills. In Reading, we’ve looked at My First Book of Earthquakes and Volcanoes, worked on fluency and comprehension, and enjoyed poetry, including Benjamin Zephaniah’s People Need People.
In PSHE, our theme has been Celebrating Difference, and the children have had thoughtful discussions about what makes each of us unique and how we can value the differences in others.
6 Turner class
6 Turner class
This half term, 6 Turner have been working very hard across all subjects. A real highlight has been their Literacy work, where the children wrote reflective diary entries inspired by our class text, Rose Blanche. In Design and Technology, they explored 3D modelling by learning how to create designs on Tinkercad, using their new skills to develop their own navigational devices. In History, they learnt how World War II impacted Barking and Dagenham and deepened their understanding through an educational visit to Valence House. During the trip, the class explored local artefacts and even had the chance to see inside an Anderson Shelter—an experience that brought their learning vividly to life.
curriculum
curriculum
pe
pe
It has been a fantastic term for PE and we have lots more to look forward to.
Firstly, we welcomed Mr Aiwone to our PE team. His lessons are fun and exciting and the children have really enjoyed his teaching. He also runs several after-school clubs.
In September, Year 4 took part in a Cricket World Cup Engagement Day. This event, which celebrated the Women's World Cup, was fun-filled and the pupils had plenty of fun learning some new cricket skills.
In October, we were given 2 awards for our commitment to PE and School Sport. Firstly, we were awarded the School Sports Gold Games Mark. This was for our participation in various borough events and we are now working towards gaining a Platinum nxt year. We were also recognised for our efforts in raising the profile of girls' sport in school and, as a reward for this, we were named as an Equal Access School. This is something that we are extremely proud of.
We are delighted to share that Sophia, a Year 6 pupil from Banksy Class, has been appointed captain of the Barking & Dagenham Girls’ District football team.
This is an exceptional achievement and a true testament to Sophia’s hard work, dedication, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Her commitment, positive attitude, and ability to motivate her teammates continue to impress coaches and peers alike. We are incredibly proud of Sophia and look forward to seeing her lead the team with confidence, determination, and passion throughout the season.
Last Friday saw the Year 6 football team play their first game of the year. We travelled to William Bellamy, but unfortunately, we narrowly lost. However, there were plenty of positives to build on and we are already looking forward to our next game.
We also have plenty to look forward to after our festive break. We will be taking part in a Sports Hall Athletics event, a girls' football tournament as well as a netball competition and some more games for both our Y6 and Year 5 football teams.
Y5/6 Rights Ambassadors
Y5/6 Rights Ambassadors
This half term, our Year 5 and 6 Rights Ambassadors have been busy representing our school and championing children’s rights. A selection of ambassadors prepared for a special visit to Barking Town Hall, where they met pupils from other Rights Respecting schools, delivered a presentation on Article 17, the right to information, and even created a quiz to test everyone’s knowledge. They also took part in important discussions about why rights matter to them.
Additionally, our Year 5 and 6 ambassadors have been working closely with Miss Winter to support OPAL and serve as playground helpers. Wearing their high-vis vests, they are easy to spot and always available to help organise games and support positive playtimes for everyone.
In the new year, the ambassadors are looking forward to continuing their work with the Travel Tracker and handing out badges to pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 who have been active on their journeys to school.
This week, our Y6 Rights Ambassadors visited Ebury Court Nursing home to spread some Christmas cheer. We met the residents and staff, sang songs and chatted to the residents. It was a wonderful experience for our children and the nursing home residents were overjoyed to meet our ambassadors and learn about their work in school.
PTA
PTA
The Grafton Primary PTA would like to start with a huge thank you to everyone for the turnout at this year's Christmas Fayre! The staff that stayed to help, and the families that came to enjoy.
We currently have two main events at the school each year – Our Summer Fair and our Christmas Fayre. And whilst we try to make sure the running is smooth, we do realise that on some occasions there are expectations that aren’t met fully.
We wanted to add a little context…. There are currently only 5 members of the PTA who organise and run these events, and they take a lot of time and hard work, but please be assured that we strive to make these enjoyable for everyone.
Our aim has always been to fundraise for our children at Grafton Primary and any profit goes straight back to the school, particularly the playground.
We are aware that the Christmas fayre was rather busy at points, and that the positioning of the Reindeer could have been better thought out, but rest assured that we are always open to feedback so we are able to make changes in the future.
We raised an amazing £2564.85! So again, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved.
The Summer Fair and the Christmas Fayre have allowed us to purchase –
Our new storage shed in the playground - £1200
A book for every child this Christmas - £692.59
(A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to wrap some books for us! It has been very much appreciated!)
New toys for Breakfast Club - £246.68
Resources for the new Decking area in KS1 Playground - £219.39
And of course, our Fabulous new Roadway in the KS2 playground, which in the new year will be an area for some wheeled play for the children - £1021
The funds raised will also now allow us to complete our sandpit in the KS1 playground – currently, we have realised that what has been built is far too small for the number of children we have, and so it will be extended, meaning doubling the cost!
We have estimated this to be approximately £2200, and hope to have this completed within the 1st month of the year.
Without the involvement of our fabulous School Community, none of this would be possible.
In the New Year, we plan to sell Adventure Island – Southend on Sea wristbands and Barleylands Farm tickets at a reduced price. Please keep an eye out for an email to be able to register your interest!
Easy Fundraising!!!
Easy fundraising partners with over 8000 brands that will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice. It won’t cost you any extra.
The cost is covered by the brand.
We have registered with Easy Fundraising to support the school with playground improvements.
We currently have 57 supporters on Easy Fundraising and have raised and wonderful £204.56 so far!
Please use the link below to sign up and support the cause!
Thinking of joining the Grafton Primary Parent Teacher Association?
Come and get involved in the behind the scenes planning of events!
Share your ideas and make some new friends!
All are welcome!
Please keep an eye out for our next PTA Coffee Morning in the New Year!
Wishing you all a Fabulous Holiday!
Events
Events
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