As we reach the end of the Spring 1 term, we are officially at the halfway point of the academic year! It has been a fantastic six weeks filled with learning, laughter, and incredible achievements. It has been a pleasure to see the hard work and enthusiasm of our children, and I could not be prouder of all they have accomplished. This final week of the half term has been especially exciting, with the whole school dedicated to refining and completing their high-quality outcomes in English and Design and Technology. The dedication and effort they have shown truly reflect our school values, and they should all be incredibly proud of their achievements.

To end the term on a high, this week we held our parents' evenings. Thank you to all the parents who attended; it is always wonderful to have the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements, and share their next steps in learning. Your ongoing support and partnership are invaluable in helping children thrive, and we truly appreciate the time you took to engage with us. Together, we can continue to support and inspire every child to reach their full potential.

As part of our Safer Internet Day celebrations on Tuesday, Mr Smith led an engaging and informative assembly all about this year’s theme: ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online.’ He spoke to the children about how to spot things online that might not be what they seem, such as fake websites, tricky messages, and people pretending to be someone they’re not. Using simple examples, he helped the children understand how to stay safe and what to do if something doesn’t feel right. The assembly also reminded everyone of the importance of speaking to a trusted adult if they are ever unsure about something online. Mr Smith’s key message was that by being careful and thinking wisely, we can all help keep ourselves and others safe on the internet.

This week, the children from Year 2 and 3 wowed us in their Sharing Assemblies, proudly presenting their learning from this half term. They spoke about their work in maths, English, DT, science, history, and more, showcasing their fantastic achievements. In Year 2, this included retelling the story of Angus Rides the Goods Train and a re-enactment of how Nelson Mandela enacted the power of peace and fought to end segregation. In Year 3, we heard about learning which included sewing constellation cushions to investigating magnets and forces, across both year groups their enthusiasm shone through. The assemblies ended on a high with joyful performances of Unwritten, Reach, The Climb, and Don’t Stop, Never Give Up. A huge well done to all the children, and thank you to the families for your support! There will be more sharing assemblies next half term for our other year groups, and across the year all children will have the opportunity to present their learning.

The last day of term may be here, but the learning hasn’t stopped! Year 5 wrapped up their drama sessions at Plumstead Manor, bringing their WWII studies to life through mime, facial expressions, and powerful monologues. Year 6 explored history firsthand at the British Museum, delving into the fascinating world of the Benin Bronzes. Year 3 stepped back in time at the London Docklands Museum, experiencing Victorian London in the immersive ‘Sailortown’ gallery. Meanwhile, Year 4 took on science in action at the Science Museum, exploring sound in the Modern World exhibition. And let’s not forget Year 2, who yesterday visited the Bank of England Museum, discovering the history of money, notable figures on banknotes, and interactive exhibits to bring their maths learning to life. What an incredible way to end the half term!

A huge thank you to our Year 3 parents for their generous donations of sweet treats and for running yesterday’s fantastic bake sale! There were so many delicious contributions that we’re able to hold a second sale today. As explained in our letter, each year group will take turns throughout the year to host a bake sale, raising funds to support their school trips. Year 3 set out to raise £60 towards their Ragged School experience next half term, and after just one day, they’ve already secured over £100—this is phenomenal, and the excess money will further enhance future experiences for Year 3. Your support is making a real difference, helping us provide exciting learning experiences for the children. Thank you!

Next half term will be packed with fantastic parental engagement opportunities, so please check the Spring 2 letter shared today and add key dates to your diary. We are also thrilled to announce the return of Science Week, where children will immerse themselves in exciting investigations, hands-on experiments, and real-world science. This year’s theme is Change and Adapt, with lessons linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring children explore science in a meaningful and impactful way. The week will culminate in a special showcase for parents, celebrating the children’s learning. We can’t wait to see their scientific skills in action!

So many wonderful things to look forward to, but for now, have a lovely half term, and we look forward to seeing you all back on Monday 24th February.

With very best wishes,

Mrs Cook and the Rockliffe Manor team.