Another week draws to a close in our final term and what a week it has been!

We’d like to begin by extending a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Summer Fair last weekend. It was a tremendous success and truly highlighted the incredible sense of community we have here at Rockliffe Manor. It was heartwarming to see so many families, both new and old,  coming together to celebrate. The children, I truly believe, stole the show with their amazing performances. Whether it was the talented French club children showing off their linguistic flair or those rocking out to Eye of the Tiger, the children, both on and off the stage, were absolutely fantastic! There was also an exciting array of stalls, crafts, and, of course, plenty of delicious food to enjoy. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped support the event — your time and effort made it all possible. And a special thank you to the Friends of Rockliffe for organising another brilliant experience for everyone involved.

This week, we were incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding Year 6 performance of The Lion King. With heart, talent, and unwavering energy, the children brought this powerful story to life — a story of courage, identity, and finding one’s place in the world. Just like Simba’s journey through the Pride Lands, our Year 6 children have come a long way during their time with us — growing not just in knowledge, but in strength, resilience, and character. Their performance was more than just a show; it was a celebration of everything they’ve become, and a reflection of the community that has supported them every step of the way. As they sang, danced, and roared their way through the story, they reminded us that the circle of life is always turning — and that even as one chapter ends, another begins. Year 6 have truly earned their place in the great circle, and wherever they go next, they will always be part of our Rockliffe family.

Though the end of term is near, the excitement certainly hasn’t stopped! Today, our EYFS children ended the week with a wonderful adventure to Danson Park. The trip was full of exploration, learning, and, of course, lots of fun. The children especially loved the splash park, where they laughed, played, and made joyful memories in the sunshine.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, Year 2 had the chance to quite literally soar on their trip to the London Eye. With wide eyes and excited smiles, the children took in breathtaking views of the city, spotting some of London’s most iconic landmarks from above. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring their learning to life and experience the capital from a new perspective. We’re incredibly proud of how well all the children represented the school, and we’re truly grateful to the parent helpers who supported both of these memorable trips.

I was also blown away this week by the amazing children in Year 3. Year 3 confidently presented their political party manifestos to parents as part of their global learning outcome on Power and Governance. The children demonstrated thoughtful citizenship and impressive leadership as they shared their ideas for improving the school. From creating a better recycling system to promoting health and wellbeing through enhanced sports offers, their speeches reflected maturity, creativity, and a real understanding of how positive change can happen. It was wonderful to see them take such pride in their learning and engage so passionately with the democratic process. It was a fantastic celebration of learner voice in action, showing that our children are not only aware of the world around them but ready to be agents of change within it. We look forward to considering how we can bring some of their brilliant ideas to life as we continue to empower our children to shape the future of Rockliffe Manor.

As if the week wasn’t already full of excitement, we were delighted to host our very first Year 1–6 Movie Night yesterday — and what a fantastic evening it was! The children had the choice of watching either The Minecraft Movie or Mufasa: The Lion King, and both films were a big hit. With popcorn in hand and friends by their side, the children enjoyed a cosy, cinema-style experience right here at school. It was a lovely way to come together, relax, and make special memories as the school year draws to a close.

As I write this newsletter, I reflect on just how much joy and energy this week has brought. I can’t wait to see the excitement that next week will hold as we head into the final full week of the academic year.

Until then, we wish you a restful weekend and look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday.

With very best wishes, Mrs. Cook and the Rockliffe Manor team

Let’s take a look at the learning this week … 

This week, our Nursery children had a wonderful time exploring the nature garden during a fun and engaging mini beast hunt. With great curiosity and bravery, they spotted all sorts of creatures, from grasshoppers and beetles to ants and even a spider! Throughout the week, the children compared and identified different minibeasts, learning about their unique features and habitats.

In Reception, imaginations have been running wild as the children began creating their own evil villains as part of their literacy journey, putting a twist on traditional tales! From ferocious foxes and scary spiders to the big bad bunny, the creativity has been flowing. Alongside their storytelling, the children have been making the most of the sunshine through outdoor learning.

Year 1 has had a fantastic week full of curiosity and excitement! In history, they explored how people used to travel to the beach in the past, comparing transport from the past to the present day. In maths, they’ve been learning the days of the week, helping to build their understanding of time. The children are also buzzing with anticipation for next week’s Water Fun Day, it’s all they can talk about!

Year 2 has been busy this week! From their amazing trip to the London Eye to analysing the aftermath of the Great Fire of London the children’s attitudes have beautifully shone through. In History the children reflected on whether the Great fire of London was all a negative experience or whether the fire also had some positives associated with it. The children used critical thinking to explain that while the fire brought with it a lot of devastation, it also brought change and safety to London.

Year 3 made Rockliffe Manor proud this week as they confidently presented their political party manifestos to parents. This was a fantastic example of change makers in action and showcased the children’s growing oracy skills. After rehearsing and refining their speeches, the children spoke with clarity, expression, and purpose. Their ideas for improving the school demonstrated thoughtful citizenship and leadership. Parents and pupils across the school even cast votes for the party they felt had the strongest manifesto — a wonderful step in understanding democracy and becoming agents of change.

In Year 4, the children have been revisiting their science learning on living things and habitats. They impressed us with their ability to recall key knowledge about vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as the environmental impact of urbanisation, deforestation, and pollution. In English, they have begun writing exciting adventure stories, using rich vocabulary and vivid setting descriptions to engage the reader.

Year 5 have thoroughly enjoyed their science lessons this week, particularly learning about the solar system. Kristina shared that she had learned the sun is a star, and Sinead added that some people still debate whether Pluto is a planet! In English, the children have been writing powerful letters from the perspective of a Windrush child, describing what it might have been like to experience school life in a new and unfamiliar country. Their empathy and imagination really shone through in this task.

Year 6 delivered a spectacular performance of The Lion King to their families this week, showing off their incredible acting and singing talents. They were rightfully proud of their efforts, and their families were equally impressed. In RHE, the children have been learning about puberty — a topic that was handled with great maturity and curiosity. It’s been a week full of celebration, learning, and personal growth.