Manor Park Primary Academy

The first half of the Spring term has flown by in a whirlwind of exciting learning, enriching visits, and wonderful opportunities for our children. It has been a pleasure to witness their enthusiasm and growth throughout these past few weeks.

We have been delighted to showcase our learning to visitors and parents alike. We have welcomed MAT CEOs from around the country, showcasing how technology supports our teaching & learning strategy; they were incredibly impressed and commented on the excellence that was observed within classrooms.  It was fantastic to see so many of you at the Year 1 and 3 Express and Share assemblies. Thank you for taking the time to join us and participating in classroom activities with your children – these shared experiences between children and parents/carers are truly valuable.

Our Year 4 and 5 pupils have been making a splash with their swimming lessons, and several trips have taken place to bring our curriculum to life and to enhance the children learning. Year 6 for example, visited the Science Museum where they explored the engineers exhibit, sparking their curiosity about the world of engineering.

As a school we also enjoyed celebrating Chinese New Year with a range of activities and a delicious school lunch. Our mufti day for the LEO Foundation was a great success, raising valuable fund to this worthy cause . The funds raised feed directly back into our Trust community to enrich the educational experience for all of our pupils.

We are incredibly fortunate to have been selected for the Everyone Active Adopt a School Scheme. This fantastic opportunity provides our whole school community with a four-week programme designed and led by Everyone Active professionals. We're all looking forward to the exciting perks and activities this will bring - particularly to our families over the half term break. Please see below for more information.

Our pupils have continued to excel in a variety of sporting competitions and events this term. Our dodgeball team deserves huge praise for their impressive second-place finish in the dodgeball championships. And what an achievement for our cricket team- after winning all of their matches in the indoor tournament; they have now secured a place in the semi-finals at the prestigious Lord's Cricket Ground. We wish them the very best of luck!

We have an equally busy and exciting second half of the Spring term ahead. This includes Parent/Teacher meetings, the Reception visit to Bockett's Farm, and the Year 2 and 4 Express and Share assemblies. More details about these events will be shared soon.

On behalf of all the staff at Manor Park, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support so far this term and wish you all a very enjoyable and restful half-term break. We look forward to welcoming the children back on Monday 24th February 2025.

Manor Park Primary and LEO Academy Trust are now on all social media platforms. Find us on Twitter/X, Facebok and Instagram through the details below:

Back to School on Monday, 24th February!

A friendly reminder that after the half-term break, school will resume on Monday, 24th February. We hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable half-term holiday and we look forward to welcoming the children back, refreshed and ready for a fantastic term of learning!

Parent/Teacher Meetings

Parent’s evening is one of the best opportunities for you to meet teachers to discuss how your child is doing, and it is important to attend these events. 

May we please remind you that your child or children may not accompany you to the virtual or face to face meetings and you will not be able to attend your meeting should you bring your child with you. Thank you for your co-operation.

Cancellation of After-School Clubs  

Please be advised that due to Parents and Teachers’ Meetings scheduled for the following dates, we will have to cancel some of our after-school clubs:

• Tuesday, 25th February: Craft Club, Story Club and ICANDO Club and Year 6 Reading Booster

• Thursday, 27th February: Book Club, Topical Talk, Choir, and Girls Netball Club and Year 6 Booster

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We understand the importance of these clubs for our students and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you for your cooperation.

This half term, pupils embarked on an engaging "Starry Night" topic, exploring the wonders of day and night. They learned about nocturnal animals and their unique habits, expressing their creativity through nighttime artwork using diverse materials. The pupils enjoyed the story of "Whatever Next!" and used their imaginations to create their own lunar adventures. They also investigated the vital roles of individuals who work through the night to provide essential services, culminating in the creation of puppet representations of these night workers.

In mathematics, pupils concentrated on numbers up to 5, practicing their numeral formation in sand and glitter. They participated enthusiastically in number songs, including "5 Little Men in a Flying Saucer," and enjoyed countdown activities to simulate a rocket launch. The school celebrated Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year by learning the story of the animal race and engaging in a dragon dance accompanied by traditional Chinese music. Phonics learning commenced with Phase 1, focusing on the exploration of loud and quiet sounds using various instruments. Pupils participated in a sound hunt around the school grounds, identifying sounds such as children playing, birds singing, and the wind blowing. Outdoor learning involved constructing houses in the designated area and developing balancing skills on the beam. Pupils also engaged with the story of "The Billy Goats Gruff," acting out the tale and imagining themselves crossing the bridge.

This half term, pupils explored the topic of 'Long Ago,' engaging with traditional tales and nursery rhymes. As part of this exploration, they participated in a dynamic nursery rhyme workshop, where they used percussion instruments to accompany modern renditions of classic rhymes. The children also learned about colour mixing through the lens of ‘I can see a rainbow’ and investigated numerous stories, including 'Handa's Surprise', ‘The Gingerbread Man’, and 'The Smartest Giant in Town’. The school celebrated Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year by learning the story of the animal race, exploring various traditions, and reflecting on their own. Pupils watched a video of a parade and participated in a dragon dance.

In phonics, pupils continued their learning of Phase 3 sounds, focusing on various digraphs and trigraphs. They worked diligently, employing robot arms to blend these sounds. Mathematics lessons focused on the part-part whole model, enabling pupils to add two groups together and identify the whole. They enjoyed creating number sentences and began to record them in writing. Physical education lessons proved equally engaging, with pupils learning to throw and roll a ball to a partner. They also developed their core strength through side-to-side jumping activities.

Year 1 pupils commenced an engaging geographical study centred on London and its prominent landmarks, under the thematic title 'Bright Lights, Big City'. As part of this exploration, pupils conducted fieldwork within the school grounds, examining both the human and physical characteristics of their immediate environment. This experience culminated in the creation of individual maps by each pupil. In English lessons, the children were immersed in the historical context of the Great Fire of London, utilising Samuel Pepys' diary as inspiration for their own creative writing. Pupils composed diary entries from the perspective of individuals who lived through this significant event, incorporating factual details regarding the fire's progression.

The culmination of this term's work was celebrated during the Year 1 Express and Share event. Parents were invited to participate in art activities alongside their children, further enriching the learning experience. These activities included the creation of collages depicting the Great Fire of London and the painting of watercolour backgrounds for representations of famous landmarks. In mathematics, pupils focused on developing a strong understanding of numbers up to 50, practising the recognition, writing, and ordering of these numbers. They were also introduced to counting in tens and began partitioning numbers into tens and ones, thereby establishing a firm foundation in place value concepts.

Year 2 pupils engaged in a productive and stimulating half term, focusing on the topic of coastlines. In Geography, pupils explored maps and keys, identified both physical and human features, and compared the seaside town of Whitby with their local area of Sutton. They applied their knowledge by designing and constructing their own coastal towns, demonstrating creativity in the naming of these fictional locations. Art lessons saw pupils developing their artistic skills through the study of floral shapes, forms, and textures. They produced sketches, created vibrant collages, and sculpted three-dimensional flower forms from clay, thus expanding their understanding of clay techniques. Design and Technology lessons continued the coastal theme, with pupils constructing beach huts using lolly sticks, straws, and cardboard. They practiced sawing skills to create flags for their constructions. Computing lessons introduced pupils to coding concepts through hands-on Lego building activities based on specific instructions, fostering an interest in programming and problem-solving. Mathematics lessons concentrated on financial literacy, with pupils learning to count various amounts of money, create £1 using different combinations, and understand the value of coins and notes. They also explored multiplication using arrays, learning about rows and columns to aid their calculations.

In English, Year 2 pupils studied the book "The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch," writing vivid setting descriptions and employing descriptive vocabulary. They also practiced instructional writing by creating step-by-step guides for making a sandwich, which they subsequently sampled. Furthermore, they explored informal letter writing, composing letters inspired by the story "Coming to England." The half term proved to be a busy and successful one for Year 2.

Year 3 pupils experienced a stimulating and productive term, engaging with a diverse range of subjects. Their exploration of ‘Rocks, Relics, and Rumbles’ commenced with an in-depth study of the Earth’s layers and the powerful influence of tectonic plates. This foundational knowledge facilitated their understanding of volcanic activity, culminating in a detailed examination of Pompeii and the historical and geographical consequences of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption. Pupils demonstrated their comprehension through creative, hands-on activities, including the construction and simulated eruption of papier-mâché volcanoes. In mathematics, pupils focused on developing robust division and multiplication skills, tackling calculations involving two-digit numbers divided and multiplied by single digits. They subsequently applied these skills to converting units of length and solving addition and subtraction problems related to length.

In English, the narrative of 'The Firework Maker's Daughter' inspired creative writing, with pupils composing character descriptions and persuasive letters from Lila’s perspective. They further developed their non-chronological report writing abilities through a project centered on Mary Anning. The science curriculum broadened pupils' understanding of forces, encompassing both contact and non-contact forces. A particularly engaging activity involved an investigation into various types of magnets, during which pupils explored the principles of magnetic poles. Finally, pupils showcased their artistic abilities by exploring the concept of motifs and applying this understanding to the creation of impressive ammonite sculptures.

This term, Year 4 pupils embarked on a learning adventure related to their "Misty Mountains, Winding Rivers" topic. They studied topography, including the shapes of various landforms, and researched famous mountains and rivers both within the United Kingdom and internationally. Classrooms were transformed into centres for mini-explorations, facilitating engaging and enriching learning experiences.

Furthermore, pupils delved into the fascinating world of states of matter. They explored the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, conducting hands-on investigations to understand the processes of transformation between these states. Through experiments, pupils classified various materials and directly observed melting and freezing. They also studied the behaviour of particles within each state of matter, developing a deeper understanding of the scientific principles governing these transformations. In English lessons, Year 4 pupils explored the serene valleys of tea plantations as part of their writing project. They developed their use of figurative language to create vivid imagery for their readers, evoking the lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere. Pupils also mastered the use of fronted adverbials to add emphasis and variety to their writing, and strengthened their sentence construction through the effective use of conjunctions to create more complex and engaging descriptions.

Year 5 pupils commenced their new topic, "Sow, Grow, and Farm," with enthusiasm, immersing themselves in the world of plants and farming. They explored tone and shading within their art curriculum, successfully transferring these skills to a geography lesson. In this lesson, pupils photographed various fruits and subsequently created realistic still life drawings. Within English, they studied the notable naturalists Sir David Attenborough and Jane Goodall, conducting research on each scientist before producing exemplary disciplinary writing pieces. These written works were then published by the pupils through the creation of individual websites.

This half term, Year 5 pupils began swimming lessons at Sutton High. It was a pleasure to observe their progress in the water, as they developed their various strokes and increased both their stamina and the distances they could swim. During their intraclass tournament, the pupils demonstrated effective teamwork, applying skills learned in physical education. Teachers noted clear passing and communication amongst team members, along with commendable sportsmanship, as pupils encouraged one another to participate and excel in the game.

Year 6 pupils commenced this half term's learning with an enriching visit to the Science Museum. This excursion served as an ideal complement to their Spring topic, "Frozen Kingdom." Pupils attended a 3D IMAX film about Antarctica, which explored the continent's mysteries and wildlife. The documentary, utilizing advanced underwater filming and previously unseen footage, demonstrated Antarctica's global impact. In addition to the film, pupils explored various museum galleries, broadening their general science knowledge. A particular highlight was the technicians' lab, where they investigated the STEM skills employed in diverse careers, including pharmacy technician, lighting engineer, and sound engineer. The pupils' exemplary behaviour on public transport and within the museum contributed to a successful and enjoyable day.

Continuing their studies within the "Frozen Kingdoms" topic, Year 6 pupils have been examining Inuit art. This project provided an opportunity to explore the Inuit way of life, encompassing their cultural and artistic traditions. Pupils learned about the significance of arctic animals in Inuit art and how the detailed depictions reflect the respect the Inuit people hold for all living creatures. They also practised key Inuit artistic techniques, creating and utilizing their own stencils, mastering the creation of an ombre effect with paint, and developing their carving skills to produce their own Inuit-inspired soapstone sculptures. Furthermore, in Science, Year 6 pupils have been studying electricity, learning about circuits, components, and their functions. They investigated the correlation between cell voltage and circuit output and learned to represent circuits using standard symbols.

Years 5 and 6 had an exciting and informative day at the Careers Festival held at Guildhall in London. The children explored a diverse range of professions, gaining insights into various career paths. From the brave firefighters and dedicated police officers to the skilled pilots soaring through the skies, the students learned about the training and responsibilities involved. They also had the opportunity to discover more hands-on trades, witnessing the craftsmanship of carpenters, blacksmiths, and even trying their hand at the traditional art of basket weaving. The festival provided a valuable experience, broadening the children's horizons and sparking their imaginations about future possibilities.

The Spring term proved to be a successful one for the pupils' sporting endeavours. The dodgeball team achieved a commendable second place in the East Surrey Championships, progressing through the group stage undefeated and overcoming Cheam Park Farm in the semi-finals before a hard-fought final against Shawley. The indoor cricket team demonstrated exceptional skill, winning all their matches and earning the title of Indoor LEO Cricket Champions. This success led to their participation in the prestigious William Greaves Indoor Cricket Tournament held at Lord's Cricket Ground. Pupils broadened their sporting horizons by participating in a range of new sports, festivals, and competitions, including Year 5 and 6 Sitting Volleyball, Year 3 and 4 New Age Kurling, and the LEO KS2 Dodgeball competition. The Sutton Sports Partnership KS2 Indoor Athletics team also performed admirably, securing third place in their heat. Finally, the girls' football team maintained their unbeaten league record, drawing 2-2 with Brookfield and with two further matches remaining. 

If you wish to share your child's success outside of school to include in future newsletters, please email into the school office!

LEO Explorers are: Open Minded

We respect and celebrate our individual differences. We are willing to listen to new ideas and opinions even if they are different from our own. We are happy to change our minds with new information.

The class with the highest attendance in Reception and Key Stage 1  for the week ending 7th February 2025 was  Quartz Classes with 98.67%, closely followed by  Agate Class with 97.67%.

The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 2 for week ending 7th February 2025 was  Onyx Class with 99.06% followed by Zircon Class with 98.44%.

Well done, everyone.

Weekly Achievement Certificate Winners

Click here to see this week's certificate winners. 

Well done to you all!