Manor Park Primary Academy

As we finish our first half term of 2024, we find ourselves reflecting on another wonderful term here at Manor Park Primary School. It's been a period filled with exciting learning adventures, incredible achievements, and a vibrant sense of community spirit. We extend a particularly warm welcome to our new families who have joined the Manor Park community this term. We hope you are settling in well and experiencing the friendly and supportive atmosphere that makes our school so special. All the children have settled nicely into their new classes and over the next half term we look forward to welcoming more of our parents and carers into school to meet with teachers at the forthcoming parent/teacher meetings which start after half term. We also look forward to Christmas performances and celebrations which we will share with you in December and will provide you with dates in the Notices and Reminders sheet on our return to school. 

This half term has been particularly action-packed! Our 'Express and Share' assemblies have showcased the incredible talents of our children in Years 4 and 6, and it was lovely for so many parents to come and join in the learning afterwards in the classrooms. Year 6 embarked on an unforgettable residential trip, developing their independence and resilience while creating lasting memories with their friends. Special thanks is extended to all of the staff who accompanied them on this fabulous adventure. Year 3 had an exhilarating trip to Go Ape, where they swung through the trees and conquered new heights! They worked on a variety of activities to encourage communication and team building. Children across the school have enjoyed a number of workshops to complement their Learning Projects and may we thank you again for your financial support for these invaluable activities-the children love taking part and gain so much from them.  F.O.M.P also held a Halloween-themed Mufti Day and we had some amazing witches, ghouls and monsters roaming through the corridors!! The cake sale was a resounding success, and we look forward to the upcoming FOMP events next term, 

Thank you again for all your support, and have a wonderful Autumn break.  

We look forward to welcoming the children back on Tuesday 5th November 2024, with Monday 4th November being an Inset day.

This half term has been filled with enriching opportunities for all pupils, extending learning far beyond the traditional classroom. Every pupil continues to benefit from the use of 1-to-1 Chromebooks, reinforcing the school's commitment to inclusive practice. Pupils were also able to explore their interests and develop new skills through our extensive extra-curricular clubs both before, during and after school, including LEGO Coding & Spike and the Maths 144 Challenge. The school's commitment to innovative learning was further demonstrated through its Gold Award-winning Now Press Play program and the continuing success of Topical Talk sessions, providing pupils with a platform to discuss current news stories and topical issues.

Through the actions of FOMP, a strong sense of community spirit continued through various themed charity events, including a Halloween Mufti Day, cake sales, and participation in the 'Red Card to Racism' campaign. Pupils' social and emotional well being was also nurtured through inclusive activities such as yoga and music, alongside the support provided by the school's Wellbeing Woofer, Lester. Outdoor learning opportunities were abundant, with pupils enjoying Forest School sessions, Year 2 pupils receiving Fire Safety Training from the Fire Brigade, and Year 3 pupils embarking on an adventurous day at Go Ape.

Further enhancing the curriculum, Year 5 pupils participated in a Thorpe Park STEAM trip and Year 6 pupils experienced the Science Fair EXCELL and a Kingswood Residential trip. Bikeability training equipped Year 5 and 6 pupils with essential road safety skills. Sporting events, including Borough competitions, and swimming sessions, with additional catch-up interventions for Years 3 and 4, promoted physical activity and healthy competition. Workshops such as the Gooey Guts Workshop and the Shang Dynasty Workshop provided engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Finally, access to the Sora Online Library opened up a world of literature, providing pupils with over 30,000 books to explore for free.

Overall, it has been an incredibly busy, exciting and rewarding term for our pupils and we look forward to what the rest of the year will bring!

This term, Nursery pupils enjoyed a fantastic start to the school year, settling in quickly and embracing the exciting activities on offer. They worked diligently on building new relationships and learning the Golden Rules.

The children explored the theme 'Me, Myself and My Community' through the Cornerstones curriculum. They learned about the important people in their lives, from family members to friends, and enjoyed discussing these individuals. This inspired the children to create drawings of their families and favourite things, while also exploring different mark-making activities. They then extended their learning to include important community figures such as doctors, firefighters, and police officers.

In Maths, the children explored numbers to five through engaging songs like 'Five Currant Buns' and 'Five Speckled Frogs.' They enthusiastically acted out these songs and participated in activities that reinforced their understanding of numbers up to five.

The children were also captivated by various stories, including 'The Three Little Pigs,' 'Leaf Man,' and 'Owl Babies.' They had a wonderful time role-playing as the Three Little Pigs, building homes, and retelling the story. Autumn walks provided the opportunity to collect resources and create their own 'Leaf Man' artwork.

This term, Reception pupils embarked on their exciting journey at [School Name]. They diligently learned the school rules and the 'Golden Rules', which guide their behaviour and interactions.

The class enthusiastically explored the Cornerstones topic 'Let's Explore'. They demonstrated their creativity by making treasure maps, constructing obstacle courses, and designing their own fantasy worlds. Pupils also enjoyed researching places they would like to visit, broadening their geographical awareness. Story time was a highlight, with the class captivated by tales such as 'Where's Spot', 'Harold and the Purple Crayon', and 'In Every House on Every Street'.

In Phonics, the children focused on Phase 2 sounds, practising their recognition and formation. They developed their phonemic awareness by identifying initial sounds in words, such as 's' for snake.

Mathematical learning centred around mastering numbers to 5. Pupils practised counting, ordering, and recognising these numerals. They also began comparing quantities, exploring the concepts of 'more' and 'less'.

Physical Education lessons were met with enthusiasm. The children participated in games that developed their listening skills and ability to follow instructions. They also focused on improving their balancing skills.

It has been a wonderful start to the year for Reception, filled with learning and new experiences!

Year 1 pupils enjoyed a brilliant first half-term, settling into their new classrooms and embracing learning through free-flow play and engaging lessons.

Their main topic, 'Childhood in the 1950s', proved to be a resounding success. The children embarked on a journey back in time, discovering how children lived in that era and comparing their experiences to those of children today. They even demonstrated their learning by creating knowledge organisers to share with other year groups.

In Art, Year 1 pupils explored the vibrant world of colour. They began by creating their own colour wheels, learning about primary and secondary colours. Inspired by renowned artists such as Kandinsky, Picasso, and Mondrian, the children then unleashed their creativity, selecting their own colour schemes and producing colourful masterpieces.

Science lessons focused on the fascinating topic of human senses. The children learned how their senses enable them to explore the world and stay safe. Through engaging experiments, they discovered the challenges of completing everyday tasks with a diminished sense, such as trying to navigate with one eye closed. A particular highlight was the 'smell pot' activity, where pupils enthusiastically guessed different scents. Fruity and sweet aromas were met with delight, while the liquorice scent proved less popular!

Finally, in English, the children immersed themselves in the story 'Old Bear'. They honed their writing skills by composing sentences about the characters and retelling the story in their own words. The pupils effectively utilised their phonics knowledge to sound out words and construct sentences, culminating in a shared sense of relief when Old Bear was rescued from the attic.

Year 2 embarked on a captivating journey through time this past half term, immersing themselves in the lives of remarkable explorers and activists who shaped the course of history. Pupils delved into the legacies of Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon, and Christopher Columbus, the renowned explorer who traversed the Atlantic Ocean. A captivating workshop brought their stories to life, leaving a lasting impression on the children. They were enthralled to learn about Martin Luther King Jr., a champion for equality, and Emmeline Pankhurst, a courageous advocate for women's rights.

The young artists of Year 2 explored the vibrant realm of colour, experimenting with primary and secondary hues and mastering the art of mixing them to create a spectrum of shades. They also honed their sketching skills through still life drawing, practicing shading techniques and diverse line effects to produce impressive works of art.

In Science, Year 2 embarked on a voyage of discovery into the intricacies of the human body. They learned about the human life cycle, from infancy to adulthood, and engaged in discussions about the factors that contribute to human health and well-being. The importance of a balanced diet and proper nutrition was emphasized. A lively experiment involving glitter and pepper, simulating the spread of germs, provided a memorable lesson on hygiene.

Year 2 pupils demonstrated their writing prowess, crafting imaginative diary entries from the perspective of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. They also stepped into the shoes of renowned explorers, composing detailed character descriptions that captured their personalities and accomplishments.

This half term, Year 3 embarked on an exciting adventure to Go Ape! This trip wasn't just about swinging through the trees; it was a fantastic opportunity for team building, developing communication skills, and building confidence. The children had to work together to navigate the course, encourage each other, and overcome challenges, all while having a great time and developing a stronger bond as a class and year group.

Year 3 delved deep into the Stone Age this term, exploring all aspects of life in this fascinating period. They learned about how Stone Age people lived, their beliefs and customs, and how wealth and power were determined in their society. To truly immerse themselves in the experience, the children used the innovative "Now Press Play" audio resource, which brought the Stone Age to life through vivid soundscapes and storytelling.

Bonjour! Year 3 have begun their language-learning journey with an introduction to French. They have mastered basic greetings, allowing them to say hello and goodbye in a new language. The children also started learning numbers, laying the foundation for future French vocabulary and conversations.

The classroom has been filled with the vibrant rhythms of the djembe drum this half term! Year 3 explored the djembe, learning how to play different notes and create exciting rhythms. They practised 2 and 4 beat patterns, developing their musicality, coordination, and listening skills.

This half term, Year 5 pupils immersed themselves in the Anglo-Saxon world. They embarked on a hands-on exploration of artefacts and examined key events following the Roman withdrawal from Britain, including the invasions and settlements of various groups. Pupils explored the cause, consequence and impact of these historical events and compared everyday life in Anglo-Saxon Britain to modern day Britain.

In science, the pupils embarked on a fascinating exploration of the digestive system. A captivating workshop led by 'Gooey Stuey' brought this complex topic to life. Using everyday ingredients to represent various substances, the children simulated the digestive process. With enthusiasm and engagement, they were able to articulate the journey food takes through the body.

English lessons saw the class delve into the epic tale of Beowulf. To gain a deeper understanding of the protagonist's experiences, they wrote diary entries from Beowulf's perspective, capturing his thoughts and emotions at key moments in the story. The pupils focused on using evocative language to create a powerful emotional response in the reader. To further enhance their understanding of Beowulf's journey, they worked collaboratively to create freeze frames, generating a bank of descriptive phrases.

Year 5 enjoyed a term filled with creativity and learning. Pupils embraced the outdoors with their weekly Forest School sessions, undeterred by occasional inclement weather. They crafted wood cookies, toasted marshmallows over an open fire, and even learned the basics of fire making, developing their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and appreciation for nature.

In English, pupils embarked on a literary journey with "The Ship of Shadows," which captivated their imaginations. They are currently working on writing their own exciting narrative stories inspired by the book.

In Design and Technology, the children explored the world of pneumatic devices. They investigated how air pressure can be used to create movement and power, and subsequently designed and made their own pneumatic devices, putting their newfound knowledge to the test.

Finally, Year 5 participated in an engaging Shang Dynasty workshop, delving into the world of Ancient Chinese warfare. Through interactive drama and role-playing, the pupils re-enacted key battles, gaining insight into the strategies and techniques of the time. This hands-on experience brought history to life, leaving them engaged and inspired.

This term, Year 6 embarked on a thought-provoking journey through history, exploring the 'Maafa' and its profound impact. Pupils delved into Britain's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of those affected. They also celebrated the rich history of African civilizations and the achievements of influential black Britons.

To begin their learning, pupils collaborated in groups to research ancient African Kingdoms, culminating in insightful presentations to their classmates. Building on their knowledge of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, they worked in pairs to create compelling podcasts that vividly depicted life on board the ships transporting enslaved Africans to America. Throughout these discussions, pupils demonstrated remarkable consideration, maturity, and respect for the sensitive subject matter.

Year 6's artistic talents were ignited by exploring the works of renowned African artists, including Esther Mahlangu. Inspired by her vibrant geometric patterns, pupils crafted their own unique designs, incorporating elements from Mahlangu's signature style.

In English, pupils honed their writing skills by composing impactful newspaper reports on the Transatlantic Slave Trade. They meticulously adhered to the conventions of journalistic writing, employing third-person narration and past tense verbs. To add authenticity to their reports, they incorporated quotes from individuals who might have witnessed the exchange of goods between Africa and Europe during that era.

Beyond the classroom, Year 6 embarked on an unforgettable residential trip to Kingswood. They embraced a range of exhilarating activities, including caving, ziplining, rock climbing, navigating obstacle courses, conquering Jacob's ladder, taking the leap of faith, and, of course, enjoying a lively disco.

Further enriching their learning experiences, Year 6 had the privilege of attending the 'New Scientist' event at the Excel in London. There, they were captivated by fascinating exhibits showcasing insects, underwater creatures, and prehistoric dinosaurs.

Manor Park have had an action packed Term full of sports, ranging from Cycling sessions with England Cycling to taking part in Cross Country.  Lots of children have already had an opportunity to represent the school with the Sutton School Sports festival events starting back up. We have taken part in Year 3&4 Orienteering, Year 4 Skipping, Year 5&6 Tag-Rugby and Year 4 Cross Country. All the children involved have showed great athleticism and resilience throughout the competitions and festivals! Look out for next term as some children will be taking part in the upcoming Year 5&6 Squash workshop, Year 5&6 Multi Skills festival and Year 3 Tag-Rugby festival!!!

10 Lucky Year 5 children have been attending their Cycling sessions down at Rosehill Park with coach Angela from England Cycling. The children have worked on lots of key cycling skills such as when to change gears on different terrains, safety check before riding a bike, turning and cycling while in different weather conditions and cycling up and down hills safely. The children have shown great engagement and enthusiasm while taking part in the sessions and have all improved on their cycling ability!

The football season has started back up for the Key Stage 2 Boys and Girls teams! The boys have started off wonderfully in the league with a hard fought 2-0 win over Brookfield giving them the first 3 points of the season. The Girls team have also been in action where they competed in the LEO Year 5/6 Girls football tournament winning 1 game and drawing 1. The Girls also competed in the Borough Cup where after a 2-2 draw and extra time played, we unfortunately lost on penalties to Dorchester. 

Towards the end of the half term 14 lucky children took part in the Palace for Life Tournament held at Crystal Palace Academy training ground. There were lots of smiles and memories made at the end of the tournament. 

Safety in the School Playground

May we please remind you of the following safety rules which must be followed within the school grounds before and after school:

• No scooters or cycles to be ridden around the playgrounds.

• No using any of the apparatus in the playgrounds including Foundation Unit.

• Children should remain with their parents and carers at all times until they come into the buildings in the morning or whilst they wait for siblings after school.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Social Media Guidelines

Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter etc. should not be used for any school related comments and the complaints and concerns procedures should be followed. If you wish to share, confidentially, parents who are using sites inappropriately, please let us know and we a will be happy to speak to them. All contact between staff and parents should be conducted with politeness whether this is in meetings or on social media. The following guidelines should be followed:

• Parents should use social networking sites or messaging groups sites only as a forum to support one another and uphold the strong reputation of the school.

• Parents should not post pictures of pupils, other than their own children, on social networking sites.

• Parents should not post inappropriate comments about the school and its staff, parents or individual children on social networking sites or messaging groups.

• Parents should share complaints or concerns through official school channels rather than posting them on social networking sites or messaging groups.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Family Fun Activity Day

The Paul Alan Project will be hosting a family fun day on Thursday 31st October between 11am and 4pm at MBA Lounge, Sutton United FC, Gander Green Lane, SM1 2EY. For more information please see this flyer.

The class with the highest attendance in Reception and Key Stage 1  for the week ending 18th October 2024 were Amber and Agate Classes with 97.67%, closely followed by  Coral Class with 97..33%.

The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 2 for week ending 18th October 2024 was  Ruby Class with 99.06% followed by Moonstone Class with 98.13%.

Well done, everyone.

Weekly Achievement Certificate Winners

Click here to see this week's certificate winners. 

Well done to you all!