- Newsletter
- Friday 10th Sepember 2021
It has been wonderful to have all the children and families back in school this week. We have been so proud of how the children have settled and the pride they are taking in their work, attitudes, and appearance.
This week we introduced the children to our new and improved school rules that focus on the children being proud of themselves for all they do. Take a look below.
Mrs Dallimore
What has been happening this week?
This week the children have embarked on our new Cornerstones Curriculum. They have all been introduced to the topics and begun to explore the knowledge organisers. We are looking forward to some really engaging topics through this outstanding, connected, and well-sequenced primary curriculum.
Whole School Curriculum Map
Our curriculum in action
Reception
It has been wonderful to welcome the new Reception children into our school community this week. They have all been so brave starting a new school and it was great to see them exploring and engaging with the wonderful learning opportunities on offer. We cannot wait for you all to start full-time next week.
Year 1
The children in year 1 have been exploring maths in a variety of ways this week. They have confidently taken on the new 'Maths No Problem!' scheme and were proud to share their work with the adults. The children have also enjoyed exploring the new creativity station and new book corner too. It has been wonderful to see them all return to school with such enthusiasm.
Year 2
In Year 2 we have started our new topic: 'Let's Explore the World'. Within this topic will be exploring the globe and finding out all about how to use an atlas and a compass, how to use maps and keys, locate the equator, northern and southern hemispheres and North and South Poles. We will also explore hot, temperate and cold places and compare England to a contrasting climate. We have also started reading our first text from around the world called: 'Lost and Found' by Oliver Jeffers. As part of our new topic, we have imagined what we would need to pack for a trip to the South Pole, located this area within an atlas and described the features of a penguin for our 'Found' posters.
Take a look...
We have also been looking at habitats around the school. We used magnifying glasses to get a closer look at some minibeasts and then in class we were able to see insects under a microscope!
Year 3/4
Year 3 and 4 had their first forest school lessons this week and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day. This week’s lesson was all about setting the boundaries and giving the children a chance to explore the forest school site. It was wonderful to see all the children enjoying time in nature, with lots of smiles and laughter, and sharing their ideas and interests for future sessions.
Year 5/6
In Year 5/6 we have started our 'Groundbreaking Greeks' topic. This week we all got into teams and were historians, searching for evidence and piecing all the information together to create a timeline of the Greek artefacts. It was a great way to start to discover what life was like in the different periods in Ancient Greece.
In year 6 our maths Class began their maths lessons this week by investigating what 10 million would look like using place value counters.
In science, we started the topic of Danger! Low Voltage. The children were making complete circuits using a cell, lamp and foil.
During our Electricity topic in science this week, we were creating circuits using cells, lamps, wires and tin foil. We found out that a circuit must be complete for all components to work. To prove this, we used an energy stick and created a human circuit of Gorilla class children to make the energy stick light up.
Shawley's Superstars
Penguins: Zoe R & Hamish F-C Leopards: Anthony A & Hannah S
Dolphins: Hallie & Amy Elephants: Paulina & Aiden
Sea Turtles: Lyla & Sofia Gorillas: Daniel & Molly
Tigers: Bethany M & William W Rhinos: Maks & Charley
Lions: Isabelle & Brodie
Leadership Team choice: Papos - Elephants
Things to Celebrate
We know that the children at Shawley have a wealth of talents and skills and take part in many different clubs, sports, and hobbies outside of school. We would really like to celebrate the children's achievements in these areas.
Please feel free to send us an email describing their achievement and a photo for us to add to the weekly newsletter.
New Maths Teaching
Maths at Shawley is now taught through the ‘Maths No Problem! - Singapore Maths’ teaching approach. Maths No Problem! teaching approaches build students’ mathematical fluency without the need for rote learning. Children learn to think mathematically as opposed to reciting formulas they don’t understand.
Maths No Problem! teaches learners mental strategies to solve problems through the use of equipment to aid learning and develops mathematical understanding at a greater depth through regular problem solving challenges in each lesson.
We will be hosting a parent's workshop to share more information with you on this approach. This will take place on: 13th October 2021.
Please click here for more information about Maths No Problem!
Coming soon....
Doodle Maths
Children from Year 1 - Year 6 will be given a log in for a Maths programme that can be accessed from home and will form part of their weekly homework. Doodle Maths boosts the maths confidence of children with a personalised work programme tailored to their strengths and next steps in their learning. The logins will be stuck into children's home-school diaries for ease of use.
1:1 Device Project
We have now taken delivery of the 1:1 Chromebooks for all children at Shawley and the children across the school are beginning to use them. There has been a lot of excitement as the children collected the devices from the hall.
We will be running a parent workshop around the use of devices and what you need to know about your child bring their device home.
The workshops will take place for Y3-6 parents on 22nd September 2021 at 2.30pm in the school hall and 7.00pm remotely.
If you would like to attend either of these workshops please complete this form.
Dates For Your Diary
Parent Workshops
Introduction to 1:1 Device Project- 22nd September 2021 - 2.30pm in school / 7.00pm remote
Understanding Maths No Problem ! - 13th October 2021 - 2.30pm (This will be recorded for parents to watch in their own time if unable to attend).
Parent-Teacher consultations - 18th October 2021
Secondary School Applications
Is your child in Year 6?
If your child was born between 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2011 you will need to apply for a secondary school place by 31 October 2021.
For more information on applying for a secondary school place for your child, please click here.
Information and Resources
Wellbeing
Supporting your child's sleep
A good night’s rest is essential to a healthy lifestyle – protecting you physically and mentally as well as boosting your quality of life. Below are some videos to support you with helping your child to get a healthy night's sleep.
We will be sharing some useful videos over the next few weeks.
Free access to Touch Typing for children
Pupil Premium Funding
Pupil premium is additional funding allocated to all schools in England to support disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers. This budget includes pupils who are currently entitled to free school meals, have been free school meals in the past six years (FSM ‘Ever Six’), children that are cared for or adopted from care and children whose parents are in the armed forces. Please see details in the guidance below for further information and to make an application.
Term Dates
Messages from Shawley Fundraisers
We are so excited to be planning a whole school event, having our school community together again, whilst raising much -needed funds.
Some of the stalls we are hoping to have are: Hook a Duck – Token Alley - Face Painting - Beat the Goalie – Bottle Tombola - Bouncy Castle - Lucky Envelope - Sweetie Jars - Lucky Bags – Nail Painting - Raffle and much, much more!
We also have a local singer and a dance group to entertain us!
We will be serving refreshments, have a BBQ, ice cream van, cake stall and a Pimms and beer tent!
WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP
It takes a huge team of helpers to run this event so any help that you are able to offer throughout the day would be gratefully received.
Please complete the slip attached and return it to school as soon as possible.
We are also in need of raffle prizes so if you or someone you know, are able to donate a prize, please contact us at shawleyfundraisers@hotmail.co.uk. Thank you!
Save the date!
Please pop the date in your diaries and bring your blankets and chairs to join in the fun with your family and friends!
Many thanks,
Shawley Fundraisers
Shawley Festival of Fun!
Raffle Tickets
Raffle tickets will be on sale via Scopay from now until Thursday 16th September at a cost of £2 per ticket. They will also be available to purchase on the day.
School Lottery
Shawley's school lottery has been set up specifically to raise money and make a difference for our children! It's a fantastic way to bring parents, carers, staff and the wider community together, in partnership with our school, and at the same time give something back. We hope to raise funds that can support and enrich the education of our children - we aim to provide extra resources for the children, improve the school environment as well as run extracurricular activities such as music, art and sport.
Join today! Click here to access the Your School Lottery website to learn more about how it works and how to join.
Your support is greatly appreciated and we wish you good luck!
Parking
Parking
Please can we ask that you park considerately and safely at drop off and pick up times. Please do not park over driveways, or block the school car park entrance, as this not only causes conjestion but is also a safety issue. Thank you for your cooperation.
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