Our Reception children are showing engagement and curiosity as they become familiar with their new classroom and school life. They have loved sharing the book   'Funnybones' joining in with the story and creating skelton pictures.  

The children in Year 1 have really enjoyed finding out about Albert Einstein, the inspiring scientist their class is named after. They have been busy learning about key events from his life and putting them in chronological order. The children have also created some colourful artwork inspired by Einstein and written short biographies focusing on important events in his life. They have enjoyed discovering more about his life. 

This week, Year 2 have been learning about Thomas Barnardo and the important work he did to help vulnerable children. The children explored his life and achievements, gaining an understanding of how he made a positive difference to many young people. As their learning outcome, the children created a portrait of Thomas Barnardo and wrote a biography to share key facts about his life and legacy. 

Year 3 have been planning and writing biographies based on our class person, Marie Curie. We were very proud of our work and enjoyed sharing it with each other.

We have been inspired by Paul Klee’s use of lines in his art. We have started to design our continuous line portraits of Marie Curie.

This week, Year 4 have been learning about the art technique of chiaroscuro, which uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic effects. The children developed their blending skills using charcoal and chalk to create different tones and shading. They then applied these techniques to create portraits of our significant historical figure, Rosa Parks, carefully using light and shadow to add depth and detail to their artwork. We are incredibly proud of their creativity and the fantastic portraits they produced.

This week, Year 5 have been exploring our class figure, Emmeline Pankhurst. We have been learning about her life and achievements while writing our own biographies, focusing on key Year 5 writing skills and taking care to edit and improve our work.

We have also been getting creative by designing campaign portraits of Emmeline Pankhurst, inspired by the bold and striking styles of artists Henri Matisse and Shepard Fairey. We can’t wait to see our finished portraits!

I am so proud of how brilliantly Year 5 have settled into their new class routines and risen to every challenge this week — they have made a fantastic start to the year!

Year 6 have been learning about the structure and function of the heart. We used a 3D model to explore the different parts of the heart and understand how they work together.

We also carried out a science experiment to model how blood circulates around the body. We used tubes to represent blood vessels and explored how blood travels to different parts of the body.

Some of us are now designing and creating our own 3D model of a pumping heart, using tubes and syringes. This is helping us deepen our scientific understanding while developing our creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

We have put together some transition materials to support children who may find coming into school more difficult. These resources have been sent home to the children who currently need them and are designed to help children prepare, regulate and feel ready for the school day.

These materials are not needed by every child, but if you feel your child would benefit from this additional support, please speak to Miss Banks.

We want every child to feel safe, settled and ready to learn when they arrive at school.

Children spend more and more of their time online, whether they are watching videos, playing games or using apps. As parents and carers, one of the most important things we can do is stay interested in what they are watching, who they are talking to and what they are accessing.

This week, we encourage families to have a simple conversation at home about online safety. Ask your child what they enjoy doing online, what they would do if they saw something that worried them, and remind them that they should always tell a trusted adult if something does not feel right.

A few minutes of regular conversation can make a big difference. Stay curious, stay involved and help your child become a cyber hero.

Every minute of the school day matters.

Our gates open at 8:40am and close at 8:55am. From the moment children arrive, learning begins. Between 8:40am and 8:55am, children are already settling into class and practising important skills, including spellings.

Arriving after 8:55am means children are not just late — they are missing moments of learning and the calm, purposeful start to the day that helps them succeed.

Please help us by ensuring children arrive between 8:40am and 8:55am, ready to learn from the very start.

Moments matter. Attendance counts.

Children will have two PE sessions each week. As PE days may occasionally change due to timetabling, please send your child’s PE kit into school on a Monday and it will be sent home again on a Friday.

Please make sure all items are clearly named.

PE kit should include:

• Plain white T-shirt or polo shirt

• Plain black shorts or leggings

• Trainers for outdoor PE

• Blue Grove sweatshirt or cardigan for outdoor PE

• Plain black tracksuit bottoms or leggings for outdoor PE

Hair should be tied back and earrings should be removed or covered in line with our PE expectations.

Year 6

Year 6 will also be attending swimming sessions. Information about swimming arrangements has already been shared directly with Year 6 families, which will take place on Fridays.