We have had another great week of attendance this week, with overall attendance at close to 98% once again!  Thank you for helping to keep this up to ensure that each child can get the maximum amount of time learning as possible.   A special mention to Nursery and Year 4, who both have 100% attendance this week!  Well done!

Year 1 had an amazing day at Mead Open Farm this week! Despite a little rain, it didn’t dampen the fun. The children eagerly participated in a variety of activities and were wonderfully sensible around all the animals. They fed the sheep and goats, brushed the pony, enjoyed a bumpy, muddy tractor ride, played in the adventure playground, and had a fantastic time in the soft play area! A huge thank you to all the parents and staff who joined us and braved the weather. Your support is, as always, greatly appreciated! 

Today we took part in an online lesson. We were able to learn all about the ingredients to make a Caribbean Stew. We began with Geography, learning where to find the equator and why some ingredients grew better there. Then we remembered all the countries in great Britain and which ingredients can be grown here. Next we used our scientific knowledge, recapping the parts of plants and what plants need to grow. We learnt which parts of the plants we can eat such as: the roots of the carrot, the stem of celery and the seed of wheat. Finally, we got to see technology in action. We saw how complex a combine harvester is for separating all the different parts of the plant and we learnt a dance to remember how wheat is harvested. Also, we saw how clever the automatic calf feeders are. They can tell which calf needs to be fed and how much milk they are allowed to have. If you would like the stew recipe, we can send it home.

At the start of the new school year, it is a good opportunity to share with you information about the curriculum we deliver at Nash Mills.  This week, we will look at computing.

At our school, we follow the 'Teach Computing' syllabus, which we feel gives the children a really clear pathway through from Early Years all the way up to Year 6.  The syllabus works to help the children to become independent users of different computing technologies, gaining confidence and enjoyment from their activities whilst knowing the risks and dangers of using technology and developing a sound knowledge of how they can work to keep themselves safe when online.  Part of the curriculum also looks at various aspects of computer science, where the children develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving along with critical thinking skills.

Each class will study a topic every half term, with some focusing on specific programmes, such as using spreadsheets or web creation tools, whereas others look at how the school's network and the internet allow computers to talk to each other.  In school, we have a range of technology to use, including iPads, Chromebooks and laptops.  We intentionally have a real mix so that pupils learn to use a range of equipment as they will in the wider world.  We also have a range of programming devices in school which include Sphero balls, Crumble devices and Raspberry Pi's which the children use as they move through Key Stage 2.  

We know the immense potential of technology in our lives but also the risks and concerns that it can involve.  Through our teaching of computing, we want our children to be able to appreciate this and develop an understanding of the ways that we can interact safely with technology in our lives.

As with our entire curriculum, more information about what we teach at Nash Mills can be found on the curriculum pages of our website.  Please do have a look if you would like to learn a little more! 

This is a gentle reminder that the photographers will be in school on Monday to take individual pupil photos. Please could all children come in school uniform, including children in Years 2, 4, 5 and 6 who would normally have PE (they will not need PE kit that day).

Children in all year groups will bring their photo cards (for ordering) home in due course, so please don't worry when they come home on Monday without them. We will send the photo cards home as soon as they're ready.