leigh academy paddock wood
Newsletter
Newsletter
Dear Parents and Carers,
I write to you all from my paternity leave. Some of you will know that my wife and I welcomed our little boy into the world over the Christmas holidays. With his arrival being at the beginning of the festive period I wanted to push back my leave to be as present as possible at Paddock Wood in my first year. I have admittedly found it hard to switch off but have been kept informed of the brilliant learning taking place in this first week back!
The children are prepared for an exciting module of new learning, house events, trips and transition for the new academic year. We look forward to welcoming yourselves into school for sports day, Paddock Woodstock, the highly anticipated Colour Run and an array of year group and class events.
There are so many exciting developments ahead in the new academic year which have already started. The Forest School Area underwent significant developments over the half-term break. Mrs Watson and her team of green-fingered enthusiasts worked tirelessly in the heavy rain over the break to make a functioning outdoor classroom ready for the new academic year. Thank you to those who offered your free time and effort to support us in bringing our vision to life.
We have had planning agreed for all classrooms to be redecorated over the summer holidays including the removal of our partitioning doors. These sliding doors have been in place for a number of years and I believe that they do permit sound to travel easily between classes. Whilst our children are fantastically well behaved, sound can escape from highly engaged and proactive lessons. I don't want this to hinder learning or prevent classes from truly embracing our inquiry approach (which is hands on, exciting and requires active engagement). Our vision is for all lessons to be engaging, proactive and a hive of productivity, thus I wholeheartedly believe this change will have a significant positive impact on our teaching and learning.
In addition to this, we are looking to develop dedicated DT and Music suites so that all children can hone their skills and knowledge with us whilst understanding how they can apply them in real world contexts in preparation for their life beyond Paddock Wood. We want all children to have a rich and varied educational offer which exposes them to careers and opportunities in the world around them.
Our plans include creating a podcasting and green screen room and so much more for the future. We are excited and motivated to provide the best possible learning opportunities and environment for all children who attend our brilliant school.
Yours sincerely and enjoy a restful weekend,
Mr Moore
This week our overall academy attendance has been 95.7%.
Our winning year group is Year 1 this week with 96% so congratulations to all pupils for being in school as much as you can!
All Year 1 children have received some additional playtime today to celebrate this...and of course will be the holders of the Attendance Weekly Cup for a week!
This week we are really proud of...
Last weekend Arlo not only completed a 5k run in an amazing time of 55 minutes but also raised £700 for Cancer Research! Well done Arlo, what and amazing achievement for a very worthy cause. We are so proud of you!
Maddie has been on a mission for a good few months now to grow her hair just that little bit longer and all for a very good reason! Over half term she managed to donate 14” of her hair to Little Princess Trust.
When a child loses their hair to cancer, Little Princess Trust are there with a free, real hair wig to help restore their confidence and identity. Maddie did her part not only by giving hair and hope to children and young people, but also raised £464 to fund the real hair wigs and ground-breaking childhood cancer research projects.
We are immensely proud of you Maddie!
Lucy managed to walk 26.2 miles over 7 days in half term to raise money for Demelza Hospice. With support from Babyccino, she has raised £1412 in total and it is still rising! Babyccino are now offering a special discount on her favourite milkshake to celebrate her achievement! Well done Lucy, what an amazing achievement. We are so proud of you!
Vitor and Vicente went to meet David Walliams during half term at Waterstones in Tunbridge Wells. He kindly signed their picture with his books, they also got a copy of his new book The World’s Worst Superheroes.
School Meals - next week will be Week 2 of the school meal menu. If you pay for school meals please check MCAS balances regularly and top up if needed. All meals must be paid for in advance.
Paddock Woodstock - tickets available via MCAS>Products until 18th June 2025.
Year 6 Leavers' Party - tickets now available via MCAS>Products until 4th July 2025.
Some dates for your diary:
9.6.25 3G and 3HE to Communigrow Park Farm
12.6.25 EYFS Father's Day Build and Field Event 2.45pm - 3.15pm
16.6.25 3M to Communigrow Park Farm
Non Uniform Day for Woodstock donations
19.6.25 Emergency Services Community Day
19.6.25 - 26.6.25 Book Fair
20.6.25 Paddock Woodstock - more details in MCAS>Announcements
25.6.25 Sports Day - more details in MCAS>Announcements
1.7.25 Registration for the Kent Test closes (Year 5 children)
2.7.25 Back up Sports Day - only if cancelled in the previous week due to bad weather
8.7.25 Year 2 visit to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
11.7.25 Year 6 Leavers' Disco
14.7.25 Year 3 Ukulele and Instrument Concert to parents
16.7.25 Rocksteady Concert
18.7.25 PTA Colour Run
22.7.25 Year 6 Leavers Assembly to parents 10am
End of Module 6 - 1.30pm finish (No After School Club)
Isabelle
For your insightful writing on Rose Blanche, showing deep understanding and creativity. You demonstrated that you are open-minded and collaborated well in your new exhibition group, contributing thoughtfully and positively to the team's research.
Freya
For your ambitious and reflective approach when writing your narrative based on Rose Blanche. You used all of the features you were asked for whilst also writing over 1200 words - producing quality and quantity. Nice one Freya.
Ruby
This week you have shown yourself to be inquisitive - asking intriguing questions and preparing for your own inquiry.
Anna
Your caring, reflective and balanced approach to learning has not gone unnoticed. Whether it is trying to improve and develop your writing or showing resilience and a risk taking attitude in maths, you always approach with positivity. Keep it up!
Hanar
Hanar has been a principled learner this week and has responded really well whilst conferencing with her new working partner. Well done, keep up this positive conscientious attitude.
Scarlett
You have been a kind and caring member of the class, consistently showing compassion and empathy toward others. You always put in your best effort, approaching every task with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Keep up the brilliant work!
Maddie
With her principled approach, Maddie has continued to produce a high standard of work this week, always striving to improve. Keep up the determined effort, Maddie.
Hendri
Hendri has used his geographical knowledge on oceans and continents to enhance our learning and conferencing in our inquiry this week. His general knowledge and communication skills continue to impress! Well done, Hendri.
Teddy
You produced an incredible non-chronological piece of writing on oceans this week. Your balanced approach was an inspiration to those around you.
Juan
Juan was an excellent thinker in French this week, linking his knowledge of compass points to our new learning of directions around town. Excellent work, Juan!
Madison
Madison has utilised her excellent communication skills this week. In small group discussions she has shared thoughtful ideas and opinions and in whole class discussions her hand has consistently been in the air, ready to contribute and help us all learn.
Edan
Edan was a great inquirer this week and asked thoughtful questions about how we use plants for different purposes. Edan has also been using his problem solving attributes to identify Roman Numerals to 12. Well done, Edan.
Vicente
In our science driven lessons this week, Vicente has shown impressive knowledge around our topic. Vicente you contributed brilliantly to our class discussions this week, providing useful insights to the class. You also asked relevant questions around the subject which showed your inquisitive side. Keep it up!
Harry
Harry has been a knowledgeable learner this week. He has excelled in telling the time to the nearest 5 minutes. He pushes himself every lesson and engages with the challenge questions with an open mind, questioning why. Harry's growth with maths is incredible!
Riley
Riley has been a thinker with his reading this week. He was able to answer comprehension questions during his assessment, reading the text to help him. His love for Dogman has helped develop his reading skills, we are very impressed! Well done Riley.
Esmae
For being a kind and caring friend. During our RE lesson this week, you beautifully explained what makes a good friend. We are so proud of your wonderful descriptions in which you explained how you will support our friends and always be there for them.
Well done Esmae.
Hina
You have used your communication skills excellently this week! Your confidence in engaging in class discussions is improving greatly and it was lovely to see you volunteering to demonstrate your speaking skills in front of the class this week. Well done!
Jessica
For being a tremendous communicator this week! Your class noticed your clear voice and participation this week as well as your speech bubble achievement! You have remained principled around the school and we love to see all your hard work and bravery. This is wonderful to see Jessy, keep it up!
Elizabeth
For facing the challenge of adapting upon returning back to school. She came back to school and showed us all that she is incredibly determined.
Lawrence
For being a reflective communicator! Lawrence has shown us a new side of him this week that we are so proud he is developing. His sensitive nature is really shining through and we are happy he feels comfortable and confident to talk openly about his feelings. Practicing this can be tricky so well done for giving it your all!
Matthew
For being a caring friend this week! You have looked after our new friend in the class and made super choices all week! What a great role model you are!
Alfie
You've worked so carefully this week, and it really shows in your fantastic Blitz artwork! Your effort and attention to detail are something to be proud of - well done!
Lakithi
For your care and creativity when creating your blitz silhouette artwork. You took your time when blending the colours for your background, ensuring that your design was something to be proud of. Well done Lakithi.
Isabel
For your superb attitude and application this week. You’ve engaged in principled discussions and been balanced when listening to others' opinions. Your enthusiasm is infectious and you’ve made everyone smile with your dance moves!
William
For your excellent story writing. You have shown that you are highly knowledgeable about how to write and engaging fantasy adventure and how to use figurative language in order to enhance your narrative.
Kerem
For your really fantastic presentation throughout maths this week whilst understanding and drawing line graphs. Well done Kerem. You have shown that you can be a good thinker to find solutions.
Jake
For your endless enthusiasm and determination with your learning. You always present a can-do attitude and are always ready to take on a challenge. It’s been wonderful to see your hard work paying off across all areas of the curriculum, well done!
Ted T
For really thinking about your end of module reflection work. You communicated with your peers clearly.
Frank
With his principled approach to his work this week, Frank worked sensibly and with a determined effort to understand how to work with time. He used his knowledge to conference with his group and help those around him. Well done, Frank.
Isabelle
You produced a lovely page in your inquiry on oceans this week. Your researching skills improved your general knowledge and it was good to see you so engaged in your work.
Oliver
Oliver has been a really supportive member of our class this week. He has been caring and supportive of his classmates and helped others with identifying important information during our learning. Thank you, Oliver.
Macy-Rae
Macy has once again shown her dedication to improving her own learning across all areas. She chooses challenging questions to tackle and finds ways to solve her problems independently. She is also not afraid to ask for help when she needs it. Well done, Macy!
Kylla-Rose
Kylla-Rose has worked really hard to learn hours, minutes and to solve problems with time. She has listened carefully and shared with others how to complete the questions. Great work, Kylla-Rose. It has been lovely to see your confidence grow.
Harrpa
This week Harrpa has been showing off her maths skills. Harrpa works hard in every maths lesson and is so enthusiastic about the subject she often spends extra time at home practicing what we have been doing in school. This week she has been impressing us with her knowledge of time, even telling me how many minutes are in 3 hours. Keep it up!
Frankie
Frankie has been working hard to complete his work to a high standard this week. Frankie completed his inquiry homework and was able to explain this to the class. He provided an explanation of his build and what was included. Well done Frankie, keep up the good work!
Teddy
For his efforts in maths this week. He has wowed us with his knowledge of time by reading quarter to, past and half past the hour on an analogue clock. Well done Teddy, your reasoning skills are developing well!
Candis
For your amazing phonics work this week. You have a secure understanding of all the sounds we have learnt throughout the year and this week you confidently applied this knowledge to create wonderful sentences using a range of digraphs.
Keep up the wonderful work.
William
You have worked really hard on your maths this week. You have recalled your learning of halves and quarters excellently and are applying this knowledge and learning to finding a quarter of an amount excellently. Keep up the great work!
Grace
For such wonderful progress in your recognition of sounds. You have shown a great growth mindset and problem solving when facing challenging and unfamiliar words. You have tried your best and we hope you continue to use this positive energy, well done!
Everyone!
Archer class were all very considerate when they were at the Aquarium in Hastings and had great fun exploring the beach. We had a successful day of inquiring, researching, and exploring!
Lily
For always putting a smile on our faces! Lily deserves recognition for her kind, caring, and funny approach to everything she does. Lily is a fierce friend and a brilliant example of how kindness is spread in the simplest of ways. We are proud to have her as a member of Goldings class.
Elliott
For taking a keen interest in our new inquiry learning this week! You have listened carefully and asked great questions. Well done!