Paddock Wood Primary Academy 

Newsletter 

Mr page's news update

We have not let the colder weather slow down our learning in the build up to the Christmas period! Please can you make sure your children have coats and warm clothing in school. If you need help with this please reach out to our brilliant Pastoral team who can support you.


All week, from Early Years to Year 6, children have been partaking in writing week. This was organised by Mr Chorley as English Lead. All of the classes have been using the same text as inspiration for their own genres of writing. It has been wonderful to see the pupils so engaged and children of all different ages discussing their learning and talking about the same text. In addition to this, Year 5 had a fantastic interactive experience in the astrodome/planetarium. Having space being brought into our school hall was a brilliant learning experience for all of the children. Year 3 had a fossil workshop. The hands on experience was an excellent way to bring learning from their inquiry to life.

To raise awareness of online safety, our school took part in ‘Be Internet Legends Day’ on Tuesday 28th November. As our children engage more and more with the internet for educational purposes, entertainment and socialising with friends, their exposure to various online risks increase. At Paddock Wood Primary Academy, nurturing a culture of online safety is of utmost importance to ensure our pupils’ wellbeing. A big thank you to Mr Gartland who organised this for the whole school.

I have seen Christmas decorations starting to sneak up before the first of December... the odd sparkle of glitter on the carpet and the unmistakable sound of Christmas or nativity songs being practiced across the school. Please speak to class teachers if you have any questions about timings or organisational details of these events. We are looking forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks as we welcome you to share the magical time that is Christmas.

year 3 fossils workshop

Year 3 had a fantastic fossil workshop today from a visiting scientist where they had the opportunity to handle various types of fossils including ammonites, shark teeth, coral and a woolly rhino jaw! They really enjoyed trying to match the fossils to their description. 

Each child then made their own replica fossil by making an imprint of part of an animal into clay and filling it with a substance that harden to form the exact shape of the bones. 

Dr Gallaway was extremely impressed with their scientific knowledge and sensible questions. We are now all fossil experts in Year 3!

stem festive countdown

A calendar with a difference! Each day there is a festive STEM challenge for your child to do at home. You can complete as many as you like and get the whole family involved! There are instructions on how to send in your entries and be in with a chance of winning some prizes! 

All details on the link below. 

Proud@paddockwoodcommunity

This week we are really proud of...

henry 4T

Last weekend Henry successfully completed his sixth Taekwondo grading. Part of the grading was performing two different patterns of 38 and 28 moves as well as 15 different attack, defend and counter moves plus theory questions. Henry has been working so hard to remember it all accurately.  He was awarded his blue belt which means he is now half way to his black belt!  Well done Henry, we are so proud of you!  

joseph 4t

Joseph completed his Level 3 Swimming Award after working really hard on all of his skills.  Well done Joseph, we are so proud of you - keep up the good work in Level 4!

stanley 3tl

Stanley is absolutely smashing his swimming lessons and has already achieved his Level 1 award!  Well done Stanley we are so proud of you!

Paddock Wood 'Lights Up!'


On Sunday the Years 5 and 6 Choir performed at the Paddock Wood Christmas 'Lights Up' event. 

We had an excellent turnout of 24 and they all sang absolutely beautifully, with the rain just about holding off. We received a great many compliments from the crowd.

Well done Choir!

Over 75 Phoenix dancers performed last weekend;  Saturday at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks and Sunday at Lights Up in Paddock Wood. It was a journey of different emotions for so many children and they felt every feeling possible but they turned those nerves and worries into something wonderful. Every child stood on the stage and shone in the spotlight, a moment they truly deserved. Memories were made, tears of joy were shed and the smiles of self pride were seen for miles. There are no words to explain how proud a dance teacher Laura is.  What a team! x

well being champions

The Wellbeing Champions have been busy setting up a positive affirmation Christmas tree for the children of PWPA. 

Each day we will spread positivity by revealing a new message or a 'be kind' challenge! 

Let the Christmas joy begin! 

FAMILY SUPPORT 

Being safe in our community 

Please can we remind all parents to discuss road safety and being safe in general when out and about in the community.  Top tips include: 

!!! IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE ITEMS FOR THE PADDOCK WOOD FOODBANK - PLEASE SEE BELOW ITEMS NEEDED !!!

TO BE GIVEN TO SCHOOL BY 8th DECEMBER, THANK YOU

children's centre information and free courses

Please go to https://sway.office.com/SyDO1V6hYo4JBDpK?ref=email for more information.

Office Messages 

Next Wednesday (6th December) is the last day to give or decline consent for your child to have the nasal flu vaccination in school on 12th December. Please visit the School Aged Immunisation Service’s website  https://family.kentcht.nhs.uk/ and scroll down and click on the blue button “Immunisations” to complete.  Further information can be found in MCAS Announcements.

Dates ahead 

Some dates for your diary:

5.12.23  Pantomime for whole school

8.12.23  1E Library visit

12.12.23 Nasal flu vaccinations

                     EYFS Christmas Performance 9.30am

                     KS1 Christmas Performance 2.00pm

13.12.23  Christmas lunch - Children may wear a Christmas jumper or Christmas accessories with their normal uniform if they wish.

14.12.23 KS1 Christmas Performance 9.30am

                    EYFS Christmas Performance 2.00pm

15.12.23 KS2 Christmas Church Service

                     End of Term 2  - 1pm finish - no After School Club

2.1.24 Inset Day - children not in school

3.1.24 Start of Term 3


Learner Profile / Approaches to learning Certificates this week go to:

6C

Finlay

For a terrific performance during Monday's football match. You showed determination and resilience which helped the team towards a well deserved victory.

6j

Sebastian

For working hard on your descriptive writing this week. You came up with some awesome descriptive phrases and have become more independent with your editing skills. Well done Sebastian.

6z

Emily

For the wonderful piece of descriptive writing you have written this week. You have been a thinker and came up with beautiful sentences that show the emotion and struggle the robin has had in the story.

5G

Faye

For consistently showing her reflective nature and working to apply figurative language techniques to her written work in the most thoughtful way - you are an absolute legend! Well done Faye.

5h

Freya

Freya has completed some lovely writing of her winter poem this week.  She has been thoughtful in her approach and used some beautiful language. 

5M

Imogen

For being a risk-taker. You were uncertain and unconfident when starting to write your poem, but you showed resilience and determination, ending up with a lovely poem.

4DP

Wilf

Wilf has been a principled and caring learner this week; taking so much care and pride in his writing.  We are really proud of you Wilf!

4j

Laila

Laila has exhibited remarkable courage and creativity in her writing this week. Fearlessly embracing new words, employing fronted adverbials, and incorporating imaginative adjectives into her diary entry. Well done, Laila!

4T

Michael

For being a reflective learner, able to consider his writing and work on improving it dramatically - well done Michael!

All of 3BE


To the whole class for being amazing inquirers during our fossil workshop. Our visiting scientist said we were the most knowledgeable class on fossils he had ever met!

3s

Aramis

For being such a fantastic inquirer! You have demonstrated brilliant fossil knowledge in your learning - and are always so keen to share it with others. Keep up the great work!

3TL

Harry

For a mature and sensible approach to your learning. You are a principled and reflective learner. You share your carefully thought out ideas with the class and always have a positive attitude.  Well done!   

2l

Harriet

This week you have shown the importance of perseverance. I am so proud of you for continuing to try your best and give it your all.

2t

Lucas

You have been very knowledgeable this week in your phonics and writing. Applying yourself well, using the WOW words and creating some fantastic sentences. Well done Lucas!

2wr

All of 2WR

You were superstars on our trip to the library! You listened carefully and we could see how much you enjoyed the visit. Well done for being principled learners. 

1E

Kai

For being a knowledgeable communicator and risk-taker in maths this week. You have shown a wonderful understanding of fact families and were willing to try a range of challenges independently. Keep up the AMAZING work. You are becoming a wonderful mathematician. 

1P

Molly

For using her knowledgeable learner attributes throughout her written tasks this week and having fun! Molly was a keen thinker when discussing adjectives to describe the robin from ‘Coming Home’ and used exciting vocabulary in her setting description. Well done Molly!

1T

Teddy

During our writing week Teddy has been a reflective thinker. It has been lovely to see your writing stamina grow with enthusiasm this week. Keep up this amazing work!

ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATES THIS WEEK GO TO:

6C

Finley

For taking risks and being ambitious with your writing. You sought out imaginative ways to make your writing engaging and were reflective in seeking ways to improve.

6j

Arlo

For your hard work and determination in maths lessons this week. You’ve increased your pace and accuracy whilst also showing great confidence when multiplying and dividing fractions. Nice one Arlo!

6z

Chloe

For always having a positive attitude to your learning. Even when things don't go to plan straight away you find alternative ways to solve the problem. You have shown this in your writing, maths and inquiry work well done; keep it up!

5G

Cara

For the stunning  effort you have made working to improve all aspects of your work in class this week. Keep working smart Cara!

5h

Harry

For trying really hard in both maths and English this week and showing a good level of independence. 

5M

Matthias

For showing a great deal of effort and application this week. You have approached your work with diligence and it has really shown.

4DP

Bertie

We are so proud of all your hard work in writing week.  You had so many beautiful ideas, worked well with your partner and produced amazing work at the end of the week.  We are so proud of how much effort you put in.  Keep up the amazing work!

4j

Isabelle

Isabelle's insightful understanding of multiples has greatly enriched our maths lessons this week. Her dedication to improvement in TTRS is evident, showcasing commendable daily progress. Well done, Isabelle!

4T

Carys

For consistently setting herself, and achieving, high standards in all subjects - well done Carys! 

3BE

Hosanna

For working hard in maths this week and really focusing on improving your number knowledge and skills. You have also been doing extra homework; keep up this amazing effort!

3s

Ethan

For the beautiful robin you created for writing week! You took such great care using tissue paper to create your final piece. It truly is amazing, well done!

3TL

Eva

For an excellent poster about robins based on the book ‘Coming Home’. You researched lots of facts and used them to produce a wonderful poster.  Well done, a great effort!  

2l

Poppy

Your work ethic this week has been incredible! In Geography you wrote a beautiful piece about Christmas traditions and celebrations in your family. Fanatastic work Poppy, keep it up!

2t

Leo

You have worked very hard this week across all your lessons! You have been questioning and engaging in tasks well. We are very proud of you and how you are applying yourself in class. What a fantastic role model. 

2wr

Kristian & Woody

For your work in PE this week. You and your partner worked carefully to mirror each other when creating a dance and performed this to the rest of the class. Well done! 

1E

Alfie

For your fantastic attitude to learning. You always try your best and you have been showing wonderful perseverance and resilience when completing tasks independently. Keep up the GREAT work!

1P

Harrpa

You have shown great confidence in class and have grasped lots of our nativity practice with ease. Harrpa always has a wonderful smile on her face and is a caring member of our class. Harrpa coherently explained many things during our RE this week as well! Well done!

1T

Eni

Eni you work hard in all areas of the curriculum. It has been amazing to see your confidence blossoming during our classroom discussions. Keep shining! 

mascalls annual dance show

Mascalls annual dance show is taking place next week from 6th-9th December.


Tickets for the 7th, 8th and 9th have now sold out BUT there are still tickets available for our performance on Wednesday 6th. This performance starts at 6pm and is a reduced billing of our full show, so will only last approx 1 hour- perfect for younger audiences.


Mascalls have over 100 students from years 7-13 taking part, and it is a great snippet of what students can expect from  dance lessons at Mascalls Academy.


Here is the link to purchase tickets:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/mascalls-academy