Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter

Y2 Maths

Class AS have been exploring block diagrams in maths this week. First we made a block diagram together. Then we collected our own data using a tally and used that to create our own block diagrams.  

KS1 Plants

Year 3 and 4 have been learning all about the different types of teeth in our mouths. They were able to identify teeth correctly in their mouths before learning about the functions of each one. The children were really interested to know that we have wisdom teeth because our ancestor’s diet consisted of a lot of raw plants, hard nuts and tough

meats and that these teeth helped grind those foods to aid digestion. The children linked this knowledge back to their prehistoric Britain topic and knowledge of early humans  

Kings and Queens

Year 1 were learning about medieval banquets as part of their Kings and Queens History work. After comparing what would have been on a medieval banquet with what we would eat in the modern day we also thought about what cooking would have been like with no electric. Finally we had a go at making our own medieval gingerbread. We used breadcrumbs, honey water, honey and spices combined to make a sticky dough! There were mixed reviews on whether the final outcome was tasty or not!  

Careers week

 Our Early years children welcomed a visit from a fire fighter and a nurse during Careers week. They talked to the children about their jobs and what they need to do when they are at work. They also brought in different uniforms and equipment that they use, for the children to try out. We were so excited to have visitors in our school and appreciate the time they gave up to come in.  

Growing news

Early Years have been working hard down in the polytunnel. The biggest job is keeping our potatoes, pumpkins and beans well watered. Our potatoes are very nearly ready to be harvested. We can't wait to dig them up, wash them, cook them and then taste them.   

Carnival Club

A big thank you to our years 5 and 6 children. You were amazing at our first Carnival club this week. Thank you for all your help painting and sticking the huge backdrop for our float, adding embellishments to our giant crowns and sorting all the flags and bunting. Miss Thompson even gave us a bit of a clue about her carnival costume.  

Haltwhistle Carnival!

Skillsbuilder - building our skills for life

Skills builder at home

Attendance Matters

Every second in school counts, as missing school, whether by being late or taking unnecessary days off, creates more new learning gaps which need to be addressed.  The best way you can support your child to recover from the lost school time of recent years is to ensure they are in school and ready to learn every day. 

We want every child's attendance to be good or better.  This means 96%+

Please check your child's attendance (see our app) against the class and national data.  School staff are able to offer support if your child's attendance is of concern.    

Please do not take your child out of school during term time as it disrupts your child’s learning and you risk financial penalties.   Any term time leave of absence must be applied for more than 2 weeks before the date of leave and can only be authorised by the Headteacher in the case of EXCEPTIONAL circumstances.  Please could we urge parents to book holidays during the 13 weeks of annual school holidays which are available each year.   

If leave has not been authorised and your child is out of school then you may receive a minimum fine of £60 per child, per parent.  If the time out of school makes your child’s attendance drop below 90% then they are known as persistently absent under the governments attendance definitions.  This means that you may face prosecution through the courts.  

Please help us to help your child catch up by ensuring they are in school and ready to learn every day.

Before and After School club bookings

Our school designated safeguarding leads are Susie Drake, Tony Irvine, Michelle Brewster and Bethan Allsop