Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter

In the polytunnel this weel ...

This week Bramble class have been down to the poly tunnel to gather some of our bean pods. The children planted the beans in the spring term and they have been looking after them and observing their growth for weeks. The children were so excited at how much they had grown and how fat the pods were. We then popped the pods open and looked at what was inside. The children were so surprised to see the beans in the pods.   

Reception visit Bardon Mill Park

Bramble class (and Bramble) had a lovely day today at Brandon Mill park. It was so exciting getting on the bus. We had lots of fun playing on the slides and swings, we had a walk through the forest and a sunny picnic lunch. The children had such a great time and followed all instructions, they were a credit it the school with their behaviour. Well done Brambles.  Pictures to follow ...

Coastal animals

This week in year 2 we have been researching coastal animals in our writing lessons. The children worked in small groups and independently researched their animals using the chromebooks. They found some very interesting facts and it was lovely to see everyone so engaged with their learning. We can’t wait to turn our research into non-fiction books next week. 

Textiles in KS1

 In art so far this term, KS1 have been working as textile designers inspired by our theme of coastlines and the work of the designer Cath Kidston. First they have made observational drawings of shells and coral in their sketchbooks. Then they have used these sketches as the basis for some wax resist and colourwash using oil pastels and watercolour paints. Moving on they have then applied these techniques onto fabric using milk powder solution as a basis to create a colourwash using chalk pastels. We have loved how the colours blend together to make different effects. 

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