Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter

After many weeks of dedicated practice, a small group of Year 4 pupils proudly represented our school at Haltwhistle Leisure Centre, competing in a gymnastics event against other schools from across the region. They showcased their hard work and determination by performing two impressive routines—one independently and another using equipment such as balls and ribbons. Their confidence and skill were clear to see, and they did a fantastic job demonstrating their coordination, teamwork, and creativity. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to put their gymnastics practice into action, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements!

Rail Safety

Our pupils took part in a live assembly with Network Rail to learn all about rail safety. During the session, they explored important topics, including understanding railway safety signs and their meanings, ensuring they can recognize and respond to them correctly. They also learned how to stay Switched On in different railway scenarios, such as at level crossings and stations, helping them understand how to travel safely. Additionally, the assembly highlighted the dangers of Switched Off behavior, encouraging children to stay aware of their surroundings and identify unsafe actions in others. This valuable session gave our pupils essential knowledge to help them stay safe near the railway.

Year 1 Skipping Festival

Year 1 had a fantastic time at the Skipping Festival at Haltwhistle Leisure Centre! The event was filled with energy and excitement as our pupils learned new skipping skills, took part in fun challenges, and enjoyed being active together. A huge thank you to our families for your generous donations towards school sports and equipment—your support made this trip possible and gave our pupils a wonderful opportunity to develop their fitness and teamwork in a fun and engaging way. We truly appreciate your kindness and commitment to our school community!

Comic Relief

A huge thank you to all the parents for your generous donations in support of Comic Relief! Your kindness and contributions are truly appreciated and will make a real difference in the lives of those in need. The children had a fantastic time dressing in red and taking part in the fun, all while helping to support such an important cause. Your support means so much—thank you for being a part of this special day!

STEM Roadshow (Imperial College) KS2

Key Stage 2 pupils were thrilled to welcome a special visit from Imperial College, who delivered an exciting science-focused roadshow. The interactive session was packed with fascinating demonstrations and hands-on activities, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for science. The presenter engaged the children with fun experiments and real-world applications, helping to bring complex concepts to life in an exciting and memorable way. It was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn from experts and be inspired by the wonders of science!

Upper Key Stage 2 Computing

Upper KS2 have been having a great time in their Design Technology lessons learning how to programme our brand new BBC Micro:bits. 

The children have been following tutorials, writing code on screen, simulating, and then downloading their programmes to the micro:bits to work in 'real life'. We have had some great electronic dice, name tags, pet hamsters and more.

We will be moving on to using our new coding knowledge to tackle a design brief asking the children to develop an environmental monitor for an animal habitat. In this we will need to write our own code, as well as designing a housing for the device.

Attendance - Afternoon Tea

Pupils who are in school everyday for a week (100% attendance) are entered into a hat and chosen by random. 2 lucky winners from Years 1-6 are chosen to enjoy a hot chocolate and a biscuit or two!

Who will it be next week?

School driveway

Please could we remind parents that the school driveway can be used at the following times only:

• To drop off for breakfast club (before 8.20am)

• To collect from after school care (after 3.45pm)

The drive is closed to vehicles from 8.20 - 9am and 3pm - 3.45pm to ensure the safety of the young children walking to and from school.  Only school taxi's and drivers with a blue badge can use the driveway during these times and must observe the 5mph limit.  

Thank you for your support.

Citizen's Advice

Social Media & Mental Health

Children's Health 

Healthier Together App

Haltwhistle Family Hub

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 are always available to support with attendance. Please come to the office and someone will be happy to help. 

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.    In line with our attendance policy, we are required to refer all qualifying absences due to holidays during term time to the Education Welfare Officer at Northumberland County Council.  

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.

Pupil illness - Please note that in line with the new attendance guidance, we need a clear reason for absence for the school register.  If your child is 'poorly' their absence is registered as unauthorised until a reason is provided. Please contact the school office as soon as possible so that the illness reason can be authorised.   

Under the new government policy, if one parent takes their child on an unauthorised term time holiday, both parents with parental responsibility could be subject to a fine issued by Northumberland County Council.  This includes when parents are separated.  

Before and After School club bookings

Calendar of Events - Please scroll to see all dates

If reading this on your phone, please turn your phone sideways to be able to scroll through our planned dates.  You can also add our calendar to your own phone calendar to be sure you don't miss a date.  

Our school designated safeguarding leads are Susie Drake, Alex Wood, Vicki Ridley, Robyn Brockman - Crow and Shirley Phillips

Everyone is responsible for safeguarding children.  Please speak to a member of this team if you are concerned about the safety of a child.