Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC): Blog items
Year 5 - Triple The Fun, Triple The Jump!
Date: 11th May 2026 @ 2:21pm
This half-term in Year 5, we’ve been focusing on athletics, and this week’s P.E lesson introduced the children to something new – triple jump!
We started off by breaking down the basic elements of the triple jump: the hop, step, and jump. The children had a go at each part separately first, getting used to the rhythm and how to move smoothly from one phase to the next.
After a warm-up, we practised the “hop” (taking off and landing on the same foot), then the “step” (moving onto the other foot), and finally the “jump” into a safe two-footed landing. It took a bit of coordination, but the children showed great determination and quickly started to improve.
Once everyone felt more confident, we tried putting it all together. It was great to see the pupils concentrating on their technique rather than distance, and there were lots of smiles as they got into the rhythm of hop, step, jump!
We finished with a cool down and a quick chat about what they found tricky and what they enjoyed most. Many said they liked the challenge of linking all three parts together – and were proud of how much progress they made in just one lesson.
We’re excited to continue building these skills over the coming weeks!
Year 5 - 🎨 Exploring Fashion Design in Art
Date: 11th May 2026 @ 2:18pm
- Measuring materials accurately
- Cutting carefully and safely
- Layering materials to build their designs
Reception go on a minibeast hunt.
Date: 8th May 2026 @ 12:06pm
Following our exciting learning about the life cycle of a butterfly, our Reception children, have developed a growing interest in minibeasts and insects found in the natural world. Building on their curiosity, we explored the different creatures they might find in the garden during the spring season. The children eagerly shared their ideas, naming a variety of minibeasts such as snails, worms, caterpillars, millipedes, and ladybirds. Together, we discussed the features of these creatures, learning new vocabulary such as wings, legs, body, and antennae. The children were quick to notice similarities and differences, showing a keen interest in how each creature moves and lives. To bring this learning to life, the children worked in pairs to go on a bug hunt in the garden. Equipped with magnifying glasses and a sense of adventure, they searched carefully in different places, including under leaves, near plants, and along the soil. They were thrilled with what they discovered, finding a range of minibeasts and observing them closely in their natural habitats. This hands-on experience encouraged teamwork, observation skills, and respectful interaction with living things. The children discussed their findings with their partners and shared their excitement with the group. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm continue to grow, as they become more confident in identifying minibeasts and using new vocabulary to describe what they see.
Reception The Lifecycle of a Butterfly
Date: 8th May 2026 @ 11:58am
The Reception have been fascinated by learning about the life cycle of a caterpillar through real-life observation. Over the past few weeks, they have carefully watched tiny caterpillars grow bigger each day, noticing changes in size, shape, and movement. This hands-on experience has brought their learning to life in a meaningful and exciting way. Through engaging oracy sessions, the children have been introduced to new scientific vocabulary such as metamorphosis, transform, chrysalis, and cocoon. They have practised using these words confidently in discussions, helping to build both their language skills and understanding of the topic. The children asked thoughtful questions, such as “What is the catpillar eatingp?” and “What happens inside the cocoon?”, showing curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. The class worked together to make simple observations and recorded what they noticed over time. They also learnt to sequence the stages of the life cycle correctly: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Using this knowledge, each child created their own sentences to describe the different stages, demonstrating their growing confidence in both science and literacy. This topic has encouraged curiosity, careful observation, and thoughtful discussion. It has been wonderful to see the children so engaged in discovering how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly—a truly magical example of nature in action.
Date: 7th May 2026 @ 9:42am
Mental Health Champions – Taking Action Together!
This week, our children took part in a special assembly focused on mental health and wellbeing, led through the One Goal Mental Health Champions programme. The assembly helped pupils understand that everyone has mental health, just like we all have physical health, and that looking after our feelings is an important part of everyday life.
The assembly linked closely with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of “Taking Action!”.
Pupils learned that taking action can be:
For ourselves – noticing how we feel and using strategies to help us feel better
For others – being kind, listening and offering support
For all of us – helping to build a caring, positive school community
We talked about how taking action can help people feel empowered, valued and heard, and how even small actions can make a big difference to someone’s day.
Introducing Our Mental Health Champions
Our children were introduced to the role of Mental Health Champions (formally known as Wellbeing Champions). These pupils, mainly from Years 3, 4 and 5, are learning how to:
Look after their own mental health
Support others in a kind and safe way
Be positive role models throughout the school
Being a Mental Health Champion is not a one‑off role – it is about developing skills and using them every day.
Key Skills and Qualities
Through the One Goal programme, pupils learned the key skills and qualities Mental Health Champions use:
Observing with Empathy
Connect with Kindness
Uplift with Positivity
Inform with Courage
Champion with Leadership
Year 5 Visit: Nathan Parker, Performance Poet
Date: 6th May 2026 @ 2:04pm
Year 5 - Pol-ed: Knife Awareness
Date: 1st May 2026 @ 2:24pm
PC Fitzgerald visited the Year 5 class to deliver a Pol-Ed talkfocused on knives and knife crime. The session wasage‑appropriate and centred on safety, helping pupilsunderstand what knife crime is, why carrying knives isdangerous, and the serious consequences it can have forindividuals, families, and communities. PC Fitzgeraldemphasised making safe choices, saying no to peer pressure,and knowing where to seek help or advice from trusted adults.Pupils were encouraged to think about personal responsibilityand how to keep themselves and others safe.
Date: 1st May 2026 @ 11:17am
Reception observing our classroom caterpillar
Date: 1st May 2026 @ 11:08am
Over the past few weeks, our classroom has been filled with excitement as we welcomed 5 tiny caterpillars into our learning environment. The children were fascinated from the moment they arrived, eagerly observing their movements and discussing what they might need to grow. As part of our learning, the children have been carefully watching the caterpillars each day, noticing how they have grown bigger and changed over time, The children have enjoyed recording their observations through drawings and simple descriptions, encouraging them to think about what they can see and how things change. They have used wonderful language to describe the caterpillars, noticing details such as size, colour, and movement. We have also had lots of discussions about what might happen next. The children are very excited and are hoping that, in the coming days, they will see the caterpillars form their cocoons. This anticipation has sparked curiosity and encouraged prediction skills, as they share their ideas about what the caterpillars will become. This hands-on experience has provided a valuable opportunity for the children to engage with nature in a meaningful way, fostering curiosity, observation, and a growing understanding of the world around them. We look forward to continuing this journey and sharing the next stage of our caterpillars’ transformation with you!
Year 5 - Music: The Lark Ascending
Date: 30th Apr 2026 @ 8:58am
This is the second lesson where all the musical learning and were focused around the song Look Into The Night. The Listen and Respond activity in this step is The Lark Ascending, a song composed by one of our Year 5 focus compsers, Ralph Vaughn Williams. Children used whiteboards and pens to record how the music made them feel and drew images inspired by the musical piece.
Year 5 - Rowan: Unfinished Drawings
Date: 24th Apr 2026 @ 2:18pm
As part of our Always Time activities, children from Rowan had to complete an incomplete image. This week the challenge was "What am I lifting?". Take a look at pictures to see how our imaginations ran wild!
Date: 24th Apr 2026 @ 9:45am
Acorns - synergy trust sports morning
Date: 23rd Apr 2026 @ 11:44am
This week some of Acorns enjoyed taking part in our Synergy trust sports morning. Pupils joined us at Boundary, from Moore Park, Highfurlong and Stanley Park for a fun morning of sports and social interactions with their peers. We had a great time and look forward to doing again.
Date: 22nd Apr 2026 @ 7:45am
Date: 19th Apr 2026 @ 3:32pm
Thank you to everyone who bought a cake on Friday to support Alder Hey Children’s Charity 
as it is very close to her heart 
Year 5 - A Community of Christians
Date: 14th Apr 2026 @ 2:14pm
This week, children in Year 5 began their new journey in R.E looking at Christianity and beginning to answer the question 'How do people decide what to believe?'. The children looked closely at what a community is, the communities they are a part of and how Christians might feel part of a community of faith. They then looked at sources of authority both at school, at home and within Christianity and the impact these people of authority have. Finally, the children were given the 'Hot Air Balloon Task' where they were asked to decide who should be saved from a balloon that had popped! They were given the figures of Jesus, a teacher, a baker and a chef. Some children decided, for example, that Jesus should be saved so that he could save the others if Christians prayed to him as a source of authority.
Date: 14th Apr 2026 @ 2:13pm
This week children in Year 5 have begun their art journey into fashion design. In this lesson, pupils were inspired by a fashion designers Alice Fox and Rahul Mishra and created their own double-page spread to demonstrate their understanding of their backgrounds, influences and designs. Alice Fox, for example, takes inspiration from the seaside, something that we could do for our final designs!
Reception- Easter Outdoor Learning
Date: 2nd Apr 2026 @ 10:08am
Our Reception children enjoyed a wonderful week of Easter‑themed fun, embracing the joy of springtime through a range of playful outdoor activities. The children took part in traditional egg rolling, cheering each other on as they raced their colourful eggs down the grassy slope.
They loved dressing up in their favourite spring and Easter hats, filling the playground with bright colours, bunny ears, and big smiles!
One of the most exciting highlights was our Easter Egg Hunt. Children explored the outdoor area, searching high and low for hidden eggs while developing teamwork, curiosity, and problem‑solving skills.
These springtime celebrations created a magical atmosphere of discovery, laughter, and seasonal wonder — a perfect way to welcome the new season together. 🌷🐰
"i rolled my egg a long way- I won!" Zara
"I loved rolling my egg- it was so exciting!" Joseph
Reception enjoy the Easter disco
Date: 1st Apr 2026 @ 10:59am
On Mpnday the children had a fantastic time at our annual Easter disco. They had a great time dancing with their friends, playing pass the parcel and enjoyed a drink of juice and some biscuits as a snack. The children looked fabulous in their party outfits. It was lovely to see them all having such a great time with their friends.
Date: 30th Mar 2026 @ 2:57pm
Today, the children took part in a series of relay races and rounders-style activities designed to develop their throwing and catching, team communication, and accurate passing skills. Pupils worked in small groups to complete relay challenges, focusing on passing the ball safely and quickly while maintaining good teamwork.
They then applied these skills in adapted rounders games, where they practised underarm and overarm throws, catching with control, and communicating effectively with teammates. Throughout the lesson, pupils demonstrated growing confidence, improved coordination, and positive collaboration.
Date: 27th Mar 2026 @ 10:50am
We are delighted to share that 15 saplings donated by the Woodland Trust have arrived at school. Over the next few weeks, these young trees will be planted around the school grounds to help create a greener, healthier environment for everyone.
Planting trees brings so many benefits. As the saplings grow, they will help reduce our carbon footprint, providing cool, clean air for pupils, staff, and wildlife. Trees also play an important role in helping to reduce flooding, as their roots absorb water and strengthen the soil.
Beyond the environmental impact, spending time around trees and nature can boost physical and mental well-being, helping children feel calmer, happier, and more connected to the world around them.
We’re excited to watch our new saplings grow and to involve the children in helping look after them—planting small trees today for a brighter, greener future tomorrow.
Date: 27th Mar 2026 @ 10:11am
Reception enjoyed a lovely Spring walk around school today. The children were excited to spot lots of signs that Spring has arrived. They noticed bright yellow daffodils, new buds growing on the trees, and tiny green shoots beginning to appear in the ground. The trees around school were filled with pink and white blossom, which the children were fascinated by.
At the pond, the class discovered frogspawn, and they talked about how it will grow and change over time. The children also explored under rocks, stones, and pieces of wood, where they found spiders, ants, and other small creatures hiding in the damp, dark spaces.
One of the most exciting discoveries was a bird’s nest tucked up in the roof near the door in the Key Stage 1 playground.
Each child carried a clipboard and pencil, carefully ticking off the signs of Spring they spotted during the walk. They were introduced to new vocabulary, including blossom, spring, daffodils, bird’s nest, and frogspawn.
All the children really enjoyed the activity and worked beautifully together, helping one another with their observations.
"I saw pink blossom on the tree" Max
"There was lots of frogspawn in the pond...it looked like jelly" Rubie- Louise
"I saw yellow daffodils" Cherry
"The trees had buds growing on them" Faith B
Date: 26th Mar 2026 @ 10:57am
Today, Year 3 had a special visit from a volunteer from the NSPCC, who delivered an important Speaking Out, Staying Safe assembly. We began by learning all about Buddy, the NSPCC’s friendly mascot, and how Buddy helps children understand their right to feel safe.
The children discussed the different types of abuse in an age‑appropriate way, focusing on the key message that nothing is too small or too big to talk about. Together, we identified our trusted adults—both in school and at home—who children can speak to if they ever feel worried.
Everyone learned the Childline phone number, 0800 1111, and practised the actions to help them remember it. The session reinforced that every child has the right to speak out, be heard, and stay safe.
Year 3 showed fantastic listening, thoughtful questions, and a strong understanding of how to keep themselves safe.
Year 5 - NSPCC Workshop: Speak Out, Stay Safe
Date: 26th Mar 2026 @ 8:29am
Today, Year 5 took part in an engaging and informative session delivered by the NSPCC as part of their Speak Out Stay Safe programme. The visit aimed to help children understand their rights, recognise when something doesn’t feel safe, and learn how to speak out if they ever feel worried or unsure.
During the session, pupils explored what safety means—both online and offline—and discussed the importance of trusted adults who can help when something is wrong. The NSPCC team used age‑appropriate videos, scenarios, and discussions to explain different types of harm and emphasised that every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and listened to.
A key message throughout was that children should never feel alone with their worries. The presenters highlighted practical ways to seek help, including talking to a trusted adult at home or school, and introduced Childline as a confidential resource available whenever children need support.
The session was highly interactive, empowering pupils with the knowledge and confidence to recognise unsafe situations and speak out. Year 5 responded thoughtfully throughout, demonstrating strong awareness and empathy. The visit reinforced our school’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding and helped ensure that every child knows how to stay safe and where to turn for help.
Date: 26th Mar 2026 @ 8:28am
In today’s lesson, In today’s R.E lesson, we explored the importance of Holy Week and why it is such a significant time for Christians. We learned that Holy Week remembers the final days of Jesus’ life, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday, when Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead.
The children looked closely at two important symbols connected to Holy Week and Easter:
The Cross – We discussed how the cross reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice and his love for others.
Easter Eggs – We explored how eggs symbolise new life and hope, linking to Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The children then worked in groups to sequence the Easter story using picture cards, putting the key events—such as the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection—into the correct order. They showed great teamwork and understanding in explaining what each picture represented.
By the end of the lesson, the children had a deeper understanding of why Holy Week is meaningful to Christians and how its symbols help tell the story of hope, sacrifice, and new beginnings.
