In Science this week, Year 3 carried out an exciting investigation to find out which material would be the best for helping a school bag stay visible during the darker months. The children tested bubble wrap, tinfoil, a CD, cardboard and a jumper to see which reflected the most light. To keep it a fair test, we used a ruler to measure the exact distance between the torch and each material, making sure the light source stayed the same each time we changed the item.

After observing and recording our results, we discovered that the CD was the most reflective. This is because a CD has a very smooth, shiny surface, which allows light to bounce off clearly. This strong reflection is much brighter than the light scattered by rougher materials like cardboard or fabric.

The children loved exploring light, reflection and safety—great scientific thinking all round!

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.

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.

This week in Year 4, we have been continuing our work on blog writing—and this time, we teamed up! Pupils paired up for a shared write, helping each other plan, draft, and edit their ideas. Working collaboratively allowed them to discuss vocabulary choices, check each other’s punctuation, and think carefully about how to make their writing engaging for an online audience.

Throughout this half term, the children have been learning what makes an effective blog, from using a clear structure and interesting details to writing in a friendly, informative style. Last week, they applied these skills by writing about our exciting Science Day, capturing their favourite experiments, activities, and discoveries.

This week’s shared write gave pupils the chance to revisit that event and refine their blogs even further. They supported each other brilliantly and produced some fantastic pieces of writing.

Over the last few weeks, Year 5 have been drafting, editing, and polishing their own fables. The children have worked incredibly hard to develop engaging stories that are both descriptive and meaningful. They have focused on using rich vocabulary, clear structure, and well‑chosen dialogue to bring their characters to life. Most importantly, each fable has been crafted to teach the reader an important message or moral, just like traditional tales. 

This week, Year 5 have been exploring two different chapters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the chapters focusing on Veruca Salt and Charlie Bucket. The children have been comparing the two characters by finding evidence from the text to support their ideas about each character’s personality traits. 

We had a lovely time welcoming parents into nursery for our Easter Stay and Play session. Children were excited to show their families around the classroom, proudly sharing their favourite activities. Parents and children enjoyed making Easter crafts together and icing biscuits—creating plenty of smiles (and sprinkles!).

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the session so special.

As the exciting culmination of our Festive Feasts art journey, Year 4 pupils have been busy designing and sculpting some of their favourite foods—using clay! After first experimenting with plasticine to explore shape, texture, and detail, pupils moved on to creating their final clay models independently. They showed fantastic concentration and creativity as they shaped everything from burgers and pizzas to cakes and fruit bowls.

Once their sculptures have fully dried, the children will bring them to life with acrylic paint, adding colour, shading, and fine details to make their foods look even more realistic. The final step will be an evaluation, where pupils reflect on what went well, what they found challenging, and how they might improve their work in the future.

The classroom has been filled with imagination and enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to display their wonderfully sculpted creations. Year 4 should be very proud of their artistic achievements!

This half term in Preschool, we’ve been focusing on some very important skills that help children feel confident and ready for Reception—listening, attention, and talking. These early communication skills are the foundations for learning, building friendships, and taking part in all the exciting activities that happen in school.

To help us practise, Teddy has been joining in with our sessions!

During music time, Teddy helped us listen carefully to the different ways instruments were played—loud, quiet, fast, and slow. We listened, copied rhythms, and took turns, just like we will in a Reception. Teddy also joined us for story time, where we practised sitting, listening to a whole story, and joining in with repeated parts.

Teddy has been working on talking skills too. He loves playing games like “What’s on the tray?” and “What’s in the bag?” These games encourage children to use new words, describe what they see, and talk in longer sentences.

Developing speaking skills now helps children in Reception because they will need to have conversations with friends and adults in the classroom, talk in longer, more detailed sentences and link ideas together, for example: “I was playing tig, and then I fell over.”

We’re so proud of how confident and chatty the children (and Teddy!) are becoming. These early experiences help build strong communication skills that will support them throughout their school journey.

This week, Year 1 have been learning all about the Jewish festival of Sukkot, and to help deepen their understanding, the children have been busy designing and creating their very own Sukkahs. A Sukkah is a special temporary shelter used during Sukkot to remember the time the Jewish people spent in the desert.

Before building, we talked about the important features a Sukkah must have. The children remembered that it needs three sides, a roof made from natural materials such as leaves or twigs found on the ground, and that it is built to show thanks to God for providing food, water, and protection during the journey through the desert.

Using a range of materials, the children carefully crafted their structures, paying close attention to the shape and the natural roof. It was wonderful to see their creativity, teamwork, and growing understanding of why Sukkot is such a meaningful celebration.

Year 1 loved bringing this festival to life through hands-on learning—and their Sukkahs were absolutely fantastic!

Over the next two weeks, Year 1 will be focusing on the wonderfully funny—and delightfully yucky—story The Disgusting Sandwich by Gareth Edwards and Hannah Shaw. The children will explore the adventures of the hungry badger and the sandwich that will become progressively more and more… disgusting!

Throughout our learning journey, the children will sequence the key events of the story, using pictures and simple sentences to help them understand how the sandwich will change along the way. They will also practise retelling the story in their own words, building their confidence in speaking, listening, and expressive language.

After that, Year 1 will step into the role of real instruction writers. They will learn all about imperative verbs—those bossy words that tell us what to do—and then use them to create their very own set of instructions on how to make a truly disgusting sandwich. From “squash it,” to “drop it,” to “mix in the mud,” we can’t wait to see the imaginative creations they will come up with.

It will be a fantastic learning journey, and we know the children’s enthusiasm will shine through. Stay tuned to discover what will make their sandwiches so deliciously dreadful!

This week two musicians came to school with lots of big and interesting instruments. Some were very long, some were very loud, and some looked very strange!  They played music from different places around the world. We saw a trumpet with a dragon head, a huge horn, and some giant tubes that made deep, booming sounds. The children loved hearing all the different noises.  Reception joined in with clapping, actions, and music games.  Everyone had a fantastic time and left the hall feeling happy and excited.

This week, our nursery children had an exciting visit to a special science workshop, and it was full of wonder, giggles, and hands‑on learning.

The first big highlight was exploring an energy stick. The children discovered that when they all held hands and completed the circuit, the stick lit up and buzzed! They were amazed to see how their own bodies could help the energy travel. T

Then came the magic moment—standing inside a giant bubble! Each child took a turn stepping into a special bubble ring, and with one smooth pull, they were lifted inside a huge shimmering bubble. The room filled with excitement as everyone watched the rainbow colours dance around their friends.

It was a fantastic morning full of curiosity, teamwork, and laughter. The children learned so much through play, and we’re already looking forward to our next STEM adventure!

Comic Relief in Year 3!

Today, Year 3 had a fantastic time celebrating Comic Relief! The classroom was brighter than ever, with children proudly wearing their favourite red items of clothing—from cosy jumpers and bright T‑shirts to fun accessories. It was wonderful to see everyone joining in and showing their support.

We started the morning with a special Comic Relief assembly, where we learned all about the important work Comic Relief does. The children listened beautifully as we talked about how this special day helps raise money for people who need it most—both here in the UK and around the world.

Why do we have Comic Relief?

Comic Relief was created to use the power of kindness, community, and laughter to help others. The money raised goes towards charities that:

• Support families facing poverty
• Provide safe places for children
• Help improve mental health and wellbeing
• Offer vital support during emergencies

It’s all about making a difference and helping everyone have the opportunity to live a safe, healthy, and happy life.

Year 3 really embraced the spirit of the day. We talked about how even small acts—like wearing something red or making someone smile—can help create big change.

Well done, Year 3, for showing such kindness, enthusiasm, and empathy. You helped make Comic Relief a meaningful and memorable day!