Headteacher's Update 13th March

Dear Parents and Carers,

There has been a real buzz around school this week as the Year 4s have been busy with their rehearsals for their upcoming performance - no pun intended! There is nothing better than hearing a group of children, singing their hearts out - they are clearly loving it.

This week, all of our Year 3 pupils enjoyed an enrichment afternoon as part of our continuing links with Balcarras. A group of 20 Year 8 and 9 students kindly volunteered their time to visit the school and lead a series of engaging language workshops. The Balcarras students had carefully prepared sessions in French, Spanish and Russian, introducing our children to new vocabulary linked to animals, food and hobbies. Through a range of interactive games and activities, the Year 3 pupils were able to practise speaking and listening in different languages while learning about other cultures. It was a wonderful opportunity for our children to experience languages in a fun and engaging way, and we are very grateful to the visiting students for giving up their time to support the afternoon.

Here's what some of our Year 3 children had to say:

"I loved learning different languages that we don't learning at school!" Annie

"It was fun making the masks!" Theo

"Spanish was good fun." Emily

"Balcarras students were really kind when teaching me." Eric

This week we have been raising awareness with the children about the importance of reducing food waste. On Tuesday, Miss Tibbles delivered an assembly explaining the journey food takes from farm to fork. The children learned about the many stages involved in getting food onto a plate, as well as the wide range of people involved along the way - from farmers and producers, to transporters, caterers and, of course, you as parents who ultimately pay for the meals children have at lunch.

The assembly encouraged the children to think carefully about the choices they make at lunchtime - and particularly for those who choose a hot dinner. We have talked about the importance of selecting food they feel confident they will eat and, if they discover that they do not enjoy a particular option one week, considering choosing something different the following week. Small, thoughtful choices can make a big difference in helping to reduce unnecessary waste.

By helping children understand the journey food takes and the effort involved in producing it, we hope to encourage a greater appreciation for the food on their plates and the role we can all play in reducing waste.

Big Walk and Wheel is back for 2026!

Big Walk and Wheel is the UK’s largest walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge. It inspires pupils to make active journeys to school, improve air quality in their neighbourhood and discover how these changes benefit their world. It’s a great way to build physical activity into children’s daily routine. It helps them arrive to school more relaxed and alert, and is great for their mental wellbeing.

Walk, wheel or scoot to school starting Monday 23rd March – Friday 27th March when we will be collecting our daily scores!

That just leaves me to say: have a wonderful weekend ahead. I look forward to sharing more updates about what’s been happening in school with you next week.

Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Beccy Andrews