Head of Primary Message Week 15

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on an extraordinary year for our school community. Together, we’ve celebrated successes, embraced challenges, and, most importantly, nurtured the growth and learning of every child.

This final message of the year is an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support, highlight some key moments of this term, and look ahead to an exciting 2025. When we return to school after the holidays, we will be closer to 2050 than to the year 2000. A poignant reminder of the importance of innovation and vision as we prepare our students for the future while embracing lessons from the past.

A term filled with highlights and growth

This term has been vibrant, busy, and inspiring, brimming with memorable moments, significant milestones, and opportunities for growth. Our focus on holistic development has been evident in every aspect of school life.

The dedication of our specialist teachers and learning assistants has ensured that every child receives personalised support to thrive. Their expertise in areas such as phonics, sensory development, and cognitive strategies has been invaluable.

Events like International Day, House Challenges, and Barvember Maths as well as our ECA programme, have celebrated diversity, teamwork, and academic excellence, enriching the school experience for everyone.

Parent Teacher Consultations, Workshops, and Celebration of Learning mornings have strengthened collaboration, deepening our shared understanding of each child’s learning journey.

Purposeful integration of technology has enhanced learning across the school. Events like the Hour of Code have underscored the importance of digital literacy in today’s world.

It's been a busy term 🤩

Our youngest learners in Pre Kindy have explored sensory play, mini beasts, and Makaton sign language, while Kindy students enjoyed Fruity Thursday, swimming lessons, and creative artwork. Reception classes have built letter formation skills, participated in PE and swimming lessons, and engaged in outdoor planting activities, fostering physical literacy and teamwork.

In Year 1, students coded with BeeBot robots, designed trolls in creative writing, and mastered systematic number bonds while exploring their local environment. Year 2 has been immersed in painting Antarctica scenes, writing postcards, and creating self-portraits inspired by Paul Klee, demonstrating both artistic and analytical growth. Year 3 students have conducted scientific investigations into how light travels, built pyramid art projects, and performed poetry.

Year 4 students have explored ancient civilisations, delved into digital footprints, and published writing projects with creativity and precision. Year 5 students have explored science and nature, coding with Scratch, creating solar systems, experimenting with air resistance, and culminating their term with a jungle residential trip filled with rainforest treks, river activities, and cultural explorations. Year 6 has been a hub of discovery, analysing microorganisms, building electrical circuits, and exploring life after oil, with a highlight being their visit to the UBD Botanical Garden and Research Centre.

Looking forward to 2025 ⏩ ⏩

Accio excitement! ISB is thrilled to announce our upcoming magical musical production, inspired by the enchanting world of Harry Potter. This original show, written exclusively for our school, will feature spellbinding performances from our talented students in Year 4 and above. From casting charms to casting roles, this is more than just a production, it's an opportunity for students to build confidence, creativity, and collaboration on stage. Whether you're a Gryffin-"soar" or a "Slyth-spirited" fan, this promises to be an experience of Hogwarts-level wonder. 🪄✨ Full details have been posted into Seesaw for eligible students in Yr4 and above.

This term’s successes would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our families. Thank you for your partnership through parent workshops, Celebration of Learning mornings, and your encouragement at home. As we close the year, we look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025, building on what has been a remarkable term and preparing for an exciting future. 🙏

If you have any questions about any aspect of school life, please do not hesitate to message in Seesaw.

Mr Michael Everett | Head of Primary