Head of Primary Message Week 2

We have now reached the end of Week 2, and it has been wonderful to see how quickly the children are settling into the new school year. New routines are becoming familiar, and children are getting to know their teachers and friends. I hope that each child has been coming home every day exhausted but also full of stories about what they have been learning and how much they are enjoying school.

This week has also been an excellent reminder of how powerful it is when parents and school work together in partnership around each child. When that relationship is strong, the outcomes are always greater, both academically and personally, and it is a cornerstone of everything we aim to do at ISB.

Reception Parent Workshops 👥

This morning our Reception team hosted parents for a Phonics and a Maths workshop. These sessions are invaluable because they not only provide a window into the classroom but also highlight the academic rigour of our approach in Early Years.

In Phonics, we shared how the foundations of reading are built step by step, from recognising sounds and blending them into words through to beginning to read sentences and stories. We know that phonics is the gateway to confident reading, and our structured programme at ISB has a proven track record of success. Parents also saw how we encourage children to 'have a go' at writing, building independence and resilience as young writers.

In Maths, we explored how number sense goes far beyond rote counting. We prioritise strategies like noticing patterns, subitising (recognising amounts without counting), and using five- and ten-frames to build deep understanding of numbers. This evidence-based approach helps children develop fluency and flexibility in how they think about mathematics, which becomes the secure foundation for later problem-solving.

Both workshops underline our commitment to research-informed practice and academic excellence, while also reinforcing how important it is to nurture early confidence in reading, writing, and mathematics. I would like to extend a particular thank you to the Reception Team for hosting these workshops and for the passion and expertise they bring to our young learners every day.

Year 5 Temburong Briefing ⛺️

Alongside the Reception workshops, today we also hosted a Year 5 parent briefing about the upcoming Temburong residential. The turnout was fantastic and it was wonderful to see such strong enthusiasm from families.

We are very keen for this to be a universal experience for all of our Year 5 students. A residential visit in the rainforest is a unique opportunity that goes far beyond the classroom. It builds independence, teamwork, resilience, and leadership, while also connecting children to the environment in meaningful ways. As part of our holistic educational programme, the residential provides lasting memories and skills that enrich both personal growth and academic learning. A particular thank you also goes to the Year 5 Team for hosting this workshop and for the commitment they show in preparing such enriching experiences for our students.

Extra Curricular Activities Begin Next Week ➕

Our comprehensive Primary ECA programme begins next week, and once again the breadth of opportunities on offer reflects the importance we place on education beyond the classroom. Through ECAs, children can discover new interests, deepen existing talents, and learn skills that support them as well-rounded, confident young people.

This term, Primary students will be able to participate in a wide variety of activities including basketball, football, badminton, cricket, gymnastics, swimming, guitar group, eco club, cheer dance, art and craft clubs, Lego, choir, big band, ballet, Minecraft Education, chess, cultural crafts, Malay and Mandarin language clubs, bead stitching, cooking, reading club, construction, crochet, board games, Rubik’s Cube, archery, team building, karate, rock climbing, and many more.

Together, these activities show the incredible range available to our students, allowing every child to find something that excites, challenges, and inspires them.

Working Together as a Community 🤝

This week has shown once again the strength of our community when parents and school come together. Whether it is building the foundations of reading and number sense in Reception, preparing students for the adventure of a rainforest residential in Year 5, or offering opportunities for creativity, sport, and service through our ECA programme, we know that the very best outcomes happen when we work in partnership.

Looking Ahead ➡️

As we move into Week 3, our focus remains on providing an education of the highest academic rigour, combined with the care and enrichment that ensure every child thrives. To support this, we provide comprehensive curriculum overviews through the Useful Links on Seesaw. These are updated regularly and allow you to stay connected to what your child is learning across each subject and year group.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I wish you all a restful weekend, and I look forward to another exciting week ahead.

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

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📌 At A Glance

• ✅ End of Week 2 – children are settling into routines, making new friends, and coming home full of stories about their learning.

• 📚 Reception Workshops – parents joined us for Maths and Phonics sessions, showcasing our evidence-based approach and strong foundations in reading, writing, and number sense. A big thank you to the Reception Team.

• 🌿 Year 5 Temburong Briefing – excellent turnout today as we prepare for this unique rainforest residential. A universal experience that builds independence, resilience, and teamwork. Thank you to the Year 5 Team.

• 🎨 ECAs begin next week – a comprehensive programme including sports, arts, music, languages, STEM, and hobbies, offering every child the chance to explore new interests and talents.

• 🔗 Looking Ahead – we continue to work with academic rigour and provide comprehensive curriculum overviews through the Useful Links on Seesaw.

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🗓️ Friday 5th September - Public Holiday (TBC)

🗓️ Friday 12th September - New Parents' Coffee Morning

🗓️ Tuesday 23rd September - Public Holiday (TBC)

🗓️ Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th October - Parent Teacher Consultations

🗓️ Monday 13th - Friday 17th October - Half Term Break

🗓️ Friday 24th October - International Day 🌏

🗓️ Friday 7th November - Celebration of Learning (Open Morning for all)

🗓️ Friday 21st November - Reception, Yr1 & Yr2 Sports Day 🏃

🗓️ Tuesday 25th November - House Games

🗓️ Friday 28th November - Sports Day Yr3, Yr4, Yr5 & Yr6 🏃‍♀️

🗓️ Friday 5th December - Final Day of Term 1

ℹ️ In addition to the events listed above, individual Year Groups will share specific details about trips and activities relevant to their cohort. Please stay up to date by checking the Year Group Notices thread in Seesaw Messages.