Head of Primary Message Week 3

We know that solid foundations are the key to success. Whether it is in the earliest years of play and discovery, or in the upper years tackling more complex ideas, every experience builds upon the last. Step by step, block by block, our students are constructing not only their learning but also their confidence, resilience, and friendships.

Although this was a shorter week, students have been as busy as ever and it has been inspiring to see what they have been working on across Primary.

Pre Kindy

Our youngest learners have been settling beautifully into school life. From making waffles to pouring and scooping at the sensory table, every activity is building confidence and independence. Their quiet adventure in the library choosing their own storybooks, and joining in with story time for We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, has marked the beginning of a lifelong journey with books.

Kindy

In Kindy, the children have been discovering that perseverance pays off. “It was hard for me at first but I kept trying again and again. Now I can do it.” Gardening in the morning has provided hands-on learning, while building houses out of blocks has sparked imagination and problem-solving. Calming morning activities and simple science explorations, such as cause and effect with water and paper towels, have added to their understanding of how the world works, one building block of learning at a time.

Reception

Reception children have been busy cutting in straight lines, building, and constructing, all of which develop the crucial fine motor skills that underpin early writing. At the same time, their learning is firmly rooted in the Early Learning Goals, particularly Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Communication and Language. They are learning to recognise and regulate their own feelings, to persevere when things are tricky, and to build relationships with peers through turn-taking and cooperation. They are also listening attentively, contributing ideas, and engaging in rich back-and-forth conversations that strengthen vocabulary and communication.

Year 1

In Science, Year 1 students explored the human sense of sight by experimenting in a dark room, asking the question, “Do we need light to see?” Using torches, they discovered that sight depends on light reflecting off objects. In Maths, they practised 'one more', matching numerals to quantities, and showed independence by photographing and uploading their work to Seesaw.

Year 2

Year 2 students combined creativity and language this week. In Art, they explored portrait photography, experimenting with iPads to adjust brightness, crop, and edit. In English, they practised writing descriptive sentences with verbs and nouns, while in Geography they used the 'I see, I think, I wonder' routine to study images of Asian animals, landscapes, landmarks, and cities, an approach that builds curiosity and critical thinking.

Year 3

Practical science has been the focus for Year 3, as they tested friction on wet and dry sand by dragging weights and comparing results. On their jungle walk, they used their senses to record what they could hear, see, feel, and smell, later crafting sentences using expanded noun phrases and prepositional phrases to add richness to their writing.

Year 4

Year 4 have been stretching their mathematical thinking by comparing numbers to 10,000 and estimating on number lines, building accuracy and confidence when working with larger values. In English, they have been exploring the power of vocabulary by experimenting with alternative adjectives, learning how small changes in word choice can make writing more vivid and engaging.

Year 5

In Year 5, students have been writing their own science fiction stories, learning how to craft complex sentences to add sophistication to their writing. Geography lessons involved using atlases to explore different continents and countries, while in Science they carried out experiments on air resistance, carefully recording results to strengthen their understanding of scientific enquiry.

Year 6

Year 6 students have been thinking like scientists and writers. Also using the 'I see, I think, I wonder' approach, they classified objects using a dichotomous key (a method that allows scientists to identify items by following a series of yes/no questions). In English, they retold the opening chapter of our class novel The Nowhere Emporium, aiming to use the full range of grammar and punctuation learned so far. They also worked on drawing animals by breaking them down into basic shapes, blending creativity with observation.

Across every year group, from Pre Kindy to Year 6, students are steadily laying the building blocks of their learning and growth. These blocks are not just academic, but social, emotional, and creative too. Together, they create the strong foundations that enable each child to thrive now and in the years ahead.

As this was a short week, I would like to thank families for your continued support and to wish you a very restful and enjoyable long weekend.

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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🗓️ 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.