Newsletters

23/24 - Spring 1 - Week 5

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Dear parents and carers,

Year Five visit to Eastbrook Community School

This week more of our year five pupils had the opportunity to discover what life is like working as either a photographer, graphic designer or range of other careers within production and computer based imagery.  Linked to their history topic on the Vikings, our pupils learnt to take images, upload them to the computer then manipulate them to form a publication.  What an amzing experience.

Panathlon Event at Eastbrook Community School

Whilst our year five pupils were developing their history, photographic and computing skills, some of our year three and four pupils were taking part in a borough wide multisports Panathlon tournament.  This involved them taking part in a range of activities requiring hand-eye co-ordination, speed and accuracy.  You can read more about this below.

Safer Internet Day - use of mobile phones - IMPORTANT FOR ALL PARENTS

This week included Safer Internet Day, an annual event in every school's calendar where time is taken to remind pupils of how to keep themselves safe online.  Whilst I am delighted to say that over the past three years we have seen a significant fall in the number of online safety incidents at William Ford, we do still come across a lot of unpleasantness when it comes to the use of mobile phones, including an incident this week involving the police. 

The most common incidents are inappropriate use of WhatsApp (which pupils should not be using) to send unkind messages and voice notes to each other, especially in large groups.  Fortunately, these can be easily addressed when parents share the contents of these groups with us.  What does continue to sadden us is that when such incidences are brought to parents' attention, many are unaware of the websites their children access, the apps they use and the types of communication they engage in.  PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHILDREN'S PHONE AND INTERNET USE. 

There are no excuses. Your child does not need 'privacy' at primary age when it comes to such matters; they need protection and guidance. Having dealt with a very unpleasant incident this week, I would very much like to advise parents of our younger children that at some point, you will be told by your child that they not only need a mobile phone, but they also need to have WhatsApp, Tiktok and Snapchat in order to be 'connected' to their friendship group.  If this really is the case then I would encourage your child to question whether this is the best friendship group to be in.  From years of experience of working in primary schools, the most self-assured, happy and contented children are NOT the ones who use WhatsApp, Tiktok and Snapchat.  In fact, these are the children who show the highest levels of anxiety, disobedience, poor language and friendship issues.  Those who are not using these apps are achieving well academically AND happy AND self confident AND have the least amount of behavioural issues.  Sadly, when we are made aware of harmful WhatsApp groups, we can normally guess who will be included within the group.  For the sake of your child's happiness, mental wellbeing and future success, please adhere to the age limits on these apps - they are there for a reason.  I make no apology for the tone of this message.  

Please see step by step guides on how to set restrictions on your child's mobile phone:

parental-control-apple-iphone-and-ipad-parental-control-guide.pdf (internetmatters.org)

parental-control-samsung-smartphones.pdf (internetmatters.org)

I pray you all have a wonderful weekend.

 

Mr. David Huntingford

Headteacher

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Twelve of our pupils represented William Ford on Wednesday at a sporting event. The children all participated well and were a huge credit to our school. They came in 3rd place out of 8 schools in the competition. See more photos on our school website.

Huge thanks to everyone who wore a bright colour for school today! your donations have raised over £130 for mental health. 

There hae been a number of reports  of head lice throughout the year groups. We would suggest checking your childrens hair regularly and treating when needed- you can read more about it here Head lice and nits - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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This week's book suggesstion is the collection of 'Trials of Apollo' by Rick Riordan. This is an amazing series of books which we are currently making out way through! They are great books to read when you are bored. The books are full of adventures with the main character travelling through different worlds. 

 

By Awesome and David 6F

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Children's Mental Health Week
All Day
From 05 Feb until 09 Feb
05
February
ADHD Awareness Week
All Day
From 05 Feb until 09 Feb
05
February
Pancake Day - start of Lent
All Day
13
February
Last day of term
8:30am – 9:00am
16
February
Spring Half Term
All Day
From 19 Feb until 23 Feb
19
February
Children return to school
8:30am – 9:00am
26
February
Archery Workshop Year 4
9:00am – 12:00pm
29
February
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09 Feb 2024
11 Enaging Experiences: Y3/4 at the Panathlon tournament
Representing the school at sport against other schools in the borough
Read more
09 Feb 2024
Becoming Viking photographers and graphic designers
Descovering new careers within photography and graphic design.
Read more
02 Feb 2024
Ancient Egyptian Day
This week Gloria, Natalia and Abigail from 3M tell us about Ancient Egyptian day in year 3.
Read more
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Year Three

The children have been working hard in all their lessons this week, and it is lovely to see the progress they continue to make.

What we have learnt about this week

This week in our maths lessons, we have practised multiplying by ten and have also looked at how knowing the basic multiplication facts well can help us to work out other calculations.

In English, we continued to practise dictionary skills through a range of activities and games. We also planned and have written an informal letter, including the features we have discussed in previous lessons.

In science we have learnt how soil is made and in history we discussed whether it is right to open the  tombs of the dead. The children considered the pros and cons thoughtfully.

What we will learn about next week

We will continue to develop our understanding of multiplication by practising the formal written method.

In English, we will be looking at the features of postcards and will write our own examples.

In science, we will be looking at different types of soil and their properties.

Year Four 

This week, the year 4 pupils have been as busy as ever, making good use of their learning time and having fun whilst learning!

What we have learnt about this week

This week in Literacy, pupils have been learning about the ins and outs of diary entry writing, as well as writing 2 diary entries: One from the point of view of an item/object in the classroom and the other from the perspective of one of our key characters in our reading book: George's marvellous medicine. 

In Maths, pupils have been continuing their theme around fractions, as we have moved onto equivalent fractions. Please can you discuss this topic with your children and why not log on to a maths website, like mymaths to practice this further. 

In History, the pupils had great fun exploring and comparing the life of a Roman soldier to a Celt. They explored the importance of discipline and hard training and of how the Roman soldiers made a great impact in the success of the Roman Empire. 

What we will learn about next week

Next week, we will continue our learning by writing a narrative in English, based on our George's marvellous medicine theme, but with a twist. 

In Maths, pupils will look at adding and subtracting fractions and in Science, pupils will design functional and appealing ear-defenders for young people to wear at music concerts!

Year Five

Another week has passed here in Year Five with the children working diligently throughout. Just a reminder that 5A will be going on their school trip to Eastbrook on Thursday 15th February.

What we have learnt about this week

This week in maths, the children have been working extremely hard with decimals. Last week, they mastered looking at tenths and hundredths and this week, they have focused on thousands. Following from this, they have began to order and compare decimals up to 3 decimal places. In English, our focus has been on Beowulf and the children have been able to delve into the story retelling each part using drama. In Science, the children have thought about thermal conductivity and with their prior knowledge of materials, they were able to predict which material would keep Miss Albany's coffee the hottest for longest.

What we will learn about next week

Next weeks maths will involve rounding decimals to whole numbers and by the end of next week, we would have introduced percentages. Our RE unit on Gospels will conclude with the children producing a church notice using the knowledge and skills they have learnt in previous weeks.

Year Six

The children have completed another busy week of not only working hard in class but also developing their swimming skills.  Next week will be their final  swimming session.

What we have learnt about this week

This week in maths, the children have focussed on developing their understanding of linking fractions, decimals and percentages.  In English, the children have not only learnt about modal verbs but have also completed their descriptive writing of an Indian market.  They also began to write in the style of a review.  The children are nearing the end of their study of electricity in science and this week have begun incorporating all their learning  into their design of a festive electrical product. In R.E., the children have explored what the resurrection of Jesus means to Christians.

What we will learn about next week

Next week's geography will involve the children exploring physical and human features of South America.  The children will further develop their use of PowerPoint in next week's IT lesson. In English next week children will be exploring hotel reviews then planning and writing their own imagining they have recently visited Ruby's hotel from When the Mountains Roared. 

 

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Each week, staff select three children from each class who have shown effort and commitment to upholding an aspect of our school vision, shown at the bottom of the page. Congratulations to this week’s ‘stars of the week’ for their tremendous endeavours!

 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Three

3F

Name: Oliver

For: working hard in all lessons especially DT

 

Name: Mikail

For: Keeping the plants alive throughout the school by watering and caring for them.

 

Name: Hannah

For: being a calm and kind member of the class. 

3M

Name: Ariah

For: working hard in lessons and improving her handwriting 

Name: Milly

For: being kind and generous to her classmates and always giving her time to tidy her table and the classroom.

Name: Demi

For: always being so calm and peaceful in lessons and being an excellent role model to those round her.

3N

Name: Zak

For: working diligently on his writing task this week.

Name:  Teddy

For: being helpful in the classroom and tidying up without being asked.

Name: Umahawa

For: being calm and ready to work at all times.
 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Four

4D

Name: Elliott

For: Working with greater independence in all subjects and making great improvements on his handwriting

 

Name: Viola

For: always being kind and helpful to others

 

Name: Mercy

For: always working hard and having a peaceful attitude

4IW

Name: Delia 

For: Always working hard in all lessons and putting 100% effort towards her work.

Name: Maysan 

For: always acting generous and kind towards others, aswell as making 100% with all his work. 

Name: Ayaan 

For: Having a calm attitude in lessons and trying hard in maths this week. 

4W

Name: Munachimso

For: working diligently all week and making good progress in Reading.

Name: Orisha

For: making a great return to school and always trying her best.

Name: Will

For: living at peace and presenting a great pitch for a product in PSHE.
 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Five

5A

Name: 

For: 

 

Name: 

For: 

 

Name: 

For: 

5H

Name: Ajwa

For: making such a great contribution in French this week.

Name:  Orlaith

For:  helping her partner by giving up her time to explain something.

Name:  Samuel

For: always setting a calm example for his partner.

5P

Name: David

For: producing some fantastic work at our Art workshop.

Name: Aneisha

For: helping her classmates.

Name: Harley 

For: being a calm member of our class at all times.
 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Six

6B

Name: Ted

For: great effort in class resulting in improved work.

 

Name: Aimee

For: working well with a range of her peers.

 

Name: Aliyah

For: working quietly in class and maintaining a good focus.

6F

Name: Chase

For: great work in maths this week. 

Name: Awesome

For: great sportsmanship during the football match, representing the school. 

Name: Daniyal

For: always being ready to learn. 

6I

Name: Yamen

For: His increased confidence in maths.

Name Sophie

For: Her lovely kind sprit, she is always generous and helpful to those around her.

Name: Cristina

For: Having great improvements in swimming, keep it up!
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