Dear Glebe Families
It has been a real pleasure to welcome so many of you to our parent welcome meetings this week. I hope you found them both informative and a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s new class teacher. It’s always a privilege to see the strong partnerships between home and school taking shape right from the start.
Our new Reception children have made a fantastic start to school life in their first full week, the classrooms are already buzzing with enthusiasm, curiosity and no shortage of smiles. It was a particular joy to see so many of you joining us for lunch today, such a lovely way to share in your child’s early school experience.
Elsewhere, our Year 6 pupils have been putting their entrepreneurial hats on for enterprise week. From classic stalls like hook-a-duck and lucky dips, to the wetter and wilder “soak the student,” themed events; their creativity (and courage!) have been in full force. We may just have some future CEOs in our midst!
This week also marked the launch of I-Rock in our newly fitted music room. If the sounds echoing down the corridor are anything to go by, we may have the next Justin Hawkins, Slash and Elton John’s practising just down the hall!
Looking ahead, we’re already turning our eyes to 2026–27 as we begin our parent tours for prospective Reception and Nursery families. If you know someone looking for a school with energy, heart and ambition, please do share the word, we’d love to welcome them.
And finally, it was a pleasure to host Mark Francois MP this afternoon and showcase the incredible progress across our school, from exciting curriculum development to significant renovations, all thanks to the ongoing dedication of our talented staff.
Don’t forget, next Friday is Jeans for Genes Day, double denim is not just allowed, it’s encouraged! Let’s wear it with pride to support this fantastic cause.
Wishing you all a restful and happy weekend.
Warm regards
Mr Clarke
Headteacher
Certificates
A huge well done this week to:
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RBC: Hunter H & Elsie T |
RS: Jimmy N & Piper T |
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1D: Hollie-Rose F & Hudson W |
1P: Archie H & Isla P |
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2A: Lily D & Everleigh B |
2N: Poppy A & Floyd B |
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3MH: Andrew T & Harper B |
3VB: Harry R & Jessica F |
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4A: Rosie M & Theo B |
4L: Harley C & Elsie E |
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5R: Henry F & Annie S |
6/5P: Orson S & Archie H |
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6CH: Barney T & Albie L |
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Attendance: Our school target is 97%
Year to date 96.6%
We expect pupils to be in school everyday.
We will not authorise term time absence except in exceptional circumstances and where appropriate, Essex County Council will issue fines.
Classes:
| RBC: 100% | 3VB: 99% |
| RS: 92.6% | 4A: 96.6% |
| 1D: 96.2% | 4L: 98.3% |
| 1P: 96.5% | 5R: 96.3% |
| 2A: 93.3% | 5/6P: 94.9% |
| 2N: 90.4% | 6CH: 98.6% |
| 3MH: 99.3% |
This week, the class with the highest attendance was RBC with 100%. Well done! The attendance reward will be coming your way.
Year 6 to 7 Secondary Admission Round for September 2026
You can now apply for a secondary school place for September 2026 via www.essex.gov.uk/admissions
The statutory national closing date for applications in 31 October 2025.
News from the Resource Base
In RBS, we have been learning the story of the ‘Gorilla’ during English and using different techniques, such as, expanded noun phrases and conjunctions to make our writing more interesting.
In maths, we have been using manipulatives to build 2 digit numbers and understand place value.
News from EYFS
We have thoroughly enjoyed having the children with us all week. They have settled beautifully into the rhythms and routines of school life and have shown great enthusiasm for exploring their new environment.
A highlight of the week was welcoming parents to join their children for lunch today. The children took great pride in showing their families around their new classrooms and it was lovely to see the joy this brought to everyone involved.
Throughout the week, the children have explored the different areas across our Early Years provision, forming new friendships and strengthening existing ones. Our main focus has been on establishing expectations and supporting the children as they settle in.
They have also been introduced to our Golden Rule stories, which have helped them understand our class promises and the values we uphold in our learning community.
We wish you all a restful and happy weekend.
Influential Figure – Joseph Haydn
Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an influential Austrian composer often called the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet.” He played a crucial role in the development of classical music during the 18th century. Haydn’s work helped shape the structure and style of the symphony and chamber music, making his compositions foundational to Western classical music.
Haydn was known for his creativity, wit and ability to bring out emotion through music. He spent much of his career working for the wealthy Esterházy family, composing hundreds of works that are still celebrated today.
Including Haydn’s music in our curriculum helps pupils appreciate classical music’s rich history and inspires creativity and discipline. His legacy encourages young musicians to explore expression and innovation in their own performances.
Music Moment
Our music moment next week is Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto – Jamie Prophet.
Fortnightly Focus – Telling the Truth
What Are We Learning About?
This fortnight, we are thinking about what it means to tell the truth. Telling the truth means being honest, even when it’s hard. It shows integrity, courage and respect; all important parts of being a good leader.
British Values Link
-Rule of Law: Telling the truth helps us follow the rules and do the right thing, even when nobody is watching.
-Individual Liberty: We all have the freedom to speak up and share what’s true. Being truthful helps others trust us and keeps our school safe and fair.
School Value: Leadership
Good leaders are honest. They make the right choices and set a positive example for others.
When you tell the truth:
-You build trust with your friends and teachers.
-You show bravery, even when you’ve made a mistake.
-You help others feel safe and respected.
Questions to Think About at school and discuss at home:
-Why is telling the truth important?
-What could happen if people aren’t honest?
-How can telling the truth make you a better leader?
This Fortnight’s Challenge:
Try to tell the truth in every situation, even if it’s tricky. If you make a mistake, be honest about it; that’s a sign of real strength and leadership!
Let’s Remember:
“Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it will always get you the right ones.”
-John Lennon
18 September – Year 1 Knights and Castles day (dressing up). *new date*
19 September – Non-uniform day – Jeans for Genes.
22 September – Reception to Year 6 flu immunisations.
25 September – Year 1 parent phonics meeting at 2.30pm in the KS1 hall.
26 September – Non-uniform day – Fundraising in memory of Henry.
2 October – Reception parent phonics meeting at 9.00am in the KS1 hall.
3 October – Class 1P parent lunch.
8 October – Class 1D parent lunch.
10 October – Non-uniform day – World Mental Health.
14 October – Year 3 Stone Age workshop.
16 October – Parents’ evening from 1.20pm to 6.30pm.
20 October to 31 October – Half term.
3 November – Children return to school.
5 November – Class 2A parent lunch.
7 November – Class 2N parent lunch.
10 November – School photographs.
13 November – Open Evening. School closes at 1.00pm.
w/c 17 November – Year 5 & 6 bikeability (group 1).
20 November – FOGP discos.
w/c 24 November – Year 5 & 6 bikeability (group 2 & group 3).
27 November – Choir at the Rayleigh Christmas Lights Switch On Event 4.00pm to 6.30pm.
5 December – RB Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas carol service.
9 December – 9.30am Year 3 & 4 Christmas performance for Year 3 parents.
10 December – 9.30am Year 3 & 4 Christmas performance for Year 4 parents.
11 December – 9.30am Year 1 & 2 Christmas performance for Year 1 parents.
12 December – 9.30am Year 5 & 6 Christmas performance for Year 5 parents.
12 December – 2.15pm Year 1 & 2 Christmas performance for Year 2 parents.
15 December – FOGP Elf Emporium and Santa’s Grotto.
16 December – 9.30am Year 5 & 6 Christmas performance for Year 6 parents.
17 December – Christmas dinner and jumper day, including FOGP pantomime.
18 December – 9.30am Nursery Christmas performance.
19 December – 9.30am Reception Christmas performance.
22 December to 2 January – Christmas holiday.
5 January – Children return to school.
Below are the curriculum maps for each year group, outlining the topics the children will be focusing on this term.
If you have any specific questions around the curriculum content, please contact your class teacher.
Find the signs in action on Glebe’s social media pages.
