Gazette 23/01/2026

Year to date 93.9%

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: 95.4%	3VB: 94.5%
RS: 92%	4A: 92.1%
1D: 96.4%	4L: 95.5%
1P: 95.7%	5R: 89.3%
2A: 94.4%	5/6P: 94.5%
2N: 93.1%	6CH: 97.2%
3MH: 96.8%

This week, the class with the highest attendance was 6CH with 97.2%.  Well done!  The attendance reward will be coming your way.

 

News from EYFS

This week, we have continued our work on Traditional Tales and have been learning the story The Enormous Turnip.  The children have been sequencing the story and having a go at writing key phrases from the story using their phonic knowledge.

In Maths, we have been learning about measure using balancing scales.  The children have used different objects from around the classroom to weigh and compare, using the language of heavier, lighter and balanced.  We have also been exploring capacity using water and different-sized bottles to develop their understanding of full, half full and empty.

In Art, the children have been having a go at drawing their own still-life pictures of turnips and other seasonal vegetables.  They have also enjoyed experimenting with vegetable printing using paint.

In PE, we have continued to develop throwing skills.  This week, the children have been pretending to be butterflies and ladybirds, using beanbags to practise throwing into a target from varying distances.

News from the Resource Base

This week in RBR, we have focused on division in Maths.  Pupils using long division with remainders are becoming increasingly confident as they work their way through each step of the process.  Those using grouping strategies to divide have done so with growing independence and confidence, and with impressive accuracy.

In English, we have begun exploring newspaper articles, identifying their key features and discussing how they are structured to inform the reader.  The children have also learned the difference between direct and indirect speech and how each is used effectively within an article.

In RBH this week, in Maths we have been continuing our work on 3D shapes.  We can identify a range of 3D shapes by name.  We have also learnt about faces, edges and vertices.  We have used this knowledge to organise shapes, according to their properties.  We have also been recognising 3D shapes in everyday objects around the classroom.

In English we have been looking closely at information texts.  We have looked at the features and layout of this particular type of text.  As a class we have written our own information text about pigs.  We have started to learn our text through talk for writing, using words and sign to help us remember the text.  This will enable us to write our own information text in the coming weeks, using the knowledge we have gained.

In RBN this week, the children have been working hard rehearsing their newspaper article about a dinosaur bone being dug up.  It has been amazing to see the children practise the sentence structure and powerful vocabulary and transferring it to their independent written copy.  We will begin working on creating our own newspaper article next week so please look at some newspapers at home this weekend.  It would be lovely for the children to bring in what they have looked at with you and share it with their peers.

For Maths, we have been calculating multiplication and division facts for the 3, 6 and 9 times tables.  Children have been learning fun methods to calculate these, remember them and to use the 3 times table to calculate the 6 and 9 times table.  Ask them to show you this when they are completing their Maths homework this week.

Influential Figure – Stormzy

Stormzy is an influential British figure who shows how creativity, hard work, and kindness can make a positive difference.  As a successful musician and role model, he uses his voice to celebrate British culture and to speak up about fairness, education, and supporting others.  Stormzy is also known for giving back to the community, including helping young people access education and opportunities.  His story helps children understand that talents and skills such as music, creativity, and determination, can be used to inspire others and improve society.

Music Moment

Our music moment this week was Blinded by Your Grace- Stormzy.

Fortnightly Focus: Excellence

Our focus for the next fortnight will be excellence: • Work neatly • Dress smartly • Take pride.

Each day we will have a specific focus where we will encourage our children to be independent, resilient learners who expect the best from themselves and others.  Please support at home, where you can!

14-Day Excellence Reminder Burst

Day 1: Excellence starts with you – today, give your very best in everything you do.

Day 2: Neat work helps everyone – take time to write clearly and present your work well.

Day 3: Smart dress shows pride – wear uniform correctly and look ready to learn.

Day 4: Take pride in your space – classroom, corridors and playgrounds matter.

Day 5: Check your work – have you used your best handwriting and presentation?

Day 6: Excellence is consistency – do the right thing even when no one is watching.

Day 7: Small details count – rulers, margins, tidy books and folders.

Day 8: Dress smartly, feel smart – being prepared helps you feel confident.

Day 9: Take pride in behaviour – show respect to everyone around you.

Day 10: Reflect and improve – what could you make even better next time?

Day 11: Excellence is effort – try hard even when learning feels challenging.

Day 12: Be proud of your progress – notice how far you’ve come.

Day 13: Support others – excellence grows when we help one another succeed.

Day 14: Celebrate excellence – working neatly, dressing smartly and taking pride every day.