Gazette 10/07/2026

Year to date 94.4%

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:

This week, the class with the highest attendance was 3VB with 98.3%.  Well done!  The attendance reward will be coming your way.

Uniform Expectations – Monday 13 July to Tuesday 21 July

As the hot weather is forecast to continue into next week, children are welcome to attend school in their PE uniform until the end of term to help them stay cool and comfortable.  Please ensure that your child wears the correct PE uniform, as outlined in our school uniform expectations.  Thank you for your continued support and co-operation.

Important Reminder – Online Forms to be Completed by Friday 17 July

Authorised Adults to Collect – September 2026 to July 2027 – Fill in form

Year 5 & 6 Permission to Walk Home Unaccompanied – September 2026 to July 2027 – Fill in form

News from EYFS

This week in Reception, we have been enjoying the story The Duck in the Truck.  The children have been developing their understanding of adjectives by describing the duck and the muddy setting using exciting descriptive words.  We have also been thinking about how to structure a sentence, and the children used their ideas to write their own sentences about the story.

In Maths, we have been revising the concepts of one more and one less.  The children have been using their counting skills to find numbers that are one more or one less, and some have challenged themselves by working with numbers beyond 20.

We enjoyed taking part in a Road Safety Talk.  Thank you to all the parents and carers who were able to join us.  The children learned the Green Cross Code “Stop, Look, Listen, Think” and discussed why it is so important to stay safe when crossing the road.  They then had great fun putting their learning into practice on the pretend road, demonstrating how to cross safely and confidently.

News from the Resource Base

This week the children had three days in their new tiered approach, getting to know what it will look like in September.  It has been lovely to see them working in their ‘new’ set ups.  They have taken this on really well.

In the new RB group for English they have been learning and recapping about word classification.  This week their focus was on adjectives.  After creating a group word bank, the children wrote their own adjectives to describe an object of their choice.  They went on to write their own sentences, making an expanded noun phrase e.g. I can see a blue, shiny fan.

In Maths, the children were recapping and learning about place value.  This included counting on and back in tens from any 2 digit number.  As part of our learning we had to complete the sequences.  The children used the Tens and Ones headings to help them think carefully about which digit changed and whether it was getting bigger or smaller.

RBH: For the remainder of the week, the children have been working hard on writing their own story to go with our under the sea themed book with no words: ‘Flotsam’.  The children have been reading back over their work and thinking carefully about how they can improve their work.  They have been working hard to incorporate their skills learnt over the year, including: using apostrophes; expanded noun phrases; conjunctions and writing in the past tense.

In Maths, in mainstream and in RBH we have been recapping and reflecting on our learning about telling the time (in 5 minute increments) using an analogue clock as well as work around how many minutes in an hour and how many hours in a day.

RBR: Another week of transition has flown by, and the children have continued to adapt brilliantly to their new routines and environments, especially in the recent hot weather.  They have shown resilience, positivity, and maturity throughout the week, and we are incredibly proud of how well they have embraced the changes.

In Deaf Studies, the children have taken on the role of museum curators after receiving a very special letter:

“Congratulations!  You have been chosen as one of only four museum curators.  Your job is to create an exciting exhibition for The Deaf Experience Museum.  Your gallery should help visitors understand an important part of Deaf life.”

Inspired by their mission, the children have begun designing their own museum exhibits based on one of five key themes: Deaf Identity, Communication, Access & Technology, Community, and Culture & History.  Through research, creativity, and careful presentation, they are creating exhibitions that will help visitors understand and celebrate the richness and diversity of the Deaf community.  We look forward to displaying their finished exhibits very soon.

Influential Figure – Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was a talented Mexican artist whose colourful and imaginative paintings are admired around the world.  She used her artwork to express her feelings, experiences, and love of her culture, showing that art can be a powerful way to tell a story.  Despite facing many challenges in her life, Frida continued to create and inspire others with her resilience and creativity.  Her story encourages children to celebrate their individuality, express themselves with confidence, and value different cultures and perspectives.

Music Moment

Our music moment this week was Happy by Pharrell Williams.

Fortnightly Focus – Ambition

Our final fortnightly focus is on ambition – raising aspirations and helping every child believe in their future success.

Staff will encourage challenge, aspiration and opportunities that broaden horizons through the curriculum, enrichment and careers-related learning.

Pupils will focus on goal setting, confidence, independence and striving to achieve their personal best.

Parents play a key role by discussing future aspirations, celebrating success and encouraging perseverance.

This aligns with inspection priorities around personal development, curriculum ambition, equality of opportunity, preparation for next stages of education and ensuring all pupils are equipped for future success in modern Britain.