Key Stage 2

Yesterday, our Year 4 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable day at Ufton Court, taking part in our much-loved annual Roman Day. This trip has been a highlight for the past four years, offering children the chance to consolidate their history learning in a truly immersive and exciting way.

The day was packed with hands-on activities designed to bring the past to life. Pupils took part in three main workshops, each exploring a different aspect of Roman life:

• Military Manoeuvres – How do we fight? Children trained like Roman soldiers, learning discipline, teamwork and the skills needed to serve in the empire’s army.
• Crime and Punishment – Was Roman justice fair? Pupils discovered the fascinating—and often brutal—legal system of ancient Rome, exploring how wealth and status influenced justice.
• Daily Life Skills – What key skills are needed to support our life here? From spinning wool to building fires, children experienced the practical skills essential for survival in Roman Britain.

“I liked being a Roman soldier – the shields were heavy!” – Year 4 pupil
“We learned how Romans cooked and made clothes – it was fun!” – Year 4 pupil

Mr Ashby, Year 4 Lead, said:

“Roman Day is always a highlight. It’s incredible to see pupils so engaged and excited about history. These hands-on experiences make learning meaningful and unforgettable.”

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible!

Our girls’ football team gave it their all this week at the Fulham FC Girls Football Cup, finishing in an impressive second place! They played brilliantly throughout the tournament, winning every match except the final, which ended in a narrow 2–1 loss.

It was a fantastic experience for the team, not only showcasing their talent and teamwork but also getting the chance to play at an elite Premier League training ground. The girls were inspired by seeing the top-tier facilities used by professional footballers and left feeling motivated and proud.

“We worked so hard together – second place is amazing!” – Ruhee

Mr Hicks, our Tournament and Fixtures Lead, said:

“The girls showed incredible determination and skill. Playing at such a prestigious venue was a brilliant opportunity, and their sportsmanship throughout the day was outstanding.”

Congratulations to the team for their outstanding performance and teamwork – you’ve made us all proud!

As part of their Science topic on Rocks, our Year 3 children visited the Bellway housing development to explore how different types of rocks are used in the construction of new homes. This real-world experience gave pupils the chance to see the practical applications of their classroom learning, sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of the properties and uses of rocks.

The children were fascinated to discover how materials like granite, limestone and slate are chosen for strength, durability and appearance. They asked thoughtful questions about why certain rocks are used for foundations, walls and decorative features.

“I didn’t know rocks could make houses – that’s amazing!” – Year 3 pupil

Back in school, the children reflected on their visit and linked what they had seen to their science learning, considering how the properties of rocks influence their uses in everyday life.

Mr Myers, Assistant Headteacher and Year 3 Lead, said:

“This visit was a fantastic way to connect theory with practice. Seeing the children’s excitement as they realised how their classroom learning applies to the real world was brilliant. Experiences like this make science meaningful and memorable.”

A huge thank you to Bellway for welcoming us and helping our pupils see science in action!

Year 6 recently enjoyed a fantastic field trip that brought their geography lessons to life. Armed with clipboards, maps, and plenty of enthusiasm, pupils conducted surveys to assess the terrain, facilities, and overall suitability of the area for a case study. It was a brilliant opportunity to apply classroom learning to the real world—and have fun doing it!

Back in the classroom, pupils will now analyse their findings and reflect on what makes a location appropriate for different purposes. This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of geographical concepts but also encouraged critical thinking and teamwork.

Miss Franks, who accompanied the trip, shared her thoughts:
“It was wonderful to see the children so engaged. They asked thoughtful questions, worked collaboratively, and really embraced the challenge. It’s experiences like this that make learning memorable.”

We’re proud of how Year 6 represented the school and look forward to seeing the insights they bring to their upcoming case study work.

This week, our school community came together to celebrate Black History Week under the theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride. Through assemblies, drama workshops and classroom learning, children explored the lives and legacies of inspirational Black British figures, reflecting on themes of identity, resilience, achievement and pride.

Assemblies took place across the school to launch the week, encouraging pupils to think deeply about the theme and the importance of Black history in shaping our society. Each year group then focused on a significant individual whose story connects with the theme in a meaningful way:

• EYFS – Trish Cooke Pride in our family, identity and celebrating our stories
• Year 1 – Lenny Henry Pride through voice and laughter
• Year 2 – Sam Watson Standing up and taking pride in what is fair
• Year 3 – Floella Benjamin Pride in heritage and the power of sharing your story
• Year 4 – Sam King Being resilient and having pride in your community
• Year 5 – Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock Pride in achievement
• Year 6 – Paul Stephenson Power and pride in peaceful protest

In addition to classroom learning, pupils took part in drama workshops that brought history to life in engaging and imaginative ways:

• Years 1, 2 and 5 enjoyed a storytelling workshop that celebrated diversity and identity. Through a creative narrative, children were introduced to inspirational figures such as Andrew Watson, the first Black British footballer, and Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a pioneering space scientist.
• Years 3 and 4 explored the achievements of Sam King MBE, a key figure in the celebration of the Windrush generation. Known as “Mr. Windrush”, Sam King arrived in Britain on the Empire Windrush after serving in the RAF. He went on to become the first Black mayor of Southwark, co-founded the Windrush Foundation, and helped establish the first Windrush Day in 1988. His legacy continues to inspire pride and community spirit.

We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful discussions and creative work produced by our pupils throughout the week. A BIG thank you to Miss Barnes for organising this enriching programme and ensuring that our celebration of Black History was both meaningful and memorable.

This week, our Year 6 pupils took part in a powerful and engaging workshop delivered by Voicebox CIC, an organisation that works with schools across the UK to support pupils’ personal development, emotional wellbeing and respectful relationships.

The workshop, titled Healthy Masculinity, was designed to help pupils reflect on identity, challenge stereotypes and explore how we can all show strength through kindness, empathy and self-awareness. While the session focused on some of the pressures boys may face, it was inclusive and relevant to all pupils, encouraging thoughtful discussion and reflection.

Pupils explored questions such as:

• What does it mean to be strong?
• How can we be good friends and role models?
• Why is it important to talk about our feelings?

The session was interactive and age-appropriate, using real-life scenarios and group activities to help pupils think critically and compassionately. It supported our wider PSHE curriculum and our commitment to nurturing respectful, emotionally literate young people.

Here’s what some of our pupils had to say:

“I liked how we talked about feelings and how it’s okay to show them. It made me think about how I treat my friends.” – Year 6 Pupil
“It was good to hear that being strong doesn’t mean you have to be tough all the time. You can be strong by being kind.” – Year 6 Pupil
“I didn’t realise how many stereotypes there are. It made me want to be more myself and not worry about what people expect.” – Year 6 Pupil

We were incredibly proud of how maturely and thoughtfully our pupils engaged with the session. It was a valuable opportunity to reinforce the importance of respect, inclusion and emotional wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment.