Key Stage 2

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.

Today saw the return of Aragon’s Got Talent, a fantastic celebration of creativity, confidence and flair, brilliantly organised by our School Council. Pupils from across the school took to the stage to share their talents, with the show expertly compered by our two brilliant hosts, Jasmine and Mihael.

The acts were as impressive as they were varied. Year 6 band The Black Roots (Jayden, Jack, Vinnie and Ben) got the crowd going with a rousing rendition of Seven Nation Army. Brooklyn in Year 2 had everyone in stitches with a series of hilarious cow jokes, while Annabelle and Leonie in Year 1 captivated the audience with their storytelling skills.

Year 3’s Osmaan, Danny, Logan, Sebastian and Axel showed off their football flair with flips, tricks and fancy footwork. Pearli in Year 5 wowed with a beautiful classical piano performance, and Niamh, Mila and Margo in Year 2 impressed with their gymnastic routine full of flips, cartwheels and round-offs.

Year 5’s Harrison and Leonard brought the laughs with their comedy act, while Jacob in Year 3 shared an original song he had written himself. Year 6’s Eugenia, Hailey and Naimal delivered a high-energy K-pop performance, complete with singing and dancing.

In Year 1, Atarah and Orla performed a song they had written themselves, with fantastic harmonies, and Maya in Year 4 rounded off the show with a powerful dance routine to Gabriella by Katseye.

A huge well done to all of our performers and to Jasmine and Mihael for leading the show with such confidence and enthusiasm. The winner will be announced in the Governors’ Assembly on Tuesday – we cannot wait!

What an incredible way to round off the year! This week, our Year 6 pupils took to the stage and delivered a truly unforgettable performance. The production was a feast for the senses, showcasing not only the children’s many talents but also the hard work, creativity and commitment that has gone into every detail.

The costumes, set and props were exceptional – vibrant, imaginative and completely captivating. From the moment the curtains opened, the audience was transported into another world. The children’s acting was nothing short of amazing, with each line delivered with confidence, expression and flair. The singing was absolutely sensational, filling the hall with powerful voices and harmonies.

And the dancing? Dazzling. Every routine was full of energy, rhythm and style – a testament to the hours of rehearsal and the enthusiasm of every child involved.

Productions like this do not happen by chance. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible Year 6 team – Miss Ballantine, Miss Franks, Miss Barnes, Mrs P, Mrs Ferretti and Miss Pearcey – for their dedication and tireless support in bringing this production to life.

Most importantly, we want to say a huge congratulations to our outstanding Year 6 children. You performed with such pride, joy and professionalism. You should feel enormously proud of what you have achieved. What a brilliant way to celebrate your time at primary school.

Year 3 recently enjoyed a fantastic cultural experience with a visit to the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon to watch The Boy with Wings, an exciting stage adaptation of the book by Sir Lenny Henry. The production was full of energy, imagination, and heartfelt moments — and it captured the children’s attention from the moment the curtain rose.

The story follows Tunde, an ordinary schoolboy who discovers he has an extraordinary gift. As he learns to embrace his superpowers, he also learns important lessons about friendship, courage, and celebrating what makes us different. These powerful themes resonated with the children and sparked rich discussions on the journey home.

Attending a live theatre performance was a valuable learning experience, particularly in supporting the Year 3 English curriculum. Seeing a story brought to life on stage helped the children to deepen their understanding of narrative structure, character development, and dramatic techniques. The expressive language, movement, and stagecraft provided a wonderful model for their own speaking and writing.

Many children were inspired not only by the story, but also by the performance itself. Watching professional actors interpret the characters and convey emotion through voice and movement gave pupils a real appreciation for the craft of storytelling.

A huge thank you to the Polka Theatre for such a captivating performance and to all the staff and volunteers who supported the trip. It was a truly memorable day that enriched the children’s learning and sparked plenty of creativity back in the classroom.

Last week, we were delighted to welcome Hugo from the Magic Lantern Art History Company. Hugo, an experienced art historian and archaeologist who works with London museums, brought history to life through powerful storytelling and fascinating images.

Year 3: Exploring Ancient Egypt

Year 3 began the day with a journey into ancient Egypt. Hugo used striking visuals and engaging commentary to immerse pupils in the world of pyramids, scrolls, and hieroglyphics. The children were thrilled to share that they had already made their own papyrus, which Hugo praised enthusiastically. One highlight was a virtual exploration of an Egyptian tomb, where pupils were surprised to discover its bright colours and intricate artwork.

Alex and David (3G) said,

“We learnt about myths in paintings and the mystery of hieroglyphics. Hugo told us the story of a magical book that could make someone as powerful as the gods!”

Year 6: Art as Propaganda

Later, Year 6 examined how artists used images to influence public opinion during the First and Second World Wars. Drawing on their history learning, pupils explored wartime propaganda posters and discussed how art can shape emotions and perceptions. They considered the symbolism in the images and reflected on how artists convey meaning beyond the surface.

Mihaela and Mishaal (6MB) commented,

“Some posters showed peaceful countryside scenes to remind people of what they were fighting for. Artists used pictures to speak louder than words.”

A Memorable Day of Learning

Hugo’s visit was an inspiring experience that encouraged pupils to think critically, ask questions, and view art as a powerful form of communication. It was a day full of discovery, creativity, and connection across history and art.