Last Friday, our Year 2 children had the most inspiring day exploring the incredible gardens at RHS Wisley. Stepping confidently into the role of budding botanists, they immersed themselves in hands-on science learning from the moment they arrived.

Throughout the day, the children observed a wide range of plants up close, sketched detailed scientific diagrams, and explored the different stages of a plant’s life cycle. They particularly enjoyed planting their own seeds and collecting plant pickings—experiences that brought their classroom learning vividly to life.

Their curiosity was evident in the thoughtful questions they asked, and their behaviour was exemplary throughout. Staff and Wisley educators alike commented on how engaged, focused and enthusiastic the children were - real scientists in the making!

Year 2 Lead Miss Bernatek shared her pride in the children:
“It was wonderful to see the children so absorbed in their learning. Their excitement, careful observation and brilliant scientific vocabulary made us incredibly proud. They approached every activity with such enthusiasm—true botanists for the day!”

A huge well done to our Year 2 pupils for representing the school so beautifully and for embracing every learning opportunity with such positivity. What a fantastic day of discovery!

The festive spirit truly filled our school in the weeks leading up to Christmas, bringing joy, excitement, and plenty of memorable moments for our children and staff.

During the final week of term, our Nursery and Reception children wrote their letters to Father Christmas and proudly posted them in the postbox on Aragon Road. It was a magical experience for our youngest learners and a lovely way to begin our Christmas celebrations.

The whole school also came together to enjoy a fantastic performance of Red Riding Hood. The pantomime was full of laughter, audience participation, and festive fun, creating wonderful memories for pupils and staff alike.

Our Key Stage 2 pupils delivered their annual Christmas carol concerts at Emmanuel Church and Morden Park Baptist Church. We were incredibly grateful to David and his team at Emmanuel, and to Ken and his team at Morden Park Baptist, for welcoming us so warmly. Both concerts were beautifully heartwarming and festive, and we were immensely proud of the children for their confident and joyful performances.

Our Year 1 and Year 2 children dazzled us with their extravagant Christmas productions. A huge well done went to all pupils and staff involved — their hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm truly shone through. We were delighted to follow these with Nursery and Reception’s performances the following week.

On Christmas Jumper Day, we enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch together. Over 500 children were served, and we extended a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Olive Catering team for making this enormous task look effortless. It was a fantastic way to bring our whole school community together and share the joy of the season.

As the term drew to a close, we thanked all our families for their continued support throughout the year. We hoped that everyone enjoyed a peaceful, joyful Christmas filled with laughter and love.

From all of us at Aragon, we wished you a wonderful festive break and a very Happy New Year!

Throughout the school, children have been fully immersed in learning across History, Geography and Religious Education, discovering how Catherine’s life linked two countries and how her beliefs influenced major events in the Tudor period. Pupils have compared the human and physical geography of Aragon and England, explored places of worship, studied historical portraits and even taken part in debates about key decisions made during her lifetime.

Deputy Headteacher Mr Gilbert shared his excitement about the project:

“Humanities Week gives our pupils the opportunity to understand the world and the people within it in a deeper and more meaningful way. Making a direct connection to our school name has been a powerful experience for the children. We are incredibly proud of their curiosity, creativity and confidence this week.”

Across the school, pupils have been eager to share what they have learned:

“I didn’t know a real queen came from Aragon like our school name!” – Year 2 pupil

“Spain is so different to where we live. I want to go and see the mountains!” – Year 4 pupil

“Catherine of Aragon was really brave. She stood up for what she believed in.” – Year 6 pupil

To celebrate the week, each year group created a short film showcasing their learning, which was shared with the whole school. The video highlighted how every pupil has taken pride in discovering their school’s historical and cultural links and demonstrated the high-quality learning across all year groups.

We would like to congratulate all pupils and staff for making Humanities Week such a memorable and inspiring experience. We hope the children leave the week understanding that our school name has a story and that they are now part of it.

Aragon Primary – Discovering Aragon, Together

The children met key figures from the Nativity story and explored the true meaning of Christmas in an interactive and engaging way. They also created beautiful artwork and took home a comic retelling the Nativity to share with their families.

“I liked meeting Mary and Joseph – they told us about baby Jesus!” – Year 2 pupil

Mr Lillie, Year 2 Teacher, said:

“This visit was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to deepen their understanding of Christian traditions and the significance of Christmas. The volunteers made the experience so memorable, and the children were fully engaged throughout.”

A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers at St Martin’s Church for welcoming us and making this experience so special. 🌟

The children stepped into the shoes of Londoners from the past through five engaging sessions:

• Colourful Characters – Meeting key figures who shaped the story of the fire.
• Unsuspecting London – Exploring life before the blaze, including the infamous bakery and Samuel Pepys’ diary.
• London’s Burning! – Reacting in real time to the fire, firefighting and escaping the flames!
• Rebuild London – Working together to plan and rebuild a stronger city.
• A Monument – Ending the day by constructing a life-size monument to commemorate the Great Fire.

“I liked being Samuel Pepys – he wrote about the fire!” – Year 2 pupil
“We built a big monument – it was taller than me!” – Year 2 pupil

Miss Bernatek, Year 2 Lead, said:

“This workshop brought history vividly to life. The children were completely immersed and made fantastic connections to their classroom learning. It’s experiences like this that make history exciting and memorable.”

A huge thank you to The Past Presents for inspiring our young historians!
📽 Watch our Reel of the day here.

During the trip, the children used their investigative skills to gather information, take photographs and collect data about the area. They looked closely at the different spaces and thought about how people use them every day.

“I saw the big trees and the playground – that’s where people have fun!” – Year 1 pupil
“We found the park on our map – it was exciting!” – Year 1 pupil

Back in class, the children used their findings to create reports in the style of a geographer, reflecting on which parts of our local area are important, how they are used, and why they are valuable to different people.

Miss Garcia, our Year 1 Lead, said:

“The children loved being real geographers! Seeing them apply their map skills and ask thoughtful questions about our local area was fantastic. It’s such a valuable way to make learning meaningful and connected to their everyday lives.”

This experience was a brilliant opportunity to bring their learning to life and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Well done, Year 1!

Miss Hall, who accompanied Year 2, said:
“The children were absolutely captivated. It was a joy to see them so immersed in storytelling and bursting with ideas. Experiences like this really help foster a lifelong love of reading.”

We’re delighted our pupils could take part in such a memorable event, and we look forward to seeing how their imaginations continue to flourish in the classroom.

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

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.

The purpose of the week was to introduce children to the idea of democracy and give them the chance to experience what it feels like to be part of an election. Pupils who wished to stand for one of our leadership roles prepared speeches or videos to share their ideas, while during OPAL playtimes they designed eye-catching posters and banners to support their campaigns.

On Friday afternoon, the whole school came together to vote. To make the process as authentic as possible, we even set up a ballot booth, just like the ones used in general elections.

The roles on offer this year included:

• School Council
• Eco Warriors
• Reading Champs
• PE Leaders
• Digital Leaders
• Wellbeing Champs
• House and Vice Captains

The atmosphere around school was fantastic all week, with campaign posters brightening our corridors and children passionately discussing their ideas. We were incredibly proud of every pupil who put themselves forward for a role – it takes real courage and confidence to stand up in front of your peers, and each candidate showed great ambition and enthusiasm.

The results of the elections will be announced in Monday’s assembly, and we look forward to seeing our new pupil leaders take on their roles and make a real difference across the school this year.

Democracy Week has been an inspiring way to celebrate pupil voice, responsibility and leadership. It is certainly something we will look to continue in future years.

One of the highlights was the presentation of our Governor Awards, a special recognition given to pupils who have consistently demonstrated our school values. These awards celebrate not only academic effort but also kindness, resilience, creativity and responsibility. We were delighted to welcome Isabelle Paget (Chair of Governors), along with Gemma Fromage-Crawford and Dominique Delhalle, who presented the awards to our very deserving recipients in a special assembly. Congratulations to all those recognised – we are so proud of you!

Another end-of-year favourite returned this week – Aragon’s Got Talent! Organised by our fantastic School Council, the show gave pupils across the school the chance to perform and shine. From singers to dancers, comedians to magicians, every act showed amazing confidence and enthusiasm.

This year’s winners were The Black Roots, a brilliant Year 6 band who wowed the crowd with a powerful performance of Seven Nation Army. Their energy and teamwork had everyone cheering and headbanging along – a well-earned victory to end their primary school journey on a high.

A huge well done to all involved. It has been a joy to end the term celebrating the talent, hard work and character that makes Aragon so special.

To celebrate and showcase their hard work, we have created a special Spotlight on Learning. This interactive Microsoft Sway presentation captures the highlights of this half-term, showcasing what the children have learnt and how their experiences have been enriched both inside and outside the classroom.

Click here to access the Microsoft Sway presentation 

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to see the progress, enthusiasm, and achievements your children have demonstrated over the past weeks. It’s a testament to their hard work, curiosity, and the wonderful school community we’ve built together!

The highlight of the day was, of course, our time on the beach. The children behaved spectacularly and approached their fieldwork with real enthusiasm and care. Armed with clipboards and sharp eyes, they set about identifying a range of features in the local environment. Their understanding of geography shone through, as they confidently discussed what they could see around them.

Miss Grimes shared that “playing eye spy a human or physical feature on the walk along the promenade was a real pleasure – the children’s knowledge was impressive and it was lovely to hear them using the vocabulary we’ve learnt in class.”

From spotting piers and sea walls to identifying cliffs and coastal buildings, the children demonstrated a fantastic grasp of the differences between human and physical geographical features. They worked brilliantly in pairs and small groups, supporting one another and showing real curiosity about the world around them.

We are all incredibly proud of the children for the way they represented our school – with excellent behaviour, thoughtful questions, and boundless enthusiasm throughout the day.

Last week, our school came alive with energy, enthusiasm and team spirit as we celebrated our annual Healthy Me Week. The week was filled with exciting activities designed to promote physical health, emotional wellbeing and collaboration, giving children opportunities to try new challenges, strengthen friendships and build confidence.

A huge thank you goes to Miss Ballantine, Mr Hicks and Miss Smith for their exceptional organisation of the week. Every aspect of the timetable was thoughtfully planned, and their commitment to enriching the pupil experience was clear to see. Reflecting on the week, Miss Ballantine shared, "Healthy Me Week is always, without a doubt, my favourite week in the school calendar! There's nothing better than seeing the children thrive taking part in sports and activities whilst they become even more aware of the importance of healthy, active lifestyles. Throughout the week, the ability of the children able to work collaboratively with their class and house team peers improved drastically as the week went on- even in the stifling heat!"

Each day at lunchtime, our Year 5 Sports Leaders stepped up to run fun and engaging activities for younger pupils, helping to keep them active and involved. In between the various scheduled events, children took part in team-building activities, including a hugely popular den-building challenge. Each year group had their turn to head out to the field and, working in their house teams, they constructed dens using tyres, logs, tarpaulin and rope. The activity encouraged excellent communication and problem- solving skills, and house points were awarded for teamwork, effort and creativity.

On Monday, the week began with a series of whole-school team challenges. Key Stage 1 and Reception joined Miss Smith for an interactive assembly, which began with a hoola hoop teamwork task. Afterwards, pupils headed to the field for the “Longest Line” challenge, where they worked in house teams to create the longest possible line using anything they could find. Meanwhile, Key Stage 2 gathered on the field for a “Save the Water” challenge, using bins to transport water with minimal spillage, before heading into their own assembly with Miss Ballantine, where the winning team (Unicorn) was revealed. These activities highlighted the importance of communication, resilience and creativity in solving problems together.

On Tuesday afternoon, the team from Olive Kitchen visited to speak to pupils about healthy eating, running sessions for both EYFS and KS2.

Throughout the week, each year group enjoyed their own Sports Day event. Year 5 and 6 kicked things off with their sports morning on Tuesday, with Unicorns taking the early lead. Wednesday saw Year 3 and 4 taking part in their events, with Reception rounding off the week with their Sports Day on Friday morning. Year 1 and 2's Sports day was unfortunately postponed due to the soaring temperatures but we look forward to Wednesday 16th July to cheer on our KS1 pupils! These events gave every child the opportunity to challenge themselves physically, cheer on their teammates and contribute to their house team’s overall score. On Thursday, our Nursery children took part in a joyful Rainbow Run, which was a colourful, high-energy celebration that left everyone smiling.

We'd like to thank the wonderful pupils of RPHS who came to help on both mornings - running events, tallying scores, helping the teachers and encouraging the children. Thank you so much and particular thank you to Mr John Oldridge for organising the pupils and volunteering his time.

Two highlights of the week were the much-anticipated staff v student matches. Monday saw the netball match take place on the top playground, with pupils and staff alike showing determination and good sportsmanship. On Friday afternoon, the staff and student football teams met on the field for an exciting finale to the week. Both events drew enthusiastic crowds and lots of laughter.

Netball match score: 22-1 (to the staff)

Football match score: [score TBC]

Throughout Healthy Me Week, pupils earned house points for their efforts in all activities, with every event contributing to the final total.

Healthy Me Week is always a highlight of our school year, and this year was no exception. It was a celebration of everything we value at Aragon: kindness, respect, teamwork, resilience and ambition. Thank you once again to all the staff who supported the week and to all the pupils who took part with such positivity and enthusiasm. We are already looking forward to next year!

Each class visited Morden Town Centre and Morden Hall Park. 

The children travelled by bus and began their day in Morden Town Centre. Working in small groups with members of staff, they carried out a range of geographical enquiries. These included pedestrian counts, litter surveys, vehicle counts, and investigating shop types and their use. The pupils worked with great enthusiasm and showed excellent observational skills as they moved around different areas of the town, collecting data to bring back to the classroom.

Later in the morning, each class explored Morden Hall Park as a whole group. This allowed the children to experience a contrasting environment to the urban setting of the town centre. They were able to reflect on the differences between the two locations, considering the features, sounds, and uses of the spaces.

The fieldwork was an important part of helping the children develop their understanding of place and supported the development of their enquiry skills. They asked thoughtful questions, worked collaboratively, and thoroughly enjoyed being geographers for the day.

A huge thank you to all the staff and adult helpers who supported the trips. It was a brilliant week full of learning, discovery and exploration — well done, Year 2!

Each year group took part in a recycling-themed lesson, exploring a key environmental question and presenting their findings creatively through posters, speeches, songs and more. The children also enjoyed a story about oceans and plastic pollution, helping them to understand the real-world impact of waste on marine life.

Following this, pupils used recycled materials to create their own ocean animals, which were proudly displayed in the school hall. The display was a great success, and classes thoroughly enjoyed viewing each other’s thoughtful and imaginative creations.

Miss Blake would like to say a big well done to all the children for showing such enthusiasm throughout the week

We were warmly welcomed by David and his team at Emmanuel Church, where we began our visit with a special I Spy adventure. The children became brilliant detectives, carefully exploring the church to find hidden clues and answer a series of questions about what they could see. It was a fantastic way to learn more about the features of the church and its importance to the local community.

Afterwards, we gathered around the special table at the front of the church to learn about the bread and wine shared during services. This was a valuable opportunity for the children to see how members of the church community come together to celebrate and reflect.

We then learnt all about baptism and were even lucky enough to witness the ‘church baby’ being baptised. The children were fascinated to see the special water used in the service and to understand the meaning behind this important Christian tradition.

Zachary: 'I loved the I spy - we searched the church and found the 8 tricky symbols - the clues were hard!'

Evie: 'We saw how the baby was baptised and we touched the special water'

All of the children represented the school beautifully, walking to and from the church sensibly and respectfully. The adults were incredibly proud of them all. A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful volunteers who supported the trip and helped make it such a memorable experience for the children.

At a special assembly, the awards were presented by Isabelle Paget, Chair of Governors, alongside Governors Gemma Fromage-Crawford, Rachel Morton, Amanda Curl and Adrian Hennessy. Each recipient proudly received a badge and certificate to celebrate their achievement.

The recipients for this term are:

Reception: RP: Harry, RB: Anaya, RS: Anastasia

Year 1: 1B: Shilo, 1C: Leo, 1H: Vienna

Year 2: 2RJ: Frankie, 2A: Harrison, 2B: Maria

Miss O’Sullivan’s Awards: Nikolas (1C)

Congratulations to all the recipients for their exemplary character and for being shining role models within our school community. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you! 💫

To celebrate and showcase their hard work, we have created a special Spotlight on Learning. This interactive Microsoft Sway presentation captures the highlights of this half-term, showcasing what the children have learnt and how their experiences have been enriched both inside and outside the classroom.

Click here to access the Microsoft Sway presentation 

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to see the progress, enthusiasm, and achievements your children have demonstrated over the past weeks. It’s a testament to their hard work, curiosity, and the wonderful school community we’ve built together!

From Egg to Duckling

The process began with eager anticipation as the children carefully monitored the eggs in their incubator. They learnt about the life cycle of birds, discussing how ducklings make their way into the world. Witnessing the hatching process firsthand was a moment of pure awe - listening to the first little pecks from inside the shell and watching as each duckling finally emerged!

Learning Through Observation

Over the next few weeks, the children became real-life scientists, closely observing how the ducklings grew and changed. They explored key concepts such as:
🐣 Offspring and Growth – Understanding that all animals, including humans, have young that grow into adults.
🥚 Basic Needs of Animals – Discovering what the ducklings needed to stay healthy, from food and water to warmth and care.
🌱 How Living Things Change – Noticing how their fluffy friends began to develop stronger legs, feathers, and even their own little personalities!

A Memorable Experience

From feeding and caring for the ducklings to watching them take their first wobbly steps, the experience has been a wonderful way to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. The children have developed a deeper appreciation for nature and the responsibility involved in looking after living creatures.

It has been an unforgettable experience for Year 2, and we’re so proud of their enthusiasm and care for our feathered friends. What a fantastic way to explore science in action! 🦆💛

We kicked things off with a fantastic costume parade, where every child looked amazing in their book-inspired outfits. From Elphaba and Glinda to Harry Potter characters, dragons, Dork Diaries kids, Poirot, Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas, Cruella DeVille, Seussical characters, and so many more – the effort was truly outstanding! A huge WELL DONE to everyone who dressed up. Special congratulations to Dobby (Elliot – Y5) and Oompa Loompa (Zachary – Y2), who were chosen as our KS2 and KS1 costume winners by Mr. Hicks, Mr. Lillie, and Mr. Kennedy.

We were also lucky to welcome David Vaughan, author of Harry Heal – The Friendly Footballer, who delivered an inspiring assembly to all the children. He then led a special writing workshop for our talented Page Boyz – a huge thank you to him for encouraging our young writers!

A real highlight of the day was inviting our families into school to share a story with their children. It’s always so special to see parents, grandparents, and carers enjoying books together, creating magical reading moments that we know the children will cherish. Thank you to everyone who joined us – your enthusiasm and support mean so much!

In the spirit of celebrating books, every child applied for a Blue Peter Reading Badge, which has now been sent home – fingers crossed that many of them will receive this fantastic reward!

One of the other highlights of the day was our Teacher Swap, where teachers visited different classes to share a story. Throughout the day, we took part in lots of book-themed activities and spent time reading and sharing some truly amazing stories.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased a book from our Amazon Wishlist. We are thrilled to have received 67 new books, which will enrich our bookshelves and inspire children for years to come – we are so grateful for your generosity!

Finally, a big thank you to Miss Brown for organising such a magical and memorable World Book Day.

Here's to another year of reading, storytelling, and book-loving adventures! 📚✨

From the moment the lights dimmed and the curtain rose, the children were captivated by the energetic storytelling, catchy songs, and fantastic characters—including a Ninja Princess, a practical Prince, a crown-loving Queen, and a very green baddy! 

The children were completely immersed in the performance, laughing at the funny moments, gasping at the surprises, and even joining in with the songs! It was a wonderful opportunity to bring their learning in English and Music to life, as they explored themes of storytelling, character roles, and even a few unexpected plot twists!

Here’s what some of our Year 1 theatre critics had to say:
💬 “It was so funny! I loved the Ninja Princess!”
💬 “The songs were my favourite—I wish I could watch it again!”
💬 “The Queen made me laugh so much. She really loved her crown!”

A huge thank you to our staff and parents for making this trip possible! Theatre is such a powerful way to spark imagination and creativity, and we are thrilled that the children had such a magical and memorable experience.

Ask your child about their favorite part of the show—we’re sure they’ll have lots to tell you! 🎭✨

To celebrate and showcase their hard work, we have created a special Spotlight on Learning. This interactive Microsoft Sway presentation captures the highlights of this half-term, showcasing what the children have learnt and how their experiences have been enriched both inside and outside the classroom.

Click here to access the Microsoft Sway presentation and take a virtual tour through the learning journey of the first half of the Spring term.

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to see the progress, enthusiasm, and achievements your children have demonstrated over the past weeks. It’s a testament to their hard work, curiosity, and the wonderful school community we’ve built together!

Calm Jars & Wellbeing Journals

One of the highlights of the week was creating calm jars—a soothing and mindful activity that encouraged the children to take ownership of their emotions. They carefully chose coloured liquids and glitter, making each jar unique to them.

Alongside this, children completed their own wellbeing journals, where they took time to reflect on their feelings, express gratitude, and share kind compliments with their peers. "It was lovely to see the children not only thinking about their own emotions but also lifting each other up with their thoughtful words," said Mr Myers, Assistant Headteacher for Pastoral Care.

Storytime & Sharing Worries

As part of our focus on emotional well-being, we listened to 'Ruby’s Worry' by Tom Percival—a beautifully illustrated book that highlights the importance of talking about our worries so they don’t grow bigger. The story sparked meaningful discussions, helping children understand that sharing their feelings can make all the difference.

Feel-Good Friday: A Celebration of Happiness!

To end the week on a joyful note, we wore something that made us happy, filling the school with bright colours, fun outfits, and lots of smiles! Miss Pearce shared, "It was wonderful to see the children proudly expressing themselves through their clothing—it really brought a sense of positivity and unity to the school."

This week has been a truly special journey of self-expression, kindness, and well-being, reminding us all of the importance of talking about our feelings and supporting one another. A huge thank you to our staff, parents, and children for making this week so meaningful. Let’s continue to prioritise mental well-being every day! 💛✨

Throughout the day, the children took part in a workshop that guided them on an interactive journey to understand how plants grow and what they need to thrive. They explored a fascinating collection of plants, from the smallest shoots to the tallest trees, and applied their scientific knowledge through a range of practical activities. As part of the workshop, the children planted their own seeds and took cuttings from other plants to bring back to school—and eventually take home (though a little soil may have been lost along the way!). We look forward to them sharing photographs on Seesaw if and when their plants begin to grow. The children should now be experts on what seeds need in order to germinate!

While at Wisley, we also had the opportunity to explore the glasshouse, which houses a wide range of tropical plants, cacti, and even a waterfall. Of course, we made sure to spend some time in the fantastic adventure playground as well!

Throughout the day, many of our Year 2 pupils commented on what a fantastic experience it was, and they all represented Aragon School brilliantly.

On the way, we carried out some fieldwork, observing our surroundings and preparing for the challenges ahead. Once at the garden centre, we set out to find three different types of plants, carefully comparing their leaves and petals before labelling them using our scientific vocabulary.

We then had the opportunity to speak with a Blue Diamond expert, who answered our research questions and helped us deepen our understanding of plants. After that, we chose a selection of seeds and held a class vote to decide which ones to buy.

Back at school, we planted the seeds and are now eagerly watching them grow. Each day, we water them and observe the changes, excited to see what happens next!

Last week, our whole school participated in an important initiative led by the NSPCC. All pupils attended special assemblies, and our Year 2, Year 5, and Year 6 classes took part in the Speak Out, Stay Safe workshops. This programme aims to give children the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and seek help whenever they need it.

What is Speak Out, Stay Safe?

The Speak Out, Stay Safe programme is designed to help children understand that abuse is never their fault and that they have a fundamental right to feel safe. Through engaging, age-appropriate sessions, pupils learn essential life skills that empower them to recognise unsafe situations and take action.

What Did Our Children Learn?

With the help of Buddy, the NSPCC mascot, pupils explored topics such as bullying and abuse in a way that is child-friendly and reassuring. Key messages included:

• Recognising the different types of abuse in a way that is easy for children to understand.
• Identifying trusted adults they can talk to if they feel worried about themselves or a friend.
• Understanding how Childline can provide support, which they can access by calling 0800 1111 or visiting childline.org.uk/kids.

Messages We Want Every Child to Remember

• Every child has the right to speak out and stay safe.
• Making a child feel sad, scared, or worried is never OK—and it’s never their fault.
• If they’re worried about anything, they should talk to a trusted adult or contact Childline for help.

This programme is a vital step in helping our children build confidence, resilience, and a support network. We encourage you to discuss what your child has learned and reinforce the importance of sharing their worries with someone they trust.

For more information about the NSPCC and their Speak Out, Stay Safe programme, visit nspcc.org.uk. Together, we can help every child feel safe and supported!

Providing these experiences is about so much more than festive fun. They help our children build confidence, strengthen friendships, and learn the value of teamwork and creativity.

Year 3 and 5 Carol Concert at Morden Park Baptist Church

Our Year 3 and 5 students filled Morden Park Baptist Church with their beautiful voices during their carol concert. The singing, enthusiasm, and festive spirit were truly heartwarming, leaving everyone who attended brimming with Christmas cheer.

Year 4 and 6 Carol Concert at Emmanuel Church

Year 4 and 6 performed their carol concert at Emmanuel Church. Their heartfelt singing and joyful performances highlighted the true meaning of the season—community, hope, and celebration.

Nursery, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 Nativities

The younger children delighted us with their charming nativity performances. From our little stars in Nursery to the budding thespians in Year 2, the effort and creativity on display were simply wonderful. A big thank you to all parents for your support with costumes, rehearsals, and learning lines. Your contributions helped make these shows truly special!

Christmas Dinner and Christmas Jumper Day

One of the highlights of the past few weeks was our Christmas Dinner, made extra special by the festive cheer of Christmas Jumper Day. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible Olive Catering team for preparing and serving a delicious Christmas feast to over 600 children and staff! The atmosphere was filled with joy as everyone came together in their most festive attire to share this wonderful meal.

Breakfast with Santa at The Hive's Breakfast Club

The Hive's Breakfast Club turned into a winter wonderland during Breakfast with Santa! The excitement on the children’s faces as they met Santa, enjoyed festive treats, and shared their holiday wishes was a joy to behold.

Christmas Movie Night

Our Christmas Movie Night brought students together for a cozy evening of festive films, popcorn, and fun. It was a wonderful way for the children to relax and enjoy some holiday magic with their friends. Thank you so much to all the parents who volunteered to help Mrs Kennett and Miss Granelli with this event.

Thank You and Warm Wishes

As we reflect on this festive season, we want to take a moment to thank every member of our community for your support over the past year. Whether through attending events, volunteering your time, or simply cheering on our children, your involvement helps make Aragon a truly special place.

From all of us here at Aragon, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and time spent with loved ones. We look forward to seeing you all in 2025 for another year of learning, growth, and shared memories.

At a special assembly, the awards were presented by Isabelle Paget, Chair of Governors, alongside Governors Gemma Fromage-Crawford, Rachel Morton, and Adrian Hennessy. Each recipient was awarded a badge and certificate to commemorate their achievement.

The recipients for this term are:

Reception: RB: Ethan, RP: Artem, RS: Ayla

Year 1: 1B: Mason, 1C: Malachi, 1H: Sameem

Year 2: 2A: Lia, 2B: Avon, 2RJ: Arthur

Year 3: 3A: Harry, 3G: Axel, 3M: Owen

Year 4: 4A: Daniel, 4H: Charlie

Year 5: 5E: Aadi, 5K: Praveen, 5L: Paige

Year 6: 6F: Amelia, 6EB: Leo, 6MB: Shivani

Miss O'Sullivan's Award: Humaira

Congratulations to all the recipients for their exemplary character and contributions to our school community. They are true role models, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements!

To celebrate and showcase their hard work, we have created a special Spotlight on Learning. This interactive Microsoft Sway presentation captures the highlights of this term, showcasing what the children have learnt and how their experiences have been enriched both inside and outside the classroom.

How to View the Spotlight

Click here to access the Microsoft Sway presentation and take a virtual tour through the learning journey of the first half of the autumn term.

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to see the progress and enthusiasm your children have shown over the past weeks. It’s a testament to their hard work, curiosity, and the supportive community we’ve built together.!

The day was filled with excitement as the children explored the splendour of the Tudor court, imagining what life might have been like during those remarkable times. Amongst the highlights was an interactive session led by a real-life Tudor! This hands-on experience brought history to life, sparking curiosity and providing an unforgettable learning moment for all.

We were particularly impressed by the impeccable behaviour and enthusiasm of our Year 2 scholars. Their curiosity and respect shone brightly throughout the visit, making us incredibly proud to see them represent our school with such distinction.

A heartfelt thanks go out to the amazing staff at Hampton Court Palace for creating such a memorable experience. Their engaging activities and expertise turned a field trip into a vibrant exploration of history.

To celebrate and showcase their hard work, we have created a special Spotlight on Learning. This interactive Microsoft Sway presentation captures the highlights of this term, showcasing what the children have learnt and how their experiences have been enriched both inside and outside the classroom.

How to View the Spotlight

Click here to access the Microsoft Sway presentation and take a virtual tour through the learning journey of the first half of the autumn term.

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to see the progress and enthusiasm your children have shown over the past weeks. It’s a testament to their hard work, curiosity, and the supportive community we’ve built together.!

Learning About Bullying and Respect

Aragon’s famous Page Boyz (Mr Lillie, Mr Kennedy and Mr Hicks) also made daily appearances through virtual assemblies, demonstrating that bullying is both repetitive and intentional. These performances sparked important discussions during circle times, where students explored the damaging effects that bullying can have on others.

As a school, we’ve spent time discussing the different types of respect and reflecting on how we can show respect to others in our daily lives. “Respect is about treating everyone equally and kindly, no matter what,” said one of our Year 6 children, summarising the week’s learning.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to continue fostering a culture of respect throughout the year. This week has been a great reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and we look forward to putting these values into action as the year continues.

Experiencing the Christmas Story

The visit began with the children learning about how Christians believe the world began, setting the stage for the Christmas story. From there, they embarked on a journey to meet key figures, including Mary, the Angel, the Shepherds, and the Three Kings. Each character shared their role in the story, offering the children an immersive and engaging way to connect with this important Christian tradition.

Reflections and Gratitude

The children were captivated by the experience and staff were equally impressed, with Miss Blake remarking, “The volunteers did an incredible job of bringing the Christmas story to life. The children were so engaged and came away with a much deeper understanding of its meaning.”

We are truly grateful to St Martin’s Church and their amazing volunteers for providing this enriching opportunity. Thank you for creating such a memorable experience for our Year 2 pupils!

Highlights of Humanities Week

The week began with a lively assembly on Monday morning, featuring a debate, modelled by staff, on “Is Merton a great place to grow up in?” This stimulating session set the tone for the following days, encouraging children to think critically and express their ideas with confidence.

In Geography, children explored the concept of "wonder," learning about the location and key features of the Seven Wonders of the World and comparing them to the Seven Wonders of Merton. This exercise helped them appreciate the unique geographical characteristics of our local area.

In RE & Worldviews, discussions focused on what makes something wonderful. Children reflected on the wonders in their own lives, exploring their significance and creating presentations and posters to showcase their ideas.

In History, children learned about the historical significance of Merton’s wonders. Younger pupils (EYFS and KS1) created timelines to understand chronology, while older pupils (KS2) took part in debates to determine which of Merton’s Seven Wonders is most important.

The week concluded on Friday afternoon with a spirited class debate, where children passionately defended their chosen “best” Wonder of Merton.

Developing Oracy Skills

Oracy was a core focus throughout the week. Through debates, discussions, and presentations, children refined their ability to communicate clearly and confidently. These activities not only strengthened their communication skills but also boosted their critical thinking and understanding across subjects.

Humanities Week was a tremendous success, and it was wonderful to see the children so engaged and enthusiastic about exploring the wonders of Merton. Thank you to Miss Barnes, Mrs Roach and Mrs Murphy who contributed to making this deep dive into our local area a memorable experience for our school community!

"I loved the poems; they made me laugh!"

"It was so fun! I want to read my book at bedtime!"

It was a fantastic day, filled with inspiration, smiles, and the magic of poetry!

At Aragon, we’re all about keeping fit, staying healthy, and making lifelong memories along the way. It's events like these that make school life even more engaging and exciting, and we couldn't be prouder of our pupils for giving it their all!

A huge THANK YOU to parent governor, Gemma, who helped to design the course and run the event!

Mrs. Curl, Year 1 Lead, said: "The trip to Littlehampton Beach was a wonderful opportunity for our students to see everything we've been learning about in class come to life. They were so engaged and curious!"

Accompanied by enthusiastic staff and supportive parents, the children explored the sandy shores, discovering shells, building sandcastles, and even dipping their toes in the refreshing seawater. "I found a big seashell and showed it to my friends," Maddie 1C.

Of course, a visit to the seaside wouldn't be complete without indulging in delicious ice cream treats! 🍦 Mrs. Roach, our Geography Lead, added, "It's important for children to experience the seaside first-hand. They learn about not just the geography but also the joy of simple pleasures like ice cream by the sea."

The day was filled with laughter, exploration, and new discoveries. "I liked building sandcastles with my friends," said Noah, reflecting on his favourite part of the day. "The beach was so much fun!"

A huge thank you to all the dedicated staff and parents who organised and supported this memorable trip. The children's exemplary behaviour and enthusiasm made the day a resounding success. Here's to more adventures and learning opportunities at Aragon Primary School!

Miss Ballantine, our PE lead, reflected on the week: "Healthy Me Week was a fantastic opportunity for our students to embrace the importance of physical activity and well-being. Seeing them participate with such enthusiasm was truly rewarding."

Highlights of Healthy Me Week:

1. Sports Clothing Days:
Throughout the week, children came dressed in their favourite sports clothing, showcasing their enthusiasm for physical activity. From football kits to dance outfits, everyone looked ready to get active!

2. Virtual 'Race to Paris':
In the spirit of the Olympics, each class embarked on a virtual journey to 'race to Paris'. Families logged their physical activities outside of school online, contributing to their class's progress. Mr. Gilbert, Deputy Head for curriculum, commented, "It was amazing to see the community come together to support their classes in reaching Paris. The competition really motivated everyone to stay active!"

3. Show and Tell Assemblies:
Year groups held special assemblies where children shared sports they participate in outside of school. "It was great to hear about my friends' hobbies and see their medals," said Nylah, a Year 3 student.

4. Morning Zumba and HIIT Sessions:
Before school started, teachers led energetic Zumba and HIIT sessions. Students and parents joined in, starting the day on a positive and active note.

5. Other Activities:
The week was packed with engaging workshops, yoga sessions, water safety education, and even our own Tough Mudder challenge. "I loved trying yoga for the first time. It made me feel calm and strong," shared James from Year 4.

Healthy Me Week Results:

In line with the theme, classes raced to see who could reach Paris first. Congratulations to 6EB for completing the 'Path to Paris' first! Here are the top 5 classes:

1st Place: 6EB
2nd Place: 6F
3rd Place: 3M
4th Place: RA
5th Place: 5E

Sports Day 2024 Highlights:

Sports Day was a culmination of our week, filled with tremendous efforts and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all participants and winners! Here are the results:

**KS1 AND KS2 Overall Placings:**
1st Place: Unicorn (162 points)
2nd Place: Phoenix (138 points)
3rd Place: Dragon (136 points)
4th Place: Griffin (126 points)
Sportsmanship Award: Griffin

**Reception Winners:**
Dragon House

A huge thank you to all staff and families for making Healthy Me Week 2024 a resounding success. Your support and enthusiasm made it a memorable experience for our students. Here’s to staying active and healthy throughout the year! 🌟

Fieldwork is essential in developing children's understanding of their place in the world. It offers them the chance to conduct their own investigations and connect with their local area. Our day began with an exciting bus trip to Morden town centre. The children were buzzing with anticipation as we set off on our journey.

Once in Morden, we divided our time between Morden Hall Park and various enquiries around Morden Town Centre. The students participated in pedestrian counts, litter surveys, shop use observations, vehicle counts, and much more! These activities helped them gather real data and make meaningful comparisons between their local area and urban life in Kenya.

Mrs. Roach, our Geography lead, was thrilled with how the day unfolded. "The fieldwork experience was invaluable for our students. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and enthusiastic about their investigations. Comparing our lives to those in Kenya has broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding of the world."

Our Year 2 students had a blast and learnt a lot from their fieldwork adventure. Here’s what some of them had to say:

- "I loved counting all the cars and seeing how many different shops there are in Morden," said Alex.
- "It was fun to do the pedestrian count and see how busy our town is. I didn't know we had so many people!" added Neala.
- "The picnic in the park was my favourite part! We had so much fun and learnt a lot too," shared Bobby.

After a busy morning of investigations, we enjoyed a delightful picnic in Morden Hall Park. The children relaxed, played, and shared their findings with each other. It was a perfect way to end our fieldwork day.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 2 geographers and their hard work. This hands-on experience has enriched their learning and sparked a greater interest in the world around them. Well done, Year 2!

During the assemblies, the London Broncos emphasised how vital it is to drink plenty of water, especially when participating in physical activities. Their message was clear: staying hydrated helps keep our bodies and minds healthy and strong.

After the informative sessions, the excitement continued as the London Broncos invited us all to their upcoming match in September against the Leeds Rhinos. This special invitation has everyone eagerly anticipating a fun and thrilling day out.

Miss Ballantine, our PE lead, was particularly enthusiastic about the visit. "Having the London Broncos here was a fantastic experience for our students. It’s not every day that you get to learn from professional athletes about the importance of hydration and healthy habits. The children were inspired and motivated, and we’re all looking forward to the match in September!"

Our children were equally thrilled. Here’s what some of them had to say:

- "I didn't know how important it is to drink water all the time, not just when you're thirsty," said Sam. 
- "Getting to meet the London Broncos was so cool, and now I can’t wait to see them play," added Lily. 
- "I’m going to make sure I drink more water every day, especially during PE," shared James.

We are so grateful to the London Broncos for their visit and for teaching us such an important lesson about hydration. The new water bottles are a great reminder to keep drinking water throughout the day. 

We can’t wait to support the Broncos at their match in September and cheer them on against the Leeds Rhinos! A big thank you to the London Broncos for an unforgettable experience!

On Monday we had a whole school focus on Engineering: we were tasked with becoming architects and engineers to create and make a British Landmark in groups with only spaghetti and marshmallows. Once completed we then had to evaluate our creations considering whether we had met our brief.

On Tuesday, we became forensic scientists when a series of crimes hit Aragon. We had to analyse all the clues and then deduce who the perpetrator was.

On Wednesday Years 1 to 3 were lucky enough to have a visit from the Happy Puzzle Company who challenged them with a series of mathematical puzzles. In KS2, we made the most of the newly installed Orienteering course to tackle a series of mathematical themed challenges.

On Thursday, we became robotics engineers and games designers as we turned our focus to technology.

A huge thanks goes out to the visitors who came in to deliver various talks to the children about their jobs within STEM:

• Joanne Emmanuel - Clinical Researcher
• Emily Roach - Engineer
• Gemma Fromage-Crawford - Pharmacist
• Simon Brown - Chair of the WLT
• Jamie Bailey - Software Engineer
• Jim Miles - Chief Officer, Merchant Navy
• Kat O'Sullivan - Buyer for Sainsburys
• Dr Marina Lomberg - Sustainable Gas Engineer
• Louis Jearum - Civil Engineer
• Bill O'Sullivan - Sales Director for Freeways
• Dr Ullman - Midwife/Nurse
• Deanne Everitt - Civil Engineer
• Jan Mayoran - Finance Officer WLT

As scientists, we learned that animals need food and water to survive, so we checked that the ducklings always had this available to them.  Unfortunately, one egg did not hatch, but as scientists we understand that not all animals always survive.  When the ducklings were big enough, we were able to stroke them, and Mrs Roach even put them in the sink in her classroom so that they could have a little swim.  It was a fantastic experience and has helped us to be super scientists!

Our entire school recently took part in World Book Day on 7th March 2024! This incredible annual event is a charity event held in the United Kingdom and Ireland on the first Thursday in March. On World Book Day, every child in full-time education in the UK and the Republic of Ireland is provided with a voucher to be spent on books; the event was first celebrated in the United Kingdom in 1998. 

It is important for children to develop a love for reading as it helps grow their vocabulary and their understanding about the world. The closeness of snuggling up with their favourite book leads to an increase in self-confidence and imagination, and helps children gain a wealth of knowledge from the books we share with them. 

To kickstart the day, the whole school were invited to the MUGA in the playground for a costume parade. Each year group had a turn to parade around the MUGA showing off their wonderful costumes of their favourite book character. Miss Brown and Mrs Garcia chose 4 winners! However, all of the costumes were absolutely incredible so thank you! 

Throughout the day, we did a variety of activities. We wrote stories just by choosing random words from the thesaurus to determine, the setting, characters, problem and solution. It was lovely to see the imagination and creativity flow.  

We made ‘loo roll’ book characters which was great fun! In addition to this, we had a ‘trade off’ where children bought in books from home they no longer wanted and traded them with a book they wanted. We finished our day by watching some ‘Masked Reader’ videos where we had to guess who was behind the mask. 

We are immensely proud of all our students for their enthusiasm and creativity during World Book Day.  

Let’s keep the love for reading alive throughout the year and keep those pages turning! 

During the week, children participated in a number of activities linked to the theme 'My Voice Matters' including daily emotional check in's with staff, a special PSHE lesson using their voices to discuss different emotions, accumulating in a special 'Express Yourself' non uniform day where children were invited to wear a colour that reflected their feelings and to bring a small comforter toy from home. This week is just one of the many ways that Aragon Primary School achieves its long term commitment to making our school a place where all children feel that they can safely and openly express their emotions.

We have read the story of the Odd Egg. We started by how the duck in the story was feeling at the beginning. The children came up with great emotions: nervous, disappointed, confused and worried. We wrote a diary pretending to be Duck and we included feelings, adjectives and a question to end our diaries. This week everyone in year 1 has created their own bird and written sentences using interesting adjectives and written a fun fact about their bird. Each class will then put these amazing fact files together to make our own ‘Bird Spotter’s Guide’!

Science

We have just finished learning about different materials. We grouped different objects into what materials they are made from and spoke about the properties.

“Plastic is hard and it can be lots of different colours” - Inaya

“Glass is fragile because it can break easily” - Ted

The children loved using magnets in the experiment finding out which materials are magnetic. We also learnt new scientific vocabulary: translucent, transparent and opaque. We used actions to help us remember what those new words mean!

Art

The children loved our recent topic called ‘Paper Play'. The children started by experimenting ways of folding strips of paper to make 3D models. Then we created larger sculptures showing the different folding techniques we had learnt.

“I liked folding the paper lots of times to make a zig-zig and swirling the paper around a pencil” - Brooklyn

Finally, we created pictures of trees using paper and tissue paper.

She shared some of her books and took us on an adventure meeting the characters she had created from superhero insects to gingerbread monsters!

Then onto the main event. The ‘how to’ part of the session where Emily took us through the simple steps in creating our very own characters, from bears to robots and superheroes! She gave tips and hints throughout. The children all created their own pieces of work and were super proud of the final pieces.

‘I haven’t drawn a bear before; I didn’t know where to begin! I do now, I am going to show all my family tonight!’ Harliegh 

‘I can draw a whole family, a bear family, It was easy!’ Maddie

‘I have made a superhero worm, like Superworm, but my one!’ Arthur

‘I’m excited for the artist, I hope she can teach me how to draw!’ Albie

‘The children were buzzing all day, excited to get stuck in and all proud of their creations and ready to show them off! Lovely to see everyone involved and enjoying themselves! A year group of budding artists’ Mrs Lester

After a good explore around the stunning gardens we went back to the education center and planted some seeds that we were able to take home with us.  By that point we were all ravenous, so we had a break for lunch before a fun packed afternoon exploring the famous glass house which homes exotic plants that you'd usually only see in deserts or rainforests.  At this point, we channeled our inner 'Henri Rousseau' the artist we have been learning about and sketched some plants like he used to in the Botanical Gardens in Paris.  To end the day, we spent a little bit of time in the natural play area.  Finally, after a long and exhausting day we were returned to school full of beans about what we had seen.   The children were incredibly well behaved and a credit to our fantastic school!   

 Stories have the remarkable ability to teach us about the world around us, letting us step into someone else’s shoes, encouraging empathy, and broadening our horizons. They also provide a means to relax and escape from the everyday, whilst nurturing essential literacy skills. 

To kickstart the week,  Mrs. Ryder and Mr. Gilbert, shared an enchanting tale during our assembly. They then set a thrilling challenge for the children: to learn and retell a traditional story over the course of the week! 📚📝

 The culmination of this exciting week was a magnificent assembly, where each year group showcased their incredible storytelling skills. The performances were absolutely captivating! 

 Throughout the week, our eager students eagerly shared stories amongst themselves, and were treated to some mesmerizing tales from adults around the school. In addition to this, all parents, grandparents, aunites and uncles were invited in to school to read with their children and share stories.

🌟 We are immensely proud of all our students for their enthusiasm and creativity during Storytelling Week. Their dedication to honing their storytelling skills was truly inspiring! 🌟

Let's keep the magic of storytelling alive throughout the year, nurturing a love for tales that will last a lifetime! 💫📚

English

Over the past week, we have been looking at fairy tales in English. The children have had the opportunity to listen to a traditional fairy tale (Jack and the Beanstalk) and look at an alternative fairy tale (Jim and the Beanstalk). The children have had lots of fun acting out parts of the story, retelling the story and thinking of alternative endings or adaptations. One of the pieces of work that we were extremely proud of was this recount from David (2A).

Please scan the QR code to hear their fantastic recount of Jack and the Beanstalk. What a treat!

Mathematics

We have been enhancing our understanding of measuring. Our big focus this week has been looking at mass. The children have had a lot of enjoyment from estimating which objects from around the room have the same mass. Children have also been using words such as lighter and heavier to explain their understanding. Reading scales is also an important skill that we have been focusing on. Please see the photos below of the children in 2A accurately measuring items from around the classroom and comparing the mass of each item to a 500g weight.

Art:

Despite the freezing weather, the children went on a nature hunt this week to look for objects that they could use to create different textures. To paint with, the children found sticks and leaves to create different textures and we also provided them with items such as cotton buds and bubble wrap. The children loved this activity as it allowed them to experiment with different materials and try to make different textures. The children will be using the skills they have acquired to make a collage over the next few weeks. Watch out Banksy (whoever you are) because we have some impressive artists in our year group. Please look at the experimental work from 2R.