Dear Parents
What a scorching week we have had, boosting everyone’s mood in these final few weeks of term. This week the children have been completing assessments and considering the heat, they have been absolute superstars, managing to focus and do their best. The assessments, as for the previous terms, have been a mixture of digital and paper, so that children become accustomed to working independently in both of these formats and learn to take these in their stride. For some children, this is still a work in progress of course. Whilst we really value the data provided, teachers are also very much aware that these results are only a snapshot of a child’s ability, and need to be considered alongside their classwork as well. Having said that, there has been some very pleasing data from Reception’s CEM baseline assessments. This information will be shared with you at parents’ evening.
Alongside the standardised assessments, the whole school had our second ‘Big Write’ this week. Last term, every child in the school wrote a story, and then the staff got together to read through these, moderate the marking and discuss our teaching of writing - the positives and some areas for development. This term every child wrote a recount text inspired by ‘The Three Little Pigs’, recounting events from either a pig’s or a wolf’s perspective. This morning, I had the pleasure of hearing two reception children read from their, astoundingly long and detailed, recounts, when they visited the office to have their names recorded in the Golden Book. There were also two Year 1 children whose writing received a special mention in Celebration Assembly. The children have been given a special book for these creative pieces, which will go through the school with them. Just imagine how lovely it will be to have writing spanning their development - from emergent writing in Reception, all the way through to Year Six.
Sports Day was sublime! Well done to Pablo and all of the staff for such an immaculately organised event and for everyone’s, including the parents’ enthusiasm and sportsmanship. It seems the children’s highlights included the sack race and football; what were yours? I have really enjoyed looking through all of the photos and hope they have brought you just as much pleasure. We are very proud of the School’s development in Sport this year, especially after the ISA Multi Sport Day this week, at which the Year 2s won 4th place. Our first trophy! More on that below.
Today our new Reception class stepped up into the Upper School to meet their teachers, and their parents had some welcome drinks and biscuits. The step up session for the other classes has been moved to week commencing 26th June, as Taiba and I are currently finalising staffing. Some updates, such a the music, have been shared with parents already, and there will be more to come before we break up. Talking of music, Year 3 went off to the Barbican today with Sarah, our new Head of Music and some of their teachers to hear the London Symphony Orchestra in special concert for KS2 children. They are not yet back in the building, but I have been told that both the concert and the behaviour was outstanding and that they had the best seats in the house!
I sit surrounded by a very tempting selection of chocolate, sweets and snack donations for the summer fair, as well as (less tempting for me at least) books and toys. Thank you for bringing these in. We do still need more, so please keep them coming - one week to go!
Happy weekend!
Ellie