Last week, Year 6 had the fantastic opportunity to take part in Bikeability sessions. Bikeability is England’s premier cycle training programme. It’s about gaining practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today’s roads. Bikeability gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.  

When the day arrived, Year 6 brought in their own bikes, or used ones provided, and helmets to use. They started off on the playground learning about the safety of riding bikes and key skills. Then, they ventured off to the streets of Bloxwich and rode around in a train. It was fantastic to see all the children riding around. All the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and we can’t wait to see other year groups giving it a go too!

Today Nursery and Reception enjoyed a beach themed memorable day to start our new cornerstones topics. During the day, the children enjoyed dancing to seaside music, creating beach pictures, designing their own beach huts or buckets, as well as having yummy ice creams.

In Nursery our topic is called ‘How many pebbles on a beach?’ The children will learn all about beach destinations we could visit, animals that might live in the sea or on beaches and read beach themed stories.

In Reception our topic is called ‘Are we there yet?’ As part of our topic the children will look at different types of transport and their suitability for different journeys. Our topic also includes looking at places we could visit, including the beach. We look forward to posting more photographs of our wonderful activities and learning opportunities during the last part of the summer term.

Year 1 have had an exciting start to our topic. This week, we had a visit from ‘The Animal Man’. He brought in lots of different animals and told us lots of interesting facts!

First, we saw an owl, he had huge eyes and kept looking at us. We found out that he is 6 years old – just like some of us. We also got to meet two snakes, a hissing cockroach, two lizards and a hedgehog! 

We got to stroke all the animals; we were very brave. The snakes felt very different to our skin and the cockroach felt like the floor. 

We had so much fun meeting all the animals.

Early Years had a wonderful memorable day as part of their topic learning all about farm animals.  ‘Farm on wheels’ were invited in to share some of their amazing small animals with us. The children listened to a talk all about caring for animals and they explored the question “Do cow’s drink milk?” The children were enthralled throughout and were a credit to Bloxwich Academy (Primary) with their listening skills and their impeccable behaviour.

Well done children! What a super day we had!

Reminder

A reminder that all children are expected to wear the correct school uniform and to adhere to the school guidelines. Uniform is an important part of a school’s identity. It reinforces who we are as a community and helps allow students to feel pride in their school. It also ensures students are not put under any pressure because of the type of clothes they wear and all are treated equally.

It would be fair to say that, over the last academic year, uniform compliance has slipped. Understandably, as the nation went in and out of lockdown, it was difficult for parents to know whether children were going to be in school and in need of a uniform, and as we came back to school full time, uniform demand increased and existing school clothes would have no longer fit our pupils.

We have used our discretion since returning to full time education however we currently we have a number of interpretations and misconceptions of what is and is not acceptable uniform. We believe it is time to clarify our expectations for children and parents; our uniform policy is as follows:

· Black Jumper or Cardigan

· Black Zip Up Fleece for Outside (Optional)

· White Polo Shirt

· Plain Black Trousers or Black Skirt (No Leggings or Jeans)

· Plain Black Shoes (No Identifying Marks)

· Black or White Socks

· Black Small Bow or Band for the Hair (If Required)

· Hair neat and, if long, tied back.

· Extreme Hairstyles: Mohicans, Tram-Lines and Carvings are not permitted.

PE Kit

• Plain Black Jogging Bottoms
• Plain White T-Shirt or Polo Shirt
• Plain Black Sweatshirt (for outdoor use)
• Black/White Socks
• Plain Black or White Trainers (for outdoor use)
• Plain Black Pumps (for indoor PE – Left in School)
• Earrings Removed (and left at home)
• Optional Plain Black Rain Mac (for outdoor PE)

In essence, we need to support you in buying affordable, good quality clothing for school which your children accept they have to wear because the rules are very clear. We want to make it easier for parents and help reduce any issues there may be over what is and isn’t acceptable uniform and believe that this guidance does that, and also gives you lots of choice over possible suppliers. Please make sure uniform is plain black and there are no visible logos.

Children will be allowed to wear their PE kit on the days that they have PE lessons. Please ensure that all of your child’s uniform is labelled so that any mislaid items can be returned to them quickly.

Thank you in advance for your support and co-operation in this matter.

We have had an exciting delivery of eggs that we are hoping will hatch into yellow, fluffy chicks for us to care for. When the chicks are eight days old, they will return to the farm where they were laid. 

The Process

Since returning to school after the Easter holidays, Year 4 have been learning all about the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. During our memorable experience day, the children created some spectacular Viking longship silhouettes using different medias of art: watercolours, paper and card. We then spent the afternoon making and testing our craft boats.

In our afternoon lessons, we have looked at the daily life of an Anglo-Saxon villager. We now know what they used to eat and drink, wear, who they worshipped and who used to rule over them. During our Design & Technology lessons, we made Saxon medallions out of clay – using specific tools to carve the design.

In maths, we have been recapping place value. We have spent some time looking at ordering, comparing and partitioning numbers. In our writing lessons, we have been spending a lot of time looking at diary entries and working on all the skills required for one. We can’t wait to share our end products on the newsletter in a few weeks.

It has been a fantastic start to the term Year 4 – especially for Mr Watters who has really enjoyed his first two weeks with you. Keep up the fantastic work.

Mr Watters & Mr Baugh