We have had a magnificent year in Science. The whole academy was involved in planting daffodil bulbs around the school grounds, and it was wonderful seeing them grow and bloom.

We held an engaging whole school topic around endangered animals, and this allowed the children to talk about current events and issues sounding real life problems in society. All the children found out about the reason why animals are endangered and how these events impact on the environment.  

If you have a love for science, why not have a look at these websites to find out some fun summer science activities.  

https://funlearningforkids.com/summer-science-experiments-stem-activities/

https://go.walsall.gov.uk/Portals/0/Uploads/Summer%202021%20Activities%20Booklet.pdf  Please take pictures of any fun experiments, nature walks or science related activities that you have completed and share them with me in September. I’m looking forward to seeing what interesting things you find out. 

This year has been like no other but what a year it has been! School has been buzzing with all the sports and extra-curricular activities taking place throughout this academic year. Pupils have had the opportunity to try activities they may never have tried before and develop their knowledge and skills which has been fantastic to see.

Reception children had the opportunity to attend Lego Construction Club and make some wonderful creations. Year 6 and 3 had the chance to explore the world of Fencing. Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 have all had the opportunity to experience and learn more about trampolining, it has been great to see the progress that has been made.

It was fantastic to be able to get out and about and take year 5 and 6 pupils to some local football competitions at Willenhall E-ACT. Year 3 and 4 also represented school at an athletics event over at Streetly Academy. The organisers were particularly impressed by Bobo’s (Year 3) long distance run; what a fantastic performance he displayed! Year 6 tried Ultimate Frisbee for the first time at a local competition, both teams managed to win 3 out of their 6 games; which is amazing considering this was their first real attempt at this activity.

Sports Day brought us beautiful weather and was fun filled from start to finish. The packed program of activities meant the final few races were completed during PE lessons the following week. Pupils got creative and made eye-catching posters and banners to support and cheer on their houses. There were some impressive performances from children across the school on the day including:

Target Mat Throw – Thailia-Rose (Nursery), Jorgia (Reception), Noah (Year 1) and Millie-Rose (Year 2).

• Shot Put – Fatima (Year 6), Ava (Year 5)
• 200m – Reese (Year 3), Brandon (Year 4)
• 100m – Alfie (Year 3), Brandon (Year 4)
• High Jump – Julien (Year 5) & Caden (Year 6)
• Long Distance – Afie (Year 3)

I would like to say a big thank you to all primary staff, house captains and the six sixth Form BTEC Sport students who all had a key role on the day and worked hard to make sports day possible.

Miss Lloyd would like to invite you to join in with our latest whole school art competition. 
Theme: Staff Portraits
Your challenge is to create a portrait of a selected member of staff using what materials you have at home. You could paint the portrait, or sketch the portrait. You can use what ever media you choose. 
You will be provide with a template from your teacher with a member of staff’s name pre selected. You must use the space on the paper to create the portrait. We would only like an image of the teacher. Please see the examples from our children who attend Art Club. To be in with a chance of winning, you need to return your portrait to your class teacher before Friday 9th July 2021. 
The winning portraits will win a small prize and have the opportunity for their work to be displayed on the school website. 

Transition for our new Reception children 

This week we will be welcoming children into our wonderful reception classes as part of our induction programme to help prepare them for starting school in September. Our transition booklet provides parents/carers with all the vital information they need to support their child on their Bloxwich Academy journey. https://bloxwichacademy.co.uk/ey-induction/

We have planned high quality learning experiences in our indoor and outdoor environment for the children to play and explore whilst our wonderful early years staff get to know the children. Miss Thomas our Early years Leader has been busy visiting local pre-school providers to meet the children who have not attended our nursery setting.

Transition for our new Nursery children 

Miss Lloyd, our friendly nursery teacher has been busy calling the parents of all our new nursery children to discuss their child’s development and interests and any particular needs that they may have. She looks forward to meeting her new children very soon.

Transition Day for children moving into year 1 to year 6 in September – Wednesday 30th June

Teachers will be sharing with your child next week the classes they will be in from September and, on Wednesday 30th June, all children will spend the morning with their new teacher(s) and support staff for September. The children will undertake a range of activities during the morning.

Transition for year 6 pupils moving to high school Year 6

Y6 pupils were scheduled to attend the Secondary school for the last two weeks. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 infection rate increasing we are not continuing with this plan. However, the secondary school staff will be delivering a transition programme of work at the primary site to support their move up to the senior school. This will include a range of core subject, wellbeing/PSHE and physical education lessons.

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.