It has been another busy week at West Leigh. There is always lots going on! Despite our different events and activities, the most important thing is what happens in class and I am constantly impressed with the level of concentration and hard work on display on a daily basis. Keep up the good work, everyone!
In addition to this, a group of Year 4 children attended a tag rugby competition at Southend Rugby Club and our Year 5/6 Boys Football Team played an important semi-final against Bently St Paul’s. Both teams represented the school brilliantly. Well done to everyone involved. Please click on the links to find out more.
I have been asked by the residents in the block of flats opposite the school in Westleigh Avenue to remind parents not to park in their car park. Whilst we know that parking is challenging around the school, there are always places available but it may require you to park slightly further away and walk. It is important for us to maintain good relationships with our neighbours and we ask you to help us with this by not parking in their spaces.
Thank you for your support.
Have a great weekend.
Mr M Aggus
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Spring Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6 - Online Safety - News Stories
Sports News - Inspiration Person - Competitions - Dinner Menu - Attendance
Golden Thank Yous - Awards - House Points - PTA - Parent Council - Community
Spring Term Dates
March
- Monday 17th - NFER test week for Years 3 - 5
- Year 3/4 Boys' Football v Chalkwell
- Girls' Football v Prince Avenue
- Tuesday 18th - Year 6 Open road Drug Safety Workshop
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Semi Final (Team 2)
- Year 6 Girls' Netball
- Wednesday 19th - Year 5/6 Sports Hall Finals
- Coastal Schools - 4B
- Thursday 20th - Cross Country training Essex Final Squad
- Year 3/4 Quad Kids Trials
- Coastal Schools - 4C
- Transition to Year 6 - meeting for Year 5 parents @ 7.30pm
- Friday 21st - Comic Relief (non-uniform and crazy hair day)
- Monday 24th - Year 6 Mock SATs Week
- Tuesday 25th - Public Speaking Competition @ Thorpe Hall School
- Year 4 presentation @ 2pm (4B & 4C)
- Thursday 27th - Year 6 Netball League Fixture @ Alleyn Court
- Year 4 presentation @ 2pm (4E & 4SW)
- Year 3/4 Football Match v Fairways
- Friday 28th - Year 5/6 Aquathlon
- Carmina Burana
- Year 3 PE @ Fields
- Monday 31st - Year 5/6 Boys' Football v Greenways
April
- Tuesday 1st - Learning Conferences
- Wednesday 2nd - Cross Country Essex Finals
- Coastal Schools - 4SW (missed from last term)
- Thursday 3rd - Learning Conferences
- Friday 4th - Y5/6 Padel Competition @ Garon Park
- Team Challenge
- Monday 7th - Monday 21st - Easter Holidays
Year 3
As the spring weather continues, the children have embraced a host of new challenges in Year 3 this week.
English lessons have continued to focus on poetry. First, we explored the importance of using a beat in some poetic styles; using claves in an English lesson was an unexpected and enjoyable experience for the children. They went on to combine rhythm with their previously acquired knowledge of rhyming schemes to create their own narrative poems based on our Layered Reading text, Beast Keeper. The children have also applied their reading skills to retrieve and compare the features of many of the characters in this book; they created Top Trump style cards and were able to enjoy using these in a game with their peers.
In maths this week, we have spent time consolidating the fractions knowledge gained in the autumn term before building on this to find fractions of quantities, equivalent fractions and to add or subtract fractions with the same denominator. If you happen to be sharing out food items such as cake, pizza (or healthier items!), real life discussions around fractions would be very helpful in consolidating the children's understanding of these concepts.
Our Connected Curriculum has turned its attention to design and technology. The children have considered sewing patterns for their ambrosia carriers: the need for a seam allowance was a key learning point. They have also begun to develop their sewing skills: practising running stitch and moving onto back stitch. We are looking forward to applying these skills next week, beginning the 17th March, and would greatly appreciate any parent volunteers who are available to assist between 1:30pm and 2:30pm on the following days:
- Monday: All Year 3 classes
- Wednesday: 3H
- Friday: 3S, 3T, 3M
If you are able to assist, please e-mail the school office. Your support will be greatly appreciated!
Science lessons have continued to focus on magnetism: the children were tasked with designing an experiment to investigate which, from a variety of magnets, was the most powerful. It was lovely, as ever, to see the children's independent and scientific thinking developing.
Letters sent home this week
- Whole School - Learning Conferences - 07.03.2025
- Whole School - Learning Conferences Booking Information - 07.03.2025
Swimming
- 3M - Tuesday
- 3S - Wednesday
- 3H - Monday
- 3T - Wednesday
PE
- 3M - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3S - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 3H - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3T - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
Year 4
In English, there has been a continued emphasis on playscripts. Using the chapter from our Layered Reading book and the storyboard they created last week, the children have completed their playscripts, ensuring that all relevant features were included.
As mathematicians, there has been a further emphasis on fractions and decimals. The children have used various resources and their times tables knowledge to calculate equivalent fractions. In addition to this, they have used their knowledge of place value to link fractions to their decimal equivalents. Applying their learning, they were able to compare fractions and decimals using the correct symbols. Some groups also used these skills to order sets of fractions and decimals.
As historians, the children have studied Latin: one of the Roman legacies. They investigated the meanings of prefixes and worked in groups to use dictionaries to create their own glossaries containing Latin words.
In RE, the children have been learning about how Jesus inspired people through his words and actions, by studying the story of Feeding the 5000. Some children were ‘hot-seated’ in order to assess their understanding of the story and how it made them feel.
REMINDER: Coastal Schools: 4B on Wednesday 19th March and 4C on Thursday 20th March.
4E have swimming on Thursday 20th March instead of Friday 21st March due to Crazy Hair Day on Friday.
Letters sent home this week
- Whole School - Learning Conferences - 07.03.2025
- Whole School - Learning Conferences Booking Information - 07.03.2025
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4E - Thursday (this week only)
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
PE
- 4B - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 4E - Monday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4SW - Friday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4C - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
Year 5
We’ve reached the halfway point of the term, and the Year 5 children are deeply engaged in their learning, enjoying a range of enriching experiences.
In English, our lessons have been tied to the theme of natural disasters, complementing our Connected Curriculum study. The children have been interpreting timelines and sequencing events. Building on their learning about tsunamis, they practised skimming and scanning to locate true and false statements, before orally summarising their findings with partners. They’ve also been exploring The Great Wave, inspired by Hokusai's woodcut prints, studying the emotive language in the text and its impact. Considering the characters' emotions, the children wrote empathetic descriptions from the perspective of a young boy and explored nuanced vocabulary to enhance their writing.
In science, the children focused on asexual reproduction in plants, tackling the big question: “Which cutting will grow best?” They planned investigations, considering methods, fair testing, and equipment, and set up experiments to observe in the coming weeks. Discussions about germination and propagation led to thoughtful feedback on different approaches, with excitement building as they took cuttings from various parts of plants—bets are being placed on which will sprout first!
Maths lessons have been equally engaging. Some bands worked on measurements, exploring metric units (length, mass, capacity) and their imperial equivalents, before moving on to conversions. Activities included problem-solving with all four operations and a code-breaking task to demonstrate understanding. Other bands revisited fractions, focusing on equivalents, decimals, percentages, and adding or subtracting fractions with common or multiple denominators. The week wrapped up with multi-step problems involving fractions.
In geography lessons, the children analysed mountain weather conditions using data. They first clarified the difference between weather and climate, then compared conditions in the UK and internationally. Using statistical data, they discussed how and why climates vary across mountainous regions.
Reminder: our termly homework on creating The Great Wave colour studies is due on Monday, 17th March.
Letters sent home this week
- Whole School - Learning Conferences - 07.03.2025
- Whole School - Learning Conferences Booking Information - 07.03.2025
Swimming
- 5K - Tuesday
- 5F - Thursday
- 5L - Tuesday
- 5G - Thursday
PE
- 5K - Friday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5F- Friday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5L - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 5G - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
Year 6
In Layered Reading lessons, the pupils have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding, as well as creativity, when writing an internal monologue, inspired by the characters of The Explorer. In addition to this, through analysis of several reading texts, they have practised and developed, their comprehension skills.
In science, they have had the opportunity to investigate and analyse adaptations through entertaining experiments. Using a range of ‘beaks’, Year 6 have explored the concept of adaptation in action, uncovering the secrets of evolution and biodiversity. With each experiment, the children have not only deepened their understanding of scientific principles but have also ignited their curiosity for the natural world.
In Connected Curriculum lessons, the children have been delving into the complex world of trade, exploring historical challenges and global inequalities. Through thought-provoking discussions and engaging activities, they have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of fair trade in addressing disparities and supporting those in developing countries. As young global citizens, they are actively considering the impact of their choices and advocating for fairness and equality on a global scale. Additionally, they have been eager to apply their knowledge relating to tropical rainforests, designing a game that incorporates an electrical circuit.
Letters sent home this week
- Whole School - Learning Conferences - 07.03.2025
- Whole School - Learning Conferences Booking Information - 07.03.2025
Swimming
- All Classes - Friday
PE
- 6D - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6A - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 6P - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6W - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
Online Safety
Whilst they can be a great way for friends to socialise, online games like Roblox that allow multiplayer gameplay with strangers are always fraught with a variety of dangers that can expose children to inappropriate or harmful content. Roblox enables people to play anonymously, which can often be something that attracts people to misuse the game and potentially put young people at risk of harm.
In addition to interacting with random strangers across the world, other factors such as in-game purchases and potential scams can also pose a financial risk. It’s important that parents remain aware of the risks associated with this popular title and how it can be used safely. This free guide – also available in podcast format – offers parents expert advice on what can be done to ensure that young people have a safe and enjoyable experience with Roblox.
News Stories
Tree Planting at Bonchurch Park
The Eco Warriors were out and about in the local community last Thursday afternoon, helping to improve the environment for the current residents of Leigh and future generations. They were joined by the founding members of a new charity, Happiness for Everyone who happen to be five of our Year 6 pupils. Earlier in the year, the girls contacted their local MP about their charity with an idea about planting more trees in the area to help increase the happiness of the community. In turn, he put them in touch with Southend-on-Sea Councillor, Linda Hyde, responsible for environment, climate and waste. Linda authorised the purchase of several trees to be planted in the local park in Bonchurch Avenue. The sun shone as the children met Edd Gillan, Southend-on-Sea’s Arboricultural Officer and Councillor Hyde. After some instructions on how to safely plant the trees in pre-dug holes, the children and their helpers got to work. Edd provided the children not only with assistance in planting, but also fascinating information about the different trees, why they were chosen and the benefits they provide to the environment. He also threw in an impromptu maths lesson teaching the children how to measure the height of a tree using a stick and their knowledge of right angles. The afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for all of the children and as always, they worked hard, with commitment, enthusiasm and behaved impeccably.
Eco Warriors make Bird Feeders
The Eco Warriors had a wonderful week, really showing their commitment to improve both the school and the local environment. Last Friday, the Junior Warriors met with the Infant Eco committee and learned how to make sustainable bird feeders to hang in our playground. Using apples, sunflower seeds, and cheese, the younger children, with some help from Mrs Chappell, instructed the Juniors on the best and safest way to use an apple corer and construct a delicious treat to tempt our feathered friends to visit our grounds. It was wonderful to watch the children working together so brilliantly, having fun and making friends, and we are very much looking forward to meeting up again for future projects.
Sports News Stories
Southend Tag Rugby Competition
On Wednesday, twelve Year 4 children attended the tag rugby competition at Southend Rugby Club.
With sun, rain and hailstones to contend with, the children showed great resilience and determination.
The initial games:
- Thorpe Hall School: 7-3 to West Leigh
- Chalkwell School: 6-2 to West Leigh
- Greenways School: 5-5
Through to the super 8’s:
- Our Lady of Lourdes: 6-4 to West Leigh
- Bournes Green: 4-2 to West Leigh
- Hamstel Juniors: 2-1 to Hamstel Juniors
Semi-Finals:
- Fairways School: 7-5 to West Leigh
Into the final against Hamstel - again with some excellent tries and tagging from both teams - the game finished 5-3 with us just missing out on winning the match.
With a very credible second place, all the children should be very proud of their efforts. This was the first time they had played eight a-side on grass with a proper rugby ball!
Well done to all and a huge thank you as always to our parents for staying and cheering the children on.
Charity Fundraising
Sienna and Olivia from Year 6 have been busy over the past few weeks, raising money for Cancer Research UK.
Deciding that they wanted to make a difference, the girls set about swimming 3 miles to raise money for charity. Remarkably, they have already surpassed their £200 target but still have plans to complete the 3 mile swim.
We are extremely proud of the girls' efforts and are sure that their impressive donation will be gratefully received by such an important charity.
Inspirational Person - Ann Makosinski
This half term, we have been learning how empathy can lead to innovation! Ann Makosinski was only fifteen years old when her friend told her she had failed a grade at school because she did not have electricity at home and she could not study as a result. Ann was determined to find a solution to the problem, and to help her friend - and she did! She invented a special torch called the Hollow Flashlight - a torch that uses body heat in order to work. Ann's empathy didn't end there - she is now working to ensure that Hollow Flashlights are available for free to everyone in the world who cannot afford electricity.
This half term's Showbie challenge is to consider a problem that exists in the world today. It might be a big problem, or it could be something for someone that you know, like Ann.
Invent something that will help to solve that problem! Draw a picture of your invention and label it, explaining what it will do and how it will help.
Children can upload their entries to the 'Inspirational People' folder on Showbie.
Competitions
Easter Art Competition
This Easter, we would like to invite all children to take part in a creative art competition by decorating an Easter egg (using the template emailed home). We encourage the children to be as creative as possible and cannot wait to see what they come up with!
Prizes will be awarded to each class as well as a prize for every child taking part. Entries will need to be brought to school by Monday 31st March.
Dinner Menu
Week 1
Monday - Homemade Tomato & Vegetable with Wholemeal Pasta - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayo - Wholemeal wrap with Tuna Mayonnaise - Sweetcorn and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Cocktail
Tuesday - All Day Breakfast (Sausage, Baked Beans and Hash Brown) - Vegetarian All Day Breakfast (Vegetarian Sausage, Baked Beans, Hash Brown) - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Scrambled Egg, Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Flapjack
Wednesday - Traditional Roast Chicken - Roast Quorn in Gravy - Roast Quorn in Gravy - Granary Baguette with Egg Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Carrots/ Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit - Yoghurt or Banana Cake
Thursday - Sweet and Sour Pork - 5 Beans and Vegetables in a Sweet and Sour Sauce - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Rice, Mixed Vegetables and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Carrot Cake
Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable Fingers - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Potato Wedges, Sweetcorn/Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Jelly
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Awards
This week, Amber Brennan from 5G was awarded the Most Improved in Sport award, for learning the rules of Dragonball within minutes, improving throughout the afternoon and helping her team to be victorious!
Polly Morley from 6P was awarded the Sports Performer of the Week award, for demonstrating an excellent sprint in PE, proving herself to be among the fastest runners in Year 6!
Parent Council
The full list of councillors, along with their email addresses if you wish to contact them, can be found on our school website. The minutes from our meetings are also published on this page, which can be found using the following link: https://www.westleighjunior.co.uk/parent-council
A reminder that answers to many of the previously discussed items at parent council can be found on the 'hot topics' section of our website: https://www.westleighjunior.co.uk/hot-topics
This includes subjects such as lost property, lunchtime arrangements, clubs and much more.
We still have vacancies in 4C and 6P - if you are able to spare an evening each term to represent your class, it would be of great benefit to the school. Our meetings are held at 4.30pm and councillors are able to use our After School Club, free of charge to assist with child care during the meeting. Please contact Mrs London if you are able to volunteer.
Community News
We've created a dedicated space on our website to share flyers for local events and community support. Click the link below to explore what's happening in our area.
Summer Term Diary Dates
April
- Thursday 24th - Year 3 Visit to Old Leigh - 9am - 12pm
- Year 5 Transition and Selection meeting (for current Year 4 parents) 7.30pm - 8.30pm
- Friday 25th - Year 5 Chocolate Workshop
- Year 3/4 Tennis Competition @ 9am
- Year 5/6 Tennis Competition @ 12.15pm
- Monday 28th - Year 5 Geography Field Trip to Belfairs Woods
- Tuesday 29th - Girls' Netball Competition
- Internet Safety Meeting for Parents @ 7pm
- Wednesday 30th - Year 3/4 Quad Kids
May
- Thursday 1st - Dance Festival @ Alleyn Court
- Friday 2nd - Year 3/4 Boys' Southend Football Competition
- Wednesday 7th - Year 5/6 Quad Kids
- Thursday 8th - VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations
- Monday 12th - Year 6 SATs Week
- No swimming all week
- Thursday 15th - Ilam Hall meeting for parents @ 7pm
- Friday 16th - Swim Squad training
- Monday 19th - Swim Squad Training
- Class Photos
- Tuesday 20th - Year 6 Field Study (Southend)
- Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3M & 3S)
- Wednesday 21st - Maths Quiz Club Area Heat
- Swimming Gala @ Garon Park
- Thursday 22nd - Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3T & 3H)
- Seesma Rehearsals @ Wesley Church
- Friday 23rd - Year 6 Rounders Festival
- Monday 26th - Friday 30th - Half Term
June
- Monday 2nd - INSET Day
- Wednesday 4th - Year 6 Cricket Competition (boys)
- Thursday 5th - School Council Visit to Houses of Parliament
- Year 6 Cricket Competition (girls)
- Danbury Meeting for Parents @ 2.30pm
- Friday 6th - Careers Day
- Monday 9th - Wednesday 18th - Assessments in Years 3 - 5
- Seesma Concert - 7pm - 9.30pm
- Monday 9th - Thursday 19th - Year 6 Bikeability
- Wednesday 11th - Borough Sports
- Thursday 12th - Year 4 Transition and Mersea Meeting for Parents @ 7pm
- Saturday 14th - Summer Fayre
- Monday 16th - Parent Council Meeting @ 4.30pm
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Ilam Hall Residential and Southend Activity Week
- Tuesday 24th - Super Sports - Track
- Year 6 Induction King John
- Wednesday 25th - Super Sports - Field
- Year 6 Induction King John
- Thursday 26th - Year 3 Field Study @ Leigh Beach
July
- Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th - Year 3 Residential to Danbury
- Friday 4th - Year 6-7 Transition Day
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Finals @ Oxford University
- Monday 7th - Sports Day
- Tuesday 15th - Open Evening 5pm - 7pm
- Friday 18th - Annual School Reports
- Monday 21st - Year 6 Swimming Gala
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term
Credits:
Created with images by Christy Thompson - "make a date" • Pixel-Shot - "Female hands with newspapers on color background" • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers. All contents are made up." • Maximilien - "Gift Illustration with Confetti: Giveaway, prize Concept " • Natalia Klenova - "Easter composition on grey concrete backgrount" • epicraw - "Close up man hands holding champion golden trophy on transparent background Generative AI" • Brian Jackson - "Calendar appointment"