Dear Parents and Carers,
What a wonderful day it has been! The children looked fantastic in their spots for Children in Need - thank you so much for your generosity and support. Every donation will go towards making a real difference for this important charity, and we are truly grateful. It’s also been another successful week across the school. The children have shone in sporting events, demonstrated impressive knowledge in Quiz Club, and shown excellent focus and commitment in their learning. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, Mr Aggus
Updates from the Office
- Please ensure that you use the correct email address for the Junior School office; some parents are emailing the Infant school by mistake: office@wljs.porticoacademytrust.co.uk
- If your plans change and your child no longer requires a place at After School Club, please inform the school office as soon as possible. This helps us ensure that staff are not searching for children who are expected but do not attend.
- Please note that you are unable to add funds and book meals at the same time on Arbor. To ensure your child’s meals are booked successfully, you’ll need to add funds first, then go back into the system to select your child’s meals. Thank you for your understanding.
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Autumn 2 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6
Online Safety - Dinner Menu - School News - Sports News - Book Shop
Inspirational Person - Attendance - Sports Awards - House Points
We are expecting our annual Travelling Book Fair visit during the week of 24th-27th November - just in time for Christmas! In addition to some exciting and entertaining new book titles suitable for children from age 6 to 12, there are also great stocking fillers and Christmas gifts in the Stationery Box. During the week, the children will have a chance to browse the Book Fair. Parents are able to attend the Fair with their children after school (until 3.45pm) from Monday to Thursday. We look forward to seeing you.
Autumn 2 Term Diary Dates
November
- Monday 17th - Friday 21st - Year 6 Test Week
- Tuesday 18th - Year 5 Performance to Parents @ 2.15pm - 5N and 5A
- Wednesday 19th - Year 6 - Young Shakespeare - Macbeth
- Year 4 Book Look 3.30 - 3.45pm
- Year 6 Dodgeball Competition
- Thursday 20th - Year 5 Performance to Parents @ 2.15pm - 5G and 5F
- Year 5/6 Boys' Football vs Chalkwell
- Friday 21st - Rescheduled Football Competition at Len Forge
- Monday 24th - Wednesday 3rd - Assessment Weeks for Years 3 - 5
- Monday 24th - Friday 28th - Book Fair
- Monday 24th - Coastal Schools (4C)
- Wednesday 26th - General Knowledge Quiz Club Semi Final
- Year 3 Book Look 3.30 - 3.45pm
- Goalball Competition
- Friday 28th - Non-Uniform Day - Christmas Fayre donations
- Saturday 29th - Christmas Fayre
December
- Monday 1st - Year 6 Handball
- Tuesday 2nd - Flu Immunisation mop-up
- Year 3 Presentation to Parents @ 2.15pm - 3M and 3H
- Wednesday 3rd - Year 3 Christmas Decoration Morning
- Thursday 4th - Year 5 Christmas Decoration Morning
- Santa Dash
- Year 3 Presentation to Parents @ 2.15pm - 3T and 3L
- Friday 5th - Christmas Decorations Years 4 and 6 - times TBC
- Kurling Competition
- Boccia Competition
- Year 6 Santa Netball
- Monday 8th - Rehearsal at St Margaret's AM
- Tuesday 9th - Coastal Schools (4B)
- Christmas Carol Service @ 7pm
- Wednesday 10th - Handball Competition (Year 6)
- Christmas lunch
- Friday 12th - Christmas Gift Sale
- Thursday 18th - Festive non-uniform
- Friday 19th - INSET DAY
- Monday 22nd - Friday 2nd January - Christmas Break
Year 3
This week, the children have been stepping back in time and writing diary entries as Ug—the Stone Age character from our class text. They have been practising using descriptive language to bring their ideas to life, writing in the past tense, and improving their work through self-editing. It’s been fantastic to see their creativity and growing confidence as writers. In maths, our focus has been on multiplying by ten, followed by working with multiples of ten. The children have been using place-value knowledge to help them understand how the digits shift when multiplying. They’ve shown great enthusiasm and are becoming much more fluent with these skills. We have officially begun our play rehearsals, and excitement is building. The children are already showing wonderful teamwork and enthusiasm. We can’t wait for you to see the final performance—we’re sure you will be impressed! You should have received a sticker in your child's communication book about costumes. Please note there is no need to purchase anything special for the performance - most children will be required to wear brown or beige. If your child needs an addition to this outfit, they will have more details in their Communication Book. Our science work has taken a geological turn as we explored different types of rocks. The children examined real samples and discussed their features, working hard to identify whether they were metamorphic, sedimentary, or igneous. Their curiosity led to some excellent observations and discussions.
PE Days
3T
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
3H
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
3L
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
3M
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
Swimming
- 3H - Monday
- 3L – Tuesday
- 3T – Wednesday
- 3M – Wednesday
Letters sent home this week
Year 4
We have come to the end of another very hard-working week in Year 4. In maths, the children have continued their work on fractions and have identified and calculated equivalent fractions using a range of resources and strategies. They have made links between fractions and decimals, focusing on tenths and hundredths, both in pictorial and numerical form. We have also explored the role of money and the different choices people have for spending money. This week’s focus in English has been on science fiction stories. The children have examined the 5-part story structure and have also used their creative skills to write noun phrases to use in science fiction descriptions. This is something we will be developing over the next few weeks. The children have been excited to begin our new science topic on sound. We have used a range of sources to find out what sound is and how it travels to the ear. The children have used their observational skills to explain how sound is created in a variety of situations, including the use of items such as tuning forks, drums and stringed instruments. As geographers, we have studied the imaginary lines of latitude and longitude on maps, globes and grids. We have identified some of their names and how they assist in locating specific places around the globe. We have also used 4-figure grid references to locate points on a map. The children also explored a variety of maps and images of both ancient and modern Egypt. They identified key physical and human features, comparing how these have changed over time and noting the similarities and differences between the two periods. On Thursday, 4SW went on their Coastal Schools visit. Whilst there, they enjoyed collecting interesting items and used these to create beautiful examples of sea-themed mosaics.
PE Days
4B
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
4E
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
4SW
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
4C
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
- 4E - Friday
Letters sent home this week
Year 5
Another week has flown past, full of excitement and hard work. The children have had the opportunity to practise their upcoming year-group production on stage, ready for next week's performance. The children have worked hard to learn lines, actions and songs, and any assistance in running lines at home would certainly boost their confidence and help secure their very best performance. English lessons have had the children working as cub reporters. Using our layered reading text, The Firework Maker’s Daughter as inspiration, they have been writing newspaper reports about one of the critical events in the story, namely the disappearance of the sacred white elephant, Hamlet. They have practised writing in a formal, journalistic style, holding back on their own opinions and thoroughly enjoyed creating an eye-catching, punchy headline. Maths lessons have involved reviewing understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages, including how to compare and convert between the different ways of showing parts of a whole. Finding percentages of amounts also aided problem-solving skills, making them ready for any upcoming sale reductions! We have continued to weave in our art and design lessons where the children have continued to show great skill and resilience. Many have now begun to include fabric strips as well as wool to create a variety of shapes, and we are excited to see their final outcomes. We have also introduced the final warriors and wayfarers into our history lesson – namely the Vikings. The children considered why the Vikings invaded Britain and why certain places, such as monasteries, were targeted and what the reasons could have been for them to finally settle. They researched key events in Viking history, gaining an understanding of how treacherous this period of history was. Finally they considered the legacy of the Vikings, including changes to our language and found place names that proved the Vikings had settled.
PE Days
5G
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
5A
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
5N
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
5F
- Indoor PE - Thursday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
Swimming
- 5N – Tuesday
- 5F – Tuesday
- 5G – Thursday
- 5A – Thursday
Letters sent home this week
Year 6
This week in maths, pupils have been developing their understanding of area and perimeter across a range of 2-D shapes. They have enjoyed tackling increasingly complex problems, using strategies such as working backwards and identifying patterns to deepen their reasoning skills and strengthen their mathematical fluency. In English, the children have completed their biographies of Otto the teddy bear, and their quirky dream sequences inspired by Letters from the Lighthouse. They have also focused on the features of formal writing, exploring how to use explanatory cohesive devices and how to apply active and passive voice effectively to enhance clarity and precision in their work. During science, pupils have investigated the topic of reflection, learning about the law of reflection, linking this concept to how a ball rebounds from different surfaces. Through practical activities, they have seen these principles in action and gained a clearer understanding of how light behaves. In Connected Curriculum, the focus has been on the fascinating history of puppetry. The children have traced its development from ancient civilisations to modern animatronics and are now beginning to design their own puppets. This project has already sparked great excitement, creativity and enthusiasm throughout the year group.
PE Days
6D
- Indoor - Wednesday
- Outdoor - Monday
6K
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
6W
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
6S
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
Swimming
- 6D - Thursday
- 6S - Friday
- 6K - Friday
- 6W - Friday
Letters sent home this week
Online Safety
AI can now generate realistic looking videos that are almost impossible to distinguish from genuine content. From hoax news to abusive deepfakes, these synthetic clips can mislead, manipulate and even harm. As AI tools become more advanced, and more accessible, young people are increasingly at risk of encountering fake but convincing footage online. This guide unpacks the dangers of AI-generated videos, from the emotional impact of fake distressing content to the potential for impersonation and bullying. With practical tips to help young users spot deepfakes and navigate online spaces with confidence, this guide is an essential read for parents navigating this rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Dinner Menu
Week 2
Monday - Homemade Tomato and Vegetable Wholemeal Pasta Bake with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Doughnuts Tuesday - All Day Breakfast (Sausage, Beans and Hasg Brown) - Vegetarian All Day Breakfast (Vegetarian Sausage, Beans and Hasg Brown) Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Scrambled Egg and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Jelly Wednesday - Traditional Roast Chicken in Gravy - Quorn in Vegetable Gravy - Granary Baguette with Egg Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Carrots and Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Chocolate Prune Cake Thursday - Homemade Lasagne - Homemade Vegetables and 5 Bean Lasagne - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Garlic Bread and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Biscuit Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable and Cheese Bake - Granary Baguette with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Chips, Sweetcorn, Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh fruit, Yoghurt or Ice Cream Sponge
School News
General Knowledge Quiz Club Triumph!
Over the past four weeks, two dedicated teams—selected through a series of Year Group trials—have been sharpening their minds during our lunchtime General Knowledge Quiz Club. Yesterday, their hard work paid off at the area heat, where they competed against schools from across the country in a thrilling contest. After six nail-biting rounds covering topics from science and history to geography and literature, one of our teams emerged victorious, securing first place and a coveted spot in the prestigious national final at Oxford University next June! Our second team was hot on their heels, finishing in an impressive second place. They now face an exciting semi-final challenge in two weeks’ time. A huge congratulations to all our brilliant quizzers!
Sports News
Year 6 Basketball Festival
Three teams of West Leigh children competed at the Southend basketball festival on Thursday. They competed in nine matches and worked fantastically throughout. It was a great opportunity and experience for the children to demonstrate and showcase their basketball talent against other schools. The children grew in confidence throughout the morning and worked well in their teams to win as many games as possible!
Year 3 Netball Club
Some of our Year 6 Sports Captains have been busy leading a netball club for Year 3 girls before school. They have been working hard to plan activities for the children, ensuring every member of the club is able to develop their netball ability! It has been wonderful to see the Sports Captains developing their leadership skills and the Year 3 girls with huge smiles on their faces when participating! Well done, girls!
Year 4 Dodgeball Competition
The Year 4 dodgeball team competed at the Southend competition on Thursday. There were brilliant dodges and accurate, powerful throws throughout the morning! These children have been training in the Year 4 lunch time dodgeball club throughout the Autumn term and were excited to put their skills to the test. West Leigh progressed through the first group stage beating St Mary's, Bournemouth Park, Greenways and Thorpe Hall. In the second group stage, West Leigh were victorious against Eastwood but narrowly lost to St Michaels, OLOL and Bournemouth Park. The children had a great morning and demonstrated great teamwork and tactics throughout the event. Well done, Year 4!
Inspirational Person - Boyan Slat
This half term's inspirational person is Boyan Slat. At the age of 16, he noticed the awful pollution in the ocean and invented The Ocean Cleanup - a machine that removes plastic from the ocean without harming wildlife. He embodies our Golden Values of empathy, responsibility and integrity, especially through his care for the creatures living in the ocean.
Well done to those children who entered the last Showbie challenge - some of their wonderful entries are shown below. This half term's challenge is to design your own invention for helping the ocean - we look forward to seeing the children's creations!
PTA
Friends of West Leigh Christmas Fayre
29th November 12-4pm
We are asking all our lovely teachers, parents, families and carers if they can help us at the Fayre. Shifts can be as little as 2 hours and it really is a lot of fun. Click on the link and you can choose your stall and shift. Thank you very much.
Admissions
- Cecil Jones Admission Arrangements
- Cecil Jones Admission Criteria
- Greenways Primary School PAN Variation
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.
Spring 1 Term Diary Dates
January
- Monday 5th - Children return to school
- Wednesday 7th - Year 5/6 Sports Hall Athletics Competition
- Thursday 8th - Year 3/4 Sports Hall Athletics Competiton
- Tuesday 13th - Year 3 and 4 RSE Meeting (via Teams)
- Wednesday 14th - Sitting Volleyball Competition
- Thursday 15th - Year 5 RSE Meeting (via Teams)
- Tuesday 20th - Year 6 RSE Meeting (via Teams)
- Wednesday 21st - year 6 Book Look
- Young Voices at the O2
- Friday 23rd - Year 3/4 Boys Football Competition
- Wednesday 28th - Year 5 Book Look
- Friday 30th - Year 6 Hockey Competition
February
- Monday 2nd - Children from Year 5/6 visit ENO
- Wednesday 4th - Year 4 Book Look
- Essex Tag Rugby Finals
- Friday 6th - Team Challenge
- Monday 9th - School Council visit to House of Parliament
- Maths Quiz Club Area Heat
- Year 6 Netball A team fixture
- Tuesday 10th - Safer Internet Day
- Wednesday 11th - Year 3 Book Look
- Thursday 12th - Year 6 Netball B team fixture
- Monday 16th - Friday 20th - Half Term
Credits:
Created with images by netrun78 - "Cork board mockup, desktop organizer with school stationary and office supplies.,Back to school, home office, begining of studies concept" • mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date." • ImageFlow - "Kid boy with phone, cybersecurity hologram and padlock circuit" • ercan senkaya - "full lunch service station" • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "wooden blocks with news lettering on pile of print newspapers" • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers. All contents are made up." • Dusan Petkovic - "Adorable curious caucasian little girl with eyeglasses standing in bookstore and reading interesting book. All around are books on shelves." • Win Nondakowit - "Kid hand with trophy cup" • AungMyo - "Silhouette of happy children standing with raised hands on the mountain at the sunset time." • 78art - "PTAの文字と色鉛筆" • mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date."