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The Birkwood Values

Welcome to the Birkwood News!

19th June 2026

A Message from the Headteacher

Welcome to another newsletter.  I hope that you are enjoying the weather. As always there has been plenty to report at Birkwood, when isn’t there?

This week has been RSE week where children have learnt more and more about personal safety. I thank the stuff for their care towards our children – it is immense. Some vitally important messages were shared. Thank you to Mrs. Lavender for her leadership in this area. It is a real mission of our school to enable our children to be safe at all possible times

Pantosaurus!

We began the week with some choir workshops from Barnsley Youth Choir. This was a brilliant opportunity for our children to learn of the offer from a local world class organisation. Thank you to Mrs. Rennison for arranging this. The children were superb.

Barnsley Youth Choir

Last week, our Year 5/6 Athletes attended the local competition at Dorothy Hyman Stadium. In Mr. Walton’s own words, “Y5/6 Athletics winners, what can I say about this year’s upper KS2 group? They have been outstanding all year, I for one could not be prouder of them for quality, teamwork and all-round ability,” Beautifully put and a huge well done to all.

Year 5/6 Athletes

In school, our World Cup Competition also got into full swing. Again, thanks to Mr. Davis for arranging this – it’s proving popular.

I would also like to invite children to wear something from their favourite world cup team on the day they are playing – Tuesday is England so let’s see those shirts! I apologise for the bias.

Wear Their Colours

The weather was kind to us enabling Year One sports afternoon to take place. Again, thank you to the staff for their hard work; it was wonderful to see families enjoying the afternoon. The athletes put in a tremendous effort (100%.) Well done to everyone.

Year 1 Sports

We also hosted two officers from the local authority who carried out a full review into our provision and practice for children with special educational needs. I salute and thank our staff for their care towards some of our most vulnerable children. Mr. Froggatt does an amazing job leading our work in this area. We are fortunate and grateful to be able to call on his expertise and knowledge. An overwhelmingly positive day was a huge credit to our school.

Team Water celebrated last half term’s House Winning Work with a brilliant party! Thanks to Mr. Davis for organising the fun – it was very well received indeed!

Team Water

We have also hosted the primary school enterprise initiative in Years 5 and 6. Well done to our future entrepreneurs. A brilliant way to enrich our curriculum.

Thank you to everybody who has supported our non-uniform day today. The build up to the Summer Fayre has begun!

We received confirmation from Outwood. Transition Day for Year 6 children will be July 1st at Outwood Carlton & Shafton.

The FA Cup

I look forward to reporting on more exciting events next week. Have a great weekend and remember the sunscreen!

Read to the Beat THIS Summer

The end of year RockSteady Concert is booked! Families of the rock stars – do not miss out!

Thursday 16th July 2pm

Our after school partners Groots are continuing to provide opportunities at Birkwood – have a look at their offer here.

SEND Support from Barnsley LA - we have been asked to share these opportunities. Take them up!
Breakfast Club is open at 7:30 each morning. The cost is £3.00

Reminders

After school care option
Community sessions delivered by Grass Roots are available. They take place on Darfield Road; the darts has caught my attention! Give it a go.
Fundraising Events
Summer Fair News
Celebration Assembly Winners

Special assembly will take place on Monday....

  • Headteachers Superstar EYFS/KS1 -
  • Headteachers Superstar -
  • Music Maestro -
  • PE Star -

House Points

We are on the final stretch. Who will be crowned the House winners of 25/26?? For the winners this year there will be a feast of activities and treats at the end of year Garden Party!

Water are currently in the overall lead but with Fire still leading this half term they are on course to win it! It is too close to call!

School attendance Target for the Year - 95.5% (as set by the DfE)

School attendance this week - 96.6%

School attendance this year so far - 95.5%

Fantastic Attendance (FA) Cup

The FA Cup results for this week will be presented to the children on Monday morning.

2025/26 Events
Diary Dates

Sports Days

Early dates in case of poor weather
Extras
Follow us on X

Our suite of X (formerly Twitter) Handles is here for you. Below is a link for 'all things Birkwood.'

PE & Sport

PE Timetable

Appropriate trainers must be worn. No crop tops – Sports t-shirts please and shorts. A tracksuit may be worn – please make a judgment on temperature. NO JEWELLERY.

Term Dates Below

This year's school dates
Next Year's School Dates

For current Year 6 children, SATs tests will be Monday 11th to Thursday 14th May 2026.

For current Year 5 children, SATs tests will be Monday 10th to Thursday 13th May 2027.

For current Year 4 children, SATs tests will be Monday 8th to Thursday 11th May 2028.

New Lunch Menus
Summer Lunches
Summer Lunches
Summer Lunches

After School Clubs

After School Clubs
Our School Vision
Our School Values

SEND Support for Families