We have entered the ballot for places in the 2026 London Mini Marathon. We have entered the ballot for up to 25 children to run the 1-mile distance and 15 children to run the 2.6km distance. It takes place on Saturday, 25th April. We will not know whether we have been successful in the ballot until the end of February. We will keep our fingers crossed that we are successful in the ballot!
Jump to a section...
Spring 1 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6
Online Safety - Dinner Menu - School News - Sports News - Online Bookshop
Inspirational Person - Attendance - Team Points - Sports Awards
Spring 1 Term Diary Dates
January
- Monday 26th - Newsies rehearsal
- Year 5/6 boys' football V. Northwick Park
- Wednesday 28th - Year 5 Book Look
- Year 6 Netball vs Hockley Primary
- Sitting Volleyball Competition
- Visit to South Essex Gymnastics Club
- Thursday 29th - Year 5/6 Boys' Football Fixture OLOL
- Friday 30th - Year 6 Hockey Competition
- Year 3 Disco
February
- Monday 2nd - Children from Year 5/6 visit to English National Opera
- Wednesday 4th - Year 4 Book Look
- Essex Tag Rugby Finals
- Year 4 Girls Football Festival
- Thursday 5th - Year 5/6 Football Friendly vs Chalkwell
- 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
- Year 5/6 Boys Football vs Chalkwell
- Monday 16th - Friday 20th - Half Term
- Monday 23rd - INSET Day
Year 3
It has been a busy and exciting week in Year 3, with the children enjoying a wide range of practical and engaging activities to support their learning. In English, the children continued their exploration of myths, focusing on The Myth of Daedalus and Icarus. They used a variety of reading skills to identify characters and key plot features and developed empathy by discussing the characters’ thoughts and feelings. The children reflected thoughtfully on the moral of the myth and practised sequencing the key events. The children also explored the myth of Perseus and Medusa, with a particular focus on the dramatic battle scene. They imagined the exciting encounter between Perseus and Medusa before working collaboratively to role-play key actions. In groups, they collected powerful verbs, descriptive adjectives and effective adverbs to build tension and excitement. These were applied in their own writing, producing engaging battle scenes that captured the drama of the epic quest. In maths, the children have been learning about place value, focusing on recognising the value of digits in three and four digit numbers. They compared and ordered numbers up to 1,000 using the language ascending and descending and practised reading and writing numbers in both numerals and words. Partner activities using dice helped to reinforce these skills in a fun and challenging way. The children also revisited the place value chart and learned how to multiply and divide by 10, 100, and 1,000. In history lessons, the children used secondary sources to explore the differences between life in Athens and Sparta. They thoroughly enjoyed working in small groups to create drama and freeze-frames representing life in each state, while their classmates used their knowledge to guess which state was being shown. In geography lessons, the children learned about the physical and human characteristics of Greece. They examined aerial photographs and used Google Earth to identify and discuss key human and physical features of the country. In P.E., the children had great fun in gymnastics, developing a range of poses such as pike, straddle, and tuck - practising the first steps towards performing a forward roll. The Year 3 team would like to wish you a lovely and restful weekend!
PE Days Spring 1
3T
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
3H
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
3L
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
3M
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
Swimming
- 3H - Monday
- 3L – Tuesday
- 3T – Wednesday
- 3M – Wednesday
Year 4
We’ve reached the end of another productive week, marked by dedication and teamwork. In English, our focus has been on persuasive writing. We have studied a range of texts, including adverts, identifying their features. The children have used a variety of techniques to write their own persuasive pieces, where the aim was to convince someone to purchase a broken object and to visit a local place. The children have engaged enthusiastically with their new maths topic, focusing on fractions. They have practised adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator, with some groups extending their learning beyond one whole. Several children have also applied their prior knowledge of division to find fractions of amounts and to solve related problems. In addition, by using a range of practical resources, the children have successfully explored and calculated equivalent fractions. Great fun was had in science lessons this week. The children investigated the viscosity of a range of liquids and made predictions about the speed at which they ‘flow’. They considered the importance of a fair test and demonstrated the teamwork skills required to carry out the experiment. In Connected Curriculum lessons, the children took on the role of geographers. Using a variety of sources, they identified and located a range of human geographical features in both Italy and the UK. In preparation for their pizza making, the children have also studied the importance of safety and hygiene when preparing food. They have shown creativity and presented their learning in an engaging way in the form of an information poster. Reminders: For their pizza dough making, the children will need to bring in a plastic box on the following days: 4C - Friday 30th Jan 4B - Monday 2nd Feb 4SW - Wednesday 4th Feb 4E - Thursday 5th Feb The children will add their chosen toppings and cook their pizzas at home.
PE Days Spring 1
4B
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
4E
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
4SW
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
4C
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
- 4E - Friday
Year 5
Despite the wet weather, Year 5’s enthusiasm has remained undiminished and their week has been packed with challenge, creativity and fun. In English, pupils have been completing their adventure stories inspired by The Ridge. After revisiting their openings and tension‑filled build‑ups, they moved into crafting dilemmas and resolutions. They applied a range of authorial techniques – including short, sharp sentences and precise vocabulary choices – to engage their readers and bring their characters to life. Pupils then took on the role of editors, reviewing both their own work and that of their peers, before preparing their stories for ‘publication’. We look forward to sharing these with you at our upcoming book look. In Maths, the children have been consolidating their understanding of area and perimeter, including rectilinear and compound shapes. They tackled problems involving missing measurements and a range of real‑life scenarios. During Wednesday’s lesson, they explored how money can affect emotional well-being. The children showed impressive empathy and maturity when discussing the experiences of those who may be less fortunate. In RE, pupils explored similarities and differences within two branches of the Church of England. Using information provided, they sketched what each church might look like, identified key differences and discussed the reasons behind them. They concluded the lesson by applying their understanding to determine whether a given description represented a Baptist or Anglican church—prompting thoughtful questions and insightful discussion. In our Connected Curriculum, we linked closely with our English theme. Pupils explored the purpose and features of maps, focusing particularly on contour lines and how they show elevation. They studied a range of maps of Snowdon, comparing what each revealed about the landscape. Later in the week, the children created their own mountains from playdough before slicing them to produce contour lines. Using these, they developed their own topographical maps—a hands‑on activity that generated high levels of excitement and engagement. Thank you to those who loaned us palette knives for this memorable lesson.
PE Days Spring 1
5G
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
5A
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
5N
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
5F
- Indoor PE - Thursday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
Swimming
- 5N – Tuesday
- 5F – Tuesday
- 5G – Thursday
- 5A – Thursday
Year 6
Year 6 pupils have been making thoughtful connections across subjects as they deepen their understanding of the world around them through a range of creative and analytical activities. In art, they explored printing techniques, creating repeated patterns inspired by natural forms. They experimented with shape, spacing and repetition, developing their technical skill. This artistic work linked naturally with our geography learning. In geography, pupils focused on climate data, using Brazil as a case study. They analysed temperature and rainfall information and applied this knowledge to draw accurate climate graphs. Through this, they developed a clearer understanding of how climate influences environments and human activity, while also strengthening their data-handling skills. In science, pupils developed their classification skills by using classification keys to identify living things. They learned how branching keys work, practised making careful observations, and used precise scientific vocabulary to justify their decisions. This helped to reinforce the importance of accuracy and reasoning in scientific enquiry.
PE Days Spring 1
6D
- Indoor - Wednesday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
6K
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
6W
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
6S
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
Swimming
- 6D - Thursday
- 6S - Friday
- 6K - Friday
- 6W - Friday
Online Safety
Roblox is hugely popular with children, offering millions of user-created games and social experiences. This guide explains how the platform differs from traditional video games, and why its scale, self-rating system and automated moderation can expose young users to inappropriate content or unsafe interactions. Aimed at parents, the guide explores concerns including online communication, in-game spending and compulsive play. It also shares practical advice on parental controls, limiting chat and encouraging open conversations, helping adults support children to enjoy Roblox more safely and responsibly.
Dinner Menu
Week 1
Monday - Homemade Tomato & Vegetable wholemeal pasta - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Wholemeal Wrap with Tuna Mayonnaise, Sweetcorn, Salad Bar, Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Cocktail Tuesday - All Day Breakfast (Sausage, Baked Beans, Hash Brown) - Vegetarian All Day Breakfast (Vegetarian Sausage, Baked Beans, Hash Brown) - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Scrambled Eggs, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cornflake Crunch Wednesday - Traditional Roast Chicken - 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 - Chilli Con Carne - 5 Bean and Vegetable Chilli Con Carne - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Rice, Mixed Vegetables or Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Carrot Cake Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable Fingers - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Plain Potato Wedges, Sweetcorn, Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Jelly
School News
Young Voices
What an exciting week we have had! On Wednesday 21st January, 77 children from Years 4 and 5 boarded the coach to London's O2 in preparation for the Young Voices concert. They joined children from schools all over the South of England (and even some who had travelled from Wales) to form a choir of over 8,800. Since September, the children have been working hard to learn songs and dances to perform to an audience of 10,000. The experience was beyond amazing and the children truly did 'defy gravity' with their energy levels, vocal effort and bouncing! To be able to join with so many others was truly inspirational; the band was incredibly talented and Urban Strides showed us all how to body pop and vibe to Hip Hop hits from the 1990s - the teachers were in their element! Thank you to all the family members and friends who came to support the children. After a long rehearsal, it was great to see their faces in the crowd and really boosted the children so they could give their best in the evening. Hard work paid off and the choir sang brilliantly. Well done to all involved!
Sports News
Bowling Competition
Last Tuesday, pupils from Years 4-6 attended a bowling competition at Hollywood Bowl in Basildon. Throughout the game, the children demonstrated a range of different bowling techniques, striving for a ‘strike’ and getting very close on several occasions! Within their team, the children displayed enthusiasm and team spirit, encouraging one another on each turn and celebrating individual successes.
Year 5/6 Sportshall Athletics
Following weeks of training and a postponed first attempt at this event, it was finally time for the Year 5/6 Sportshall Athletics squad to compete against the best athletes in Southend. The children took part in a variety of team relay races and field events such as the triple jump, speed bounce and javelin. All of the West Leigh athletes competed at such an incredible standard! It is an event in which West Leigh have been very successful and 2026 was no different. After all of the events were completed and the scores were counted, it was revealed that West Leigh had finished in 2nd place, narrowly missing out on 1st by just 10 points. We will now represent Southend in the Essex finals!
Year 5/6 Boys' Football v Bournes Green
Sixteen members of the boys' football team competed in a league fixture against Bournes Green last Friday. The fixture gave every member of the team an opportunity to compete in a league game. West Leigh were split into two teams. Team One played the first half and started well. They brushed off the Christmas cobwebs and soon got into their usual footballing rhythm! They were unfortunate to concede and go into half time 1-0 down. Team Two took to the field for the second half; they fought well but after countless attacks, found themselves 2-0 down. Sam managed to pull back a goal with a brave effort just before the full time whistle. Well done to the children. There is plenty more football to come! Thank you to the parents and children who stayed until the very end to support the team.
Inspirational Person - David Attenborough
This half term's inspirational person is the amazing Sir David Attenborough. In the year that he turns 100, we learned about some of the incredible ways he has taught us about our responsibility for the planet. He did not start his career with the aim of saving the world - but as he was given the chance to spend time with so many different creatures in their habitats, he realised that they were in danger. Some of his programmes talk directly about these problems, but most of the time he likes to show how wonderful nature is, hoping it will make people want to look after it. We thought that Sir David really showed us how to take responsibility for the world around us, through teaching people how our human actions affect animals and their habitats. By explaining climate change, pollution and habitat loss in a clear and calm way, he helps us understand that we all have a responsibility to look after the Earth for future generations. Responsibility also means sticking with something even when it’s hard or slow. David Attenborough has dedicated his entire career to conservation, showing us that being responsible isn’t a one-time action—it’s a lifelong choice. Well done to all of our Showbie challenge winners for the last half term. This term's Showbie challenge will hopefully help us to make the world a better place - one small bit at a time. Use the WWF link to find out some of the ways that you can help. Choose one and tell me what you did – you could share a photo of a nature walk, a letter that you have sent your MP or you could even tell me how you became a Walrus detective! Ways to help our world in 2026 | WWF
Sports Awards
Most Improved in Sport and PE: Dylan Murphy (6D) for improved defending in a football league match against Bournes Green. Sports Performer of the Week: Jacob Glyde (5F) for incredible sprinting demonstrated in his Sportshall Athletics events, contributing to West Leigh’s 2nd place finish!
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 2 Term Diary Dates
February
- Monday 23rd - INSET Day
- Tuesday 24th - Friday 27th - Yer 6 Test Week
- Tuesday 24th - Year 3 Inspire DentalWorkshops
- Newsies Jr run through
- Theraphy Dog visit
- Wednesday 25th - Year 6 Netball Competition
- Thursday 26th - Newsie Jr run through
- Year 6 Netball Festival
- Friday 27th - Year 3/4 Girls' Football Competition
March
- Monday 2nd - Newsies Jr Dress Rehearsal
- Parent Council Meeting
- Tuesday 3rd - Therapy Dog Visit
- Wednesday 4th - Newsies Jr Dress Rehearsal
- Thursday 5th - Year 3 and 4 Let's Improvise
- Friday 6th - Year 5/6 Dragonball Competition & Festival
- Monday 9th - Newsies rehearsal
- Tuesday 10th - Science Quiz Club Area Heat
- Therapy Dog visit
- Wednesday 11th - Year 4 Tag Rugby Competition
- Thursday 12th - Newsies Jr Production - Belfairs Academy
- Essex Cross Country Squad Training
- Year 3 and 4 Let's Improvise Music
- Friday 13th - Newsies Jr Production - Belfairs Academy
- Saturday 14th - Newsies Jr Production - Belfairs Academy
- Monday 16th - Year 5 classes to The Globe
- Public Speaking Competition
- Tuesday 17th - Centicore Assembly
- Therapy Dog Visit
- Wednesday 18th - Wyvern Assembly
- Thursday 19th - Year 5 classes to The Globe
- Essex Cross Country Squad Training
- Year 4 Breakdancing Enrichment Day
- Friday 20th - Comic Relief
- Monday 23rd - Portico Football Festival
- Tuesday 24th - Learning Conferences
- Therapy Dog Visit
- Wednesday 25th - Essex Cross Country Final
- Father David Upper School Assembly
- Thursday 26th - Father David Lower School Assembly
- Friday 27th - Yer 5/6 Aquathlon
- Last Day of Term
Credits:
Created with images by mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date." • tatomm - "close up of calendar on the orange table background, planning for business meeting or travel planning concept" • ImageFlow - "Kid boy with phone, cybersecurity hologram and padlock circuit" • ercan senkaya - "full lunch service station" • deeaf - "News word on table" • 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." • New Africa - "Trophy and confetti on light background, top view with space for text.,Victory concept" • mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date."