Quay Academy Newsletter February 2025

Message from Caroline Broadhead, Principal

What a busy and productive half term we have had since returning to school in January! I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support with attendance, punctuality, and your children’s learning. Your commitment makes a real difference in ensuring the best possible outcomes for our children.

It was fantastic to see such an impressive turnout at Parents’ Evenings. For those who were unable to attend, we will be offering additional dates to ensure everyone has the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher. Thank you also for your valuable feedback through the homework survey and other communications—your input is essential in shaping our school community and strengthening our partnership.

We have an exciting half term ahead, with plenty to look forward to, including the next stage of the Beyond Words poetry competition, World Book Day, a performance of The Magic Flute, Year 6 booster sessions, various sporting events, and the introduction of some new and exciting clubs.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We look forward to another fantastic few weeks ahead.

YOU SAID, WE DID!

Thank you to all parents who took part in our homework survey. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping our approach.

Based on your feedback, homework will now be sent out on a Friday and can be returned any day before the following Friday. It will include essential skills practice, such as spellings and maths recall, as well as topic-based tasks.

Following your preferences, homework will be completed in the designated homework book rather than electronically. In addition, we encourage regular use of TT Rockstars to support your child’s maths fluency.

Thank you for your continued support with your child’s learning.

Exciting Trips this Term

Year 6 have been incredibly busy with a range of fantastic enrichment opportunities over the past few weeks. They have taken part in transition days at Headlands School, an IntoUniversity focus week, and the Run With It programme.

The Super Days at Headlands gave pupils the chance to experience sessions in subjects such as design technology and performing arts, helping to prepare them for their next stage in school life.

During the IntoUniversity focus week, pupils learned more about what university life is like, had the chance to visit the Sea Life Centre, and even experienced a special graduation ceremony at York University.

The Run With It programme provided a fantastic opportunity to apply maths and English skills outside the classroom, culminating in pupils planning their own event at the Bridlington Spa.

These have been great experiences for the children, broadening their learning and preparing them for the future.

Beyond Words

This half term, our school participated in Stage One of the Beyond Words poetry competition, a DRET-wide event in collaboration with the Josephine Hart Poetry Foundation. This exciting competition unfolds over three stages, beginning at school level, where students showcase their poetry recitation skills.

We are delighted to announce that Poppy and Lilly have qualified for the regional stage, which will take place in Bridlington next term. Should they succeed, they will go on to perform at the final stage during the prestigious Nevill Holt Festival in late spring.

A huge congratulations to all the children who took part, learning and performing their poems with passion and confidence. It was truly a celebration of words, and it was wonderful to see so many students bringing poetry to life from our rich and diverse curriculum. Well done, everyone!

We Love to Read

We are delighted that so many of our pupils are reading at home and have reached an impressive 100 reads! As a reward for their dedication, they will have the exciting opportunity to choose a book from our book vending machines.

We’d like to remind parents that every time their child reads and it is recorded in their reading record, it counts towards their total and helps them earn rewards. Reading is a crucial part of a child’s development, supporting their language skills, creativity, and overall learning. Even just a few minutes of reading at home each day can make a big difference!

Below is a reminder of the rewards at each stage:

TT Rockstars Day

We had a fantastic TT Rockstars day at Quay Academy! The children looked amazing in their Rock Star costumes, fully embracing the spirit of the day. They had a brilliant time taking part in exciting TT Rockstars battles, showing off their times tables skills and enthusiasm for learning.

Children can continue their practice at home using the TT Rockstars app. They have their login cards, so they can log in anytime to keep improving.

Knowing times tables is a vital skill that helps children with their maths confidence and problem-solving abilities. Regular practice makes a huge difference, so we encourage all our Rock Stars to keep up the great work!

Dates for your Diary

Monday 24th February-School reopens to children.

Wednesday 26th February -Year 5 Mary Poppins Show

Tuesday 4th February -Year 5 Magic Flute Rehearsal

Thursday 6th March -World Book Day

Friday 14th March -Y2 Yorkshire museum

Wednesday 19th March -Year 5 Magic Flute

Easter Disco -Date to be confirmed

Monday 31st March -Friday 4th April -Easter Crafts -more info to follow.

Mental Health Support Workshops

It’s not too late to attend the Mental Health Support Team drop in sessions. Here are details of the upcoming eventss.

18.03.2025 9.00am-11.00am - Routines and Sleep - the team will look at how to improve daily routines at home and how to change your child's sleep patterns.

17.06.2025 9.00am-11.00am - Managing Anxiety - advice on minimising anxiety for your children, especially around transitions and changes.

If you are interested in these events you are more than welcome. Refreshments will be provided. For any further information, please speak to Mrs Craven.