Porters Grange Weekly Newsletter

Nursery

This week Nursery class have been starting to talk with the older children about starting school in September. We are also continuing to settle our new children who started after Easter. We have enjoyed using the outside area this week, making dens with Reception children. In the creative area we have started talking about colour mixing when painting.

REMINDER: Please remember to arrive on time for your nursery session, as if arriving late this can be unsettling for the class. AM- 8.45-11.45 PM-12.15-3.15

Reception

In English the children have continued to write independently. They have been writing their own sentences and stories. One of our favourite times of the week is when we act out all the stories that have been written by our reception authors! In Maths we have been building our understanding as the children explore addition. The children have been using objects to see that a quantity of a group can be changed by adding more. Some of the children have also been writing number sentences to represent this. We have also added a fun new water area outside. The children have really enjoyed exploring this area in the sunshine.

Year 1

The children have continued to busy themselves in lessons this week and have been working very hard. In English, we have introduced time conjunctions to support them with their oracy skills and structuring their writing. In maths, the children have been comparing numbers and using the language of ‘greater than’, ‘less than’ and ‘equal to’. My Happy Mind continues to be a roaring success. The children have really enjoyed acquiring the language needed to explain how parts of their brain work. In geography, we have been looking at maps and identifying features seen in schools – building, playgrounds, car parks. The children drew an illustration to represent their favourite feature of Porters. 

REMINDER: Reading books must be in school – This is a year 1 expectation.   It is starting to warm up – Hats would be a good idea for break time and lunchtime – Please name them.

Year 2

In English, Mrs Head’s group have been looking at non- fiction texts about animals. The children will then make their own fact files about a chosen animal next week. Woodland animals are the focus this week so if you are at the woods this weekend then see if you can spot some! Mrs Britton and Mrs Van Den Berg’s English group have been focusing on the story of the Ugly Duckling, sequencing the pictures and writing sentences to match. The children have also planted their own sunflowers out in the KS2 garden. Year 2 are creating directions to direct a BeeBot around a map, this has been lots of fun! Seahorse Class had a fantastic time at the beach, creating beach art. 

REMINDER: Oyster Class are due to go to the beach on the 5th May. Please send your child in to school in suitable clothes making sure they are weather appropriate, long sleeve top, joggers/ leggings, light jacket if it is a cooler day.

Year 3

On Wednesday, the children performed their Spring play about friendship. Thanks to everyone who came. It was lovely to have all of your support. In Geography we have learnt about all the countries of the UK. In science, we continued to learn about the different parts of a plant and their function. In art, we took more photos and made good use of the editing software looking particularly at contrast. 

REMINDER: Please ensure that your child is learning their weekly spellings.    Please ensure that you have signed up and paid for Year 3’s trip to the museum and planetarium.  Starfish are going on the 8th of May and Lobster the 14th of May. 

Year 4

Thank you to all the adults that were able to attend our performance on Thursday, it was lovely to share the children’s hard work with you all.  In English we have been looking at the features of instructions and the type of language used ready to write our own.  In maths we are continuing our topic on decimals and are beginning to convert between fractions and decimals.  In art we have been looking at dynamic poses and trying to recreate these in our sketch books. 

REMINDER: Please continue to read at home, regular reading has a positive impact on all curriculum areas.    Please continue to use TTRS to support your child learn their times tables. 

Year 5

In English this week, Year 5 have been writing a playscript based on the story ‘The Island’ by Armin Greder. The children have done really well at including all the different aspects of a playscript within their writing. They have really imagined themselves acting out the story as they wrote their playscripts, well done Year 5! In maths, we have begun a new unit on shape and have been looking at angles. This week the children have mastered how we can classify, measure and estimate the size of different angles. In DT, we have been continuing with making our cam models that we started before Christmas ensuring that we built them correctly to allow for both rotary and linear motion to occur as we turned the handle. The children also loved having a skills session with some Chelsea FC coaches on Friday, it was brilliant to see all the children getting involved. 

REMINDER: Please ensure your child has a suitable PE kit with them on a Wednesday and Thursday, our spare PE kit is very limited.    Please strive to read with your child and record this in their home school diaries. In addition, please make sure that your child is learning their weekly spellings.

Year 6

We are busy preparing for the SATs tests that start on Monday 11th May. We have been looking at some papers from previous years and reminding everyone of the key facts they have learnt since Year 3.  We have also been thinking about how to stay calm and do our best. The QR code below links to the My Happy Mind parent resources. Once you have signed up, you can see the Be Your Best videos that we have been showing your child to help them prepare for the tests. In design and technology (DT) lessons, we have started a sewing unit – designing and making plushie toys. So far, we have looked at the Japanese Kawaii style and started revising sewing stitches.  On Friday, we had a fantastic football workshop led by Chelsea. Unfortunately, no famous players but everyone really enjoyed the skills session!  

REMINDER: There are still 2 places for boys available on our residential trip. We have been very lucky to receive some funding so the cost is now only £100. Please contact the office if you would like your son to come.    PE – Tuesdays and Fridays. Homework Club – Monday and Tuesday lunchtime. Homework is due on Thursdays. 

Music

Diary Dates:

• Junior Music Festival – Cliffs Pavilion - 8th June – KS2 Choir

Instrumental Lessons Tuesday Guitar - Mr Brown  Wednesday Guitar – Mr Elliott  Wednesday Keyboard – Mr Hockey Wednesday Drums – Mr Peters  

French

This week, year 4 enjoyed learning French through a traditional fable, the Hare and the Tortoise. Year 5 have enjoyed learning body parts and designing monsters in French, and year two have been looking at the differences between French and English classrooms. 

Online Safety

Exam periods can place significant pressure on young people, affecting their confidence, focus and overall wellbeing. This guide explores supportive, realistic strategies to help pupils manage their workload, stay organised and maintain balance. From creating effective revision routines to designing calm study spaces, it offers practical ways to reduce overwhelm and build a sense of control. 

It also highlights the value of active study techniques, creative revision methods and the thoughtful use of technology, including AI tools. With an emphasis on maintaining motivation and protecting mental health, the guide encourages a positive, sustainable approach to exam preparation that helps young people feel more confident and resilient.

Community

Cost of Living

Click here to access cost of living advice from Southend City Council. It contains information on housing support, energy cost advice and benefits and support for those with children.