I can't believe that as I write this newsletter, we have come to the end of the Autumn term here at Wynndale. The last 14 weeks of learning have flown by, as children have enjoyed getting used to the routines and expectations of a new year group, enjoyed immersing themselves in exciting History led themes, and enjoyed taking part in all the wider opportunities that school has had to offer. This half term in particular has been jam packed with learning opportunities and celebrations of our wonderful Wynndale Learners. Our children have also undertaken lots of activities to help them get into the Christmas spirit over the last few weeks! Our FS and KS1 children have enjoyed performing in nativities and Christmas plays, our KS2 children performed brilliantly in a Carols by Candlelight event, and all children have enjoyed making cards and calendars, their Christmas dinners, Christmas parties, a visit to the Pantomime, as well as a Church Service at our local Methodist Church! As you can see, it's been a busy few weeks!
As we break up for the festive period, I would like to say a huge thank you to you - our Wynndale families - for your continued support during this last term. It is very much appreciated and hasn't gone unnoticed. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to working together in 2025 to make sure that Wynndale continues to be the best school it can be! We will see you all on Monday 6th January 2025 for our first day of the new term.
Best Wishes from Mrs. Rickersey
A round up of this half term.....
It has been a very busy half term for all of our children across school, with lots of learning across the curriculum taking place. Have a look at our class round ups for Autumn 2 ........
Learning in EYFS
This half term has been all about celebrations! We started off thinking about Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day. We then moved onto learning about the celebration of Diwali which we loved! We made Rangoli patterns, did some food tasting and watched clips of the festival in action. We then talked about birthdays and weddings, and finally Christmas. In addition to this we have thought about the season changing to winter and enjoyed our narrative which has been The Enormous Turnip. We thought about what happened in the story and who all the characters were. F1 children enjoyed having parents to "stay and play" and the F2s were proud to show off all their work in their "Exhibition of learning". As the half term has come to a close we have loved learning our Nativity play "The Wriggly Nativity" and enjoyed our party and pantomime days. We are looking forward to welcoming some new friends to F1 in January. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.......from the whole EYFS team.
Learning in Year 1
This half term in Y1, we have been continuing our learning about the 1960s. We have learnt what life would have been like for children in the sixties. We have learnt about Mansfield in the sixties, the toys children played with, and what their homes looked like. We are writing our final reflection, where we consider the question "What makes a happy childhood?"
In English, we are we writing our recipes. We are writing recipes for fruit and vegetable kebabs. We are using lots of fantastic imperative verbs and amazing adjectives and are making sure our recipe is in chronological order. They sound so tasty! We have been working hard on our presentation and have started to apply our cursive handwriting to our work. We have also written a poem this half term based on Brown Bear Brown Bear What Can You See?
In maths, we have been adding one more, one less, and comparing numbers. We are using part whole models and bar models to represent our wholes and parts. We have also been counting in 10s and 2s. We have become such confident mathematicians!
In science, we have been sorting different materials, according to their properties. We have been learning how to be a scientist by sorting and observing.
Finally, we have worked so hard on our dancing, singing and acting skills for our school play. We hope everyone enjoyed it! Miss Mee has been super proud of us.
Learning in Year 2
This half-term Year 2 have immersed themselves in the fairytale The Princess and the Pea, using some brilliant skills such as Alan Peat's adjectives and similes to write our own version of the story. We have looked at healthy foods and written a recipe and instructions for creating our own healthy pitta bread, worked hard as mathematicians to add and subtract 2-digit numbers and continued learning about some historical figures such as Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.
It has also been a busy term full of many other exciting activities such as our intra house cup where we played glow in the dark dodgeball against each other and the Y1's. For Children in Need, Pudsey came to visit our school and everyone in year 2 gave him a big hug; we celebrated the rest of the day eating Pudsey pizza muffins and biscuits and learning about the charity. This half term we even had a special guest that came to teach the children some coding skills for Minecraft on the laptops!
In the run up to Christmas, we have also been on a whole school visit to see Aladdin at the theatre, principiated in the 12 days of Christmas and had our own Christmas performance of The little Angel which was phenomenal.
I can't wait to see what surprises the Spring term brings!
Learning in Year 3
Year 3 have had a wonderful half term, filled with variety and achievement. Here's what we've been up to!
We have had huge fun and great success learning how to code using Scratch. The children are absolute whizzes on the computers and I Pads!
We were treated to a fantastic visit from a STEM ambassador who brought along his impressive collection of rocks and fossils and gave us the opportunity to sort them. We also had a STEM-themed virtual assembly called My Job Working With Supercars, which we all really enjoyed.
Perhaps the highlight was our wonderful trip to Brackenhurst for a Stone Age themed learning experience in which we sawed wood to make medallions, did cave painting and willow weaving and even made a replica Stonehenge! The children were fabulous role models and ambassadors for our school - well done Y3!
We've also enjoyed our adventures outside of the classroom - the pantomime in Mansfield was great and later that week we also got to visit Sherwood Pines where we took part in Jingle Jog.
I wonder what fun experiences lie in store in Spring 1? Can't wait to find out!
Learning in Year 4
It has been another fantastic and busy half term in Year 4. The children have continued to work hard in all areas of their learning. The children have been incredibly focused, with the theme being ‘The Vikings.’ In English we have been writing part of a narrative based on the book ‘Viking Boy’ including lots of description, different sentence types and using Inverted commas for dialogue. In our Novel studies, as readers, we have continued to develop our reading skills with our text, ‘Viking Boy.’
As mathematicians we have been learning all about addition and subtraction as well as continuing to practice rapid recall of the times tables. As Scientists we have learnt all about Sound, using our communication skills to prepare a presentation.
In History the learning has been all about Invaders and Settlers, which included using and applying ICT skills to research information about the Vikings. Our PE sessions have included developing dancing and movement skills and swimming sessions. Both of which the children have really enjoyed and continued to thrive in.
Thank you for your continued support and it was fantastic to see such positive attendance at our Exhibition of Learning. Have a great holiday season and a happy New Year.
Learning in Year 5
Year 5 have worked incredibly hard this half term! This is reflected with the quality of their work – especially in English! This half term we focused on non-fiction writing and poetry. We have produced a travel brochure to Elysium full of persuasive language, expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials. Our poetry unit was based around ‘The Emotional Menagerie’ and everyone created a beautiful, emotional poem. The standard of the work this term has been outstanding leading to a huge amount of Pen Licences being handed out! I am excited about our next fictional unit of work where we will meet two new characters: Juniper and Bear!
In Novel Study, we have enjoyed reading ‘The Night Bus Hero’ by Onjali Q. Raúf. We loved hearing about Thomas and Hector on the hunt for the invisible thief. If you are looking for a book for a stocking filler, she has another brilliant book called ‘The Lion Above the Door’.
Maths has tested our brains this half term with addition, subtraction, doubles and multiplication. We have all made huge leaps forward in these areas, but extra support at home is always valuable. Look out for extra revision sheets coming home over the holidays. Times tables will come in handy more so than ever next term when we look at division, factors and multiples!
Our theme of Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks continued this half term. A highlight was our Egyptian morning, where we were able to attend an ancient Pharaoh’s funeral and smell herbs that would have been used during the Ancient Egyptian times. Next term we will be focusing on Geography with Rivers, The Water Cycle and Renewable Energy.
The creativity of Design and Technology has knocked everyone’s socks of this half term. We are in the middle of finishing our pop-up educational books. They are bursting with information and mechanical parts! Alongside this, we were also engineers for the day with the RAF. We were all able to successfully design and make gliders!
Year 5 have really impressed us this term with their hard work, resilience and eagerness to learn. We know next term will be even more jam packed with learning, but we are sure Year 5 will continue to go above and beyond. Thank you for all your support with our Amazon Wish lists since September too. There is a special buzz around the classroom around reading, which I am hoping continues next term!
Learning in Year 6
The children had an amazing time at our Christmas residential. Behaviour and attitudes were exemplary, and they were kind and supportive of each other as they pushed themselves to achieve personal goals. It was moving to see children show perseverance and bravery as they tackled each challenge and then to witness the sense of pride and satisfaction they took away from their achievements. Huge congratulations to them all, they represented Wynndale well and made us all proud. We had so many comments, from staff at the centre, praising them for their maturity and good manners. They were superstars.
They also showed these same Wynndale qualities during classroom learning, especially as Historians and Scientists. They were so thoughtful and knowledgeable during our work linked to the Holocaust Centre and the empathy they displayed was moving to witness. During STEM workshops they showed their innovative thinking as they explored different themes and were asked to solve problems.
Y6 @ The Pioneer Centre
Y6 graduate from DART
Over the past term, Year 6 pupils have been taking part in the DART (Drugs, Alcohol, and Resilience Training) programme, which is designed to equip them with vital life skills as they prepare for secondary school. The course covered topics such as understanding the risks associated with drugs and alcohol, recognising peer pressure, building resilience and making informed, responsible choices. Pupils engaged in discussions, role-play activities, and group work to explore these important themes in a safe and supportive environment. To celebrate their achievements, the children presented a special graduation assembly. They confidently shared what they had learnt through poems, songs and creative presentations, demonstrating their understanding and growth. Congratulations Y6!
Forest School Fun this term.....
We have been incredibly busy in our Forest School sessions, working collaboratively to undertake a range of activities. This half term we have used drills to make Christmas decorations and knives to whittle sticks to make stick people. We have played in the mud and used the rainy days to make a mud slide. We have learnt how to safely climb trees and risk assess how to get up and down them with confidence.
Our Autumn Exhibitions of Learning
Over the last few weeks, each class in school has been busy preparing for their Exhibitions of Learning, where they have had the opportunity to share with you all the wonderful learning that has taken place during the Autumn term. The exhibitions this term were once again brilliantly attended by our families and it was so lovely to see children talking excitedly with you about their learning across the curriculum. Thank you for your continued support of Wynndale; it really is appreciated.....
FS1 Stay and Plays were really successful this half term....
Our FS2 Exhibition was fabulous....our children loved showing the grown ups their learning........
Our Y3 exhibition was brilliantly attended by our families....we hope you enjoyed seeing all the wonderful learning our children have been doing in the Autumn term.......
Our Y4 exhibition was brilliantly attended - thank you to everyone that was able to come and look at our children's learning. We hope you were impressed!
Our Year 5 children proudly showed off what they have been learning this term......
Over the last few weeks, we have been incredibly busy in school getting into the Christmas Spirit; taking part in Pantomime visits, performances, Christmas activities in class, carol singing, parties, Christmas dinners....to name just a few things.
The Christmas season started for us early this year at Wynndale with a visit to the Pantomime on 3rd December. Children and staff alike enjoyed watching the performance of Aladdin, with some of our children even getting to go on the theatre stage to join in the fun! We also have to give a special 'shout out' to William in Year 4 - if you recall from a previous newsletter, William was one of the members of his performing arts school chosen to perform in the Panto this year, and we were lucky enough to see William on the stage when we went to visit! He did a fabulous job and his classmates, and both staff and children from across school were incredibly proud of him! Well done William!
The performances across school this year have once again been magical, and I am so proud of each and every Wynndale Learner for the part they have played in making them so successful. The acting, singing and dancing was some of the best I have seen during my time here, and it was so lovely to see the children enjoying themselves on the stage, and proud of their achievements too. It is always lovely to see children who can often be shy and quiet in the classroom 'come alive' in productions, and this year was no exception. Well done everyone! I'd like to thank you as families for your support in making sure the children looked the part in their costumes, and I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the Wynndale staff team for their hard work in enabling such magical performances to take place. #TeamWynndale
Carols by Candlelight was another huge success again this year, with our Key Stage 2 children getting into the festive spirit singing their selection of Christmas songs for you. It was a lovely atmosphere on the evening, with fairy lights, a dusting of snow and even a visit from Santa on his sleigh!
Whilst we still have a visit to Church to go, have a look at some of the Christmas fun we have been having in school this year......
Our Y4 children are enjoying making their calendars this year.....
Our Y6 children enjoyed a workshop with Mr. Darlington from Big Barn Lane Church entitled 'Christmas in a Box'......
Edie and Esther received special awards from Miss Mee and Mrs. Smith for their efforts in our recent Christmas plays!
We had a great visit to the Pantomime to watch Aladdin!
Our FS1 children did a fabulous job in their Wriggly Nativity
Our EYFS Performance of The Wriggly Nativity was Magical!
Our choir enjoyed their performance for the local community when they sang at Oak Tree Lane Tesco earlier this week....
Santa and his elves welcomed children into the grotto.....
Santa arriving on his sleigh.......
Hot Chocolate was popular to warm us all up after Carols by Candlelight!
Our fabulous KS2 children sang beautifully.......they even had a dusting of snow!
Sporting Achievements this half term
This academic year, we once again continue to develop our sports provision here at Wynndale, both through our curriculum offer and also through extended school provision. Mr. Brookes is part of the Wynndale team continuing to work with us four days a week delivering the PE curriculum across school and taking a lead on organising our engagement in sports competitions and festivals.
This half term, every class across school took part in our intra-house Glow in the Dark tournament, competing to score points for their house teams. Children had a great time 'glowing' and the event was brilliantly supported by our Y6 sports leaders.
Our Year 6 children participated in an exciting indoor golf festival where they honed a variety of golf skills. They engaged in a series of fun and competitive games, putting their newly acquired techniques to the test as they scored points in diverse, golf-inspired challenges.
Our Year 1 and 2 children had the exciting opportunity to attend a gymnastics festival hosted by 776. They explored a range of gymnastics techniques, enjoying activities such as making trampoline routines, swinging from bars, and practising rolls on floor mats.
Our Year 5 and 6 children participated in the Stags Utility Cup, delivering an outstanding performance and securing an impressive second place in their bracket. Throughout the tournament, the team demonstrated exceptional football skills, teamwork, and determination. Their effort and sportsmanship were a true credit to Wynndale, making everyone proud. It was a fantastic experience for the children, showcasing their talent and love for the game on a competitive stage.
Earlier in the half term, our Y3 children took part in the annual 'Jingle Jog' organised by the Mansfield Schools Games Partnership. Our Wynndale learners walked, jogged and at times, sprinted their way around the 3km course, adorned in Santa hats and Christmas jumpers and a great time was had by all!
School Council Update
School council have had a fantastic start to their year. We have assigned everyone jobs so everyone has a special role to complete for our meetings. We had an exciting online live session with someone from the House of Lords. He told us lots of information all about how the House of Lords ran and how it was organised. We had a lot of questions to ask him, we learnt a lot! Keep an eye out for our exciting plans in the spring term.
Wynndale Loves Music.....
This half term our choir has been busy rehearsing for our big night at the Sheffield Arena for Young Voices in February. We have been so impressed with the dedication to the learning of songs and to keep coming to rehearsals every single week, well done to everyone involved! We also had a lovely time carol singing at Tesco during this last week. It was so nice to spread some Christmas cheer to the local community and to show off our lovely choir voice.
We were also super proud to showcase our very first "Rock Steady" concert this week. It was fabulous to see what the children have been learning in their sessions and we are super impressed with what they can do already even after only a term. If anyone is interested in joining the Rocksteady musicians after Christmas please talk to the office or Mrs. Mason and we can set this up for you.
Next term, we will be continuing to develop our music offer at Wynndale even further and have a music teacher working with us one day a week, delivering curriculum music to every class across school from Y1 to Y6. We are so excited to see how this develops and we will share more information about this with you in the New Year.
Our Computing Curriculum Offer
This year we are continuing to develop our Computing curriculum to ensure our children have the knowledge and skills they need in order to be able to stay safe online and also engage successfully with a range of technology available to them. We have just been able to invest in a class set of 30 I Pads to complement the laptops we already have in school, and once they have been set up in the New Year, we are looking forward to being able to use them across all classes to enhance our computing curriculum.
We are also working hard through our curriculum to try and inspire our children and teach them how different subjects can lead to different career choices. One of the ways we are trying to do this is through inviting visitors from different fields of work into school to work with our children. Earlier this half term, it was a great pleasure to welcome STEM ambassador Kate Whyles to our school. She worked with all pupils in years 2 to 6 to deliver a special coding lesson themed around Minecraft and even brought special Minecraft stickers for us!
Here are a few quick, useful reminders for your children to follow to help them stay safe and secure when enjoying their online experiences.
Our Remarkable Readers and Wonderful Writers this half term......
On Wednesday this week, we celebrated some of our fabulous Wynndale learners, who have impressed their teachers with their efforts in reading and writing this half term. It was lovely to hear writing from children across every class in school - the standard of writing and presentation continues to blow me away, and the children should once again, feel incredibly proud of their outcomes this half term. It was equally lovely to celebrate our 'remarkable' readers - children were picked from their class reading jar, for going above and beyond in their efforts in reading, both in class and at home, this half term. Well done everyone!
Pastoral Care @ Wynndale
Mrs Taylor and Mrs Kitts make up our Pastoral Team, here to support your child’s emotional wellbeing. They have guidance and resources available to help children with their feelings around a multitude of issues, such as, bereavement and loss, family separation, self-esteem, anger and anxiety. Please use this email to contact the team: pastoral@wynndale.notts.sch.uk
Your child can also message the Pastoral Team through the Wynndale Worry Monster, which they will find on our school website.
https://www.wynndale-notts.co.uk/wynndale-worry-monster/
Our Wonderful PTA
We've had a busy half term as a PTA- firstly we had our hugely successful Bubbles, Beer and Bingo night in November. We raised a huge £1077.99 which will go towards developing our outdoor area. Thank you to everyone that was able to come and support that event - we thought it was a lovely night and we hope you enjoyed it too!
We then enjoyed our lovely "Carols by Candlelight" evening. This was a again a huge success, so thank you to everyone who supported this event. We enjoyed carols, sweet treats and even had a visit from the man in red himself! We raised £732.94 on the evening, and still have a little extra to add to this total once the raffle has closed later today. What a fabulous grand total - well done to everyone involved!
We are already planning our next events; if anyone would like to join our band of merry helpers please see Mrs. Mason.
A few end of term reminders......
At the end of the Autumn term and ahead of a new school term, please note the following reminders:
*Our school doors open at 8.35am each morning, with registration closing at 8.45am. Please make sure children arrive to school on time. Any children arriving late to school need to come in through the main school office, so that we know they have arrived safely and so that we know what their lunchtime choices are.
*Our children do PE outdoors all year round where possible. Please ensure children have suitable clothing in school to wear when it is outdoor PE e.g. jogging bottoms and a jumper/tracksuit etc.
*Please remember that it is school policy for children to have water or flavoured water only in their water bottles.
*The only jewellery that can be worn for school is a pair of stud earrings and a watch. For safeguarding reasons, children should not wear smart watches for school.
*Our playtime tuck shop will continue next term, due to the success of it so far this year. Please remember to send your child's money in a purse or money bag wherever possible.
In the Spring Term, we will be looking to recruit a new Parent Governor to our Governing Body. It is really important that Wynndale Parents have a 'voice' and are able to work with us to help us shape the strategic direction of our school. We will be sending further information out after the Christmas break, with details on about how to put yourself forward to be considered for the role, but in the meantime, if you are interested, please come and speak to myself for more information about the time commitment and what the role involves.
Thanks....Mrs. Rickersey.
Here are some dates for your diary for next half term. We will be adding to these throughout the next half term and will share updates when we have them.