West Leigh Juniors Weekly News 30th january 2026

Year 3

In maths, the children have been learning how to use formal written methods for addition and subtraction. They practised setting out calculations clearly and accurately, and showed great perseverance when working through more challenging problems that involved carrying and decomposition. Geography saw us learning more about Greece where we compared its climate with the UK. The children discussed similarities between the two countries and thought carefully about how these could be presented through pictures. We also acted as the Greek Tourist Board, researching and describing the physical features of Greece, including mountains, coastlines and islands; they considered how these features could tempt tourists to visit. In English, we began a new unit on non-chronological reports. The children learned about some of Heracles’ Twelve Labours and developed their listening skills by taking notes from an audio recording. They practised turning these notes into full sentences which will be used to build a detailed report. Classes have continued to read Beasts of Olympus, using their inference skills to work out why Demon behaves the way he does.

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 have come to the end of another week where the children have worked diligently and conscientiously.  In English, we have continued to focus on persuasive texts - in particular, travel blogs. Using an example, the children identified a range of persuasive devices before devising their own. These were used to write a blog to encourage someone to visit Rome.  As mathematicians, there has been a further emphasis on fractions and decimals. The children have used various resources and their times tables knowledge to calculate equivalent fractions. In addition, they have used their knowledge of place value to link fractions to their decimal equivalents. From this, some groups were able to compare fractions and decimals using the correct symbols. Some children also used these skills to order sets of fractions and decimals.  In science, the children studied the process of melting and freezing. Together, they conducted an experiment to find out whether ice melts quicker in fresh water compared to salt water – with some surprising results!  The children were mathematicians within their Connected Curriculum lessons this week. They were provided with a list of ingredients required to make pizza. In order to cater for the needs of specific numbers of children, their task was to use multiplication and division skills to scale the recipe up and down. Furthermore, their task was to design their own pizza whilst adhering to the design brief.  They had to consider factors such as taste, appearance and also consider a balanced diet when creating their final design.  

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

It seems that this week has almost finished as quickly as it started and it is unbelievable that when we return to school next week, it will be a brand new month.     This week in maths, we focused on strengthening multiplication and division skills. We began by revisiting formal multiplication methods, including calculations with numbers containing up to two decimal places. To continue developing fluency, we encourage children to use TT Rockstars regularly. We then moved on to division, both with and without remainders, and explored how to interpret remainders in word problems, deciding when to round up or down. We finished the week by applying all four operations to one and two-step problems and in some classes, working on simple scaling and rate problems. The children were excited to begin our new layered reading text - an abridged version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. After exploring the story, they identified the main characters, their relationships and what their interactions reveal about them. They went onto focus on Miranda and Caliban, considering how their relationship changes and for whom they felt most sympathy. The children also completed their termly comprehension, concentrating on reading stamina and supporting answers with evidence. We ended the week with poetry, exploring haikus and writing versions inspired by our Fragile Earth topic, following the 5–7–5 syllable pattern. They rose to the challenge and produced thoughtful, creative work.    In science lessons, we asked the children to recall previous learning and describe the ways in which some plants reproduce asexually.  They were asked to take cuttings and plan an investigation based on which cutting would grow best.  They had to identify variables including a control and consider how to measure/observe the outcome.  We are looking forward to seeing how their investigations progress.    In geography, we continued exploring natural disasters. The children learned about tsunamis: where they commonly occur, how they're caused and their human and environmental impacts. We then moved on to flooding, discussing what floods are, why they happen and how human activity can increase the risk. The children analysed a UK flood case study, including video evidence and took on the roles of reporters, rescue workers and community members to create TV-style reports. They identified causes of flooding, how communities can respond, and ways to reduce future risk. The children approached the task with maturity, showing empathy and responsibility in their roles.   In Communication Books, you will find a note about some items we need for an upcoming D&T project.  During the week beginning 9th February, each class will be designing and creating table-top flood barriers.  Please could the children bring in items which could be used such as: small plastic bottles (< 1 litre), clean plastic food punnets, cardboard tubes (kitchen roll etc) and newspaper.  Many thanks in advance.

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 have enjoyed another engaging and creative week of learning across the curriculum. In English, pupils used persuasive and emotive language to write powerful nominations for a Simply the Best Award — a fictional award celebrating a member of the school community. Their writing was full of passion, warmth and positivity, with many pupils producing highly emotive pieces that demonstrated a strong awareness of audience and purpose. In science, pupils developed their classification skills by creating dichotomous keys to identify living things. They carefully selected suitable questions based on observable physical characteristics, strengthening their ability to think logically and scientifically. As artists, pupils learned about Henri Rousseau and explored the techniques he used in his work, while also discovering that he never actually visited a rainforest himself. Inspired by his style, pupils began planning a collage incorporating the rainforest animals they have been drawing. In geography, pupils expanded their understanding of rainforests around the world, learning to distinguish between temperate and tropical rainforests and exploring the key features of each.