Porters Grange Weekly Newsletter 21st November 2025

Nursery

This week at nursery we have enjoyed printing with the leaves and making our own Autumn tree. We have also enjoyed thinking of different games to keep us warm when playing outside.

REMINDER: Please remember your child will play outside in all weathers, so now it is getting colder, please make sure your child has a warm coat, hat and gloves which are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

Reception

It’s been a wonderful week! The children enjoyed cooking pizza wraps and exploring new skills in the kitchen. In Maths, we have been exploring finding different representations of numbers to 5. In phonics we have been working on our sounds and developing our blending skills.

REMINDER: Children should be bringing their reading books in every day please. As the weather gets colder, please remember coats, hats, scarves and gloves. These need to be clearly named.

Year 1

Year 1 have been very busy this week learning our new Christmas songs for the nativity in December. In English, we have established our groups and are now well on the way with their letter formation and using their ‘gold’ English books. In maths, the children have been working very hard to identify the numbers in and out of order. They have looked at comparing numbers using language such as ‘bigger’, ‘smaller’ and the ‘same’. 'Place 2 Be' returned this week and continued to support our children in PSHE. This week we looked at ‘fairness’ and what that looks like with our behaviour.

REMINDER: If you have any questions about the Christmas Nativity, please speak to a member of staff. Such as, you don’t want your child taking part for religious reasons. It is getting colder, please ensure your child has the appropriate clothing for when we are outside - Coats, hats, gloves and scarves - these need to be clearly named.

Year 2

Year 2 have been exploring the text of 'Hansel and Gretel'. They have identified nouns, learned about present and past tense and read adapted versions of the story. In maths, the children have been learning to subtract across a 10 and exchanging tens and ones. Exchanging across a ten has been tricky so this is something you could practise at home. History has been fun, the children have been learning to write a postcard, reflecting on Southend in the Victorian era.

REMINDER: Please make sure your child brings a coat into school, even if it is sunny! Christmas will soon be here! So please check the newsletter for regular updates and important dates.

Year 3

The children have worked hard on their tests this week and should be proud of themselves. In geography we have learned about the layers of the earth and in English we are looking at newspaper reports; with a view to writing our own next week. In maths we are completing our topic of addition and subtraction and in computing we are learning to create a stop-motion animation.

REMINDER: Please ensure your child has their PE kit and, in this colder weather, a coat for outside play. Keep an eye on the calendar as we approach Christmas, as different events will come up.

Year 4

This week Year four have been planning a diary entry ready for writing their own next week. We will be writing as if we were Anglo-Saxon children, so the children already have very good knowledge of this. The main thing we are concentrating on this week is our tests. We have completed tests for reading, spelling and maths and the children have shown some excellent focus.

REMINDER: PE kits should already be in school ready for lessons on Tuesday and Thursday. Children should be changing their books at school regularly and should be reading at home as much as possible.

Year 5

This week, Year 5 have started writing their own information on anti-bullying, looking at what bullying is and what forms it can take in preparation to create their own anti-bullying leaflet next week. They have been focusing on using modal verbs to help indicate likelihood, possibility and obligation within their explanations. In maths, we have been revising and completing our NFER papers, including one arithmetic paper which pupils worked hard to complete. In PE, we have been continuing with our inclusive sports lessons where Sea Turtle have really enjoyed learning and playing Kurling and Swordfish have been excelling and refining their Boccia skills. Year 5 have worked really hard this week to complete their NFER tests so well done to each one of you for trying your best.

REMINDER: Please strive to read for 20 minutes each night with your child and ensure that you sign your child's reading record. As the weather is getting colder, please ensure that your child has appropriate clothing for being in school and being outside at break and lunch time.

Year 6

We have been enjoying creating some Shakespearean-style sonnets in English about things we really love! In singing, we have started learning the songs for our Christmas Carol Concert. In computing, we are learning about what makes a good web page, preparing to make our own high quality website. In maths, we have been working hard to master our arithmetic skills as well as learning how to add and subtract fractions, including those with mixed numbers.

REMINDER: Please make sure the children have some warmer clothes for outdoor activities like PE and for when we walk to Indirock. This can include joggers or leggings and jumpers. Children should bring a coat every day too now that the weather is colder. They may also bring hats, scarves and gloves.

Music

🎶 Choir is Back! 🎶

We’re delighted to announce that Choir has restarted this term! Rehearsals take place every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:15 pm in the Porpoise Classroom. (Sign up to the club on Arbor or via the school office) It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy singing together, build confidence, and take part in some very exciting events later in the school year. Our upcoming performances include:

• Southend Makes Music at the Palace Theatre – March
• SEESMA Junior Music Festival at the Cliffs Pavilion – June

All pupils who enjoy singing are warmly encouraged to join. Come along, make new friends, and share in the joy of music!

Music Lessons

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

PE & Sport

The children have been very busy the past few weeks as we have had lots of competitions including dodgeball and football. A huge ‘WELL DONE!’ to all those who have come along and worked hard and tried their best. A special mention to Annabelle (Octopus), Altan (Swordfish), Filippo (Stingray), Ali and Diesel (Orca) for achieving MVP status during the competitions that they attended. Thank you for your effort.

French

This week, year one have been learning some important basic phrases in French; year two have been learning a poem about Autumn; year three have added colours to their description of animals; year four have been considering masculine and feminine grammar used by adjectives; year five have been learning how to talk about must, can and want to structures; year six have moved on to the topic of football.

Online Safety

Tracking devices like AirTags and SmartTags were designed to help people find lost belongings, but they’ve also opened the door to worrying forms of misuse. Their compact size and subtle design make them easy to hide, which can lead to the unwanted tracking of people without their knowledge. From stalking and bullying to potential misuse by peers, these gadgets bring a range of risks that trusted adults must stay aware of. This guide examines the growing popularity of Bluetooth trackers, the most common ways they’re being misused, and how to spot signs that a child may be affected. With practical tips on detecting hidden devices, using the right apps, and starting important conversations, it’s a vital read for parents, carers and educators looking to stay ahead of a fast-moving issue.

Coming soon.....

This year's Special Christmas Meal will be able to be booked on Arbor from 1st December 2025 at the cost of £2.40 per child. If you have not yet registered on Arbor please contact the School Office.

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.