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Autumn 1 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6 - Online Safety
Food Tasting - Dinner Menu - School News - Sports News - Book Shop
Inspirational Person - Attendance - Sports Awards - House Points - School Admissions
Autumn 1 Diary Dates
October
- Monday 20th - Coastal Schools (4E)
- Newsies Jr Auditions Year 4
- Tuesday 21st - Learning Conferences
- Wednesday 22nd -Newsies Workshop - Year 3
- Year 3 Visit to Barleylands
- Father David Assembly for Upper School
- Thursday 23rd - Learning Conferences
- Father David Assembly for Lower School
- Monday 27th - Friday 31st - Half Term
Year 3
It has been a wonderful week in Year 3, with all of the children demonstrating excellent focus, effort, and enthusiasm across their learning.
In English, the children have been exploring shape poems. They discussed which poems they preferred and which they felt worked most effectively, justifying their opinions with clear reasoning. They have also been learning to craft poetic phrases beginning with verbs inspired by their chosen Stone Age animals. They have also been developing their use of figurative language, using similes and metaphors, to enrich and enhance their descriptive writing. As poets, they concluded the week by proudly presenting their completed shape poems for others to enjoy.
In maths, the children have been deepening their understanding of time, focusing on the months of the year and how to read a calendar with confidence. They particularly enjoyed learning the Months of the Year song and sharing their birthdays to add to the class calendar. The children have also been learning to calculate and convert units of time, revisiting analogue clocks to identify o’clock, quarter past, half past, quarter to, and extending their skills to tell the time to the nearest five minutes.
In history, the children have been learning about the development of weapons and tools from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. They explored why people in the Stone Age needed weapons, what materials were used to make them, and how these evolved over time. The children made thoughtful predictions about how weapon design changed across each era and considered the impact these developments would have had on everyday life.
In art, building on previous learning on sketching and experimenting with natural pigments, the children learnt to paint in the style of Stone Age cave artists. They explored a range of artistic techniques, including stippling, blending, and layering, applying these to their final pieces. They then created striking Stone Age scenes, incorporating signs and symbols and experimenting with different media such as black paint and charcoal.
Next week, due to our trip to Barleylands, classes 3T and 3M will be swimming on Friday. The children are very excited about the upcoming visit!
Have a lovely weekend!
PE Days
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
Letters sent home this week
Year 4
In English, we have studied the book, I Want My Hat Back. We created character profiles to ascertain who might be guilty or innocent in regards to the theft of the hat. We also produced a colour-coded story map to show two contrasting characters’ emotions. Using their knowledge, the children devised their own witness statements about why they believed a certain character was innocent. To conclude, the children used direct speech correctly to write a conversation between the characters.
As mathematicians, the emphasis has been on multiplication. The children have practised recalling their times tables facts using various approaches. Using this knowledge, they used various methods to calculate answers to questions. Some children were able to apply these skills when solving problems.
In science, the children enjoyed answering quiz-style questions based on what they have learnt so far on teeth, digestion and food chains. They also applied their knowledge by creating their own fact files and posters to show this information.
As artists, the children have continued making their canopic jars using clay. We look forward to painting them after half term.
Reminder: 4E have Coastal Schools on the morning of Monday 20th October.
PE Days
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
Letters sent home this week
Year 5
As another busy week comes to a close and with one more week before half term, it is clear that the upcoming break is being very much looked forward to by teachers and children alike. The children have continued to work hard in all of their lessons. In maths, we have been revising fractions by finding fractions of amounts, including measures and money, which progressed into problem solving. The children have also compared and ordered fractions and consolidated their understanding of adding and subtracting them, including converting from mixed numbers to improper fractions.
In English, we have introduced our first poetry unit. We have considered how poets use rhythm and rhyme to engage the reader and to provide ideas of how to perform lines and stanzas. The children have been asked to learn a poem by heart to include in our upcoming presentation, and we have discussed ways in which to enable them to learn ‘off by heart’. In layered reading lessons, of which there were two this week, we discussed how to recognise different types of questions, enabling better understanding of how to formulate an accurate answer. They also reviewed a longer passage, locating different devices the author uses to engage the reader, including repetition, alliteration and types of figurative language.
Our Connected Curriculum lessons have been a little woolly (excuse the pun!) as we have started to teach the children to weave. We have looked at the purpose of weaving throughout history and how looms have changed. The children have learnt the correct weaving terms and have begun to practise using paper strips. Some of them seem to have a natural talent. They have also considered and planned an appropriate Saxon background, considering shapes and colours they will incorporate using wool and fabric strips.
Planning a fair test for an investigation regarding air resistance was covered in science lessons. The children were asked to plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
We will be setting a creative homework to be completed over the next few weeks in preparation for our upcoming year group presentation. We would like the children to produce a prop such as a Saxon shield, helmet or weapon (sword or axe). This could be created from cardboard and/or papier mâché or any other material of your choosing. We would like the finished prop in school by Friday, 7th November. We will share some examples with the children, and these will be available to view on their Showbie accounts.
PE Days
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
Letters sent home this week
Year 6
In English, pupils generated powerful metaphors to enhance their own poetry, drawing inspiration from either the Blitz or the evacuation of Dunkirk. They built upon their understanding of The Highwayman, considering how language can be used emotively to evoke atmosphere and feeling.
In science, pupils carried out an investigation into electrical circuits, carefully recording results and forming conclusions based on their findings. This practical work encouraged precision, teamwork, and critical thinking as they explored how and why circuits function as they do.
Within Connected Curriculum, pupils examined the key events that led to the end of the Second World War. They reflected thoughtfully on which events they felt were most significant, applying their historical knowledge to make reasoned judgements.
In maths, pupils deepened their understanding of fractions and percentages, applying these skills to a variety of challenging problem-solving tasks. Activities were carefully matched to pupils’ current levels of learning, ensuring that all were able to progress and achieve success.
PE Days
6D
- Indoor - Wednesday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
6K
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
6W
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
6S
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
Swimming
- 6D - Thursday
- 6S - Friday
- 6K - Friday
- 6W - Friday
Letters sent home this week
Canvas Competition
You may have noticed our wonderful canvases around the school in the style of Keith Haring. These encompass the skills and attributes that the children gain during their time at West leigh - they are what make us so special!
However - we think that we are missing some key canvases and we would love to add a piece of art to represent each of our Golden Values to hang proudly in reception.
These should be in the style of Keith Haring but can be presented simply - we just need to see the idea for how the value will be represented.
Our canvases will be titled:
- We show...empathy
- We show...integrity
- We show...responsibility
If your child wishes to submit a design, please hand these in to Mrs London by Monday 10th November. Children can submit an entry for one of the values, or for all three!
Online Safety
Memes are everywhere - quick, witty, and wildly shareable. For many young people, they are more than jokes: they’re a way to connect, express themselves and interpret the world. But behind the humour, there can be risks. This guide helps adults understand how memes work and why they matter to young people today.
From misinformation to insensitive jokes and permanent digital footprints, this guide highlights the potential pitfalls of meme culture. With practical tips on digital literacy, empathy and open conversations, it empowers parents to help children navigate online humour in a thoughtful, safe, and respectful way.
Food Tasting Group
If your child is a fussy eater or has a negative relationship with food, they can join a food tasting group, due to start after half term. The aim of the group is to introduce children to a variety of foods and build their confidence to try new things. The sessions will run until February half term and in January parents will be invited in to cook with their children and explore recipes using some of the foods we have tasted.
Please register your interest with Mrs Atkin via the school office and she will be in touch with more details.
Dinner Menu
Week 2
Monday - Homemade Tomato and Vegetable Wholemeal Pasta Bake with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Doughnuts
Tuesday - All Day Breakfast (Sausage, Beans and Hasg Brown) - Vegetarian All Day Breakfast (Vegetarian Sausage, Beans and Hasg Brown) Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Scrambled Egg and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Jelly
Wednesday - Traditional Roast Chicken in Gravy - Quorn in Vegetable Gravy - Granary Baguette with Egg Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Carrots and Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Chocolate Prune Cake
Thursday - Homemade Lasagne - Homemade Vegetables and 5 Bean Lasagne - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Garlic Bread and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Biscuit
Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable and Cheese Bake - Granary Baguette with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Chips, Sweetcorn, Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh fruit, Yoghurt or Ice Cream Sponge
School News
This morning, the school was filled with the spirit of giving as children arrived carrying bags brimming with tinned and packet foods for our harvest collection for Southend Food bank. From soups and cereals to pasta and pulses, the generosity on display was truly overwhelming.
We were absolutely blown away by the kindness and thoughtfulness shown by our families. Your donations will make a real difference to those in need within our local community, and we are incredibly grateful.
A huge thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support and for giving so generously. Together, we are helping to ensure that no one in Southend goes without.
Sports News
Gosfield Cut Hedge Cross-Country Competition
Well done to our cross-country team who competed at Gosfield School on Wednesday in a cross-country competition. The competition has taken place for the last 57 years so we decided it was finally time for West Leigh to join in on the fun! The children have trained over the last few weeks and competed magnificently in their races. It was a rugged and undulating course with plenty of natural obstacles to contend with! For many, it was their first time competing in a cross-country event. We hope to see the children continue with their passion for running... perhaps with a Junior ParkRun this Sunday?
Inspirational Person - Rebecca Young
For our first inspirational person of the year, we have found out about the amazing work of Rebecca Young. At just 11 years old, she designed a solar powered heated blanket that could be used by homeless people in the winter. We discussed the fact that age is not a barrier to having impact in the world. She demonstrated our golden value of empathy by putting herself into the shoes of homeless people; she thought about their difficulties and came up with a practical way to help. Rebecca has been awarded Times magazine's Girl of the Year Award.
Our Showbie challenge is to select one of the other Time magazine winners and create a poster to showcase their achievements and describe how they represent our Golden Values. Please upload entries to the Inspirational Person folder on Showbie, or put named posters on Mrs London's desk. There are prizes available for entering!
The girls to choose from are listed below:
- Rutendo Shadaya, 17, an advocate for young authors in New Zealand
- Coco Yoshizawa, 15, an Olympic gold-medalist in Japan
- Valerie Chiu, 15, a global science educator in China
- Zoé Clauzure, 15, an anti-bullying campaigner in France
- Clara Proksch, 12, a scientist prioritizing child safety in Germany
- Ivanna Richards, 17, a racing driver breaking stereotypes in Mexico
- Kornelia Wieczorek, 17, a biotech innovator in Poland
- Defne Özcan, 17, a trailblazing pilot in Turkey
- Naomi S. DeBerry, 12, an organ donation advocate and children's book author in the United States
House Points
School Admissions
Autumn 2 Term Diary Dates
November
- Monday 3rd - Newsies Jr Auditions Year 3
- Tuesday 4th - Year 6 visit to IWM Duxford
- Wednesday 5th - Year 6 Basketball Competition
- Year 6 Book Look 3.30 - 3.45pm
- Thursday 6th - Year 5/6 Football vs Fairways
- Friday 7th - Team Challenge
- Monday 10th - Parent Council Meeting
- Tuesday 11th - Flu Immunisations
- Wednesday 12th - Year 5 Book Look 3.30 - 3.45pm
- Year 4 Dodgeball Competition
- Father David Assembly for Upper School
- Thursday 13th - Coastal Schools (4SW)
- Year 6 Basketball Competition
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Area Heats
- Father David Assembly for Lower School
- Friday 14th - Children in Need
- Year 5/6 Boys' Football
- Monday 17th - Friday 21st - Year 6 Test Week
- Tuesday 18th - Year 5 Performance to Parents @ 2.15pm - 5N and 5A
- Wednesday 19th - Year 6 - Young Shakespeare Macbeth
- Year 4 Book Look 3.30 - 3.45pm
- Year 6 Dodgeball Competition
- Thursday 20th - Year 5 Performance to Parents @ 2.15pm - 5G and 5F
- Monday 24th - Wednesday 3rd - Assessment Weeks for Years 3 - 5
- Monday 24th - Friday 28th - Book Fair
- Coastal Schools (4C)
- Wednesday 26th - Year 3 Book Look 3.30 - 3.45pm
- Goalball Competition
- Friday 28th - Non-Uniform Day - Christmas Fayre donations
- Saturday 29th - Christmas Fayre
December
- Tuesday 2nd - Flu Immunisation mop-up
- Year 3 Presentation to Parents @ 2.15pm - 3M and 3H
- Wednesday 3rd - Year 3 Christmas Decoration Morning
- Thursday 4th - Year 5 Christmas Decoration Morning
- Year 3 Presentation to Parents @ 2.15pm - 3T and 3L
- Friday 5th - Christmas Decorations Years 4 and 6 - times TBC
- Kurling Competition
- Boccia Competition
- Year 6 Santa Netball
- Monday 8th - Rehearsal at St Margaret's AM
- Tuesday 9th - Coastal Schools (4B)
- Christmas Carol Service @ 7pm
- Wednesday 10th - Handball Competition (Year 6)
- Friday 12th - Christmas Gift Sale
- Friday 19th - INSET DAY
- Monday 22nd - Friday 2nd January - Christmas Break
Credits:
Created with images by mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date." • ImageFlow - "Kid boy with phone, cybersecurity hologram and padlock circuit" • ROHE Creative Studio - "A young boy leans on the table, refusing to eat his vegetables and drink orange juice, displaying boredom and reluctance.,Perfect for illustrating picky eating habits in children." • ercan senkaya - "full lunch service station" • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers. All contents are made up." • Dusan Petkovic - "Adorable curious caucasian little girl with eyeglasses standing in bookstore and reading interesting book. All around are books on shelves." • Win Nondakowit - "Kid hand with trophy cup" • AungMyo - "Silhouette of happy children standing with raised hands on the mountain at the sunset time." • 78art - "PTAの文字と色鉛筆" • mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date."