9th May 2025
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Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am
Friday 16th May – Reception – National Child Measurement Programme
Monday 19th May – Year 6 PGL information session – 4.15pm
Wednesday 21st May – Tea & Talk: Nursery to Reception – 8.50am
Thursday 22nd May – Year 1 beach and park trip
Friday 6th June – PTA Summer Fete
18th June – KS2 Sports Day – Yr 3 & 4 – 9.30am – 11am Yr 5 & 6 – 1.45pm – 3pm
7th July – EYFS &Yr 1 & 2 Sports Day – 9.30am – 11am
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Dear parents and carers,
The SATs season is here. Next week our children in year six have their assessments for reading, maths and GPS (grammar, punctuation and spelling). This is followed by writing moderation and gives the overall outcome across the core subjects for children at the end of the primary years. I know that there are differing views on the purpose of the SATs and the impact that they have. It can be said that;
SATs results are a collective measure. They are used to show the quality of education within a school including the rating of the school in league tables. They influence school choice. They form part of the Ofsted outcome.
SATs results are a personal measure. They show the attainment and progress of each individual child. They show personal achievement. They prepare children for their next steps and pathways.
The phrase “Key Stage 2 SATs” can be a trigger for stress in teachers, parents and children across the country.
We know that positive health and wellbeing contributes to our children’s ability to flourish, thrive and achieve well. We support our year 6 to navigate change and the SATs season academically and emotionally.
Across year 6 there is a shared culture of growth and going for goals. They show ambition and determination. Our learning and life skills play an important part at this time with children applying the skills they have learned.
Our approach includes teaching positive coping skills including how to communicate how you feel and how to manage when you encounter something difficult or upsetting. We find that by making space to talk about these things, it not only gives our children ‘permission’ to express how they feel but helps them to understand that emotions are global experiences common to everyone, which helps counter worries. Space is given in response to need but also planned for key times. This includes the run up to SATs and during the week. Every morning at SATS breakfast, staff and children come to school early for a healthy start to the day. Some children are excited; we know those that thrive on challenge and are looking forward to the tests. There is emphasis on each individual’s experience – everyone will get different results and personal success.
Mrs Wheeler always provides the wanted ‘fist bump’ or calming techniques, should they be needed. The staff are at hand with pep talks and ‘praise’. There is a collection of emotion around this time, including a tangible sense of belonging. I am proud of their personal progress and ambition and wish them all the best next week.
I have seen each and every child develop and grow in a number of ways, with celebration of achievements along the way. Their last end of year report will share those highlights, memorable moments, attainment across the curriculum and their personal development. The teachers pass on their interests and talents shared with our secondary school colleagues so that they are aware from the outset the scientists, musicians, sports enthusiasts and artists.
To be honest, the summer term with the SATS season, year six residential, transition and end of year traditions for year six brings a range of emotions to children, parents and staff. It gets me, every year!
As always, enjoy your family time together. For those in year six, have a fun weekend, enjoy some down time, all the work is done. Rest. Sleep well and see you on Monday at breakfast.
Mrs Nicholls
To year 6 – wishing you the BEST of LUCK with your SATS next week. I know how much effort you have all put in to being prepared —not just during lessons, but in tutoring, homework and even during the holidays. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you and wish you the very best in your SATs next week.
You are ready. You are prepared. You will succeed. You've got this!
Mrs Hahn
SATs don’t show belonging or the goodness in your heart
SATs don’t show your talent in music, sport or art
SATs will show your determination and focus to achieve
SATs will show your confidence and the fact that you believe
THAT you are all amazing and we know you will succeed
Mrs Bermon
Good luck to all of the children with their SATs next week. We are incredibly proud of all the hard work you have put in. Thank you to all those children that have attended tutoring and all those that have been doing extra work. This will, no doubt improves your results and make you even more prepared for secondary school. Now is the time to shine, prove what you can do and to show us what you are truly capable of. Keep your nerve and remember all that you have been taught. We are all rooting for you and are very proud of your achievements. If you were wondering what they are used for, secondary schools do use these results to make predictions for your GCSEs. Ensure you sleep well and rest over the weekend and we look forward to seeing you all for breakfast in the hall on Monday at 8.15. Good luck!
Mrs Dunne
in the spotlight
VE Day – 80th Anniversary
All around the academy, children have been getting ready for celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE day. A time to commemorate and reflect on the End of World 2 and all those who fought in it. Pupils have discussed how families may have felt and reacted to the announcement by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, on the 8th May 1945 that World War II had finally come to an end in Europe.
Where are all the men?
What are the women thinking?
What food would there have been?
In classrooms, children looked at photographs of VE day street parties, listened to veteran interviews and reflected on the sacrifices made during the conflict and why it is so important to remember all those involved.
We listened to a new song from the Royal British Legion called I’ll Remember
Each class created their own special bunting and enjoyed a traditional fishfingers and chips VE day lunch.
Book Fair
The Book Fair is back next week and will be open on Wednesday 14th May – Friday 16th May from 3.15pm in the main hall. Please collect your child first and enter the hall via the main office, for safeguarding purposes do not enter via the playground.
Tea & Talk
Parents of our nursery children moving into reception in September are invited to join Miss Wise at our next Tea and Talk on Wednesday 21st May at 8.50am. She will be discussing the transition from nursery to reception and how you can best support your child.
Parents of those children attending this year’s PGL are invited to an information session with Mrs Dunne on Monday 19th May. She will explain the daily activities available and the routines and what items your child will need to bring with them.
Year 4 trip to the Natural History Museum
Last week year 4 had the most fantastic trip to the Natural History Museum in London.
We started our day by travelling through central London by coach which meant we all had the best view of many of London’s incredible sights such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square,
Our main focus at the museum was attending a special show about life in the ocean and how humans can impact it in both positive and negative ways. It was really interactive and the children took part in an exciting journey to the deepest part of the sea – including meeting a giant squid!
The rest of the day was spent exploring the sea life galleries as well as taking in the museum’s most iconic exhibits. The children were truly mesmerised by seeing the dinosaurs, the gigantic blue whale and experiencing an earthquake simulator. Many children made links with what they saw to learning they had completed from year 3 as well.
The teachers were so proud of the good behaviours demonstrated by the children throughout making us thoroughly proud of them all. We would also like to extend a big thank you to our parent volunteers for helping make the day a real success.
Secondary school open days 2026
NCMP
The School Nursing Team will be visiting school on Friday 16th May to deliver the National Child Measurement Programme.
If you are happy for your child to be measured, you do not need to do anything. If you DO NOT want your child’s height and weight to be checked, or your child has a medical condition that affects their height or weight, you must OPT OUT. You can withdraw your child from the programme by completing the form on School Screener online web portal or contacting the School Nursing Team on 01702 534843. To confirm, if there no action is taken your child will automatically take part in the programme.
Cliffs Pavilion Pantomime Tickets – Cinderella
You shall go to the ball this Christmas with Rylan, who will be starring in this year's pantomime, Cinderella, at the Cliffs Pavilion as the ‘Fairy Godfather’!
We have a limited supply of tickets available for sale on ParentPay for the 7pm performance on Saturday 13th December 2025.
All tickets are downstairs in the side and rear stalls area of the Cliffs Pavilion. We are selling them for just £28 each, a fantastic saving on the full price! Any profit raised by organising this event will be used to promote the arts within Darlinghurst Academy.
Book your tickets before the clock strikes midnight on Friday 12th September 2025!
Darlinghurst Academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
Contact Us
T. 01702 478379