Headteacher Message

Hello all,

The sun is shining and spirits are high here at base camp. Preparations are well underway for this afternoon's barbecue, and we hope to feed and hydrate all those who attend.  It should all run smoothly, but please bear with us if there are logistical issues. The logistics team here try to think of all eventualities, but something always crops up and catering for over 100 people is never easy. I look forward to seeing many of you at the barbecue.

This week we have been reflecting on the progress of our children. We have also had time to look at our Key Stage 2 results for our Year 6 cohort. They have done very well, achieving above the national average for Reading and Writing with all children included. I say all children included, because we did not ask 4 children to sit the tests. This is because they were not working at the level to access the tests. These children are included in our published data, which means there is already a ceiling to what we can achieve compared to schools which don’t have an SRP. This sounds like a negative, but I don't see it as this because each one of those four individuals has made fantastic progress during their time at Darell. They have all made progress from their starting points and this needs to be celebrated and not seen as a negative in terms of our published results.  There are no published Key Stage 1 results this year, but I can tell you that we have performed above the national average in our Year 4 multiplication tests, year 1 phonics screening check and the EYFS profile. A small caveat here. These results are currently provisional, and we will publish them on our website when they have been verified.

I am pleased about these results but actually feel more pride in the fact that we have proved that you can run a school that treats every child as an individual and nurtures them through their time at Darell and also enables them to perform well academically. I always view our job as facilitating all of our children to leave as well-rounded, happy individuals.  Can anyone help me off my high horse!? Time to get on with the day. Hats on, drink plenty of fluids and I will hopefully see you later.  

Joe      

Office Updates

Clubs go live on Arbor on Monday, 22nd July. There are still some amendments to be made, and you will be updated in the autumn term.

Communications

Sent Home

• Individual - Payment reminders
• Nursery - Chicken Pox Medical advice letter
• Whole school - Scarlet fever medical advice letter

The Reading Corner

Welcome to our weekly section of the newsletter all about reading. Every week, we will share a question (or two) with you about the book your child is reading in school. Please use these questions to help you find out a little more about what your child has been reading in school and continue to develop their love of reading.

Wonder - What helps Jabari to have a go and jump off of the diving board? (Coming down and taking a rest, doing his stretches, listening to his dad, taking a deep breath and telling himself 'I am ready')

Peake - What changes did you observe in the peppered moth as we read the book? Can you explain why these changes happened? 

Weir - Which book are you looking forward to reading this summer? Was it recommended to you?

Thunberg - What has been your favourite book in Year 3? Why?

Darwin - Nicholas Lowinger donated shoes to help homeless children. If you had a charity, what would your charity donate?

Attenborough - What was your favourite book of Year 5 and why? Can you find a similar book in your local library for the summer holiday?

Parks - How is ‘The Final Year’ (by Matt Goodfellow) similar to ‘Skellig’ (by David Almond)?

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

The whole class - for making this a fantastic year in Reception! For showing the Darell values of Responsibility, Enjoyment, Aspiration and Equality.  You have all made Rima, Amina and myself very proud!

KS1 Star of the Week

Peake Class

Ada - for living our values of enjoyment and aspiration when writing her diary entry in the role as the Lonely Beast. Well done, Ada, for producing such a fantastic piece of writing!

Weir Class

The whole class - for being the best Year 2 class ever!! I will miss you!

Walker Class

Emily, Loki, Zion, Dineo,Sirimi, Olly & Scarlett - for having a fantastic year in Walker Class, you have worked hard and made great progress with your learning. Well done, everyone!  

Newton Class

Mio - for a fantastic year at Darell.

Thunberg Class

The whole class - for a wonderful year of learning, laughter and fun! You are all stars!

Darwin Class

The whole class - for a magnificent year of fun, learning and growing. Onwards and upwards to Year 5!

Attenborough Class

The whole class - every single one of you because you’re amazing! Thank you for all your hard work and all the laughs!

Parks Class

Felix - for his amazing guitar playing at the Rockbandz performance last week. What a rock star!

Rashford

Zayan - for being a kind and helpful member of the class.

Attendance

Overall, school attendance this week was 92%. Our target is 97%.

Well done to Darwin Class for the highest attendance of 96% this week. 

Let's do our best for next week!