Headteacher Message

 Hello all,

I have really enjoyed this week and that is because I have been able to spend a lot of time in class and, in particular, spend some time in the nursery.  I think that spending time in a nursery should be compulsory for all world leaders. The sheer joy and positivity that exists within our nursery needs to be bottled and shared with all. I will give you an example. I spent the lunch break with a new arrival at the school who had recently turned three years old. Unsurprisingly, he was not that keen on sitting at a table and waiting patiently for everyone to finish. But, he did everything with a huge smile on his face and with such wonder at the world that it was a really enjoyable lunch break. When we returned to nursery, some of the afternoon cohort were on their way in and the way this child greeted one of their new friends was absolutely heart-warming.  This child does not currently speak very much English, but the universal language of hugs and kisses tells you all you need to know.

We had a full governing body meeting this week, and I was able to share some good news about our Year 6 results.  19% of last year's cohort achieved the highest standard in all three assessed subjects, reading, writing and maths.  The national figure for this measurement is 8% and the figure for Kingston schools is 13% and Richmond is 17%. We are above both national and other Richmond schools. I tend not to dwell on results too much as it is the development of the whole child from their starting point that matters to me, but this shows that you can be a highly inclusive school and achieve very good results. In fact, catering for those children who need more stretching is inclusive in itself and this shows that our provision is doing this. 

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Joe Porter

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 is different about Colin and Lee? What can Lee do that Colin can’t do? What can Colin do that Lee can’t do? Why can they be 'the best of friends'? 

Peake -  Can you remember any of the animals that were hiding in the poem Spots and Stripes? (tigers, zebras, fish, dogs, beetles, leopards)

Weir - How do illustrations support your understanding of narratives (stories)?

Walker - What season are we in? Can you spot any signs of autumn when you're out and about this weekend?

Newton - What do you like about the city? What do you dislike? Why?

Thunberg - What do you predict happened to the young thief who stole the girl's bag of acorns? What makes you think this?

Darwin - What is your favourite poem? Why do you like it?

Attenborough - Do you think Da will approve of Isabella going into the Forgotten Territories? What else can we write to convince him?

Parks - How did Jim escape from the workhouse? If you were Tip, would you have gone with Jim? Why do you think Tip didn't go?