It’s been a jam-packed and exciting first half term, and we’re so proud of everything our pupils have achieved. One of our highlights has been seeing every year group step outside the classroom on a school trip, with each visit offering new experiences, valuable learning, and lots of fun along the way!
We also celebrated the official launch of our new school library, which has quickly become a popular space where children can explore books, spark their imaginations, and enjoy quiet reading time. Another big milestone was the completion of Phase 1 of our outdoor learning space on the school field an important step in our plan to provide more hands-on, outdoor experiences across the curriculum.
We know the children have enjoyed the introduction of Class Dojo points to celebrate positive behaviour across the school. Pupils can now earn points for showing kindness, effort, teamwork, and living our school values. It’s already helping to create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where everyone can succeed. Families can also follow their child’s progress on the Class Dojo app.
To strengthen our connection with families, we’ve also introduced parent drop-in sessions, offering a more informal way to ask questions, share feedback, or access support. Keep an eye out for the next drop in sessions.
Thank you, as always, for your support this half term, we hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable break.
FOPPS NEWS
Thursday 30 October, 12:00pm – Deadline for Class Fundraising cards and gifts
Monday 3 November, 7:00pm – FOPPS Curry Night Fundraiser – everyone welcome and spaces still available
Monday 3 November, deadline for FOPPS Art Competition, see below details
Diary Dates
November
*REMINDER* Monday 3 November – Individual Class Photographs and siblings
Thursday 6 November – Year 3 school trip to Nell Bank – see email for details
Tuesday 11 November – Year 2 school trip to Cliffe Castle – see email for details
*NEW* Tuesday 11 November – Year 6 school trip to Bradford School’s Extravaganza – World Record Edition
Wednesday 12 November – Year 4 to Leeds City Museum – see email for details
Thursday 13 November – Early Years visit REPLAY at Damart Mill
Thursday 13 November – Year 3 visit REPLAY at Damart Mill
Monday 17 November, 3:20pm – 5:30pm – Parents’ Evening – details on how to book will follow soon
Wednesday 19 November, 3:30pm – 6:30pm – Parents’ Evening – details on how to book will follow soon
Friday 21 November – SCHOOL CLOSED FOR DATA DAY
Thursday 27 November, 9:00am – Year 3 Class Assembly – all Year 3 parents and carers welcome
Thursday 27 November, 1:00pm – Year 4 visit to the Methodist Church for Rewind to Christmas
Friday 28 November – FOPPS non uniform day – in exchange for a bottle or chocolate donation for the Winter Fair
*NEW* December
Monday 1 December to Wednesday 3rd December – Year 6 Robinwood Residential
Friday 5 December, Road Safety session for Years 1 to 6
Friday 5 December, 3:05pm – 4:00pm – FOPPS Winter Fair at the Methodist Church – everyone welcome
Tuesday 9 December – Who Lives Next Door At Number 4? It’s a Bradford Mystery with Nursery and Reception
Thursday 11 December, 9:00am – 10:00am – Year 1 and 2 Nativity – parents and families welcome
Friday 12 December, 1:30am – 2:30am – Year 1 and 2 Nativity – parents and families welcome
Monday 15 December, 10:30am – 11:15am – Early Years Nativity – parents and families welcome
Tuesday 16 December, 9:30am – 10:15am – Early Years Nativity – parents and families welcome
Friday 19 December, 1:00pm – 3:00pm – KS2 Carol Concert at Methodist Church – parents and families welcome
Attendance
Our whole school attendance last week was 94%. Please can we remind families that if your child is late to school and do not come through the school gates, this will affect their overall attendance.
Reception – 93.7%
Year 1 – 93.1%
Year 2 – 97%
Year 3 – 96.8%
Year 4 – 94.8%
Year 5 – 95%
Year 6 – 93.5%
Well done to Year 2 who were the only class that achieved our target!
Pride of Priestthorpe
Well done to the following children who received our Pride of Priestthorpe award this week.
Early Years – Elsie and Delilah
Year 1 – Sol and Felicia
Year 2 – Poppy and Rebecca
Year 3 – Vinny and Charlotte
Year 4 – Oliver and Max.O
Year 5 – Sky and Leon
Year 6 – Rufaro and Harper
Early Years
Early Years had an amazing trip to The Little Lancashire Village
Year 1
This week Year 1 have been learning all about position and direction, and positional language.
Year 2
Year 2 visited REPLAY at Damart yesterday. We had a fantastic time!
Year 3
In gymnastics, Year 3 were making different shapes with their bodies. This is the arch.
Year 4
This week, Year 4 have been learning about electrical circuits in science. We then worked in groups to construct our own.
Year 5
In Year 5, we have been exploring the work of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser who loved colour and organic shapes (he despised straight lines). We took inspiration from his work to complete a 2 page spread of our own artwork in the style of Hundertwasser’s. We also used pictures of his work and the man himself to add interest to our artwork. They are not yet finished but still a work in progress…
Year 6
Year 6 have come to the end of their art unit where they have studied various artists. This week they chose their favourite pieces and then designed their own artwork in the style of the of the artists that inspired them.
Important learning information
We use a range of Learning Apps in school, which can also be accessed at home. Please use the links below to practice key skills.
Times Table Rockstars is an award-winning maths learning platform where children can practice their times tables like a rock star! Certificates can be achieved every Thursday for the children who have made the most progress in terms of the biggest increase in accuracy that week. We also run in school competitions.
Times Tables Rock Stars – Times Tables Rock Stars
Accelerated Reader will allow children to read a book and then take an online quiz to test their knowledge and understanding of the text, and receive immediate feedback. Students respond to regular feedback and are motivated to improve their reading skills.
Spelling Shed uses the science of spelling to teach it to pupils. Using phonics as a base and drawing upon proven approaches such as teaching morphology, etymology, and orthographic mapping, as well as teaching spelling patterns. Children are set new activities on here each week.
