This week’s message (Friday 22 September 2023)
Thanks to all of you who took part in our Summer Competition this year. Check out the pics on this News page – we love them!
Please remember we’ve a vacancy for parent governor on the governing board of Sphere Federation. If you’ve got some time to commit to the role, please consider helping to contribute to the strategic leadership of Scholes (Elmet) Primary and Sphere Federation as a whole. Read more about the role. If you’re interested, please submit an expression of interest by 22 September 2023. Please use this form.
The rest of this week’s message comes from Mr Wilks, who oversees all the topics in school…
Before we dive in to talk about this term’s topic, here’s a bit of background about topics and what they look like…
What do we mean by topics?
Topics are the vehicle for delivering much of the learning in foundation subjects (history, art, geography, for example). Each half-termly topic has a driving subject – the main focus for teaching your child the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. The driver changes with each topic.
Although there’s a focus on one subject in each topic, there are opportunities for enrichment through other subjects. For example, learning in a history driven subject may be enriched by observational drawing of an artefact. In this example, the enricher is art.
For more information about the intent, implementation and impact of our topics, click here.
What is this half-term’s topic?
This half-term we’re geographers. The topic is called Where in the world am I?
We’re focusing on the geography of the United Kingdom and helping to develop children’s sense of where they live through the use of fieldwork. As you read about the learning planned in each phase, you’ll see how the learning progresses across the primary age range.
Children in Years 1 and 2 will learn about the different countries that make up the United Kingdom and their capital cities. They’ll learn about the difference between physical and human geography and identify examples of both in the local area. They’ll also learn about the four compass points and use geographical vocabulary to describe what is north, south, east or west of them. A big chunk of the learning will have a focus on fieldwork. They’ll think of questions about the locality. For example, what types of trees are growing in the school grounds? They’ll then collect and present data to answer the question.
Children in Years 3 and 4 will develop their locational knowledge by using maps and atlases to locate some of the other cities in the United Kingdom. They’ll learn about counties and use the eight compass points to describe locations. The big focus for this phase is on maps. They’ll learn how to use Ordnance Survey maps and their keys. They’ll learn about four figure grid references and use these to locate features. They’ll then apply this learning more locally by mapping a route in the locality.
Children in Year 5 and 6 will learn about national parks, using maps to locate them. They’ll then learn about urban green spaces and their importance before learning about how Leeds has expanded over time. Importantly, children will get an understanding of how a geographer works by completing fieldwork in the locality. They’ll gather data about the amount of carbon stored in trees and present that data.
How can you help?
To kick off with, check out the links for each phase to explore more about the United Kingdom, Ordnance Survey and national parks.
Regardless of the year group your child is in, Google Earth is a brilliant tool to help develop children’s understanding of their sense of place in the world. Zoom right in on your home and then zoom out to reveal the area of Leeds that you live in. Zoom further out to see what city you live. Zoom further for the county. A little further and you might start to spot some national parks. Further still and you can see the country that we live in. Keep zooming and you’ll see the continent we live in (though this isn’t labelled). Before you know it, you’re floating in space and circling the Earth!
Google Maps is another great tool for investigating where you live. Try the street view option and you can walk along your street. You can even toggle between different data points to see what your house or garden looked like in previous years. (My lack of gardening skills were laid bare in a staff meeting when we compared my unkempt garden in 2019 to the lush, wildlife haven the previous owners had lovingly created in 2008!)
Have a quiz with your child about some locational knowledge to help them remember important information. I’ve listed some examples below. Use the age-related expectations on page 16 to find the right pitch for your child.
- What country do we live in?
- Which county do we live in?
- Which city do we live in?
- Which part of Leeds do we live in?
- Which four countries make up the United Kingdom?
- Which national parks are located in Yorkshire?
If you can, go to the library and get some geography related books, especially an atlas. You could compare maps of the same place to see what type of information they show. For example, you find lots of maps of the United Kingdom. One might show the countries and capital cities. Another might show the mountains, rivers and national parks. Another might give information about the climate.
Children could draw a plan/map of their bedroom with a key. Older children could try to do this for each room of their house. Children could also create a map of a mythical location with an accompanying key.
For children in Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6), there are lots of different games and activities on Ordnance Survey Mapzone. I especially like the jigsaws in the Map Puzzles section of the Games.
Also for KS2 children, there’s a lot of information and some tasks and quizzes on BBC Bitesize.
Nursery open morning
Come and have a look around our happy and healthy Nursery!
Open morning – 10am, Saturday 30 September.
Please enter via the Morwick Grove entrance.
Extreme Reading Winners!
Thank you for your ‘Extreme Reading’ photographs. You made the job of judging really hard. After lots of deliberating, here are our winners.
From Reception
From Year 3,4
Up, up and away
Another from Y3,4 – very brave!
From Y5,6
This week’s message (Friday 15 September 2023)
We ended our message last week by saying ‘Children settled into the new school year really well’. Two weeks in and we’re really pleased to see our children coming to school with great attitudes and behaviour, perfectly living up to our aim: happy and healthy learners.
- ’I’m optimistic that I’m going to do even better than I did last year with my learning.’
- ’I feel really happy to be in a new classroom with a new teacher. I’ve settled in well because I’m always getting involved in the learning.’
- ’I’m excited to be in a new class because it means I can make some new friends. I feel confident in my learning and ready to keep improving.’
Last week’s message had some important messages for the year ahead. We mentioned our expectations on home learning and uniform and behaviour, amongst other things – check back to last week’s message in case you missed it.
Governing board vacancy
We’ve a vacancy for parent governor on the governing board of Sphere Federation.
No special qualifications are needed other than dedication, commitment, enthusiasm – and time to commit to the role. Read more about the role.
If you’re interested in the role, please submit an expression of interest by 22 September 2023. Please use this form.
Reception children
We started this week’s message by saying how pleased we are to see our children coming to school with great attitudes and behaviour, perfectly living up to our aim: happy and healthy learners. This includes children who have started with us in Reception – we’ve got stuck straight into learning phonics.
Just so you’re aware, we’re currently carrying out a Reception Baseline Assessment, something we’re required to do by the Department for Education. Read their leaflet for more information.
Vaping
Regularly, there are some horrible news stories, such as this one, about even young children ending up in hospital because of vaping.
It’s likely that the UK will follow other countries in banning disposable vapes.
At the moment, it’s illegal to sell vaping products to children and young people under 18. This is because of the risks involved:
- The short-term side effects of vaping include throat and mouth irritation, headache, cough and feeling sick.
- The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, they are still too new for there to have been proper research.
- Nicotine is highly addictive. There is also a risk when non-smokers try vaping, they might move on to try more harmful cigarettes and drugs.
- There are also illegal vapes being sold that contain dangerous levels of lead, nickel and chromium.
Check out this new guidance for parents and carers who might be worried about their child vaping.
This week’s message continues with three important messages about Living and Learning for the year ahead. As always, please speak with your child’s class teacher or with Miss Hague if you’ve any questions, comments or concerns.
Cooking sessions and allergies
Across the year, your child will take part in sessions to prepare three snacks or meals:
- Year 1 and 2: banana sandwich, fruit salad, wraps
- Year 3 and 4: leek and potato soup, pitta pizza, salad and dressing
- Year 5 and 6: lentil and vegetable soup, omelette, a tomato sauce base
Read a shortened version of our Cooking and Nutrition plan for more detail of the sessions across the year. (We’re in Year A of a two year cycle for the plans.)
If your child has an allergy, please make sure you tell us. Contact the school office.
8Rs for learning
Talking of food…
This week in Living and Learning sessions, your child’s been thinking about eight different ‘ingredients’ for being a great learner. Check them out. Have a chat with your child about the different Rs:
- Does your child demonstrate some Rs really well?
- Are there other Rs they might need to work on, and if so, how?
Relationships and sex education
In the Summer term, there are specific sessions where we teach about this, but aspects of our policy may come up at any time. When you’ve got time, have a read of our policy – Section 9 and the table on page 11 might be especially useful.
Have a happy and healthy weekend.
Staying safe and secure
Many of you are aware that there have been some safeguarding concerns in Leeds schools today. The concerns affected only some Leeds schools – we were not affected. Be assured that if we had become aware of anything that compromised safeguarding, we would make sure you were informed.
We have comprehensive site security and safeguarding arrangements in place at all times. The advice from the local authority remains the same as always: continue to adhere to these robustly.
Please be assured that we place your child’s safety as the highest priority.
This week’s message (Friday 08 September 2023)
Another school year – welcome back.
And, just as importantly, welcome to all our new parents, carers and children, whether in Early Years or to those who have join us in other classes in school.
Our first weekly message of the year has some important information for the year ahead at Scholes (Elmet) Primary School…
Dates for the year
Key dates for the school year are in our school calendar. We’re preparing a list for you to print out and have ready to check, too.
Attendance
Last year’s attendance rate across England was 92.5% – a figure which is considerably lower than before Covid.
We’re really pleased that last year’s attendance at Scholes (Elmet) Primary was 95.3% – let’s see if we can beat that this year.
Read this help helpful guide from the NHS to decide if your child is ill enough to have to miss learning.
Homework
This Homework Guide sets out what we expect children to do and why. Reading, spellings, times tables and number facts are essential for all children to be confident with. The focus of your support at home should be ideally around these areas. Your comments in the Reading Record book (at least once a week) are really helpful for your child’s teacher.
Every child in Key Stage 1 and 2 has a Reading Record. Please sign the Reading Record so we know your child has been reading at home. You might also include a comment that relates to how they got on. In the Key Stage 2 Reading Record book, there are activities – one of these is set by the teacher each week. There are other activities for children to engage with in the Reading Record, too.
Your child’s first Talk Time task is published today.
Check out the weekly Living and Learning theme in our school calendar, too – there are more learning ideas here (usually showing on each Monday of the school year).
Each child in Key Stage 1 and 2 has a new homework book. The book is for your child to practise spellings, writing, times tables and number facts. It doesn’t need to be sent back to school.
Uniform
A uniform develops a sense of belonging, prevents competition and saves money. Wearing school colours helps us to keep up our high standards of behaviour. Please make sure your child is following our Uniform Policy. If we notice any problems, we’ll send home a reminder. A few things come up most often:
Hair: Long hair should be tied back, and hair accessories should be small and simple (this is so that it does not distract from learning and for hygiene reasons)
Jewellery, watches and other accessories: Only plain stud earrings (no more than 4mm wide) and items that are absolutely required by a religion are allowed. Advisors recommend no earrings are worn for PE; therefore, we’ll ask your child to remove earrings before the lesson. This needs to be done by the child. If they’re unable to remove or put their earrings back in by themselves, they must not wear them on the day they have PE.
PE kit: Keep it simple and non-branded – check out page 2 of our policy for a handy guide.
Our school rules
We’ve three school rules:
- We’re respectful.
- We’re ready.
- We’re safe.
Help at home. Talk with your child about the rules:
- Make sure your child knows the three rules.
- Is one more important than another?
- Is there a rule that your child thinks is missing and should be included?
- Make a link between our school rules and home: are there similar rules in your home?
- Discuss these rules and other rules in a wider context, including the country’s laws.
Read our full Positive Relationships Policy.
Reading in Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, once children have become independent readers, they’re involved in the process of choosing what book they read at home. To make sure children read a wide range of suitable texts, we rotate between ‘solo reading’ and ‘group reading’:
- solo reading happens in the first half-term of each term: Autumn 1, Spring 1 and Summer 1
- group reading happens in the second half-term: Autumn 2, Spring 2 and Summer 2
So, this half-term is solo reading – each child in class has taken home their own book.
- Each child’s book is checked by the teacher to make sure it’s appropriate in both content and challenge – please check that your child’s reading a book at what seems like the right level, so they can read it fluently and enjoy it.
- Your child should read the book at home on a daily basis – 10-15 minutes should be the minimum.
- In ‘Book Club’ sessions, teachers may direct children to an activity to complete alongside their reading for that week.
- A signed Reading Record allows parents to communicate with their child’s teacher that reading at home has happened regularly – please make sure your child is reading at home, and add comments in the Reading Record.
- In the weekly ‘Book Club’ session, children discuss their book with their class mates and celebrate a love of reading.
As always, contact school if you’ve any questions or concerns about anything we’ve said here.
Children settled into the new school year really well this week. It’s likely they’ll feel tired after a busy (and hot!) week back. Have a restful, happy and healthy weekend.
Is your child starting in Year 6? You can now apply online for a Year 7 place.
Nursery open morning: Saturday 30 September, 10am
Come and have a look around our happy and healthy Nursery!
We’re holding an open morning on Saturday 30 September at 10am.
No need to book, just turn up!
15 & 30 hour places available for 3 & 4 year olds.
This week’s message (Friday 21 July 2023)
This is our last message of the school year. We hope you and your child have had a good one. Thank you for all your support throughout the year – it’s always very much appreciated.
You might remember a few months ago we celebrated the sporting achievements of one of our pupils. He goes from strength to strength: at the weekend, he came an amazing third in the Taekwondo International World Championships. Well done!
Perhaps his next challenge is to do some extreme reading at the same time…
Extreme reading
We’re already getting some entries through for our Summer Competition this year. Here at Scholes (Elmet) Primary, we love reading and thought we’d celebrate that this year with the theme of extreme reading. Here’s a couple of pics – one from Scholes and one from another Sphere Federation school – we love them!
To enter, email your pics to scholesoffice@spherefederation.org by Friday 08 September. Enter ‘Summer competition’ as the subject. All entries will be displayed in school, and there are prizes for our favourites.
Talking of reading, check out the Leeds Libraries Summer Challenge.
Our school day
A reminder…
From September 2023, the school day starts at 8.45am and ends at 3.15pm every day. This is to meet the government’s expectation for a minimum school week of 32.5 hours.
In the schools white paper published in March 2022, the government announced that all mainstream, state-funded schools would be expected to deliver a minimum school week of 32.5 hours by September 2023. The white paper was subsequently abandoned. However, an email from the Department for Education this week reiterates this expectation.
Measles
The following comes from the Department for Education for all parents and carers to read.
Measles can be very serious and spreads easily. Children and adults who contract measles can end up in hospital or suffer long term health consequences. In rare cases, it can be fatal.
Measles is completely preventable with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose is offered to children at 1 year of age and the second dose at 3 years and 4 months. Measles outbreaks happen when not enough children have been vaccinated and can be very disruptive in educational settings.
Schools are also encouraged to remind parents to check that their children’s vaccines are up to date. You can catch up on your MMR vaccine through your GP whatever your age.
Read more about the MMR vaccination.
Whatever you get up to, have a very happy and healthy summer. We’ll see you again on Tuesday 05 September – remember the 8.45am start!
Scholes in Bloom
We met the Britain in Bloom judges today, with the winner of the flowerbed competition showing off her design. We talked about the litter picking we had done, plants we had grown and how proud we were of our beautiful village.
