January 2012

Dear Parents

Firstly, a very warm welcome back to school to all pupils and families! I hope everyone had an excellent festive period and Santa was kind to everyone! I wish you all the very best for 2012. I would like to say a huge thank you for all of my cards and fantastic gifts; as ever they are very much appreciated. This is a very important term for the pupils as we begin our countdown to the SATS assessments that begin in May 2012. I will hold a meeting for all parents and carers on Monday 30 January at 4.30pm in the school hall to talk about the assessment timetable. Samples of assessment materials will be available to demonstrate the content and expectations. Some support materials have been ordered and will be available to take away on the evening. If you cannot attend this meeting please let me know and I will pass any vital information to you in writing. Please find relevant information regarding our timetable and staffing arrangements listed below. Additional information has been sent out to give full details of booster classes and 1-to-1 tuition.

Class timetable

• My PPA time will now be on a Friday afternoon. The class will be covered by Mr P Netherwood and the pupils will have outdoor PE using the astroturf facility in Shafton Park. Pupils will require a warm outdoor kit and a suitable change of footwear. Our other PE lesson will continue to take place on a Thursday afternoon with ECB cricket coach Mr Baulk. Pupils should bring an indoor PE kit consisting of a white t-shirt, black shorts/skirt and pumps.
• Our class will be supported by Mrs Grace (Literacy), Mr Booth and Mrs Emson (SEN).

• Curriculum

• Naturally Year 6 has a very busy curriculum timetable! Most of this term will focus on basic skills in Literacy and Numeracy whilst providing ample opportunities for pupils to use and apply their independent skills in reading, writing, maths and science. Our weekly booster classes will ensure that pupils consider what they are doing well and what they need to do next to improve. Your child should have their new targets at home already for reading and maths- the writing targets will be sent home soon.

• Other useful information

• Homework will continue to be sent home weekly in the form of a class letter. The homework will usually consist of one formal piece to be returned and one factual piece to try and learn to support progress. Homework is usually returned on a Wednesday. Please ensure that you sign and return your child’s homework diary along with the homework so that I can provide instant and clear feedback.

• Your continued support is much appreciated.

Mr L McClure