Weekly Newsletter
21st April 2023

The Summer Term began with a warm welcome to all Nursery and Prep families this week, especially our new families. The children seemed very happy to be back at school and were excited to help their new friends settle in.

Year 5 began the series of residential trips for the junior classes this term, starting with an adventurous trip to Winmarleigh Hall. They have thoroughly enjoyed all the challenging activities including canoeing, fencing, archery, buggy building and orienteering. 

Next week, please come along to our Open Afternoon on Thursday 27th April, 2.00pm to 3.30pm, possibly with a friend who is not yet in the AKS family, to explore Nursery and Prep in action. We look forward to seeing you to there!

Amanda Ilhan

Nursery

This week, Pre-School have been learning all about the life cycle of a butterfly. We developed our cutting skills whilst creating the life cycle and made symmetrical butterfly wings to fly around the room!

We also practised writing our names on caterpillars. 

The Nursery Team

Reception

The Reception children have really enjoyed the sunny weather this week. The opportunity to eat their snacks outside and play outdoors without a coat caused great excitement! 

We also started our after school Sports Club with the sun shining, but with very windy conditions. We are all looking forward to starting our first school swimming lessons next week and have been discussing rules and safety in and around the pool, as well as how the children feel about it. 

Miss Allen and Mrs Walsh

Year 1

Now that we are back at school once again, sounds have been an important focus as we anticipate the Year 1 phonics screening test. We were delighted that the children knew all their sounds during the phonics games and earned lots of house points.  

More competitive challenges followed as we planted sunflower seeds. How might we help our seeds to grow well? Can we encourage them to be as tall as possible? Watch this space! 

Mrs Smith and Mrs Brooker

Mrs Bleasdale

Year 3 have enjoyed a brilliant week of learning and cross-curricular topic work.

In English, we started looking at the Theseus and the Minotaur myth, and in Art, we designed Ancient Greek vases and jars. 

In Maths, we investigated money and used our problem-solving skills for adding and subtracting.

We explored the local environment in our sight and sound walk for Outdoor Learning. 

Mrs Blinston and Mr Worthington

Year 4 has expanded this term with three new pupils. We warmly welcome Ben, Harriet and Genevieve.

This week, we have completed our sound maps in our Outdoor Learning lesson. There were lots of sounds to hear.

We have started our new topic looking at early Baghdad and discussed 'The Silk Road.' We found out lots of different items were traded along these routes which went through Baghdad.

Mrs Briggs

Year 5 shared a wonderful experience on their residential school trip this week, challenging themselves to go higher, work as a team, help their friends and solve problems.

For some it was their first time away from home, so this was the biggest challenge. The sun shone and we had an amazing time!

Mrs Whitaker 

In Art, the children enjoyed hat making this week. They learned how to make a crown and attach a brim before adding other decorative features. Well done Noah and Joe for creating a very detailed and intricate practice piece. 

In Sport, the children started their tennis lessons with expert coaching from Mr Walmsley and Mr Holmes. Well done Brody and Sam for showing excellent skills when reading and reacting to an incoming ball. 

Finally, in PSHE this week, the children have been learning how to keep healthy as they grow and how mental and physical health are linked. Well done Evie and Sienna for explaining the importance of maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle and the side effects of sleep deprivation. 

Mr Avis and Mr Rice