Heartsease Primary Academy Newsletter - 18th July 2025

Office update

Diarrhoea/Vomiting

Please be reminded that if you child has an episode of diarrhoea / vomiting they need to be at least 48 hours clear from the last episode before returning to school.

After School Activity clubs

The current after school activity clubs will no longer be running when we return after the Summer break.

Information regarding new clubs will be sent out when we return in September.

Bike Safety on school grounds

For safety please can Parents/carers/children not ride bikes on the path within school grounds, thank you.

Curriculum Overview

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a rich and engaging learning experience, we’re excited to share some updates to our curriculum this term. These changes have been made deliberately after careful consideration and designed to support children’s development across key areas – from handwriting and maths to personal wellbeing and understanding the wider world.

Introducing Kinetic Letters – A New Approach to Handwriting

We’re excited to introduce Kinetic Letters, a dynamic and engaging handwriting programme that helps children develop fluent, legible writing through movement and muscle memory. Rooted in occupational therapy principles, Kinetic Letters supports posture, pencil grip, and letter formation in a fun and structured way. This approach not only improves handwriting but also builds confidence and stamina in young writers. You may notice your child talking about “letter families” or “strong arms” – all part of this exciting new journey!

Arc Maths Mastery

This term, we’re adopting the Arc Maths Mastery approach to deepen children’s understanding of mathematics. Arc focuses on developing arithmetic fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills through carefully sequenced lessons and hands-on learning. Rather than rushing through topics, children will explore concepts in greater depth, helping them build a secure and lasting understanding of key mathematical ideas. We’re confident this approach, alongside our strong approach to maths meetings and arithmetic, will help every child feel more confident and capable in maths.

Jigsaw PSHE

We’re pleased to introduce Jigsaw PSHE, a whole-school programme designed to support children’s personal, social, and emotional development. Jigsaw helps children build emotional literacy, resilience, and positive relationships through engaging, age-appropriate lessons. Each half term focuses on a different theme – such as friendships, self-awareness, or celebrating differences – helping children understand themselves and others in a safe and supportive environment.

Exploring Beliefs with Jigsaw RE

Alongside PSHE, we’re also using Jigsaw RE to enrich our Religious Education curriculum. This programme encourages children to explore a range of world religions and belief systems with curiosity and respect. Through stories, discussions, and reflective activities, children learn about different faiths and cultures, promoting understanding, tolerance, and a sense of global citizenship. Please reach out to school if you would like more information on coverage and content across the curriculum.

Staff changes 25/26

As we reach the end of the school year, we want to take a moment to say thank you and farewell to some valued members of our team who will be moving on. Each has played a special role in our school community, and we are so grateful for the time, care, and dedication they have given to support out pupils and families.

Thank You, Mr Wellard
We say a heartfelt thank you to Mr Wellard, our Deputy Headteacher and Reception teacher, as he moves on at the end of this term. His kindness, dedication, and care have touched the lives of many children and families over the years, especially supporting some of our youngest pupils in early years. We wish him all the very best for the future and into his next chapter. 

Farewell to Mrs Stafford
Mrs Stafford, also Deputy Headteacher, will be leaving us this year. Mrs Stafford has been with Heartsease since 2010, and has had significant impacts on a huge number of pupils, families and staff across her time here. Her calm and thoughtful presence has been greatly valued, and we are truly grateful for the support and care she has shown throughout her time here. We wish her every success in what comes next.

Goodbye to Ms Johnson
We also say goodbye to Ms Johnson, our Forest School teacher, who has brought so much joy and inspiration through outdoor learning, not only at Heartsease but across multiple trust schools. Her creativity and passion have made a lasting impression on staff and pupils, and we thank her for all she has shared with us. Ms Johnson has been a huge part of shaping Heartsease.

Best Wishes to Mrs Tibble
While we’ve always known Mrs Tibble would be leaving at the end of this year, we’re delighted that she will be continuing her journey within the Unity family of schools. We’re so grateful for her time with us and excited for the positive impact she’ll have in her new role.

Welcome Mr Dawson

We’re also very pleased to welcome Mr Dawson to our team in September. He joins us from a fellow Unity school as an experienced Year 6 teacher, and we feel very lucky to have him. We know he will be a fantastic addition to our school community.

Fortnightly class updates and achievements

Ruby Class

Week commencing 30th June

This week, we read, wrote about and learnt the story map for the story 'Beegu'. We began measuring mass in maths. We had one final practise of our skills for sports day, then achieved brilliantly during sports day on Thursday. In Science, we looked at the outcomes from our experiments on cress to see what they needed to thrive; the outcomes of our experiment planting bulbs different ways up; and we went outside to find healthy and unhealthy plants. We enjoyed our school disco.

  Week commencing 7th July

This week, we wrote a retell of Beegu, using the story map. We continued measuring mass in maths. In Geography, we learnt how to draw an aerial view map - using dolls' furniture and 2D shapes. In computing, we created an algorithm for a simple Lego creation. In DT, we revised what a varied diet is and made quesadilla. In outdoor learning, we revised our fraction work from maths - finding given amounts and sharing them in ½ or ¼. We had visits from the pupils who will join our class next year.

Week commencing 14th July

This week, we finished writing the retell of Beegu, some children created their own version of the story. We continued measuring mass in maths. We took our weighing scales into the forest to compare the weights of natural objects. In Geography, we consolidated our skillls of drawing aerial view maps - making a map of a train track. In computing, we followed each others' algorithms for the Lego creations made last week. We did a circle time to say goodbye to our leavers.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 30th June

Connor

For enthusiasm, willing participating in all learning.

   Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 7th July

Alec

For enthusiasm - engaging really well with all work this week.

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Peter

For always working hard and making progress during the whole of his time in Ruby class.

Reception (Jasper / Jade Classes)

Last week our core text was 'Bear shaped', the children brought their teddies in for a Teddy's bear picnic, and we explored feelings around missing people and being kind. 

This week the children have been learning about Trucks, our core text is 'Things that go' (including is on Sports day - we had so much fun)! We have been talking about different names for trucks, the uses of different trucks, to know that trucks play an important job in the world however can also cause problems too! 

The final two weeks our core text has been  'Orchestra of animals'. We had an exciting trip to Africa Alive where we looked at all the animals we have learnt about! We have had a fabulous year and made lots of progress. 

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing Monday 30th June

Jade Class

Zainab

For her incredible effort and participation during sports day. Zainab also created a brilliant truck which linked to our core text this week. Great work Zainab, keep it up!

Jasper Class

Joshy

For being a good role model to his peers, works hard and tries his best in all he does. He has a great attitude to learning and will ask lots of questions to deepen his understanding.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 7th July

Jade Class

Willow

For excellence. She consistently displays the values of the RESPECT Heartsease way, she produces fantastic work and displays a fantastic attitude to learning and collaborating with other pupils - all while keeping a great sense of humour!

Jasper Class

Sophia

Her enthusiasm to learning and determined attitude to complete activities that she finds difficult. She sets good examples to her peers based on the Heartsease way and always volunteers to help.

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Jade Class

Lyas

For growing in confidence and being a fantastic role model to the class.

Jasper Class

Isaac

For always trying his best, having a super attitude and being kind to his friends.

Year 1 (Onyx/Opal Classes)

Year 1 have all been working incredibly hard to develop our presentation in our books so that we are ready for our next adventure into Year 2. We have been enjoying learning our new handwriting routine, remembering our holding fingers and our 3 friends. The Year 1 team would like to wish everyone in Year 1 a very relaxing summer.

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 30th June

Onyx Class

Julia

For trust,  being ready for learning and helping others.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 7th July

Onyx Class

Samuel

For his excellent and consistent attitude towards learning.

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Onyx Class

Cody

For working incredibly hard all year.

Opal Class

Bliss

For democratic improvement in making the right choices and improvement in attitude towards learning.

Year 2 (Amber/Aqua Classes)

What a fantastic last three weeks of this term the children have had. They all took part in sports day with such enthusiasm, despite the heat, well done to everyone. What athletes' we havethere are in year 2! 

We have been reading Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. This is a great book and enjoyed by all. Every reading lesson was met with enthusiasm and a cry at the end of ,'can we read more chapters?' 

In our math lessons we have been working on fractions , learning about equivalent fractions , unit and non-unit fractions. We also completed lessons on statistics,  looking at ways of analyzing, interpreting, presenting, and organizing data. Both classes have been focused and attentive in class , enjoying their learning.

The Art and Design Exhibition showcased your creative work so well. You are all artists!

Huge thank you to Ms Swanepool, Mrs Cross and Mrs King for their support in class and the wonderful relationships they have built with the children.

Finally, and most importantly, thank you to the pupils of Year 2, It has been such a privilege to teach you this year. What wonderful, inquisitive, individuals you are. We really loved getting to know you and your families. We look forward to seeing you around school next year and hearing how you are getting on. You will be brilliant, keep shining brightly. 

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 30th June

Amber Class

Esila

She demonstrates excellence in presentation. She takes pride in presenting her independent work in a neat way with excellent handwriting. Keep it up!

Aqua Class

Ibrahim

For service. He is so kind and helpful to his new talking partner. He helps with a happy heart, it is wonderful to see!

Respect for Learning Award

     Week commencing - Monday 7th July

Amber Class

Nefeli

What a star collaborator she has been with her learning partner, to plan and problem solve developing her communication skills. She has shown great enthusiasm in all her learning. Well done.

Aqua Class

Ibrahim

For service. He is ever so kind and helpful to his new talking partner. He helps with a happy heart, it is wonderful to see!

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Amber Class

Charlie

For demonstrating a more positive and engaged approach to his learning this term. This improved attitude, contributions to lessons and support for your learning partner has led to a greater understanding and is crucial for future success. Well done! 

Aqua Class

Anton

For brilliant writing which engages the reader with great vocabulary choices and showcases the whole range of KS1 grammatical skills. 

Year 3 (Coral / Crystal Classes)

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 30th June

Coral Class

Alexander

For showing excellence in his writing. He has applied all his learning through the year to produce a piece of work including descriptive devices, precisely chosen vocabulary and clear punctuation and grammar.

Well done. Alexander!

Crystal Class

Georgia

For enthusiasm. Georgia has show enthusiasm in abundance in all her lessons this week. She has been eager to share thoughts, ideas and answers particularly in English when discussing alliteration. 

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 7th July

Coral Class

Dexter

Coral Class would like to thank Dexter for all the ways he helps and supports us. He is always willing to give his time and help to any member of the class, or the staff. He is constantly seeking ways to make our environment better and to smooth the transitions of our lessons.​

Thank you so much, Dexter!

Crystal Class

Michaela

She has tried really hard in her lessons this week to concentrate, focus and ignore distractions and it hasn't always been an easy task! She has really persevered, and i am really proud of her. Well done!

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Coral Class

Joseph

For his dedication to his learning throughout the year leading to excellent progress.

Crystal Class

Milan

For showing perseverance the whole time I have taught him. He has been determined to achieve his very best in all of his work but also to obtain all of the RESPECT value certificates and has now managed it, in the last week. He is an excellent role model to other students too.

Year 4 (Garnet/Topaz Classes)

After a long year we're finally at the end! These last few weeks have seen year 4 covering the last few things left before our six weeks off. In writing, we have been finishing off our explanatory texts. In Topaz they have been writing all about how sound works and why it's important for daily life, whereas in Garnet we have been writing all about electricity, including how to stay safe around such a dangerous, yet incredible, force. In maths we have been coming to the end of our unit on shape and are now covering the last few bits-and-pieces before our break. In reading we have been looking through the Wind in the Willows, reading all about Rat, Mole and Mr. Toad's adventures and numerous hijinks. for all of us its been a fantastic year and I'm sure the next one will be just as good.

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 30th June

Garnet Class

Aisha

For being incredibly helpful around the class. Any job that needs to be done, she is the very first to put up her hand.

Topaz Class

Daniel

For his continual enthusiasm to learn and for his avid participation throughout the week. Brilliant!

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 7th July

Garnet Class

Annah

 For taking the greatest care with her presentation, making sure it is as clear, neat and tidy as it can possibly be.

Topaz Class

Niyah

For producing a fantastic explanatory text on how sound works, including a good range of conjunctions and adverbials!

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Garnet Class

Cora

For coming in every single day and working hard every lesson.

Topaz Class

Isobelle

For always trying their best and producing some fantastic work!

Year 5 (Emerald/Sapphire Classes)

Over the last three weeks, Year 5 have been working on their biographies of either Earnest Shackleton or Creole Coleman. During this time, the children have learnt how to use the present perfect and past perfect of verbs eg 'their discovery has led to... and 'by this stage, scientists had realised'. 

Within mathematics, the focus has been on reading both graphs and tables, along with 3-d shapes. The skill of reading tables was used during our sciences lessons where the children had to read data and then come to a scientific conclusion. 

Podcasting has been the focus in computing, with the children experimenting using the GarageBand programme. Here they were able to edit a podcast. 

Finally, as we come to the end of Year 5 and the children are ready to move to Year 6, we just want to think them all for an amazing year. 

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 30th June

Emerald Class

Lacey

For being a fantastic member of the class who shows an excellent attitude and always takes responsibility for her learning. Keep it going.

Sapphire Class

Lucas

For putting every effort into his work this week. He has been thinking more about his answers in doing do, he gained confidence. A great week Lucas.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 7th July

Emerald Class

Connor

He has always shown excellence in every lesson and this week during science he came up with an exceptional conclusion to the experiment.

Sapphire Class

Malia

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Emerald Class

Talha

Throughout the year you have consistently shown all 7 of our values. You are such a dedicated worker who always puts 100% effort into every piece of work. 

Sapphire Class

Oliver

For participating fully and with a sense of humour all year. Well done. 

Year 6 (Diamond/Quartz Classes)

Week commencing Monday 30th June

Year 6 have started their final unit in Writing, which is Shakespeare's Sonnets. They are learning Sonnet 27 and will perform this as part of their Year 6 Leaver's Assembly. A big well done to all of Year 6 for their efforts and behaviour for Sports Day. Everyone tried their absolute best and made sure to support each other during their events. We enjoyed our trip to Hollywood bowl on Friday 4^th July. The children played for a full hour and enjoyed lunch.

Week commencing Monday 7th July

All of the Year 6 completed their transition to high school. Most of the children spent the whole week at Open Academy but for those children who attended other high schools continued with their learning of Dare to Be You for Reading and completed lessons in Science and Geography. Reports and SATs results went home via email on Friday. The children should be proud of their fantastic results.

Week commencing Monday 14th July

Year 6 attended their final trip to Crucial Crew on Tuesday. They had a brilliant time learning about beach, fire and online safety. Year 6 have also spent their final week preparing for their leaver's assembly. We are looking forward to welcoming all of their parents/guardians along for this celebration. A reminder that the prom is being held on Friday 18^th July from 6:00pm-8:30pm. The children are busy making decorations for the event.

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 30th June

Diamond Class

Amelia

Amelia is a supportive and kind friend to her classmates. She has been especially good at welcoming new children and ensuring they know what to do and where to go.

Quartz Class

Polina

During this week, Polina has shown excellence in PE. She has worked excellently across all events, when practising for Sports Day. Polina has also showed great teamwork skills by helping collect the equipment at the end of the lesson. Polina has also worked hard across all other subjects in the classroom this week.

Week commencing - Monday 7th July - Year 6 children on Transition week

End of Year - Head Teachers Award

Diamond Class

Bailey

For being determined to improve in all areas of the curriculum this year - especially writing. Amazing SATs results!

Quartz Class

Lilly-Mae

For the outstanding work that she has put in all year and for successfully passing all of her SATs.

Summer Fete

Thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday 5th July to the Friends Summer fete, we hope you had an enjoyable day.

Thank you to the Friends for organizing this event and to all the Parents/Carers and staff that helped on the day.

Below are some pictures which were taken on the day.



Additional Forthcoming events / Dates for the diary

Friday 18th July 2025

Last day of term

Wednesday 3rd September 2025

School reopens for Pupils