Dear Parents and Carers,
Last week the Summer finally arrived - just in time for Autumn! This is the time when we really need children to have their coats in school - sudden downpours won't stop us playing outside but we don't want to send your children home soggy!
We were delighted to welcome Andrew Powell-Thomas and Giles King Smith to school last week. This term Andrew will be working with Stag Class on their project 'Bampton Remembers', looking into the stories of those people who lost their lives in World War two. It is a very exciting project and will result in publishing our very own book detailing what the children find out.
Giles King-Smith (son of Dick King-Smith of The Hodgeheg and The Sheep Pig fame) also came and talked to the children about his father's life and the books he wrote. He donated several books to the library and the children were very enthused to read them!
Mrs Holmes from Woolacombe School also presented information to Stag Class parents about the Trust wide French Residential in March. If you think your child would like to go on this trip, please do sign them up as there are limited places.
Members of the Diocese Education department came to visit us on Wednesday. They had not visited the school for some time and could see the very positive changes that have taken place since their last visit. The children were all impeccably behaved, polite and engaged with their learning and the visitors were incredibly impressed by all the children, particularly the group that showed them around the school who were enthusiastic, informative and articulate.
This week we are looking forward to the theatre company, Mossy Crow coming to work with the children from KS1 and KS2. All these children will need their wellies and coats in school on that day please. Mossy Crow will be giving a performance at the start of the day to the whole school and parents are invited to watch too if you wish. The performance will be about how we need to reconnect with nature and not let our phones take over! Here is a link to their book. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=232918734468939 in case you want a sneak preview! After that, they will be doing workshops with KS1 and KS2 some of which will be outside - whatever the weather!
We are really looking forward to the opening of the Pump Track this weekend, and Apple Day celebrations next weekend. How lucky we are to have such energetic and dedicated members of our community to provide such fun for our families - thank you to all involved.
Could I just politely ask that unless there is a specific reason, parents do not drive up the hill at drop off and collection times. The taxi and bus children need to get to and from school safely and we can’t do this if there are lots of cars around. Also a reminder that it is much safer to use the path and not the driveway when walking to and from the school.
I wish you a wonderful weekend,
Attendance
Please see below this weeks attendance percentages for each class
| Hedgehog Class | 93.2% |
| Squirrel Class | 81.4% |
| Fox Class | 93.4% |
| Stag Class | 85.4% |
A reminder that breakfast club can be booked via the school app and is open every day of the week from 8 am.
After School Clubs
Monday |
Choir Club run by Mr Narramore for KS1 & KS2 - Book via the school app |
Tuesday |
No Clubs |
Wednesday |
PE skills and drill run by Mr McCutcheon for KS2 - Book via the school app |
Thursday |
No Clubs |
Friday |
Woodland School run by Mrs Newman R, KS1, KS - Book via the school app |
- 26th September - Mossy Cow performance and workshop day
- 28th September - PTFA Apple Day Fayre 11am - 4pm
- 2nd October - Squirrel class trip to Tiverton Museum
- 4th October - Portraits and sibling group photographs
- 7th October - Flu Vaccination
- 11th October - Dog’s Trust workshops
- 21st October - Reception vision screening
- 24th October - Harvest festival 2pm
- 25th October - Non pupil day
- 28th October - 1st November Half term
- 4th November - Return to school
| Results coming soon | ||
Here are this week’s Times Table Rockstars, Superstars! We would like everyone to celebrate our top scorers and those who have made amazing efforts. All staff have been so impressed with children’s enthusiasm and determination to improve their times tables knowledge. If your child’s name is mentioned in the newsletter, then there is a 3 house point reward! Your child has a Times Table Rockstar login, which can be used at home too.
Good luck everyone!
Fieldmice and Hedgehog Class:
Hedgehog children have been hard at work learning 10 new sounds in phonics. They have been reading and writing the sounds as well as beginning to blend sounds into words. We have also been looking at body parts in science, as well as drawing portraits in art.
Squirrel Class:
have all been showing compassion and wrote beautiful poems to say thank you for all the things they are grateful for such as family, food and friendship. In Literacy we have been reading Grandad’s Island and this week have planned our first big write for our writing portfolios. In maths we have been focussing on counting from larger groups in year 1 and in year 2 our focus has been on place value. All of the Squirrels have impressed us with their 10 times tables and are getting quicker every day.
Fox Class:
have been getting stuck into their learning with tremendous enthusiasm over the past fortnight. Their creativity has truly shone through in their writing, with imaginative tales about dinosaurs, unicorns, and even kitten land! In maths, we’ve been focusing on number and place value, allowing the children to develop a solid foundation for future topics. Meanwhile, in our History lessons, we have been exploring the Stone Age and are currently delving into the fascinating Palaeolithic period.
In Science, we’ve been learning about the bones in our bodies, which has sparked plenty of curiosity. The pupils created some lovely poems during the first week of term, and we’re now beginning to illustrate them as part of our art project. A highlight was meeting Dick King-Smith’s son, which the class thoroughly enjoyed, and we’ve been having a great time reading some of his books. I’m also eagerly looking forward to our visit from Mossy Crow next week!
Stag Class:
This week in Stag class we have been working hard and getting stuck into our new topics. We are finding out about Ernest Shackleton's expedition to lead the first team to cross Antarctica and have been learning to write persuasively so we can apply to be part of his crew. My sincere apologies if your children practise their persuasive language skills on you, we want their letters to be as convincing as possible!! We are still on the lookout for any information regarding any of the people on the Bampton War Memorial - If you have information or family stories relating to this then please do share it with the school.
Hedgehog
Pandora in Hedgehog Class
For showing the character virtues of resilience and courtesy. Pandora has made a fantastic start to the year, trying her best in everything she does, as well as being a great role-model for those children who are new to our school. Well done Dory!
Ella-Rose in Hedgehog Class
For showing the character virtue of motivation and citizenship. Ella-Rose has made a brilliant start to the school year and we are so delighted to have her in Hedgehog class. Ella-Rose shows exemplary manners as well as exceptional communication skills and has endeared herself to fellow students and adults alike. Well done Ella-Rose!
Squirrels
Charlie in Squirrel Class
For demonstrating the character virtues of cooperation and determination. Charlie has shown great determination this week, not just in his learning but in everything he does. We have been so impressed with how he organises himself in the morning, he comes on the bus and has already shown confidence in new routines. In learning time he has his hand up, answers questions and always tries his best.
Albert in Squirrel Class
For demonstrating the character virtues of curiosity and critical thinking. We have been so proud of Albert this week. He has been a real role model in Squirrel class, ready to learn and confidently taking on new challenges. He got 10 out of 10 in the first spelling test of the year which really shows how he has challenged himself with his learning at home as well as at school.
Foxes
Autumn in Fox Class
Despite having a few things to deal with, Autumn has made a wonderful start to the school year. She has worked hard in lessons, contributed to class discussions and shown kindness to those around her.
Cora in Fox Class
For demonstrating the character virtues of resilience in her learning since the start of term. Cora also created some lovely postcards during the summer holidays which she worked really hard on.
Stags
Toby in Stag Class
For showing the character virtue of kindness. Toby has been helping a new student to settle into school whilst also displaying a fantastic attitude in class.
Robyn in Stag Class
Robyn whose brilliance in lessons is completely down to her fantastic determination and motivation. She is a keen learner who always looks at her mistakes as an opportunity to learn rather than something to be disappointed with.
Well done Everybody
The PTFA is made up of parents, carers, teachers, and friends of Bampton School with a shared interest in raising funds for equipment, resources, and activities to enhance the children’s learning experience.
We meet monthly to discuss how we as a school community can develop and improve school facilities and students’ opportunities, through planning fundraising events such as Bingo events, the Christmas Community Evening, Easter Extravaganza etc.
We welcome new and old members and are hoping for more support in the coming months.
If you can help in any way, or would like more information on the work we do then please contact bamptonptfa@gmail.com or look out for meeting dates on the school website, posters around the school or for notes in your child’s book bag.
