Term 5 Newsletter 2026
This term has been action-packed, filled with a range of activities delivered by visiting specialist providers, alongside fantastic classroom moments, hands-on learning and enriching experiences for all our pupils. The highlights below offer just a small glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic learning taking place across the school.
On a personal note, my wife and I recently welcomed our baby son into the world, and we couldn’t be more delighted (if a little tired!). We have been truly touched by the many kind messages from staff and families, it has meant so much to be able to share such a special and joyous occasion with our wider school community. Thank you, on behalf of us both, for your warm wishes and support.
Our Year 6 pupils continue to rise to the opportunities presented by our Transition Programme. They have greatly enjoyed taster lessons at the Wilmington Grammar Schools, giving them a valuable insight into life at secondary school. These experiences are helping them to feel more prepared and confident, while also easing any worries they may have about the move ahead.
Mrs Keech and her Year 3 Biologists have been working on a special Science Topic to explore what plants need for life and growth. Pupils each planted a runner bean seed and will use their learning over the coming weeks to monitor the development of their plants. Pupils have investigated how plants use Photosynthesis to make its own food and Chlorophyll to make its leaves green and act like a solar panel to soak up sunlight.
I was delighted to hear that many of the children in Mrs Keech’s class help plant and care for flowers and plants at home too.
Year 4 have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the ancient civilisation, Maya, with a strong focus on beliefs, daily life and symbolism. One particular highlight was playing the Mayan ball game Pok-a-Tok. Pupils took part in an energetic and fun version of the game, discovering that it was far more than just sport. In Mayan culture, Pok-a-Tok had deep religious and symbolic meaning, linked to beliefs about the sun, moon and the underworld.
The pupils were also fascinated by Mayan masks, which were used during ceremonies to represent gods. They learned that these masks were not intended to scare people, but to show power, respect and importance. Pupils explored how the Maya believed in many gods, often shown as fierce or frightening figures, sometimes half human and half animal, and frequently wearing large masks in carvings and artwork. As you can see from the below photos, pupils made their own (quite terrifying!) masks!
It was wonderful to see such thoughtful discussions, creativity and engagement throughout the topic. Well done to Mr White and Year 4 for such impressive learning and enthusiasm.
Year 5 engineers have been working on a Design and Technology project to make a mechanical moving toy. Pupils first drafted the design for their toy before going on to make a cam mechanism to activate the moving parts. We are now adding the decoration and embellishments to our toys. Great imagination and technical skills on show Year 5! Pupils used the attached link for inspiration to complete their project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BULxAdqSWK4
Year 1 pupils have thoroughly enjoyed their current Design and Technology topic. Over the course of three lessons pupils first tasted a range of fruits (both familiar and less so!) then safe preparation and cutting skills using the bridge and claw grips – as you can see, pupils did a brilliant job! We are now designing our ‘dream’ fruit kebab combinations which we will go on to make .. and enjoy!! Mrs Lewis has been impressed with the pupils’ enthusiasm for the topic and how open they have been to discover new flavours.
Year 2 Musicians have been learning a new piece on their ocarinas. Mrs Greenbank and pupils have been working on pitch and tone as they play (and alternate with singing!) London’s Burning. “We are already sounding great together”, Mrs Greenbank commented on their improving musicality.
We are so lucky to have such a talented dedicated music teacher who with pupils has created a thriving musical culture across the school! Every class enjoys a lively programme of practical music lessons, fostering self expression, cognitive development and creativity .. no wonder we have so many pupils who go on to have dedicated one-to-one instrument and singing lessons!
Endeavour MAT Transition Programme. Pupils across Years 5 and 6 are supported in their progression to secondary school learning and school life via a range of initiatives and practical lessons in conjunction with our Endeavour MAT grammar schools. Our Heads of Department and classroom teachers have developed a series of ‘taster lessons’ and school visits to reassure, enthuse and support our pupils ahead of them starting secondary school in September. In the below Year 6 English and Library lessons, Ms Selby, Head of English at WGSG worked with pupils as they explored the ‘horror’ genre in literature – watching a short film to discuss genre characteristics of suspense and dread and how they might be depicted. Ms Booth, the librarian, challenged pupils to ‘judge a book by its cover’ and follow clues to complete a library scavenger hunt.
Reception pupils (really, really!) enjoyed a recent science lesson delivered by the specialist science organisation Fizz Pop. It was a highly interactive session, with pupils taking part in their own investigations making bubbles using chemical reactions and creating magical, touchable rainbow bubbles.
Behind the fun and excitement were some important early science ideas from chemistry and biology, carefully designed to be age‑appropriate and hands‑on. Pupils learned that some things mix and chemical reactions can make gases as well as seeing that light can create colours.
Our Reception outside classroom area has come into its own now the weather is on the up! As you can see from the pictures, our Robins have lots of space and stimulating play stations to capture their imagination .. ensuring their learning is lots of fun! I was particularly impressed by our pupils’ extensive knowledge of dinosaurs which they happily shared with me!
The Dartford Bear Hunt – update – Our fabulous Bear features the creative input of pupils from every year group .. all contributing to the wonderful design of our Bear Cub! We are all thrilled to bits with the finished, exhibition-ready piece! As I took the below photo, pupils crowded round to proudly point out their painting contribution! Thank you to all our families who kindly supported the pupils in their fund-raising for this exciting .. and thoroughly worthwhile scheme. The Bear Hunt Art Trail runs from 17th July – 13th September. Details of the route can be seen by clicking here Art Trail – Dartford Bear Hunt
Huge congratulations to our school football teams who both share a fantastic attitude and sportsmanship to every training session .. and every match! The girls go from strength to strength as they grow in experience and technical skill .. They recently finished 3rd (of 16) in the Crockenhill Shield and missed out on a place in the semis by just one goal!! The boys (and girl!) senior side have added (yet another!) trophy to their collection as they lifted the FA Cup in the small schools’ competition. We couldn’t be more delighted for them!
School Key Dates
22nd May – Last Day of Term 5
1st June – First Day of Term 6
12th June – Sports Day (Infant Sports morning 10am)
12th June – Sports Day (Junior Sports afternoon 13.00pm)
18th June – School Class Photos
19th June – Year 6 PGL trip
22nd June – Year 6 PGL trip
24th June – Year 5 Science Fair
2nd July – Stay & Play 14.00 (reception parents/carers to attend)
3rd July – Summer Faye
9th July – Year 4 whole class recorder performance 9.00am (parents/carers to attend)
10th July – Benenden
13th July – No teacher-run clubs
16th July – Teddy Bear’s Picnic (new reception cohort)
16th July – Year 6 Production 17.30pm (parents/carers to attend)
20th July – Wilmington’s Got Talent
20th July – Reports out
21st July – Year 6 Leavers Assembly
21st July – Last Day of Term 6
Best wishes,
Jack Curry
Headteacher
