Term 5 Newsletter – May 2024

The weather is finally starting to pick up allowing us more opportunities to enjoy lessons outside, taking advantage of our wonderful school grounds.  All year groups spend plenty of time outside in play and interactive lessons, some examples of which can be read below.

All pupils enjoy regular music lessons delivered by specialist music teacher Mrs Greenbank.  Pictured below, Reception working with wooden claves to explore rhythm and ‘beat’.  Pupils had a great time making up their own rhythm and sharing them with the class!

Year 5 pupils have been studying The Battle of Hastings during History lessons.  Pupils learned about the Anglo-Saxon and Norman armies and their tactics and strategy for battle.  Their studies culminated in a spirited Battle of Hastings re-enactment … in fittingly authentic weather conditions!  Pupils took turns to be part of Harold Godwinson, King of England’s army and William, the Duke of Normandy’s invading troops.  Armed with an arsenal of weapons (well, sponges!) the Anglo-Saxons defended their position against the Normans who were trying to seize land!  I particularly enjoyed the Normans’ chant of “we’re going to poison your custard”!  Well done everyone!

Year 2 pupils have asked the question “What do plants need to help them grow?” in their science lessons.  Pupils have learned the life cycle of a plant from its start point as a seed or a bulb and are putting their knowledge to the test and have planted sunflower seeds which they will monitor and care for. 

Year 4 have been learning about the Ancient Mayans. We have discovered the game Pok-a-Tok. We have researched the rules and have experimented playing it.

Year 1 origami fruit bookmarks!  Pupils have had a wonderful time creating fruity corner bookmarks, following origami paper folding instructions and then decorating and personalising their creations.  If you would like to have a go at home … click here

Year 6 pupils have been studying water, its value and uses.  As part of the project, pupils explored the water cycle; the continuous journey of water from oceans and lakes, to clouds, to rain, to streams, to rivers and back into the ocean again.  Through their research, pupils recognised how water is central to all life, and how precious a commodity it is.  Sadly, many communities don’t have access to clean running water, instead having to walk miles to collect what they can for their families, often all that can be found is dirty and polluted water.  In the below activity, pupils in teams (family groups) were challenged to collect as much water as possible, travelling across our field with a range of small containers – some damaged, to provide enough water for their ‘family’ for a week.  The activity highlighted the significance and value of having free access to clean, safe water and emphasised the work of charities like WaterAid who pledge to provide water taps and pumps to remote communities.

Year 3 pupils visited Horton Kirby Environmental Centre as part of their current science nature project.  Pupils enjoyed a hands-on day exploring the plants and their habitats with qualified naturalists who led a series of activities to get the most out of the experience.  Pupils have been expanding their knowledge and research skills with a fun practical lesson back at school.  Pupils took rubbings of leaves in our grounds and then correctly identified the tree or shrub species.  Great work everyone.

We have been working with our colleagues at the Wilmington Grammar Schools’ Maths, English and Science department.  Working with core subject teachers to ‘bridge’ the learning between primary and secondary school forms an integral part of our Pupil Transition Programme.  All our pupils experience school life and lessons in our secondary schools, providing reassurance and preparation ahead of their move to whichever school they progress to. 

Sporting update.  Congratulations to the Year 3 pupils who successfully completed their trials and registration with Dartford District FC.  Isaac, Marlie and Carter. 

Pupils across the school attended a Football Festival which was a wonderful opportunity to train, work on technique and generally have fun!  Pictured below Year 3 and 4 Footballers.

Meet our staff!  Each week a member of our team has provided a short introductory ‘biog’ to our Owl newsletter.  Over the course of the next term we will continue to share short profiles to allow you to get to know our wonderful school team!  Our latest biogs can be read below.

Miss C Edwards – Teacher of Year 5.  I have been working at Wilmington Primary since September 2019 and have had the pleasure of teaching Reception and Year 5.

My teaching journey began when I studied Primary Education at Canterbury Christchurch University and graduated in 2012.

I worked in two other schools, before joining the Wilmington team, one in Kent and one in Surrey. I have taught EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

At school, my favourite subjects to teach are Art and Science. I love being outside and to take the learning outdoors wherever possible.

I have made many happy memories working at Wilmington. The Christmas Nativity and Christmas Carol Concert are always a highlight of the year for me.

Miss K Finch – Teacher of Year 5.  I have been working at Wilmington Primary for nearly 6 years now, spending most of the time working in Years 5 and 6. Prior to this I have worked in two other schools in the London area. I grew up always wanting to be a teacher and never wavered from this plan, going to Roehampton University to study primary teaching straight from school. I have also gone on to get a post grad certificate from Birmingham University. At school, my favourite subject to teach is history but I also really enjoy seeing children’s ideas and personality shine through in their writing. I have made many great memories working here so far but many of the highlights have been when accompanying Year 6 on their PGL residential trip, it is absolutely a trip worth going on. I have Cornish family so love a Cornish pasty but would never turn down some chocolate either!

Mrs L Cooper – Teacher of Year 6.  I have worked at Wilmington Primary School since 2019, previously being a volunteer and part of the Parents’ Association from 2011. I have a degree in Criminology and Psychology but found my passion in working with children, therefore going onto complete my teaching qualifications.

I am enjoying watching my Year 6 class develop into resilient and caring young people, preparing for their next journey into secondary school.

I really love chocolate and cheese…. just not together!

Mr M White – Teacher of Year 4.  I have been working at Wilmington Primary since September 2021 and have had the pleasure of teaching Year 1 and currently Year 4.  My teaching journey began when I studied Childhood studies at Canterbury Christchurch University and graduated in 2019. I worked in two other schools, before joining the Wilmington team, the first role as a Teaching Assistant from 2015 to 2020 and then as a trainee teacher from 2020. I have taught in both KS1 and KS2.

At school, my favourite subjects to teach are PE and ICT. I love sport and being able to engage children and seeing them have fun and demonstrate our core values.

I am an avid Charlton Athletic supporter (don’t let that cloud your judgement of me!) I also like participating in special school days like Rock Star Day and World Book Day, where I have been known to dress up!

Looking for a new career opportunity?  It is our firm belief that a motivated, supported and empowered staff are at the heart of our pupils’ achievements.  Endeavour MAT’s staff development programme offers our staff opportunities for career progression across our Trust schools for the next generation of exceptional teachers, support staff and leaders.  All our schools take pride in being warm, friendly and supportive workplaces.  You can be assured, regardless of your role, you will be working with people who enjoy their work, are proud to be here and who will want to welcome you to the team.  To view our current vacancies, please click here.  Current Vacancies – Endeavour MAT (endeavour-mat.co.uk)

Forthcoming Dates;

Last Day of Term 5 – 24th May

First Day of Term 6 – 3rd June

Year 5 Class Trip to Royal Observatory – 18th June

Class photos – 20th June

Year 6 PGL Trip – 21st June

Years 1 & 2 Class Trip to Joss Bay – 21st June

Year 4 Recorder Performance – 26th June

Reception Class Trip to Eagle Heights – 4^th July

Infant’s Sports Day – 10am 8^th July

Juniors Sports Day – 1pm 8^th July

Lunch family picnic – 8^th July

Year 6 Production – 5.30pm 11^th July

Benenden Junior wind instrument players – 12^th July

Reports home – 15^th July

Wilmington’s Got Talent – 18^th July

Open afternoon – 18^th July

Leavers Assembly – 2pm 19^th July

Last Day of Term 6 – 19^th July

Best wishes,

Charlotte Scott

Head Teacher