Dear parents/carers,

I hope that you and your families are safe and well. We have, as you will have seen from the class pages, been working hard to ensure that there are lots of high quality learning resources available for all pupils, but it is really important to please remember that it is not a challenge to see who can complete the most!  You must only do what you can; when you can. We want there to be enough activities on offer so that those who, for example, race through Maths or English, can then have the option of completing something else, rather than for you as parents and carers to have to think of ideas.

We do realise that as well as our class pages, however, there are many activities that are on Facebook too, and lots of other activities that are generally available online. When I was scrolling and reading through what is online and available at the end of the last week, I will admit that even though there are lots that are not relevant to me, I was feeling overwhelmed. I was worried about what activities – if any – I should choose. But I then rationally (there is always a first) thought about the situation that we are in and realised that there is no way that anything you are doing is wrong. We would be delighted if you were able to do some or all of the White Rose Maths and the English activities that we are setting and it would be wonderful if you were able to do some or all of the topic ideas, BUT, please be reassured that whatever you can do will be enough. There is no three-line whip – there will be no penalty or comeback if you are unable to complete everything. It is just there if you want it and can access it.  As we have said before, the MOST important thing for you to do is keep yourself and your children safe and happy and secure. Your mental health and wellbeing is vital. If you need us or want to contact us; please do. We want to hear from you.

Miss Bishop, who is co-ordinating the pupil led ‘Happy’ video, is loving the entries so far, so don’t forget to send one in by the end of tomorrow (Tuesday 21 April) if you would like one included.

We are also delighted to share something that we hope that you will enjoy. It is not something for you to do (phew); it is something for pupils (and you, if you would like to) to watch. Please see the message below:

“Reading gives us somewhere to go when we have to stay where we are”

Books are simply magical! During this tricky time when we can’t get out and about as much as we would like, books can transport us to amazing places. Reading can help pass the time and allow us to ‘escape’ to somewhere exciting! Therefore, every now and again you will notice that your lovely teachers are going to post themselves reading a short story, a chapter from a longer book or perhaps even a poem. These stories will be posted on the Heads Blog and the link will also be shared on Facebook. So parents, grab a cup of tea and sit back for 5 minutes whilst your children enjoy a story. To start us off, Mrs Lee- Elkins (and her dog Lucy, who is looking forward to being a media superstar!) will be reading ‘Hugless Douglas’. Permission to read this book has been given directly from the author David Melling and will be removed from the website by September 2020 in line with Hodder Children’s Books guidance. We hope that you enjoy it.

Keep in touch and stay safe and well. Teachers are loving your communications and your pictures and photographs – do please keep them coming!

Ms Whitlock

Thursday 9 April

Dear Parents/Carers,

We hope that everyone continues to be well and that you have enjoyed the Easter Holidays. We have been very lucky with the sunshine. Long may it continue!
We wanted to just update you with what ‘learning’ may look like now that the Summer Term is imminent.,

Firstly, please remember that when it comes to‘home learning’ we would like you to do as little or as much of this as you can- there is absolutely no pressure. We know that many of you will be working at home yourselves, trying to teach multiple children, having challenges with internet speeds etc., so please do not worry if things don't quite go to plan. If in doubt, ask your child to pick up a book and enjoy reading, do a fun Joe Wicks workout (I would suggest supportive clothes if you are joining in by the way – we found this out at school…. ????) or even just go on a minibeast hunt in the garden! Whilst the children are missing education in school, we are sure that they are learning many wonderful life skills at home with you, as well as spending time with their families. Please be assured that our amazing team of teachers will pick up where they left off, once children return to school and everything returns to normal.

English Home Learning

Each week, teachers will be uploading a weekly English plan to your child’s class page. This will have an activity per day along with supporting resources. Please note that you do not have to print worksheets off. Your child can simply write their answers onto a piece of paper or notebook. Teachers will also be uploading weekly spelling and grammar activities (and phonics if you are in Year 1). Please also do check your child’s class page for a range of other exciting websites that have been collated for you to use. These range from teaching videos to websites that allow you to access e-books for free.

Maths Home Learning

In school, teachers regularly use ‘White Rose’ Maths resources. These resources are used across many schools in the UK. In response to the current situation, they have produced simple and easy to follow daily resources for parents to use for home learning. Please use this link, choose your child’s year group and take part with the daily teaching videos and activities.

Wider Curriculum

There will be all sorts of options for the wider curriculum – these may be (in no particular order) Science, Art, Design and Technology, IT, Music, Geography, History, RE, Sport/PE or French based. These will all be optional to do as topic-based ideas, with links to other areas of the curriculum detailed where possible, or as standalone activities (for example, you may be given the idea to do an outdoor treasure hunt with the treasure being find 3 yellow things, find an insect with 6 legs, find 3 different types of leaves and so on…). As with all subjects, what you do with topic or wider curriculum ideas is entirely up to you. I have already heard of so many exciting things happening – one family was investigating Alice In Wonderland, and covered History, Geography, Science, DT (they made biscuits with Jam Hearts) and this was entirely child led with the children involved thinking about what they wanted to know and then them finding those things out.  As we have said before – please don’t worry. Anything that you can do is super, but this is absolutely not the time to be worrying about how much you can cover. All pupils will catch up what they need to and if they need to when they are back in school and no one will be left behind or will be disadvantaged at all. EYFS The Early Years do not plan in the same way as we do when they reach National Curriculum age. Please see your child’s page for help and guidance and activities but, for example, if your child is in Reception, the learning pack that was sent home has the activities for the first two weeks back after Easter – all the Very Hungry Caterpillar activities are for now. ???? If there are things that you simply do not understand about any aspect of what is on the website, please do let us know. We want to get it right, but please understand that we are just as new to this online teaching situation as you are! Please email secretary@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk in the first instance, with as much detail as possible if you have any questions or need to ask for any help from teachers. Teachers will regularly be available to answer questions, but please don’t always expect a reply within a few minutes! If the office have a huge amount of email to sort through, they may not get to them all straight away. Also, we do really miss the children! Planning lessons for children who we aren't lucky enough to see every day isn't as enjoyable as teaching in the classroom so, please do send any pictures or ‘home learning’ to secretary@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk . We would love to hear from you! After Easter, ‘home learning’ needn’t start until Tuesday 14th April – so please, as much as you can, enjoy the Bank Holiday! Thank you and take good care. Ms Whitlockum

There will be all sorts of options for the wider curriculum – these may be (in no particular order) Science, Art, Design and Technology, IT, Music, Geography, History, RE, Sport/PE or French based. These will all be optional to do as topic-based ideas, with links to other areas of the curriculum detailed where possible, or as standalone activities (for example, you may be given the idea to do an outdoor treasure hunt with the treasure being find 3 yellow things, find an insect with 6 legs, find 3 different types of leaves and so on…). As with all subjects, what you do with topic or wider curriculum ideas is entirely up to you. I have already heard of so many exciting things happening – one family was investigating Alice In Wonderland, and covered History, Geography, Science, DT (they made biscuits with Jam Hearts) and this was entirely child led with the children involved thinking about what they wanted to know and then them finding those things out.  As we have said before – please don’t worry. Anything that you can do is super, but this is absolutely not the time to be worrying about how much you can cover. All pupils will catch up what they need to and if they need to when they are back in school and no one will be left behind or will be disadvantaged at all.

EYFS

The Early Years do not plan in the same way as we do when they reach National Curriculum age. Please see your child’s page for help and guidance and activities but, for example, if your child is in Reception, the learning pack that was sent home has the activities for the first two weeks back after Easter – all the Very Hungry Caterpillar activities are for now. ????

If there are things that you simply do not understand about any aspect of what is on the website, please do let us know. We want to get it right, but please understand that we are just as new to this online teaching situation as you are! Please email secretary@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk in the first instance, with as much detail as possible if you have any questions or need to ask for any help from teachers. Teachers will regularly be available to answer questions, but please don’t always expect a reply within a few minutes! If the office have a huge amount of email to sort through, they may not get to them all straight away.

Also, we do really miss the children! Planning lessons for children who we aren't lucky enough to see every day isn't as enjoyable as teaching in the classroom so, please do send any pictures or ‘home learning’ to secretary@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk . We would love to hear from you!
After Easter, ‘home learning’ needn’t start until Tuesday 14^th April – so please, as much as you can, enjoy the Bank Holiday!

Thank you and take good care.

Ms Whitlock

Week Beginning 30th March 2020

Dear parents/carers,

We made it to the end of term! A very odd end of term, and not one that I think any of us have ever seen the likes of, but despite all of the challenges, one that I think we all actually handled very well. Thank you so very much for all of the positive feedback that you have given either through email or via the Facebook page; it has helped us all know that whilst we are not seeing you, we know that you are out there and still very much connected. We miss you all!

Easter Holidays

Please remember that we do not expect for you or your children to try and complete any of the set tasks or carry on with structured learning over the Easter Holidays (although we will not of course stop you!). We worked every hard all of last term – right up until the last minute of the last day, and so we completely understand that we all need a break. Do enjoy the time and (I want to say) the sunshine!

What happens on 14 April when the Summer Term starts?

We expect home learning to start again on Tuesday 14 April. Monday 13 April is Easter Monday and our term starts the day after this. We will be uploading all of the work set for each year group for the week beginning 14 April at the beginning of that week (ready to start on Tuesday 14 April), but if you have any trouble accessing any work at all, please do let us know via the secretary inbox (secretary@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk), and do please post on Facebook or send us in your completed work, activities or projects. We will make sure that the teachers get them!

Key-workers and Vulnerable Children:

Wadebridge Primary Academy is open to Key-Workers and vulnerable children over the Easter Holiday too. If you need for us to look after your children during school hours over the holiday, please do let us know as your children will always be welcome.

Useful Contact Numbers

Wadebridge Town has put together a really useful list of local numbers and contacts – the list is also on Facebook and the website but please find it attached to this blog. If you know of any other websites or details of local businesses that are offering support at this time and you think that that other parents and carers may find useful, please do let us know; everything is useful at this stage!

Keep in touch and stay safe and well. We are so looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

Ms R Whitlock.

Dear Parents and Carers

Please can I send my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the care and support you have given to your children during this difficult time, and for the support you have shown to us all at Wadebridge Primary Academy – it is hugely appreciated and helps us all.

As you will know, the school is currently closed to all but the children of key workers who cannot look after their children at home. I know that lots and lots of you have either taken home or come and collected work from the office for this week. There may seem like a mountain of work that needs to be done, but actually, it is just as important for you to make sure that your child feels safe and loved in their home. Do not worry if you don’t manage to get much done. Do not worry if you are unable to finish an hour of Maths. Do not worry that your child is falling behind; they are not. Also know that our children are hugely resilient and everybody is in the same boat.

Please make sure that your child has a break over the Easter Holidays – there are lots of ideas to help pass time given that going to the park, sharing play dates and going out are not options but we at school are most definitely using Joe Wicks and Cosmic Yoga on You Tube and Go Noodle on the internet.

Please do look at the class blogs for work from 14 April onwards (after the Easter Holidays); we hope to update these pages as often as needed and at least once a week. If you need support, advice or you or the children would just like to stay in touch, please feel free to email the school directly on secretary@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk.  Please find attached a letter to your children from us at school. We hope that it helps them know that we are ALL thinking of them whilst they are at home.

Do stay safe, follow government advice which is to avoid social contact and keep distances. And of course, treat everyday like your birthday and wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds very regularly.

Lots of love to you all,

Ms R Whitlock.

I was right! It was not quite such a hectic week, but it has been incredibly busy! We started off the week with a bang, literally, as two Wadebridge School teachers came into our Monday Assembly to talk about the wonder that is Science. We saw chemical reactions, raisins floating in Lemonade (a very budget friendly alternative to a Lava Lamp!), the production of CO2 which caused a glove to inflate like the Incredible Hulk’s hand and the blending of acid and alkaline in a tube which made a rainbow. It was fantastic! This week is National Science Week this week and we have celebrated with each Year Group preparing and carrying out a wide variety of science workshops and experiments.  Please see below from KS1:

This week, we have been celebrating science week! 

The Key Stage One children took part in a range of exciting experiments on Thursday morning. In Year One the children were busy exploring which materials would best stop an ice cube from melting. The children used their findings to start thinking about the effects of climate change on our world.

In Year Two the children talked about what mini-beasts are, micro habitats and which animals you might see more of in each season. The children then went on a mini-beast hunt in woody corner. The children then shared their findings and thought about why certain animals live in each habitat and the similarities and differences between them. 

The Year One and Two children then switched over so they had a chance to take part in both activities.

Here is link with lots of science experiments that could be explored at home: 

https://www.britishscienceweek.org/app/uploads/2019/02/BSA_EurotunnelTerminal_handout_1118_W1.pdf

Given that it is also Sports Relief this week, we also talked about various ways that we can keep ourselves active in school and Mr O’Dwyer talked us through our new WPA initiative for every child (who is able to) to take at least 5000 steps a day when in school. We trialled using wristband step trackers and every child that wore one managed at least 5000 steps with the top person managing over 9000! We are excited and reckon that all of us can manage at least 5000 on a regular day.

We also had a visit from the ‘big’ Library Van today and it was Year 5’s turn to go and explore! The pupils had the opportunity to go and choose 3 books that interested them and bring them back in to school for us to use until the next time.  I heard that it was an ‘amazing experience’ and ‘really good fun! There were SO many books! And they were in a VAN!’.

Thank you always for your continued help and patience when parking in and around school grounds. Do please remember to be considerate when parking, and if you do feel that you need to double park, which is entirely understandable, ensure that you are as swift as possible dropping off so that you are not blocking anyone in. I have also had a couple of requests for people to take care when driving near the zebra crossing and to not start to drive over the crossing if there is a person still on it.

Next week sees the Year 4 Playlet on Wednesday, and Year 3 going on their long-awaited trip to Delaware as well as Parents Evenings on Monday and Tuesday after School. All parent meetings will take place in the Hall this time, so do please come to the main entrance for your appointments.

I know that there is a huge amount in the news at the moment about the Coronavirus. Whilst we totally understand any and every concern, please be reassured that we are taking every precaution towards keeping the school as clean and healthy as possible. I have to say – our use of soap has trebled over the past few weeks and I am really encouraged by the excellent levels of handwashing and really strong positive behaviour shown by all pupils in terms of keeping themselves clean and contained. As with all other Bridge Schools, we will continue to follow current Government Advice – which at the moment is for us to stay open and carry on doing what we are doing.

As ever, my door is always open. I wish you a restful and enjoyable weekend,

Ms Whitlock

Upcoming Events:  

16&17/3/20: All Year Groups Parents Eves (ALL meetings in the Main Hall)

18-20/3/20: Y3 Residential to Delaware (leave at 0900 on 18/03/20 and return at approx. 1500 on 20/03/20)

18/03/20: Year 4 Performance Playlet to Parents (9.15am and 2.00pm)

21/3/20: Girl’s Football Team to Keynsham for National Final

24/3/20: Y2 Rainforest Café

25/3/20: Year 5 Space Film Viewing

25/3/20: Year R Traditional Tale Celebration

25/3/20: Dress up as your Favourite Book Character Day

26/3/20: Year 3 Play Performances to Parents (9.30am and 1.30pm)

27/3/20: We are Celebrating World Autism Day! Please wear something blue to school

27/3/20: END OF TERM! (EYFS & KS1 1.10pm and KS2 1.30pm) 

Wadebridge Primary Choir, a fun picture!!

Crikey! It has been another busy week and the best is yet to come!

Tuesday saw every year group taking part in their fantastic Pancake Races. I have seen such concentration and verve and there were some real star flippers! Well done to all who took part; I can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Parents Evenings are signing up fast – thank you to all who have booked already; anyone who has not please do book a slot but remember; if you cannot make either day, please do see your child’s teacher as they will be more than happy to see you at another time.

Thank you VERY much too for your support with the Healthy Eating drive. We had a wonderful Assembly (it was not me who delivered it!) on Tuesday with members of the school council coming to the front to tell us about healthy choices in general and what we would love to see in school. Please do keep it up but if you have any excellent ideas about what would be a good choice – things such as cottage cheese; plain yoghurt; hummus to dip your veggie sticks in – please do let us know as we can let the pupils know! Having spoken to a dentist this week, I have been advised that raisins are not so healthy for our teeth as a snack; they are fine with other foods, but not on their own as the sugar sticks to teeth. I am bit gutted as I could eat raisins all week long, but please do put them in the lunchboxes for lunchtimes only where possible.

There are huge amounts of things coming up – please do have a look at the list below and come to all that you can – we would love to see you. We have loved seeing so many family members come to Reception to help with their sewing this week and are keen to involve you as much as possible (without any pressure of course). I will just mention the Trelawny Shout that we would LOVE to see you involved in – the aim is for 20 000 people to be singing the ‘Song of the Western Men’ at the same time. The actual shout is at 9pm, but the organisers have said that they are happy for us to send our recordings (voice only) in to them to be played during the Shout itself as it will then count towards the 20 000 Singers that they need. Even if you are not originally from Cornwall – it is a great opportunity for us to sing together, so please do come. Even if you just sing the Chorus it will count.

Please see below for the list of what is coming up in the next few weeks, and as ever, please do drop me a line or pop in and see me if there is anything that you want to discuss or celebrate. I will expand more on the upcoming events over the next few weeks, but in the meantime, thank you for all of your support; it is hugely appreciated.  

Upcoming Events:

2&3&4/3/20: Invited pupils to the Wadebridge Festival of Music & Speech

2/3/20: 2B Recycling Trip

2/3/20: Y4 Viking Day

4/3/20: Class and Team Photos

5/3/20: St Piran’s Day – please dress in Black, Gold and White

5/3/20: TRELAWNY SHOUT – parents welcome at either or both but we will be singing twice – once at 2.15pm and once at 2.35pm (in the main Hall)

6-11/3/20: Scholastic Book Fair (main hall)

9/3/20: 2W Recycling Trip

16&17/3/20: All Year Groups Parents Eves (booking still open)

18-20/3/20: Y3 Residential to Delaware

18/3/20: Year 4 Performance to Parents (9.15am and 2.00pm)

21/3/20: Girl’s Football Team to Keynsham for National Final

24/3/20: Y2 Rainforest Café

25/3/20: Year 5 Space Film Viewing * Please note change of date

25/3/20: Dress up as your Favourite Book Character Day

26/3/20: Year 3 Play Performances to Parents (9.30am and 1.30pm)

27/3/20: We are Celebrating World Autism Day! Please wear something blue to school

27/3/20: END OF TERM! (EYFS & KS1 1.10pm and KS2 1.30pm) 

We made it! It is Half Term! What a fantastic and vibrant community WPA is and I thank my lucky stars every day that I am able to work here.

There has been a lot going on again this week with Year 1 visiting Newquay Zoo on a bitterly cold Tuesday (they loved it and were marvellous advocates for the school – thank you!); Year 5 enjoying an out of this world experience on Wednesday (reports are that it was ‘mega’ and ‘amazing’) and Years R, 1 and 2 coming BACK to school at 3.45pm on Wednesday to take part in our Bedtime Stories event. Hundreds of pupils came back in their very cosy pyjamas and their favourite teddy to listen to stories in the Hall and take part in other activities and had a wonderful time.

Mrs Lee Elkins Writes: 

This week the Reception and Key Stage One children came back to school for a ‘Bedtime Stories’ party in their snuggly PJs and with their very cute teddy bears! The children gathered together in the hall to listen to Mrs Lee-Elkins read her favourite story, The Cat in the Hat. After, the children returned to their classrooms to listen to their teacher’s favourite story books. The children then took part in exciting activities such as making witches potions and going on a character treasure hunt in the playground. They were also very excited to have a small milkshake and biscuit!

Thank you so much for your support with events such as these. Not only was it a great opportunity to celebrate the importance and enjoyment of reading but we also managed to raise over £150 which will go towards new books for the children. Many thanks and keep reading!

Thank you to all of you who have already signed up for slots for Parents Evenings; do log on to Arbor to book your slot if you have not already. If you cannot make either date, do please see your child’s teacher to make an appointment on another day. Healthy Eating kicks off after Half Term – the School Council have written a letter which will be sent out just after Half Term – it asks please for pupils to bring in ONLY healthy snacks for break times. If it is a fruit or veg, then it is very welcome; if it is a crisps, cakes or chocolate then it is not!  We look forward to your support with this moving forward. The School Council are very excited and are happy to advise if needed.  

Parking: please use the drop off lane for dropping off only. Please park in a space if you want to get out of your car. I know that it is incredibly tight, and we very much appreciate your continued patience, but if we are able to keep that ‘lane’ moving then it would help ease some of the congestion. It would also be much appreciated if you could avoid double parking where possible.

Please see below for the (still extensive!) list of what is coming up in the next few weeks, and as ever, please do drop me a line or pop in and see me if there is anything that you want to discuss or celebrate. I hope that you all have a safe and restful Half Term. Thank you for all of your support; it is hugely appreciated. 

Upcoming Events:

24/2/20: INSET DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED TO PUPILS

25/2/20: SHROVE TUESDAY: PANCAKE RACES. All pupils to bring in a pancake and a pancake pan for races and other pancake related fun. PS The race pancakes will NOT be eaten.   

2&3&4/3/20: Invited pupils to the Wadebridge Festival of Music & Speech

2/3/20: Y2 Recycling Trip

2/3/20: Y4 Viking Day

4/3/20: Class and Team Photos

5/3/20: St Piran’s Day – please dress in Black, Gold and White ????

6-11/3/20: Scholastic Book Fair (TBC) (linked to World Book Day which will be confirmed)

16&17/3/20: All Year Groups Parents Eves (booking open)

18-20/3/20: Y3 Residential to Delaware

21/3/20: Girl’s Football Team to Keynsham for National Final