At school, we talk a lot about growth. Not just in height or age (though some of you seem to be sprouting like sunflowers!) – but in how we learn, how we think, and how we become. And one of the most important things we grow is confidence.

True confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from being brave enough to step into the process – to try, to stumble, to get back up, and to process this, embedding what survival say about you. Every time we choose to give something a go, even when it feels tricky, we show who we really are: resilient, curious, and courageous.

Think about a seed planted in the soil. It doesn’t become a sunflower overnight. It needs sunshine, rain, strong winds, and lots of patience. It keeps pushing through the soil, little by little, trusting the process. Confidence is like that. It's built through each small step, each challenge faced, and each mistake that turns into a lesson.

When you’re learning your times tables, practising your handwriting, or trying to keep going on a hard day, remember: every effort shows that you believe in yourself. And that belief – that process – is what shapes our confidence. It’s what makes us stronger.

Parents, this applies to us too. Watching our children process challenges and grow isn’t just about cheering them on – it's a reminder that we’re also still learning, still adapting, and still growing ourselves. And that’s a beautiful thing. It says that as a school community, we value the journey as much as the destination. It says that we believe in becoming our best selves, step by step.

So let’s keep processing, keep learning, and keep growing that confidence – together.

Fun in class 7 - Children in Class 6 visited Class 7 for yesterday's Literacy lesson. They read the instruction text they had written for their Class 7 partner in Class 7 to follow.

Class 6 used AI to create an image of their setting. They then used the image to used to develop some fantastic description in their Independent Writing!

Can't thank the Beesley family enough tbh..... theyre a genuine living miracle... 

As part of our community link project, Class 5 have made Christmas cards for the residents at Fosterfields day unit.

We hope to share our love and joy at this special time of year.

And finally from me, 

If the junior kids are not in bed yet, tell them well done, and thank you from me.... they were mega tonight..... absolutely perfect.... each and everyone of them. If they are in bed, tell them in the morning how proud and grateful I am. Tonights Nativity was simply magical.

Thank you all for support, your good humour and of course, your forgiveness when we mess up.

All the very best,

Andy x

And just like that, we're back.... 

Good morning everyone!

As excitement builds towards the Christmas holidays, what better way to build anticipation than a message regarding the return to school next year!

On Thursday 9th January, Year 5 will be visited by The History Squad who will provide a day of workshops teaching the children about the struggle for Britain between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, from the end of the Roman occupation of Britain up to the reign of King Alfred the Great. The day will be a fantastic start to our new History topic. Children are encouraged to come to school, for the day, dressed as Anglo Saxons or Vikings.

Also, Year 5's PE day will continue to be Monday. We will have PE on the first day back.

Hopefully, I've not dampened the Christmas spirit too much. I thought a bit of advanced warning, particularly for costumes, might be welcome.

Many thanks

Mark Holmes