In Year 1 we focused on local Black artists: Chris Ofili and Frank Bowling who both went to UAL, Chelsea College of Arts and Sonia Boyce who lives and works in London. We looked at their artwork and discussed what we liked about their different and distinctive styles.

We focused on Chris Ofili's Afrodizzia and Sonia Boyce's Black Female Hairstyles to inspire us to think about how amazing everyone's hair is. We then thought about what we love about our own hair and if we were to choose a style what we would like and why! 

This week, Year 4 took flight in their English lesson as they imagined themselves as the stork who helps Cora in the magical tale of Fryndleswylde. They imagined they were flying high above a snowy village. The children were describing the wintry scene below using adverbials and powerful adjectives to bring their writing to life. These are just some of the fabulous descriptive sentences from Year 4. 

• “A shower of jewels launched down to the frozen lake. Cora hollered for me to slow down, but in the distance, I saw a peculiar shape of life lumbering through the forest.” – Oliver

• “My new friend mounted me, and we sped past frozen towns. Along the path, crisp pines were engulfed in frost.” – Bea

• “As we glided down, the wind filled my ears with a lullaby.” – Martin

• “While we were up there, we marvelled at the snow-covered realms.” – Felix

Meanwhile, our Nursery children are starting their journey as writers. Here the practising their gross motor movements, copying patterns with ribbons, some brilliant prewriting skills.

The Reception classes have been reading the traditional Ghanese tale of Anansi the Spider, a much loved story across West Africa. They learned some exciting spider facts and wrote some descriptive sentences in our literacy lesson.

They also made these wonderfully spooky clay spiders, which were used as inspiration for writing. Take a look at them if you dare!

Finally, it was Year 1 and Year 5's turn to visit the Dulwich Picture Gallery this week. As well as learning that Dulwich Picture Gallery is 214 years old, they got to see and discuss different paintings in the gallery as well. They then took part in a making session in the art studio, learning lots about how music and nature can influence art!

Understanding our Differences 

On Tuesday, Natalie from @Embrace led assemblies for both EY and KS1, and KS2. In the assemblies, we explored all about how melanin gives colour to our skin, how we are all connected, and how there is only one race - the human race. 

This is vital groundwork for the anti-racism work we will be doing throughout the year.  

Talking about racism is a vital part of our fight against racism, yet many of us find these difficult conversations to have. Read here for a useful article by author, Katie Daynes, on how to talk about racism with your child: https://usborne.com/gb/blog/post/tips-and-expert-advice/how-to-talk-to-children-about-racism

Thank you to all those who were able to attend our SEND Coffee Morning this week. It was incredibly useful to have Mabina Zinga, our SEND consultant at Southwark, to be talk through processes of EHCP applications or what to do if you have SEND related concerns about your child. In case you missed the session, you can find her slides on our website here.

Spotlight on Dyslexia - Bell House is a volunteer-led charity in South London championing creative education and lifelong learning for all. Here are some of their services:

Advice Surgeries - Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties: free 1:1 appointments to parents and carers who would like to speak to a dyslexia specialist about their child's literacy difficulties.

Touchtyping:  Get Started with Touch typing for Dyslexia course - Year 5 and 6 over half term Oct 27th, 2025 – Oct 30th.

Supporting your dyslexic learner workshops: over October and November covering how to recognise different learning profiles, multi-sensory learning, age-appropriate reading matter and tools, note taking, mind mapping, making numeracy more visual and how to gather evidence that a child needs help and support. For more information about dyslexia and upcoming events click here.

Please be advised if you have any ‘Spy Dog’ books at home, that they may contain inappropriate web links: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn7631z8343o

Black History Month: 1st - 31st October

Year 3 Trips to Dulwich Picture Gallery                                     Thursday 15th October

Year 4 Trips to Dulwich Picture Gallery                                    Thursday 22nd October

Half Term   Monday 27th October - Friday 31st October                                             

Year 6 Bikeability - KH Class                                                             w/c 3rd November  

Anti-Racism: Self Esteem & Belonging Workshop for Years 3 & 4  - date TBC

Anti-Racism: The Power of Unity & Solidarity for Years 5 & 6 - date TBC

Anti-Racism: Racial Identity Awareness - workshops for parents/carers, staff and children - dates TBC

Sankt Martin Parade                                                      4:30pm Friday 14th November

Year 6 Trip To Black Cultural Archives                                   Monday 17th November

Year 1 visit to London Transport Museum                      Wednesday 19th November

Rock Steady Concerts   Wednesday 10th (am/pm), Thursday 11th December (am)

NEST Parent coffee morning - Mental Health Toolkits: Everday habits for your and your child - 9am Monday 8th December

The NEST Student workshops - Growing healthy relationships through conflict and connection - Monday 8th December 

EYFS Christmas Performance                                                    Tuesday 9th December

KS1 Christmas Production                                                        Tuesday 16th December

Winter Wonderland Morning                                                      Friday 19th December 

Autumn Term ends                                                          2pm Friday 19th December