I hope that you had a restful and joyful Easter break, filled with meaningful moments with loved ones.
As we return to school, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible creativity and spirit shown during our recent Talent Show (results&photos coming soon). A heartfelt thank you to all students who performed and to the staff who supported the event with such dedication – it was truly a wonderful showcase of the diverse talents within our community!
Looking ahead, the coming weeks hold important milestones for our students –particularly for Years 3 to 8 as they prepare for the Cambridge Progression Tests, and for Year 9 students who will be sitting their state exams in mid-May. These assessments represent a meaningful step in their learning journey, and we wish them focus, confidence, and every success
Thank you all for your continued commitment and collaboration
3 May: Constitution Day 13, 14, 15 May: Cambridge Progression Tests/Year 9 State Exams (Egzamin ósmoklasisty)
Wlochy Campus Phone Number:
510 161 597 (8 am - 4 pm).
Włochy Campus Secretary:
Ms Justyna Kasprzyk secretary wlochy@thamesbritishschool pl
Włochy Campus Receptionist:
Ms Klaudia Osiak receptionist wlochy@thamesbritishschool.pl
Head of Włochy Campus:
Ms Katarzyna Wiśniewska head wlochy@thamesbritishschoo pl
Deputy Head of Primary
Mr Daniel White dan.white@thamesbritishschool.pl
Deputy Head of Lower Secondary
Ms Jessica Wrbka cambridge wlochy@thamesbritishschool.pl
Thames British School
News & Updates
Book Fair
We are excited to welcome back the Usborne Books Book Fair on Friday, 25 April 2025!
Throughout the day, children will have the opportunity to browse a wonderful selection of books and discover new stories to enjoy.
Students can purchase books directly from the stall or place an order from the catalogue, with all ordered books delivered to the school at a later date.
We also warmly invite parents to visit the book fair at the end of the day to explore and purchase books.
The fair will run from 9:00 to 14:00. We look forward to celebrating a love of reading together!
Usbornebookfair
Friday, 25th April 9:00 - 14:00
�� Exciting Summer Courses Offer - Join Us at Thames British School! ��
information:
More information: Summer English Intensive Course at Thames British School Warsaw
More
Summer School at Thames British School
Thames British School Teachers: contact us!
Monika Drozd
Primary Teacher/Year 2 Class Teacher m.drozd@thamesbritishschool.pl
Joshua Gillbert
Primary Teacher/Year 3 Class Teacher joshua.g@thamesbritishschool.pl
Christopher Kane
Primary Teacher/Science/Year 4 Class Teacher c.kane@thamesbritishschool.pl
Agnieszka Brands
Primary Teacher/Ethics/Year 5 Class Teacher agnieszka.brands@thamesbritishschool.pl
Daniel White
Primary Teacher/Deputy Head of Primary/DSL dan.white@thamesbritishschool.pl
Sandra Pietrzak PE sandra.p@thamesbritishschool.pl
Maria Ostaszewska Catholic Religion maria.o@thamesbritishschool.pl
Sevde Demiragac Islam Religion sevde.demiragac@thamesbritishschool.pl
Katarzyna Wałkanis Teaching Assistant katarzyna.walkanis@thamesbritishschool.pl
Thomas Cato Primary Teacher/Year 6 Class Teacher/EAL Specialist thomas.cato@thamesbritishschool.pl
Anna Jaworska Polish ECE Teacher anna.jaworska@thamesbritishschool.pl
Class Updates
Thames British School
Year 2
It has been a very busy time in Year 2! Last week, the children had the opportunity to present their hard work during our Learning Success event, showcasing all they've been learning. We began discussing the features of a diary, and the children learned how to use time connectives to help them retell events in the correct order. Next week, we will continue exploring The Diary of a Wombat and try our hands at writing our own diary entries. In maths, we have started a new unit on measurements, using rulers to measure smaller objects and measuring tapes for larger ones. In science, we are wrapping up our animal project where we’ve learned about life cycles, animal offspring, and compared different habitats. After the Easter break, we’ll be starting an exciting new project, but we’re keeping it a secret for now!
Kind Regards,
Ms Monika
Our stars are Madina and Daniel. Madina has been very creative in her work on habitats. She used her knowledge to write about her chosen habitat and to create a wonderful project. Daniel for his hard work in Phonics and English. Daniel developed a real love for books and he always uses interesting ng his
Thames British School
Year 2
German: We will learn Easter vocabulary.
Music: Students will listen to and perform the piece 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' from Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite.
PE: We will learn the basic rules, moves, passes and shots in field hockey.
Polish: We will talk about Easter in Poland, learn the differences between h i ch.
Polish (native) : We will get acquainted with Polish traditions related to Easter. In addition, we will write an Easter story and learn about a part of speech: the adverb.
Spanish: We will learn; me gusta/ no me gusta + basic food (comida) vocabulary through reading, writing, listening and speaking activities.
Thames British School
Year 2
Thames British School
Year 3
In Year 3, we are continuing our work after our first Learning Success Event. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and celebrate with us. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!
In English, we are preparing to write instructions for invading the ancient city of troy (It may involve a giant horse). We have been looking at the different ways instructions can be given and how this can be used to instruc someone with ease.
In Maths, we have been revisiting fractions, this time finding fractions of amounts. Taking a value and then dividing and multiplying to find the correct amount.
We have also been continuing our history work on Ancient Greece, learning about Alexander the great and the impact he had on history as well as discussing the keywords: Legacy, Empire and Conquest.
As ever, I'm excited to see what we can achieve over the next couple of weeks!
Kind regards, Joshua
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School
Year 3
German: We will revise food vocabulary and explore Easter traditions in Germany.
Music: We will be learning about soundscapes, layering sounds and rounds.
PE: We will learn the basic rules, moves, passes and shots in field hockey.
Polish: We will revise another letters in Polish alphabet and continue talking about pets.
Polish (native) : We will practice writing sentences while adhering to punctuation and grammar rules.
Spanish: We will learn about subjects, musical instruments and verbs related, Students will ask and answer with cuántos/as = how many.
or information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School
Year 4
Reading and learning the rhythm of suspense stories has been our focus of late. While producing posters for the key adjectives and suspense filled vocabulary. Our focus on decimals continues with partitioning and rounding them to improve our numerical literacy. All the while, we've been exploring how humans affect the world around us and influence the environment for other living things.
Kind Regards,
Mr Christopher
Our star of the week is Misia for her enthusiasm, attitude and hard work.
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School
Year 4
Highlights from Specialist Subject Teachers:
German: We will revise clothes vocabulary and explore Easter traditions in Germany.
Music: Over the next few weeks, learners will experiment with sounds they can hear in the rainforest.
PE: We will work on endurance through marching and running in outdoor activities.
Polish: We will be revising genders of nouns as well as continue speaking about food.
Polish (native): We will be working on differentiating the Polish consonant sounds "c", "ci', and 'cz" in speaking and writing.
Spanish: We will read, match, write and listen to descriptions with the body parts. We will learn about Semana Santa = Holy week.
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School
Year 5
In Year 5, we started reading a new book called Who Let the Gods Out by Maz Evans. The main character, a boy named Elliot, was in trouble. His mum, Josie, was unwell, and they didn’t have enough money to pay for her medical bills. Their house might have been sold if they didn’t find the money soon. We wrote letters to Elliot with suggested solutions to help him save his mum and their home. It was interesting to think of creative ways to help him in such a difficult situation.
In Maths, we finished learning about area and perimeter and moved on to statistics. We could now recognise different types of graphs—such as pictograms, tally charts, and line graphs—and plot data on them. It was fun to apply our new skills by collecting and organizing data. We also took part in an Egg Painting competition and a talent show. Both events were a lot of fun and gave us a chance to show off our creativity and talents.
Kind Regards,
Ms Agnieszka Brands
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Our star of the week is Danyil for his resilience in learning English.
Thames British School
Year 5
Highlights from Specialist Subjects for the Next Two Weeks:
German: We will learn vocabulary related to school supplies.
History: In History we will continue discussing turning points in world history and start talking about life of societies in different historical eras.
Music: Learners will listen to music that represents outer space.
PE: We will work on endurance through marching and running in outdoor activities.
Polish: We will learn vocabulary related to hobbies and extracurricular activities.
Polish (native): We will get acquainted with Polish traditions related to Easter. In addition, we will write an Easter story and learn about a part of speech: the adverb.
Science: We are exploring how living things are adapted to their environment then will move on to understanding the digestive system.
Spanish: We will read, match, write and listen to descriptions with the body parts. We will learn about Semana Santa = Holy week.
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School
Year 6
The Year 6 students have officially completed their Check Point exams a huge milestone that reflects all their hard work, focus, and determination. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and are now eagerly awaiting the results.
With exams behind us, we’re entering the final stretch of the academic year with energy and enthusiasm. In Maths we will be turning our attention to decimals.
Kind Regards,
Mr Thomas Cato
Thames British School
Year 6
Biology: We will be focussing on hygiene and good health.
German: We will revise vocabulary related to the house and rooms.
History: In History we will continue discussing the feudal system in Europe in the political, economic, and social spheres.
Music: Over the next few weeks, students will learn how composers vary musical material.
PE: We will work on endurance through marching and running in outdoor activities.
Polish (native) : Next weeks, in our Year 6 Polish lessons, we will begin exploring the poetry of Juliusz Słowacki. We will be discussing selected poems, focusing on their themes, language, and historical context.
Science: We are continuing our exploration of material changes.
Spanish: We will read, match, write and listen to descriptions with the body parts. We will learn about Semana Santa = Holy week.
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School
Year 7A
As exam week rolls in, the pressure is real but so is the opportunity to grow. While we're sharpening our minds for tests, we’re also turning our attention to the heart with lessons on compassion. Whether it's offering a kind word to a stressed classmate or showing patience with yourself, this week is a reminder that intelligence and empathy go hand in hand. Let’s ace both.
Kind Regards, Mr Luke Rautenbach
Contact us for more information regarding
Year 7B
As April blooms, so too does the growth in our classroom. With the school year’s end on the horizon, students are striking a wonderful balance between focus and fun. Their curiosity continues to blossom, and their dedication is in full swing tackling challenges with resilience and approaching each day with a renewed sense of purpose. Laughter, learning, and a spirit of collaboration fill our days, setting the stage for a strong and joyful finish to the year.
Kind Regards, Mr
Dakota Fischer
Thames British School Year 7A&7B
Highlights from Specialist Subjects for the Next Two Weeks:
English: Students finished creating the physical copy of their class story and had the opportunity to read it to the Year 5s.
Maths: We have finished our units on Sequences and Percentages and will move on to Graphs next.
Biology: We have been working through respiration and the breathing process as well as movement and the joints in the body.
Physics: We will learn about the electrical circuits.
Geography: We have finished our Unit and will be moving on to explore our oceans in greater depth.
In History we will discuss the impact of Enlightenment ideas on states and societies in Europe and beyond.
Music: We will continue studying the elements of music.
German (beginners): We will talk about our favourite hobbies./German (intermediate): We will discuss holiday destinations.
Spanish (intermediate): We will learn, identify through reading and writing a + direct complement and ordinal numbers.
PE: We will do running tests: the Beep test and the Cooper test.
Polish (beginners): We are going to discuss the weather phenomena and the names of the seasons. In addition, we will learn the names of clothes and the verbs related to them./Polish (intermediate): We will talk about Easter traditions/Polish (native): Next week, in our Year 7 Polish lessons, we will be focusing on the attributive modifier (przydawka) and its function within a sentence.
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School
Year 8A
The results from our science fair have been provided and we were excited to see that four members of our class were included within the top 3 standings! Although a congratulations is owed to all students in our class as their efforts deserve to be recognized for their wonderful projects. Students are now looking forward to their short break in April where they may rest before wrapping up our last couple months of school and progression tests! Happy Easter!
Kind Regards,
Year 8B
8B students have worked hard in the past to obtain and deliver before Easter. Congratulations to all the Science Fair participants, whose hard work was rewarded with podium places. The Easter break is now upon us, a time to recharge our batteries and rest up for the upcoming back to school period and Cambridge Progression tests. Happy Easter Dear Families!
Kind Regards,
Ms Agnieszka Klcecka
mo information regarding the latest news!
Thames British School Year 8A&8B
Highlights from Specialist Subjects for the Next Two Weeks:
English: Students finished reading Sherlock Holmes and practisced their knowledge on symbolism through writing a letter as one character from the story to another.
Maths: Following our unit on graphs, we will now use our knowledge to complete the geometry section by learning about position and transformations of shapes.
Biology: We will revise the muscular system and skeletal system of human body.
Chemistry: We will revise the chemical reactions of metals.
Physics: We will revise the electromagnetism
Geography: Continuing on with our assignments for the year and bridging to pollution in the world.
In History we will discuss the end of the World War I and the establishment of the League of Nations.
German (beginners): We will discuss holiday destinations/German (intermediate): We will discuss different hobbies and free time activities.
Spanish (intermediate): We will identify and use interrogative pronouns: que, cual/es, como, cuando, por qué in relation to life eventspreterito indefinido.
PE: We prepare our fitness, endurance before running tests such as the Beep Test and Cooper test.
Polish (beginners): We are going to discuss weather phenomena and the names of the seasons. In addition, we will learn the names of clothes and the verbs related to them./Polish (intermediate): We will talk about about future tense/Polish (native): Next weeks, in our Year 8 Polish lessons, we will begin working with poetry, including selected poems by Stanisław Barańczak. As part of our study, students will also learn about stylistic devices (środki stylistyczne) and their functions in a literary text.
Music: We will learn about the main characteristics of different musical eras.
Contact us for more information regarding the latest news!
Year 9A, 9B & 9C
Cambridge Checkpoint Exams | 8th –10th April 2025
Our learners have just completed their Cambridge Checkpoint Exams, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication. These important assessments ran from the 8th to the 10th of April, and we are confident in our students’ ability to achieve their academic goals. Well done to all!
Lower Secondary Assembly
This week’s assembly was full of celebration, recognition, and important reminders.
We kicked things off by honouring the outstanding achievements in the English Olympiad. A special congratulations to Roman (9C) for achieving a perfect 100%! Also, well done to Oleg, Julia, Eryk, Arian, and Stephan, who were awarded Diplomas for their excellent performances.
Students were also reminded about the uniform expectations through a fun and informative “Do’s and Don’ts” fashion show.
We wrapped up with an explanation of the Canteen Rules, using the acronym E.A.T., to help students remember proper etiquette and expectations during mealtimes.
Science Fair Results
The results of the much-anticipated Science Fair were also revealed during the assembly. A huge congratulations to all participants—it was an exciting day filled with curiosity and innovation!
Thank you to everyone who contributed their creativity and hard work to make the fair a success! What’s Next?
To unwind from the busy exam period, students can look forward to a Trip to the Movies and Food Town next week—a fun and relaxing way to celebrate their efforts and achievements.
Warm Regards, Ms Stephanie Hawker, Ms Agnieszka Solanki, Ms Ewelina Bajena
Thames British School Thames British School
Year 9A, 9B & 9C
Highlights from Specialist Subjects for the Next Two Weeks:
English: We’ve been working hard to get ready for the Cambridge Checkpoint exams and have now finished reviewing all the topics we need to know.
Maths: We’ve been working hard to get ready for the Cambridge Checkpoint exams and have now finished reviewing all the topics we need to know.
Biology: We’ve been working hard to get ready for the Cambridge Checkpoint exams and have now finished reviewing all the topics we need to know.
Chemistry: We will revise the different chemical reactions and the reactivity of different metals.
Geography: Continuing on with our assignments for the year and bridging to pollution in the world.
In History we will discuss dynamics of decolonization in Asia and Africa and the circumstances of their instability in the context of Cold War rivalry.
PE: We prepare our fitness, endurance before running tests such as the Beep Test and Cooper test.
Physics: We will revise the Ohm's law
Civics: Students will discuss NGOs in the context of the the Sustainable Development Goals and create their own NGO projects.
German (beginners): We will talk about our favorite movies and musicians / German (intermediate): We will discuss different options for part-time jobs.
Spanish (intermediate): We will practise conditional clauses, read and write about the environment and endangered animals. We will reinforce the use of the simple future tense.
Polish (beginners): We are going to discuss the weather phenomena and the names of the seasons. In addition, we will learn the names of clothes and the verbs related to them.
Polish (intermediate): We will talk about Easter traditions and read short texts
Polish (native): Next weeks, in our Year 9 Polish lessons, we will be reviewing key grammar topics in preparation for the Year 8 final exam (egzamin ósmoklasisty).
Schoolwide Happenings
Cambridge Checkpoint Exams
Year 6 & 9 Benchmark Their Skills with Cambridge Checkpoint Tests
From April 8–10, our Year 6 and 9 students took the Cambridge Checkpoint tests in English, Mathematics, and Science across all campuses.
These exams provide valuable insights into students' strengths and areas for growth supporting Year 6 as they prepare for secondary school and Year 9 as they get ready for the IGCSE journey ahead.
We’re proud of their hard work and wish them continued success in the next stage of their learning!
Student Council & Volunteers
Over the past few weeks, our Student Council (SC) in cooperation with the Volunteers has been actively working on a project called School Values from a Student Perspective, aligning with our Dare to Care policy�� As part of the initiative, they’ve created clear examples of both positive role-model behavior and actions that should be avoided. These will be featured on a poster that will soon be displayed around the school to help promote a respectful and caring school environment �� That’s not all! With the support of dedicated Volunteers, the Student Council also did an amazing job during our recent Open Day on Saturday, 12th April. Their positive energy, commitment, and welcoming attitude helped make the event truly special. The enthusiasm they brought to the day was felt by every family who visited!
Warm Regards, Ms Marta Kosmala-Kozłowska, Supervisor of the Student Council, Mr Mateusz Rabi, Mr Yasin Kucukfirat & Ms Alejandra Arcila
Student Council & Volunteers
Student Council & Volunteers
The Student Council has kicked off a new campaign to promote school uniforms among students. As part of this initiative, a group of volunteers created eye-catching posters that have been displayed around the school, encouraging their peers to wear uniforms proudly and consistently.
To make things even more exciting, the Student Council has announced a special competition for Lower Secondary classes! The class with the highest number of students regularly wearing their uniforms will receive certificates and a prize during the Endof-Year Ceremony.
The campaign highlights the importance of unity, school identity, and pride and adds a fun, friendly challenge to bring the community together.
Warm Regards,
Ms Marta Kosmala-Kozłowska, Supervisor of the Student Council, Mr Mateusz Rabi, Mr Yasin Kucukfirat & Ms Alejandra Arcila
The Heart of Thames
After the intense effort of preparing and selling the newest edition of The Heart of Thames our young editors celebrated their well-deserved success. The pizza party was a great chance to relax, enjoy time together, and reflect on everything they’ve accomplished.
Our young editors are already busy working on the next issue of The Heart of Thames! In the upcoming edition, you’ll find exciting reports from some of our recent school events, including the Science Fair, the Talent Show, and a special performance prepared by students to celebrate the anniversary of the 3rd May Constitution.
But that’s not all! They are also preparing brand-new interviews that reveal interesting facts about the daily lives, plans and challenges of our school leadership and staff.
Stay tuned — the next issue is going to be full of surprises!
Warm regards,
Ms Marta Kosmala-Kozłowska, Supervisor of The Heart of Thames magazine, Ms Karina Szczurek, Ms Agnieszka Brands & Mr Mateusz Rabi
Mind Matters: Tips & Insights from the School Psychologist
Healthy Consequences: Supporting Growth Through Boundaries and Respect
Raising and educating children is a rewarding, yet deeply challenging, journey. When young people misbehave or break rules, our response as adults matters immensely. It’s tempting especially in moments of frustration to fall into harmful patterns such as yelling, punishing harshly, or withdrawing emotionally. But decades of psychological research show us that these reactions, though common, are not only ineffective in the long term, but also potentially damaging to a child’s development.
Why Harsh Discipline Doesn’t Work?
Screaming, swearing at children, isolating or ignoring them emotionally, and using physical punishment (like slapping or grabbing) may stop unwanted behavior in the short term but they do not teach the right behavior. In fact, these responses can erode trust, damage self-esteem, and escalate fear, anxiety, or aggression.
According to the American Psychological Association, harsh verbal discipline increases the risk of depression and behavior problems in adolescents, even when parents have a good relationship with their children.
Physical punishment, similarly, is associated with increased aggression, antisocial behavior, and mental health struggles. The World Health Organization and UNICEF both advocate against physical or humiliating punishment due to its lasting harm.
Children learn how to behave through coregulation and connection. When an adult loses control, it models exactly what we don’t want the child to do: act out when overwhelmed.
What Children Actually Learn from Harsh Discipline:
Fear of punishment, not understanding of what is right or wrong
Shame, which often leads to hiding behavior instead of improving it
Emotional dysregulation, as they are not being taught how to process big feelings
Disconnection, which may make them more likely to seek unhealthy relationships elsewhere (including online)
Healthy Discipline: What Works
Effective discipline isn’t about control it’s about teaching. It begins with clear boundaries, consistency, and empathy. Here are some research-backed approaches to setting up rules and consequences that help children grow:
1 Set Clear, Age-Appropriate Expectations:
Children need to know what the rules are and why they exist. Keep them simple, clear, and consistent. For example: “We use respectful words when we talk to each other” or “Homework must be done before screen time.”
2. Explain the Why Behind Rules: Understanding the reasoning helps children internalize expectations. Instead of saying “Because I said so,” try: “We go to bed on time so your brain gets the rest it needs to grow strong.”
3. Use Logical Consequences: Consequences should be directly related to the behavior. If a child misuses their phone, a logical consequence is losing screen time not being grounded for a week. Logical consequences teach accountability without shame.
4. Stay Calm and Consistent: It’s hard—but powerful. When adults respond calmly and consistently, children feel safer and are more likely to listen. Your tone and body language are just as important as your words.
5. Focus on Repair and Reflection: Instead of “You’re grounded,” try “What happened? What can you do to fix it?” A conversation focused on responsibility and problemsolving is more effective than punishment.
6. Teach Skills, Not Just Stop Behavior: If a child shouts during a disagreement, teach them how to express anger in healthy ways: “I can see you’re frustrated. Let’s practice saying that without yelling.”
When Things Go Wrong (Because They Will)
All children misbehave it’s part of growing up. What matters most is how we respond.
The goal isn’t perfection, but progress. When you stay connected, even while holding firm boundaries, you create an environment of emotional safety. This is what builds resilient, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent children.
If you’re ever unsure how to respond to a specific behavior, consider asking: What is the child trying to communicate?
What skill are they lacking that I can help teach? What will help them do better next time?
Final Thoughts
Healthy discipline is not soft it’s strong, structured, and rooted in love and respect. By approaching misbehavior as an opportunity to teach rather than punish, we not only improve behavior but also strengthen our relationship with the child. And remember: children aren’t born knowing how to manage their emotions or behavior They learn it from us through the way we set limits, enforce consequences, and above all, show up for them with patience and care.
If you’d like to discuss strategies or challenges at home in more detail, I’m always available for a conversation.
