Southfield Primary School Michaelmas Term - 2024
Dr. Darren Jones
Headteacher
Headteacher Introduction
December 2024
Dear Parents and Southfield families,
I am delighted to introduce our bumper festive addition of the school newsletter!
This half term once again, in true Southfield style, has been frenetic, dynamic and busy with so much going on both academically, culturally and socially. I am thrilled to advise that our school has for the first time been entered into the Sunday Times Top 500 Schools Guide; we came in at 215 nationally and the 15th top school in London. This is quite an accolade out of all the primary schools in England which stands at over 22,000. This, along with remaining in the top 1% of schools in the country and once again in the top Ealing schools, is something we are immensely proud of.
The term started brilliantly with our Bonfire and Fireworks evening! Once again, the children enjoyed a day working on the history of the day and producing some incredible Guys for the bonfire. We have started in earnest with our Southfield Horticulturalist work, with children focusing on the theme of British wildlife. Visits to the Barnes Wetlands Centre and Surrey British Wildlife Centre proved to be both exhilarating and exciting and pupils produced some incredibly detailed and high-calibre work. Southfield radio and podcasts have been a real hit this term and we were thrilled one of our parents, a successful DJ, Nick Snaith, gave up some time to inspire our work in this area. We also held our very first Philosophy Week which was a huge treat and we all learned so much!
Headteacher Introduction
Many educational visits punctuated the curriculum with Year 2 enjoying an exciting visit to the Roman Baths to consolidate the work in History; Reception classes were also very excited to go on their first school visit to the London Transport Museum linked to their unit on Transport and were absolutely brilliant – we are so proud of them; Year 6 had a memorable visit to the Royal Courts of Justice and enacted a true Suffragette case in front of the law students and Year 1 and Year 5 also stocked up on their Art appreciation with visits to the National Portrait Gallery.
We all enjoyed a fantastic Pyjama Day in aid of Great Ormand Street Hospital and we were thrilled that Maxence’s parents, Caroline and Tanguy, were able to present the cheque to nurses they know well – they were thrilled with our donation. Many thanks to all who contributed.
Once again, we have enjoyed fantastic Christmas performances and this year the standard was even higher. It was wonderful to see the school community coming together to watch these high-quality and brilliant performances across the school. Many year groups also showcased their excellent History exhibitions to parents which I am sure you’ll all agree were breath-taking in their depth and quality. It was also another successful Christmas Bazaar for the PTA which the children loved and many good bargains were purchased for Christmas stockings!
We were once again overwhelmed by the generosity of the community for the Christmas Toy Appeal. We were able to donate a huge number of toys to ensure as many children has possible can enjoy a happy Christmas!
As the term comes to an end, I want to take the time to wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas at this very special point in the year and hope you enjoy a great time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you back to school in 2025 on Monday January 6th. .
With warm wishes
Dr D T Jones Headmaster
Contextualised Curriculum
This term, our children’s learning has been brought to life through an array of fantastic trips, engaging workshops, and exciting lessons. By contextualising their learning with real-world experiences, children have been able to consolidate their understanding in memorable and meaningful ways.
Reception enjoyed a delightful visit to the British Transport Museum, to contextualise their unit on transport. Year 1 and Year 5 explored the National Portrait Gallery, where they participated in inspiring workshops linked to their Art curriculum. Year 5 also deepened their understanding of their History topic, The British Empire, by examining stunning 17th and 18th-century paintings.
History was further brought to life through immersive workshops. Year 3 delved into Ancient Egypt during their history day, dressing as historical figures and making their learning truly interactive. Meanwhile, Year 4 embraced an Ancient Greek Day, complete with costumes representing famous rulers, mythological characters, and iconic gods and goddesses, paired with a captivating workshop.
Year 2’s study of the Romans has been both diverse and exciting. Alongside participating in engaging Roman workshops, they visited the historic city of Bath. At the world-famous Roman Baths Museum, they gained fascinating insights into Roman life and explored ancient artefacts.
Year 6 explored the Suffragette movement through an engaging workshop, dressing in period costumes and learning chants and songs from the time. To further enrich their understanding, they visited the Royal Courts of Justice and re-enacted an historical court case from that period involving Emmeline Pankhurst herself!
In addition to these experiences, every year group has participated in Maths Through Story and Real-Life Maths lessons. Highlights include Year 4 linking their learning to exploration and discovery, and Year 5 measuring the weight of transport ships to support their curriculum.
This term has been a remarkable journey of enriched learning for our children. With more contextualised experiences planned for the Spring term, we look forward to continuing our exciting approach to education.
Southfield Radio
An exciting highlight of our School Development Plan has been the ongoing success of Southfield Radio! Since its launch earlier this year, our state-of-the-art school recording studio has become a hub of creativity and collaboration, giving pupils the unique opportunity to hear themselves live on air. Led by the ever-enthusiastic Mr. Baxter, this innovative project continues to bring a fresh and dynamic element to Southfield’s multimedia approach to the Arts.
Our pupils are diving headfirst into the world of broadcasting, with opportunities to script and ask interview questions for teachers, fellow pupils, and even special guest visitors. This hands-on experience is helping to develop their communication and teamwork skills, while building their confidence in a truly engaging and fun way.
We were especially thrilled to welcome Nick Snaith from Magic FM to our studio recently. Nick, who many of you might know better as Tommy and Lila’s dad, took the time to share insider knowledge about life as a radio DJ. He offered fascinating insights into the tricks of the trade and gave the children invaluable tips on how to speak confidently and clearly whilst on the radio.
So far, pupils in Years 5 and 6 have been leading the way with their enthusiastic and confident broadcasting, setting an inspiring example for the rest of the school. The younger year groups are eagerly awaiting their turn to step behind the microphone and take to the airwaves. We can’t wait to see what creative content they come up with as Southfield Radio continues to grow and evolve throughout the year.
This exciting initiative is proving to be a wonderful way to bring the school community closer together while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Keep tuning in – there’s plenty more to come!
Bonfire Night
“Remember Remember the 5th of November” Southfield’s Bonfire Night spectacular was truly an unforgettable evening thisyear!
In class, children researched the history of Bonfire Night, including the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, and how the event is commemorated today with bonfires, fireworks, and the burning of effigies. They created fact files about the famous anti-hero, and each year group crafted beautiful artworks commemorating the 5th of November. From chalk to collage, to painting, each class created striking pieces, which were added to our eyecatchingdisplayinKiplingHall.
In the run up to the event, pupils were encouraged to create their own Guy Fawkes at home. Children were incredibly creative, crafting life-size Guys from old clothes, bedsheets and all sorts of miscellaneous items! Three fabulous Guys were awarded prizes, Leah 5V and Ellie, 3E, Bobbie, Tommy and Lila from 5B, and Pablo and Arjun 1B. The latter Guy was tossed dramatically into our roaring Bonfire; a momentous eventforall.
Pupils in Years 1-4 had the opportunity to take part in a series of exciting Bonfire Night Workshops, where they explored the rich history and significance of this momentous occasion. Through interactive lessons, storytelling, and hands-on activities,theygainedadeeperunderstandingofthetraditions surrounding Bonfire Night and the events that led to its place inhistory.
On the evening, pupils and families from all year groups gatheredinanticipationforthemomentousbonfire.Asthesky became dark and excitement rose, a fantastic firework show took place, dazzling us all. Combined with the sweet taste of toffee apples and warmth of the glowing bonfire, it made for a veryspecialevening.TrulyahighlightoftheMichaelmasTerm.
Remembrance Day Assembly
This term, Southfield Primary School held a thoughtful Remembrance Assembly to honour those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. In addition to this, the Enterprise Team spent their mornings selling poppies to raise money on the school gates. The assembly provided a meaningful opportunity for pupils and staff to reflect together.
The assembly began with a beautiful and harmonious rendition of ‘Where Poppies Bloom’. This was followed by the whole school singing a powerful rendition of our Remembrance Day assembly song.
A highlight of the assembly was Year 6’s heartfelt reading of the poem, In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. Their thoughtful delivery brought the poem to life and helped everyone consider the importance of remembrance. As Year 6 were dotted around the assembly hall, they symbolised the poppies that grew in the fields after the war. Each verse they sprouted up amongst the crowd, creating an incredibly moving moment for all.
The assembly concluded with a moment of silence, as the school community came together to pay their respects. It was a special and meaningful occasion, reflecting the values of respect and gratitude that we encourage in our pupils.
Christmas Nativity
This half term, each year group captivated audiences with their enchanting Christmas productions, showcasing a delightful mix of talent,creativity,andfestivespirit.
Thishalfterm,SouthfieldPrimarySchoolwasalivewithfestivecheer as each year group delivered a truly spectacular Christmas production, leaving audiences enthralled and inspired. The children’s hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm shone brightly, making each performanceamemorablecelebrationoftheseason.
Reception began the festive season with their wonderful Nativity performance, which delighted and warmed the hearts of the audience. They should be incredibly proud of their first-ever production at Southfield and we look forward to many more memorableperformancesintheyearstocome!
Year 1 followed with their delightful rendition of Honky Tonkey Donkey. This charming retelling of the nativity story featured catchy songs that had the audience tapping their toes and smiling from ear to ear. The young performers brought joy and innocence to the stage,creatingaheart-warmingatmosphereforall.
Year 2 followed with Hey Ewe!, a nativity play told from the unique perspective of a curious little sheep. The children’s lively storytelling andengagingperformancescaptivatedtheaudience,offeringafresh andendearingtakeonthetraditionalChristmasstory.
Year 3 presented The Mouse in Santa’s House, a delightful minimusical that departed from the nativity theme to tell the whimsical tale of a boy’s Christmas wish for a pet mouse. The audience was enchanted by the adventures of Tip the mouse, whose unexpected journey in Santa’s sack led to a heartwarming conclusion. The productionwasaperfectblendofhumourandcharm.
Christmas Nativity
Year 4’s performance of Home for Christmas was incredibly moving, inviting the audience to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season. The musical explored the theme of “No room at the inn” by contrasting the commercialism of a modern Christmas with the struggles of the homeless. The children delivered their roles with maturity and sensitivity, leaving a lastingimpression.
Year 5 wowed audiences with Bah Humbug, a fabulous retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol. This festive spectacular included a show-stopping chimney sweep dance that was truly unforgettable. The performers brought the beloved characters to life with energy and flair, creating a magicalexperienceforeveryone.
Year 6 shined with Christmas 1914, a poignant musical that transported the audience back to the realities of World War I during the holiday season. This impressive production combined historical storytelling with moving performances, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made during wartime and the enduringspiritofChristmas.
This year, we began a new tradition of closing each Nativity with a traditional Christmas carol. Seeing the pupils beaming with pride and singing with festive joy after each show, was touching andmemorableforall.
Each year group’s production was a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our pupils and staff. From the youngest performers to the oldest, every child played their part in creatingsomethingtrulyspecial.Everypupilshouldbeincredibly proud of their hard work throughout practises and performances. We would also like to thank families for their support with exceptional costumes and props. Everyone’s effortshelpedtoensurethateachshowwastrulymagical.
Christmas Week
As our final week of a busy, exciting term, Southfield Pupils celebrated Christmas Week. Each class completed a myriad of lessons that helped to spread festive joy and cheer. This included making a handmade Christmas Craft to take home and twinkle on the Christmas tree or mantlepiece.
For creative writing, each class were given a bespoke, Christmas picture book, which shared importance values and messages around the festive season. In Maths Through Story and Real Life Maths, classes solves mathematical problems that may be faced at Christmas time - such as checking that Father Christmas’s Sleigh can hold all of his presents!
Christmas Jumper Day helped all pupils get into the festive spirit as they came to school in cosy festive attire. Perfect clothes for their Festive Christmas lunch! The teachers even joined in, and struggled to finish all of the fantastic feast.
Each year during Christmas Week, pupils across all classes come together to retell and discuss the Nativity story, exploring its significance and themes. They then channel their creativity into crafting detailed storyboards that bring the timeless tale to life in their own unique way.
During the Christmas Bazaar, children had the opportunity to shop for presents for family and friends (with a few treats for themselves too!). Kindly donated by members of our school community, the bazaar was filled with toys, games, puzzles and more - all looking for a new home. Helping the younger classes, the year 6s put their jingly shoes and hats on and dressed up as Southfield’s very own Christmas Elves! The bazaar was a momentous occasion for all.
In addition to the Christmas festivities, Key Stage 1 also had the incredible opportunity to go to Richmond Theatre to watch the Panto ‘Beauty and the Beast’. It was a real treat and the children came back awestruck and inspired.
Philosophy Week
This half term, Southfield Primary School embarked on an exciting journey into the world of philosophy, introducing pupils to influential thinkers from both ancient and modern times. The week provided an enriching opportunity for pupils to understand how philosophy has shaped societies throughout history while encouraging them to reflect and begin developing their own personal philosophies and resilience. In English, pupils wrote biographies about the different philosophers and discussed their theories and questions, deepening their understanding of these influential figures and their ideas. Different year groups tackled philosophical problems in Real Life Maths and Science,
Reception pondered Plato’s question, “How do we know what is real?” Year 1 explored Socrates’ inquiry, “Why is it important?” and Year 2 reflected on Aristotle’s “What is the purpose of life?” Year 3 tackled Descartes’ “How do we know what is true?” Year 4 discussed Kant’s “Do we always reason before we act?” Year 5 investigated John Locke’s “Can knowledge go beyond experience?” and Year 6 considered St. Thomas Aquinas’ profound question, “Can the existence of God be proved?”
The week began with a whole-school assembly and concluded with a vibrant exhibition where pupils showcased their work through demonstrations and creative displays. All pupils dressed up to celebrate the philosophers and their ideas, making it a truly memorable week of learning, creativity, and reflection.
Philosophy Week highlighted how even the youngest pupils can engage with big questions, think critically, and express their ideas in thoughtful and imaginative ways. It was inspiring to see the depth of their reflections and the creativity with which they tackled challenging concepts. The event demonstrated the importance of curiosity and resilience, and it set the stage for future explorations into philosophy and other enriching areas of study.
Philosophy Week
Southfield Horticulturalist
We are thrilled to share the launch of an exciting new chapter in our school development plan: the Southfield Horticulturalist! Over the summer holidays, our school’s very own horticulturalist garden was built, and this term, students embarked on their first unit of horticulturalism,exploringthefascinatingworldofBritishwildlife.
Each class delved deep into learning about one of six animals— hedgehogs, otters, swans, water voles, foxes, or badgers— discovering their habitats, routines, and specific needs. Adding to the excitement, every year group adopted their own animal, with children receiving certificates, information packs, and photos to celebrate their new responsibility. The enthusiasm was contagious aspupilsembracedthejoyofwildlifeadoption!
To deepen their understanding, pupils wrote persuasive letters to members of the public, explaining the importance of adopting wildlifeandthebenefitsitbringstoourenvironment.Thechildren’s creativityandpassionshonethroughintheirheartfeltappeals
To bring their learning to life, students from Years 1–6 enjoyed inspiring school trips to the British Wildlife Centre and Barnes Wetlands Centre. These visits included engaging workshops on animals such as otters and waterbirds, giving pupils the unforgettableexperienceofseeingthewildlifetheyhadstudiedup close. The excitement they shared with their families afterwards was a testament to how much they enjoyed these enriching experiences.
Finally, pupils showcased their knowledge and creativity in a school-wide homework competition, creating impressive projects on British wildlife. We were blown away by the thought and effort that went into their work, which is now proudly displayed throughouttheschool.
We can’t wait to see where our horticulturalist journey takes us nextterm!
Southfield Horticulturalist
We are excited to announce that we have adopted British Wildlife species at the British Wildlife Centre! Our donation will help support the Centre's breeding programme, covering the costs of food and care to ensure these wonderful creatures thrive. This adoption also gives us a special connection to the Centre and the chance to learn more about protecting wildlife in the UK. In return, each class received thank you letters, certificates and newsletters as well as having our school name and year groups displayed on the adoption boardatthewildlifecentre.
Theanimaladoptionsfortheyeargroupswere:
Year1:BarnOwls
Year2:TawnyOwls
Year3:WaterVoles
Year4:Hedgehogs
Year5:Otters
Year6:Badgers
The Southfield Forum
A new year brings a new cohort of Southfield Forum members, and they’ve hit the ground running! This term, our forum has focused on two exciting areas of our school development plan: the Southfield Horticulturalist andtheSouthfieldPhilosopher.
Working in groups, forum members visited every year group, from Reception to Year 6, engaging pupils in thoughtful discussions about their learning in these areas. They took detailed notes and reported their findings back to the senior leadership team. Across the school, pupils showcased an impressive depth of knowledge and enthusiasm, eagerly answering questions andsharingtheirlearningexperiences.
This peer-to-peer approach has proven to be an incredibly effective and unique way to capture pupil voice. It’s inspiring to see how seriously both the forum members and their peers take their roles, creating a collaborative and respectful environment for sharing insights.
We are so proud of the dedication shown by our forum members and all the pupils who participated. As the year progresses and more areas of learning come into focus,wecan’twaittoseehowthisprocessevolves!
Pyjama Day
This year, we chose to dedicate our fundraising efforts toGreatOrmondStreetHospital(GOSH).Thisincredible charity holds a special place in our hearts, as it has provided care and support to many of our families. We felt it was the perfect choice to receive our donations thisyear.
Our children embraced the opportunity to raise money for this vital cause, arriving at school in their pyjamas with boundless enthusiasm. Their excitement and generosityweretrulyinspiring,astheycametogetherto makeadifference.
Thanks to the incredible support of our school community, we raised over £300 and it was with great pride that our donation was delivered directly to the nursesatGOSHbyMaxence Martin’sparents,Caroline and Tanguy, a pupil at Southfield who passed away earlier this year. These dedicated professionals have worked tirelessly and continue to care for some of our pupils,makingyoursupportevenmoremeaningfultous all.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed and gave generously to this cause. Together, we have made a difference to a charity that does so much for ourchildrenandfamilieswhentheyneeditmost.
Southfield History Exhibitons
With a new year comes another round of our much-loved exhibitions, and this year we’ve focused on the incredible History work completed by our pupils. This half term, it was the turn of Years 2, 4, and 6 to showcase their learning, and what a spectaculardisplayitwas!
Both children and teachers worked tirelessly to bring these exhibitions to life, presenting not only high-quality classwork but alsoartpieces,posters,andcreativeprojectscraftedathome.
Year 2 delved into the Romans, exploring how the strength of their army helped them grow their empire and the lasting impacttheyleftonBritain.
Year 4 transported us to Ancient Greece, highlighting how philosophyandthegodsshapedtheircultureanddailylife.
Year 6 presented an insightful dual focus, looking at the events of World War I and the pivotal role of the Suffragettes in advancing women’s rights, which occurred sidebysidehistorically.
The halls were alive with excitement as parents queued to view the displays, and we hope you were as impressed as we were by the creativity, dedication, and depth of understanding shown byourpupils.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to these exhibitions—we can’t wait to see what our next round of history showcaseswillbring!
Christmas Disco
Our Southfield Christmas Disco was a spectacular evening of festive cheer and excitement! Children had an unforgettable time dancing to their favorite songs, showing off their best moves on the dance floor, and watching jaw-dropping magic tricks that left them in awe. The highlight for many was playing in the magical faux snow, which brought plenty of laughterandfestivejoy.
Meanwhile, parents enjoyed the opportunity to relax, connect, and catch up over warm festive beverages, soakinginthelivelyandjoyfulatmosphere.Theevent truly captured the magic of the holiday season, bringing our school community together in celebration.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special. It was a night filled with fun, friendship, and festive spirit—a perfect waytokickofftheholidays!
House Prize
Allhousesputinavalianteffortwithhousepointsthis term, making it a very close competition. However, Gandhi House excelled and emerged as the welldeservedwinners.
To celebrate their hard-earned achievement, we hosted a House Point Party on the last day of term. Gandhi House children enjoyed popcorn, dancing, andfestivemusic–aperfectwaytoendtheterm!
Grand
Totals
Sports at Southfield
It has been another successful half term for our athletes at Southfield Primary School. The children have been dedicated to their weekly training sessions in football, cricket, and netball,showingremarkableimprovementweek after week. Their hard work and commitment have truly paid off in the competitions they’ve participatedinthishalfterm.
The Year 5 & 6 Girls’ Football Team achieved an impressive 4th place in their recent football competition, showcasing their determination and teamwork. In the Girls’ Football League, the team participated in some nail-biting matches that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Their outstanding performances haveplacedthemattheverytopoftheleague table,anincredibleachievement!
The Boys’ Football League also brought its share of excitement and challenges. The boys faced a series of closely contested matches, delivering a mix of wins, draws, and losses throughout the day. Their effort and sportsmanship shone through, and they are currently sitting at 11th place in the League Table, a solid foundation to build on in the next halfterm.
We are so proud of all our athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship this term. We cannot wait for next half term to see the children continue to shine and showcase their incredible athletic abilities. Keep up the fantasticworkSouthfieldathletes!
Christmas Toy Appeal
This half term, our incredible school pantry team tookashortbreakfromtheirusualworkwithEaling Food Bank to join forces with Lidl’s Christmas Toy Appealandwhatasuccessitwas!
We launched the appeal with a heartfelt assembly, where the pantry team explained that not all children are fortunate enough to receive gifts this Christmas. They encouraged us all to embody our school’s TRUE values and do everything we could tohelpmakeadifference.
Everymorning,theteamworkedtirelesslytocollect donated toys, gradually filling up our gigantic present as a symbol of our school’s offering. We were completely overwhelmed by the response fromourwonderfulschoolcommunity.Together,we collected hundreds of presents, which will bring joy tofamiliesacrossourlocalarea.
The appeal came to a close last week, with the pantry team stepping up once again to box up the toysandloadthemintothecarfordelivery.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible effort. Your compassion and generosity ofspirithaveshownthetrueheartofourSouthfield community.
EYFS Reception
In EYFS we have had a very exciting half term filled with lots of opportunities for role play and creative artwork alongside honing our Phonics and Maths skills, all focused on our topic ‘Transport’.
We have been very impressed with the children’s ability to complete their activities independently and immerse themselves in the topic and apply knowledge in context, as well as improve and consolidate early Maths, Reading and Writing.
During our transport topic we looked at how we can stay safe on the road including through high-vis jackets, obeying road signs and always looking before we cross. We also spoke about what all the different road signs mean for drivers and how they can keep us safe. We spoke about all the different things we can transport, including our reading records and water bottles everyday to school! We looked at transport in London, learning about hop on hop off buses and the different tube routes. It was interesting to discuss transport around the world such as Tuk Tuks and Bullet trains. Finally, we looked at how transport has changed over time.
To supplement our learning about transport, we have been recreating types of transport in a variety of forms including Junk modelling, Collage, Painting, Singing simple songs from memory and Imaginative role play. We were also lucky to go on a trip to the London Transport Museum where we were able to see transport form the past and immerse ourselves completely in our unit of study.
Reception
Finally,wehavespentalotoftimepracticingourclassNativity.Thechildrenhavebeenveryengaged, they understood the story of the Nativity and really enjoyed role playing the characters, as well as singinganddancingtoallthebeautifulsongs.
WelldoneReceptiononcompletingyourfirstterm!HaveagreatChristmas.
Key Stage 1
Year 1
We have had an incredibly busy half term in Year One. The children have a wonderful attitude towards learning, with an enthusiasm for discovering new knowledge. Through our writing we have learnt about the history of bonfire night, explored poetry and discovered more about English wildlife and specifically barn owls. All that along side our Mathswherewehavebeenconsolidatingour number knowledge and understanding of addition and subtraction. We have studied how addition can be commutative and how numbersarelinkedinnumberfactfamilies.
We have been so lucky to extend our learning through numerous school trips this term and feel very grateful to all the grown ups who supported the trips to make them happen. Our first Year 1 trip was to a church whereourlearninginREcametolifeandwe gottohearanorganandlookinsidethefont. We all agreed the stain glass windows were beautiful.Nextweallboardedacoachtothe British Wildlife Centre. We braved the cold and it was well worth it to see the incredible red squirrels, otters and very rare Scottish cats. Then we visited the National Portrait Gallery to explore exactly what a portrait is. WewereabletouseourSouthfieldHistorian skillstoexaminetheartashistoricalsources. Theirclothingandobjectsintheirhandsgave us clues as to who their were, when they were alive and why they are significant. Lastly, the Christmas fun really kicked off with a pantomime. It was so much fun… oh noitwasn’t…ohyesitwas!
Year 1
And of course, this term has also been busy getting ready for our nativity, Honky Tonky Donkey! We were delighted to perform it to so many of you and felt so proud of all our hard work. I think you will agreeitwas“eeeoreexcellent!”
Year 2
Year 2 have had another busy and exciting half term, filled with lots of exciting learning across all subjects, as well as plenty of fantastic school trips to contextualise our learning.
In English, we have been focusing on nonfiction writing, connected to our knowledge from other areas of the curriculum. For example, we recently wrote a persuasive leaflet with the aim of encouraging people to donate to the RNLI charity. In Maths, we havefinishedourunitonshape,learninghow to count the sides, faces and vertices of 2D and3Dshapes.Wealsostartedournewunit of money, focusing on counting pounds and pence.
In History, our topic has been ‘Romans in Britain’, which has involved lots of exciting learning, such as the organization of the Roman Army, Boudicca’s rebellion and how Romantownswereconfigured.Inadditionto our classroom lessons, we had a wonderful visit to the Roman Baths in Bath, where the children took part in some fantastic workshops uncovering Roman artefacts. We also had our Roman hHory day, including an engaging workshop where Year 2 were acting as Roman soldiers in battle. The much loved topic of the Romans cultivated in a history exhibition, where the children were proud to show off all of their hard work this term.
Aspartofthe‘SouthfieldPhilosopher’,Year2 learned about the teachings of Aristotle, writing an Exempla of Wisdom on his key beliefs and sharing our knowledge in assemblyattheendoftheweek.
Year 2
As well as this, we recently had our Southfield Horticulturalist Week, where the children had the incredible opportunity to visit the Barnes Wetlands Centre, taking part in a birdwatching workshop and learning all about our chosen animal ‘swans’.
We finished off the term on an exciting note, performing our Christmas production of ‘Hey Ewe’, a heart-warming story of a curious sheep discovering the Christmas story.
Key Stage 2
Year 3
Year 3 have continued to impress and thrive, eagerly embracing all the exciting learning opportunities across their new topics this half term.
The Southfield Philosopher kicked off the new term with a deep dive into the remarkable work of René Descartes. Our young philosophers created some stunning Exemplas of Wisdom, as well as exploring Descartes revolutionary development of Cartesian coordinates in an intriguingreal-lifemathslesson.
AspartofourSouthfieldHorticulturistWeek,our students had the incredible opportunity to visit the British Wildlife Centre, where they encountered a fascinating array of wildlife. The children were especially thrilled to learn that our yeargrouphasadoptedawatervole—thoughwe can’tbringithome!
OurYear3salsotravelledbackintimetoexplore the wonders of Ancient Egyptian life. Through an engagingworkshopduringAncientEgyptianDay, they showcased their historical knowledge, explored the brilliance of hieroglyphics, and especiallyenjoyedtheEgyptian-themedbanquet! ThefestivespiritofChristmasfilledtheairasour young thespians came together to perform the musicalspectacularTheMouseinSanta’sHouse. It has been an absolute joy to watch all involved blossomandshinethroughoutthisterm.
Year 4
Year 4 have had a busy and exciting half term, filled with exciting learning and some wonderfultripstocontextualiseourlearning. Earlier on this half term, we had the opportunity to visit the British Wildlife Centre, where we encountered a variety of animals up close. Back in the classroom, we’ve been learning all about hedgehogs and ways to protect this endangered species. We were delighted to discover that we’ve adopted the hedgehogs at the British Wildlife Centre, contributing to the conservationoftheseremarkablecreatures.
This half term in English, we focused on non-fiction writing, incorporating knowledge from other areas of the curriculum. For example, we recently created an engaging fact file all about Zeus. In Maths, we learned to calculate the area of shapes by counting squares and began exploring multiplication and division in greater depth, whilecontinuingtopracticeourtimestables regularly.
In Geography, we ‘travelled’ to Mediterranean Europe, identifying the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and enhancing our knowledge of their capitals, flags, and key physical features. In Science, we delved into classification, grouping animals into vertebrates and invertebrates, and plants into flowering and non-flowering types. We further explored animal classifications, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, insects,arachnids,andmolluscs.
Year 4
In History, we continued studying Ancient Greece, exploring Greek gods, philosophy, and mythology. We learned about the Ancient Greeks' polytheistic beliefs and the enduring legacy of their contributions to modern life and learning. In addition to this, we also had our DT day where we learnedavarietyofsewingtechniquestocreateourveryowncushionstotakehome.
We finished the term on a high, performing our Christmas show ‘A Home for Christmas’, a wonderful musical contrasting the bustling commercialism of a modern Christmas with the plight of the homeless.
Year 5
It’s fair to say it’s been a jammed packed 7 weeks in Year 5, full of exciting learning and wonderful enrichment opportunities. In English,wetookalloftheknowledgelearntin curriculum lessons and turned these into wonderful Non-Fiction texts. We were particularly impressed with fabulous explanation texts on what made Baghdad 900AD such a successful empire and enticingandengagingfactfilesaboutOtzithe Iceman, discovered due to glacial melt around 5000 years ago. We have since moved on to study The Early British Empire, learningaboutglobaltradesroutesthatledto our subsequent power across the globe. This was contextualised with a marvellous Real Life Maths lesson, where children worked as theownerofship,tofillitwithasmanygoods aspossiblefromeachcontinent.
We went on a fantastic trip to the National Portrait Gallery where we took part in a portrait workshop, using our water colour and sketching skills to recreate some of the paintings.Wealsousedinktocreateportraits of our peers. In addition to this, we went on an enriching trip to the Barnes Wetland Centre to kick-off our Year 5 Horticulturalist Unit. The frosty winter sun shone down on us as we glimpsed a look at some beautiful Britishwildlife,includingacutepairofotters!
We ended the term with a riveting performance of ‘Bah Humbug’, a remake of Scrooge’s Christmas Carol, where children acted and sang beautifully to end our term with a festive bang. We hope you all a wonderfully restful holidays and are looking forward to another term of learning in the NewYear.
Year 5
Year 6
This half term Year 6 have had a bumper packed 8 weeks. We learned all about how pollution and climate change are affecting Chiswick in Geography. Our science topic, this half term, was classification where we explored how plants and animals are classified using Linneaus’ binomial system of classification. In History this half term, we have been learning all about The Suffragettes and the important role they played in shaping life as we know it today. To contextualize our learning, we visited the Royal Courts of Justice and took part in a workshop all about the Suffragettes and Emmeline Pankhurst’s fight for women’s suffrage. The children asked some great questions, and they received superb feedback on their knowledge and understanding. We have written extensively about this and more in our English lessons this half term. In Maths, Year 6 have been working hard to master the four operations.
We had our first ever Southfield Horticulturist week this half term, where Year 6 studied badgers and learn all about the their life cycles, diets and habitats. The children visited the British Wildlife Centre where they took part in a guided tour allowing them to broaden their knowledge about many different species of British wildlife, as well as deepening their understanding of badgers.
Year 6
Year 6 also took part in their end of year World War I play ‘Christmas in 1914’ which was a resounding success. All the children immersed themselves in what life would have been like back in 1914 during the war at Christmas time. It was great practice for our end of year show in July! Additionally, the children took on their annual role as Christmas Elves in this year’s bazaar where they escorted all our younger pupils around the sale and a great time was had by all.
