Headteacher Introduction
Dear Parents,
I have great pleasure in presenting the final newsletter of the academic year and once again what an exciting term we have all experienced!
Against the backdrop of the wonderful Summer weather we have been enjoying, so too have we marvelled at the spectacular Summer performances taking place which are as always a joy to behold! The performing arts holds such a special place at Southfield and it was a most special time for families to come together to watch the breath-taking performances by the children, outstandingly created by our talented and committed teachers
We were fortunate enough to enjoy the wonderful Summer Fête led by Carolin as PTA Chair and ably supported by many parents A big thank you to all involved on such a great summer event that allows our community to come together in such a special way! The ever popular and exciting Colour Run was once again a hugely exciting event which the children enjoy immensely A huge thank you to all parents who made this possible
We are once again hugely thrilled with our results from across the school, all of which are outstanding and places us firmly in one of the very top primary schools in the country where academic excellent oscillates with creativity and personal growth!
We wish all our Year 6 children transferring to secondary school all the very best for their new adventure and look forward to welcoming the next generation of little Southfielders to Reception in September. Thank you all for your support for our wonderful school and we all wish you an enjoyable summer ahead!
Dr D Jones Headmaster
Contextualised Curriculum
This half term, pupils across Southfield have been immersed in an array of rich and inspiring experiences, enhancing their classroom learning through realworld connections With visits, performances, themed weeks and hands-on projects, pupils have continued to explore the curriculum in vibrant and meaningful ways
Reception pupils were filled with wonder during their visit to London Zoo, where their curiosity about the natural world flourished Seeing animals up close helped to deepen their understanding of habitats and life cycles, while fostering awe and respect for the living world
In Year 3, pupils explored classical mythology through a visit to the Wallace Collection Museum This carefully curated experience supported their study of classical stories, offering a unique lens through which to understand ancient cultures and their impact on modern storytelling
Year 4 were captivated by their enriching trip to the Holland Park Open Air Opera This cultural experience offered a new perspective on performance and musical storytelling, sparking thoughtful discussion and artistic appreciation
Year 5 pupils had a particularly busy and exciting term. Their visit to the Greenwich Observatory allowed them to consolidate their Geography knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of time, space and navigation They also journeyed back in time through their immersive experience at the Gunnersbury Victorian Museum, where they brought their History learning vividly to life. Their term culminated in a stunning performance with the Primary Shakespeare Company, where they took to the stage in a compelling rendition of scenes from Hamlet at the Questors Theatre This unforgettable opportunity gave pupils a platform to engage with Shakespeare’s language, themes and characters with flair and confidence
Meanwhile, pupils across all year groups took part in Southfield’s much-loved themed weeks During Financial Literacy Week, they explored key concepts around money, budgeting and value Philosophy Week encouraged deep thinking, questioning and respectful dialogue, allowing pupils to grapple with big ideas in age-appropriate ways. Through our ongoing Southfield Horticulturalist focus, pupils also learned to identify plants by their Latin names, linking science, language and environmental awareness in a hands-on, engaging way
This half term has truly embodied our belief in education that extends beyond the walls of the classroom; fuelled by curiosity, creativity and connection We look forward to many more inspiring opportunities in the term ahead
Illustration Week
This term, our school celebrated Illustration Week, an exciting exploration of how illustrators bring stories to life through thoughtful choices in colour, texture, perspective and expression. Each year group focused on a specific aspect of illustration and studied a range of notable artists in what became a true celebration of picture books
The week began with a shared exploration of the wordless picture book Journey by Aaron Becker, centred around the idea that “ a picture tells a thousand words” It was heartening to see ideas flowing from our youngest pupils to our oldest, showing how each reader brings their own imagination and interpretation to a story
As the week progressed, children became familiar with iconic illustrators such as Quentin Blake, Beatrix Potter, Anthony Browne, Eric Carle, Helen Oxenbury and Chris Van Allsburg They analysed illustrations in beloved books, posed thoughtful questions about visual storytelling and explored how tone, symbolism, body language and artistic style contribute to the mood and meaning of a text
By the end of the week, pupils had surpassed all expectations, creating beautiful artwork using a variety of media From Reception’s collages inspired by Eric Carle to Year 6’s dramatic greyscale illustrations based on The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, children demonstrated a deep understanding of how illustration can powerfully communicate narrative Year 1 explored body language and facial expression, creating their own interpretations of monsters after studying the work of Ed Vere and Quentin Blake Year 3 examined scale and perspective through the work of Michael Foreman and John Burningham, while Year 4 focused on symbolism, drawing inspiration from Anthony Browne’s thoughtful and layered illustrations Year 5 experimented with texture and mixed media inspired by Elmer and The Tiny Seed, producing vibrant and expressive collages
Philosophy Week
This term, children across the school took part in their final Philosophy Week, which focused on the theme Philosophy of the Self They explored big questions about identity, growth and their inner lives
This built on previous weeks where they examined great thinkers in Philosophers and Thinking and reflected on society in Thinking about the World Through stories, discussions and thoughtful reflection, children were encouraged to consider who they are and the kind of person they want to become.
Each year group explored a different big question:
Reception–WhoamI?
Year1–Whatmakesmeme?
Year2–HowdoIknowwhatIknow?
Year3–Whatdoesitmeantothinkclearly?
Year4–Whatisbeautifulormeaningfultome?
Year5–HowshouldIlive?
Year6–CanIchoosewhoIbecome?
By engaging with ideas from philosophers past and present, our children developed their reasoning, empathy and self-awareness
The week ended with each child creating an Exemplum of Character, a personal piece of writing reflecting on their values, aspirations and how they can make a positive difference in the world
The Southfield Horticulturalist
The final unit of the Southfield Horticulturalist focused on British Flora Pupils across the school explored native wildflowers, discovering how they grow, where they thrive and why they are so vital to our local ecosystems
Children learned to identify both the common and Latin names of wildflowers and studied their physical structures, including petals, stems, leaves and roots Each year group also explored why their focus flower is considered native to Britain, including its history, habitat and role in local ecosystems
Reception and Year 1 began with garden and meadow flowers, focusing on cowslips and poppies Reception looked carefully at British garden flowers, while Year 1 studied the structure and features of poppies, observing them closely in our own school garden and discussing their appearance, scent and texture
Year 2 looked at wetland wildflowers, focusing on Yellow Flag Iris and its adaptations to damp environments Year 3 looked at coastal wildflowers, with a key focus on Sea Thrift observing how these plants survive in windy, salty habitats Year 4’s focus was on woodland wildflowers, looking closely at the native bluebells and their ecological role.
Year 5 explored hedgerow wildflowers, concentrating on Stitchwort and the importance of hedgerows as habitats Year 6 studied moorland wildflowers, focusing on Bell Heather and its adaptation to acidic soils
To round off our learning, all year groups looked at what is needed for flowers to grow and each child planted their very own wildflower seeds to nurture at home over the summer
Financial Literacy
TextOur second Financial Literacy Day built upon the foundations laid earlier in the year and gave pupils across the school another opportunity to explore the vital real-world topic of managing money The day was filled with practical, age-appropriate challenges that encouraged children to think critically, plan responsibly and apply mathematical reasoning to real life contexts
In Reception and Key Stage 1, pupils explored the idea of needs versus wants by sorting items based on importance and cost They handled real coins, role played shop scenarios and began to develop a basic understanding of saving and spending wisely These early conversations are crucial in helping children grow into financially aware individuals with good habits from the start
In Key Stage 2 the focus shifted towards planning, budgeting and long-term thinking Pupils looked at topics such as taxes, interest rates, loans and budgeting for holidays or events They used calculators, worked with spreadsheets and even applied persuasive writing to explain financial choices and defend their spending plans The day also encouraged teamwork and discussion as pupils compared different approaches to saving and spending
Throughout the day children were reminded that money is not just about numbers It is about decision making, responsibility and understanding the world around them By anchoring financial literacy in real scenarios, we helped pupils build a skill set they can carry with them through secondary school and beyond
This second Financial Literacy Day proved once again that when children are given the opportunity to explore financial concepts in a meaningful and engaging way, their confidence grows alongside their curiosity It has been a powerful step forward in helping our pupils become thoughtful, capable and financially literate young people
Summer Productions
This year’s Summer performances at Southfield were nothing short of spectacular The quality of each production was outstanding and what made it even more special was seeing every single child, from Reception to Year 6, taking part It was a joy to see their confidence grow and their talents shine through in such creative, collaborative and entertaining ways
Reception–TheLitterMuncher
Reception charmed us all with The Litter Muncher, a fun and meaningful story about looking after our environment With brilliant costumes, colourful props and a heartfelt message, the children confidently sang and performed, reminding us all to take care of our world
Year1–TheBeeMusical
Year 1 dazzled with The Bee Musical, buzzing with energy and teamwork
With catchy songs, beautiful costumes and thoughtful performances, the children showed just how important bees are and how far they’ve come in confidence and stage presence this year
Year2–PeterPan
In an ambitious and magical production of Peter Pan, Year 2 took us on a breath-taking journey to Neverland With swashbuckling sword fights, touching solos and pixie dust aplenty, their performance was bursting with imagination, talent and joy
Year3–MysteryatMagpieManor
Year 3 stepped back into the 1920s with the glamorous and witty Mystery at Magpie Manor With fabulous costumes, clever choreography and a mystery to solve, the children truly shone, delivering a show full of sparkle, style and laughter
Year4–TheWindintheWillows
Year 4 brought classic literature to life in their warm and witty adaptation of The Wind in the Willows From car chases to heartfelt friendships, their thoughtful performances and creative staging made for a production full of heart and humour
Year5–AMidsummerNight’sDream
Shakespeare came alive in Year 5’s magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Every child played a part in this ambitious production, with enchanting storytelling, standout solos and a finale that had the audience clapping along
A true celebration of teamwork and talent
Year6–MaryPoppinsJunior
Year 6 closed their Southfield chapter with the spectacular Mary Poppins
Junior With dazzling performances, iconic songs and show-stopping choreography, this was a heartfelt, high-energy finale full of joy, talent and unforgettable moments
Wanttoseemore?
Full blurbs, photos and performance programmes for each year group’s show can be found on the Performing Arts section of the school website Don’t miss out on reliving these incredible memories!
History Exhbitions
This half term, pupils across the school were been busy preparing for their History Exhibitions, where parents and families were invited to come and celebrate the incredible work on display Year 5 wowed everyone with their detailed knowledge of the Victorians, proudly sharing projects inspired by their trip to the Victorian Gunnersbury Museum They even showcased photographs from the visit, which really brought their learning to life Year 3 impressed with their fascinating work on the War of the Roses, while Year 1 explored the theme of Prime Ministers and Parliament, learning about leadership and decision-making in our country
The exhibitions were a wonderful opportunity for families to see the creativity, effort and enthusiasm that pupils have put into their History learning this half term From beautifully presented projects to imaginative homework tasks, the standard of work was outstanding Pupils were incredibly proud to share their achievements and it was fantastic to see so many parents and carers engaging with their children’s learning and celebrating their hard work
Sports Tournaments
Our final term has seen the continued success of our school sports programme and competitions The children have shown incredible dedication by attending their weekly training sessions for football, cricket and netball
Summer is always the season for cricket and our young stars at Southfield have truly shone We kicked off the cricket season with a Year 5 and 6 boys’ tournament, where they faced tough competition from several local schools Despite some closely fought matches and moments of real brilliance, we narrowly missed progressing beyond the group stages
Next came the Year 5 and 6 mixed boys’ and girls’ team league, which took place over three separate days We got off to a flying start, winning all our matches on the first day and impressing other schools with excellent batting, bowling and fielding skills Over the final two days, the team continued to work hard and play with passion, eventually finishing 6th out of 18 schools, a truly outstanding achievement, especially considering that some of the children had never played cricket before this year
Overall, the sporting competitions and training sessions this year have been a huge success The children have loved every moment and are already asking when it will all start again! We can’t wait to see what they will achieve in the 2025–26 school year For teams that only began training at the start of this year, they have accomplished so much and should be extremely proud We certainly are!
PTA Events
We were absolutely delighted by the fantastic events organised by our PTA this term, which brought our school community together in such a joyful way The much-anticipated Summer Fete was a real highlight, taking place on a beautiful late summer evening filled with excitement and laughter. The event offered something for everyone: a variety of stands with engaging games and challenges, bouncy castles for endless fun and plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy Families and friends gathered to soak up the atmosphere, making it a truly memorable occasion that celebrated the spirit of our school community
We were also treated to glorious weather for the PTA Colour Run, which was as vibrant and joyous as ever! The playground was transformed into a dazzling rainbow as pupils were showered with powdered paint and splashed with water, creating an explosion of colour and energy The children absolutely loved every moment and the event remains a firm favourite at Southfield
We are so incredibly grateful to our PTA for their hard work, creativity and dedication in organising these amazing events and for raising valuable funds that will go towards providing wonderful opportunities and resources for our school
House Prize
The level of effort, determination and pride shown by our students across the school this term has been truly unbelievable From classroom achievements to creative performances and everything in between, pupils have consistently strived to do their very best, making themselves, their peers and all of the staff incredibly proud
A huge congratulations to Gandhi House, who earned the most house points this term and were crowned our Trinity Term champions! Their hard work and team spirit were celebrated in style with the traditional winning house disco, a joyful morning filled with laughter, delicious snacks and plenty of dancing
Well done, Gandhi!
Academic Excellence
We are proud to share this year’s academic outcomes, which represent the strongest results in Southfield’s history, an exceptional achievement for pupils and staff, especially in light of our already impressive track record
The results shown below place us well above national expectations, reflecting the remarkable progress our pupils make from the beginning of their education through to the end of Key Stage 2 Southfield continues to rank within the top 1% of schools nationally and remains at the forefront of local performance tables.
These outcomes are a source of great pride and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff, as well as the strength and ambition of our carefully designed, enriching curriculum.
We hope you are as proud of our school as we are
Farewell Year 6
It is with both heavy hearts and immense pride that we say goodbye to our remarkable Year 6 cohort This group of young people has been truly extraordinary, leaving an enduring legacy at Southfield that will not be forgotten
Throughout the year, they have led our school with maturity, warmth, and spirit, culminating in a show-stopping performance of Mary Poppins, a production that will live long in our memories Their efforts extended beyond the stage too with this cohort achieving record-breaking SATs results, a testament to their determination, resilience and hard work.
Last week, we gathered for our cherished Leavers’ Assembly, a chance to reflect on their many accomplishments Yearbooks were shared, heartfelt awards presented, and a moving video montage took us all on a nostalgic journey from their very first days in Reception through to today It was a powerful reminder of how far they have come and there truly wasn’t a dry eye in the room
Their final week was filled with moments of celebration, laughter and love One of the highlights was the traditional leavers' Lap of Honour, a joyful procession through a path lined with the rest of the school community, cheering them on as they took on of their final walks through Southfield And of course, the week ended in true celebratory style with the Leavers’ Disco, an evening of dancing, fun and plenty of pizza and ice cream!
To our Year 6s: we will miss you more than words can say You have made your mark, and we could not be prouder of the people you have become As you take your next steps into the future, remember, you will always be a part of Southfield What a journey it has been!
EYFS Reception
This term has been a whirlwind of exploration and discovery as the children completed their final term in Reception The children engaged in a wonderful summer production of The Litter Muncher where they gave their absolute best acting and singing skills, developing both their imagination and creativity It was a wonderful performance and showed the hours of hard work they had put into rehearsals However, it not only showcased their artistic talents but also instilled a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment in our young minds.
Taking a break from the classroom, the children embarked on an unforgettable trip to London Zoo The children were impressive and proud representatives of the Southfield team as they consolidated their knowledge on growing and changing by looking at all the different habitats and animals We looked at towering giraffes, creepy crawlies and even witnessed a penguin show whilst learning some interesting facts (that some penguins are taller than us!) This magical outing sparked a deep appreciation for nature and conservation in our little learners.
Amidst all the special activities and adventures, our Reception children remained committed to their academic growth They diligently practiced phonics, honed their mathematical skills and deepened their knowledge on our topic ‘Stories from the Past’ We looked at fairytales, legends, fables and myths and it was wonderful to see children connect the lessons and moral teachings within fables and myths to our TRUE values We are all incredibly proud of the children’s hard work, effort and progress this year
As we reflect on the Summer term and the final chapter of their Reception journey, we are filled with both gratitude and appreciation for the activities and experiences we have shared and the progress they have made The children have made friends for life and developed skills that they will carry with them throughout school
We are very proud of you and you should be very proud of yourselves We all wish you the best of luck in Year 1 and have no doubt you will continue to shine and grow
Reception
Key Stage 1 Year 1
We have had a wonderful final term in Year 2 with everyone having made excellent progress from the start of the year A highlight of this term has been our very ambitious production of ‘Peter Pan’, in which the children brought Neverland to life with their enthusiastic singing, dancing and acting Having worked hard in rehearsals, the children were able to perform our show to a variety of year groups before the final performance to parents, which was a hit!
We have also enjoyed our Science topic on Space this term, learning about all the planets in the Solar System, as well as the different phases of the moon and exploring the possibility of life on Mars! In History this term we learned all about ‘Powerful Voices’, studying important people that have made a difference such as Mahatma Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg In Maths, we have been learning how to tell the time to the nearest 5 minutes, as well as how to interpret data using pictograms, tally charts and block diagrams in preparation for Year 3!
As part of the Southfield Horticulturalist, we learned all about British flowers such as the Yellow Flag Iris, even getting to have a go at planting our own wild flowers! We also enjoyed our third Philosophy Week, where we discussed the big questions, ‘Where does knowledge come from?’ This produced some excellent thoughtprovoking reflections and outcomes
We have had a fantastic final term of Year 2; all the children should be very proud of their progress and achievements this year They are more than ready for what Year 3 brings!
Year 1
Year 2
We have had a truly wonderful final term in Year 2, with every child making outstanding progress since the start of the year The standard of work produced has been exceptional, with pupils consistently working beyond age-related expectations Their effort, focus and determination have proven they are more than ready for the exciting transition to Year 3
A major highlight this term was our ambitious production of Peter Pan The children brought Neverland to life through enthusiastic singing, dancing and confident acting After weeks of dedicated rehearsals, they performed the show to various year groups before a final performance to parents, which was met with huge applause and praise
Our Science topic, Space, was another highlight Pupils explored the planets in our Solar System, the phases of the moon and even debated the possibility of life on Mars, building on their knowledge from Reception
A particularly special moment this term was a visit from a professional string quartet, who had recently performed at the Bedford Park Festival The children listened in awe as they were treated to a live performance of classical and contemporary pieces Their engagement was exceptional, contributing thoughtful ideas during the follow-up workshop and demonstrating an impressive understanding of musical history and composition
As part of our Southfield Horticulturalist curriculum, we learned about native British flowers, including the Yellow Flag Iris and even had the opportunity to plant our own wildflowers
We also concluded our final Philosophy Week of Year 2 by asking the big question: How do we know what we know? The children explored the foundations of knowledge, thinking deeply about where it comes from and the influences we have in our lives We examined the ideas of philosopher David Hume, who believed all knowledge comes from experience and reflected on how the children’s own life experiences have shaped their understanding We also engaged in thoughtful discussions around Stoic philosophy, exploring how we have control over our reactions and the choices we make Pupils considered how we can learn from our actions and apply those lessons to future decisions; valuable thinking to carry with them as they move into Key Stage 2
It has been a truly exceptional term We are immensely proud of the resilience, creativity and maturity shown by every child Year 2 have not only exceeded expectations, they are more than ready for all that Year 3 has to offer
Year 2
Key Stage 2 Year 3
The term began with an inspiring visit to the Wallace Collection Museum, where the children explored stunning artworks and fascinating artifacts They uncovered the myths and legends behind some of the pieces, imagining the adventures of gods and heroes from Ancient Greece Inspired by these stories, they tried their hand at sketching details that captured their imagination, bringing the museum experience to life through creativity and curiosity
Financial Literacy Day II gave the children a hands-on opportunity to experience running their own lemonade business They took on real roles, from budgeting for ingredients to setting prices and managing sales Through this practical challenge, they learned how to make smart financial decisions, balance costs and profits and understand the importance of planning ahead
Our much-loved Summer Performance, Magpie Manor, was a magical show that captivated everyone from the very first moment. The children’s hard work and talent shone through as they confidently performed songs, dances and scenes full of energy and enthusiasm Weeks of rehearsals culminated in an incredible performance and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved The children truly earned the applause and admiration from their loved ones in the audience.
As the year drew to a close, we thoroughly enjoyed showcasing our War of the Roses learning in the History Exhibition The children produced exceptional work and demonstrated impressive knowledge of the topic, which they took great pride in sharing with the parents who attended Their efforts were truly outstanding, and they should be very proud of all they achieved throughout this incredible topic
Our third Philosophy Week was the perfect finale to an incredible year, focusing on the theme of clear thinking Inspired by great philosophers like Aristotle, Hypatia and Zeno, the children deeply explored how humans’ reason and reflect This thoughtful journey culminated in the creation of outstanding Exempla of Character, showcasing their ability to apply philosophical ideas in creative and meaningful ways
Everyone in Year 3 can feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved, not only this term, but this year and we look forward to following their continued successes in Year 4
Year 3
Year 4
It has been a fantastically jam packed term here in Year 4 A highlight of the term was our spectacular production of ‘The Wind in the Willows Studying Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel in our English lessons, helped us to understand the story and get into character We were involved in all elements of the show: creating props, designing the set and creating the choreography We also focused on how we could physically represent our characters and developed our speaking skills, performing to a variety of year groups and our parents. We loved bringing this wonderful story alive!
We were also inspired by a fantastic trip to Holland Park’s Open Air Theatre to see a brand-new opera called ‘Itch’ It followed the story of a young boy fascinated by the periodic table and we loved when all the explosions went off! Watching the performance demonstrated the importance of projecting your voice when on stage, helping us with our own play
This term, we continued our History topic on The Stuarts, examining a long tussled with debate about whether Oliver Cromwell was a hero or a tyrant We continued, chronologically, to examine the Great Fire of London and the Black Death We wrote diary entries from the perspective of someone living during the Plague Our indepth dive into The Stuarts left us fascinated and captivated by the many events that took place during this period
In Maths, we examined different shapes; we looked at triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons and lines of symmetry We then moved onto statistics, where we learned how to interpret and draw line graphs After months of hard work, we all completed our multiplication tests and did a fantastic job at recalling our known facts and times tables We are so proud of how the children did and we know they are too!
In Geography this term, we examined a place many of us knew little about, Japan Japan is a country consisting of four main islands located on the continent of Asia We examined both the physical and human features of Japan We examined its climate, seas, mountains and volcanoes and learnt that many of these features are due to it being located on the edge of several tectonic plates We learnt about the feudal system and modern Japanese culture; many of us are now keen to take a trip to Japan!
Year 4
Electricity is something we all use every day without thinking too much about it How does it work? What ways can we use it whilst keeping safe? We answered these questions in Science this year where we designed and created our own electrical circuits and learnt about what materials conduct electricity and which do not This built on our prior learning when we also looked at Electricity in Year 2
We have also loved our expanding our knowledge further during our Philosophy Week, critically discussing the ‘Philosophy of Self’ and what beauty means to us We produced some fantastic reflections, exploring the relevance of philosophers’ views today We also enjoyed a brilliant illustration week, looking specifically at the theme of symbolism and Antony Browne’s work ‘Voices in the Park’ was full of surprises and symbolism; we discovered something new every time we read it!
We have had a fantastic term and we cannot believe that our time in Year 4 has come to an end Everyone should feel incredibly proud of their progress and achievements and we cannot wait to see what Year 5 brings!
Year 5
This term, in Year 5, our pupils have immersed themselves in a wide range of exciting topics that have challenged their thinking and deepened their understanding of the world around them From examining the complexities of UK weather patterns to stepping back into Victorian Britain and exploring the local history and geography of Chiswick, the children have been engaged in rich, cross-curricular learning that has sparked curiosity and built valuable knowledge
In Science, we have taken on the role of meteorologists, investigating how weather works and why different parts of the UK experience varying conditions Children explored the layers of the atmosphere, learned about high and low pressure systems and examined how warm and cold fronts interact to produce the changes we see in our climate They even studied extreme weather events and considered how modern forecasting technology is used to keep people informed and safe Practical activities using real data helped them interpret forecasts and understand the importance of weather science in our everyday lives
Our History work has focused on the Victorian period, a time of immense change and innovation. We began with a deep dive into the Great Exhibition of 1851, exploring how this event showcased the power and progress of the era The children investigated key inventions, the growth of the British Empire and the effects of industrialisation on people’s daily lives Through guided research, primary source analysis and creative projects, the children developed a nuanced understanding of life in Victorian Britain and how it continues to shape the world we live in today
In Geography, we turned our attention to our immediate surroundings with an in depth study of Chiswick. Pupils explored the human and physical features of the area, compared historical and modern maps and conducted fieldwork to better understand land use, transport links and community resources They considered how Chiswick has evolved over time and how it fits within the wider context of London’s development. This hands-on exploration helped them form connections between their learning in school and the world just outside their doors
This has been a term full of high-quality learning and purposeful exploration We are proud of the depth of thinking, independence and enthusiasm our Year 5 pupils have shown and we look forward to building on this strong foundation in the coming weeks
Year 5
Year 6
Year 6 have had an emotional but stupendous end to their time at Southfield this Trinity term We explored the big question ‘Can I Choose Who I Become?’ and created an Exemplum of Character for our third philosophical exploration this year with a focus on The Stoics Marcus Aurelius and Simone De Beauvoir were our philosophers of choice for this term’s work who both argued that we have control in how we respond to situations and how we then choose to move forward from there It was a fascinating week and a great way to conclude our Philosophy journey Our Horticultural journey ended with a study on British Flora and in particular learning about and identifying moorland flowers We were also able to plant our very own wildflowers to nurture and grow A new addition this year was Illustration Week which was fascinating We looked at the work of Chris Van Allsburg in depth and particularly his book ‘ The Mysteries of Harris Burdick’ and John Tenniel, who famously illustrated ‘Alice in Wonderland’. We created our own mysterious illustrations and also wrote in detail on how both artists used tone - the use of light and shade - to create mood
The big extravaganza every year that is the Year 6 Summer Production was once again an absolute triumph! This year’s show was the West End Junior version of the masterful Mary Poppins and the children were out of this world! From the props to the choreography, they had a hand in all aspects of their final show at Southfield and boy did they deliver! Pictures and the programme and blurb can all be found on the Performing Arts page of the school website and as Mary famously says, remember children, ‘Anything can happen if you let it’
We also received our SATs results, something the children had taken very seriously all year and prided themselves on showing off all they knew when exam time came We are beyond thrilled to say that the children have outdone themselves and continue to make the school immensely proud They have received the best scores in the school’s history, which is no mean feat, but this year was exceptional, with all children working at the expected standard and almost every pupil reaching greater depth in most subjects What an impressive year you have had academically!
We ended the children’s final term with our traditional leaver’s assembly and the leaver’s Year 6 Lap of Honour Children were presented with their own yearbook and some standout pupils received the prestigious Headteacher, Ex Corde Vita, Southfielder, TRUE and Personal Growth awards which were richly deserved We are so proud of you all and will miss you greatly What a fantastic year you have all had!
Year 6
‘Ex Corde Vita’