Atwood Newsletter 16th January 2026

Another very busy week has flown by at Atwood.

In Nursery, this week the children have been making their own Gingerbread Men.

https://www.pegasusacademytrust.org/news/atw-nursery-news-16th-january

In Reception, the children had a special visit from Professor Bubbleworks this week:

https://www.pegasusacademytrust.org/news/eyfs/atw-reception-news-dinosaurs-and-slime

This week in English, Year 1 have written a recount using a variety of time adverbs and words with the ‘ing’ suffix. In maths, the children have found one more/less of a value and represented these using dienes. They have also used a number line to 20 and completed challenges to demonstrate this learning. The children started a new topic in science ‘Everyday Materials’ and during their lesson shared what they already knew about the topic. During art, they looked at Peter Blake’s ‘The Toy Shop’ and discussed what they could see, what they liked and disliked and what they wanted to know about his artwork.

In their thematic learning this week Year 2 have been learning about the Great Fire of London and discovering what life was like in London 300 years ago. The children started the art work for the front covers of their books. The children used water colours to make a fiery background. In maths, the children have been look at sharing and division. In English, the children have been familiarising themselves with lots of traditional tales. They then started planning their own twisted tale.

Year 3 have been retelling, acting out and planning their own versions of The Tortoise and the Hare. They have focused on using adventurous adjectives and powerful verbs to bring their stories to life, showing great creativity and confidence in their storytelling. In Mathematics, Year 3 have been adding and subtracting money, using and applying the techniques learned during the Autumn term. They have worked hard to develop accuracy and confidence when solving money problems. During Whole Class Reading, Year 3 have been enjoying The Story of Oliver and the Seawigs. They have made thoughtful predictions, explored a range of sea-related vocabulary and designed their own imaginative seawigs. The children have also referred to familiar stories to make connections within the text and deepen their understanding. As part of Thematic learning, Year 3 have been learning about the artist Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale. They have created their own stories inspired by her paintings, focusing on historical events and poetry, which resulted in some wonderfully imaginative work. In Geography, Year 3 have been using their geographical skills to compare and contrast similarities and differences between Alexandra Palace and the Crystal Palace during the Victorian era and in the present day. They showed great curiosity and understanding when discussing how places change over time. Finally, a big thank you to all those who have donated books to support the class reading spine. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Year 3 are also incredibly proud of the fantastic poems that have been performed and entered into the competition.

On Wednesday, Jade class successfully presented an assembly about the history of the Crystal Palace. They explained about the Great Exhibition and about the objects that were exhibited there. Several children acted out visiting the Crystal Palace and the whole class performed the poem ‘From a Railway Carriage’ by Robert Louis Stephenson. Afterwards, the parents were invited up to the classroom to have a look at their thematic learning and to watch a presentation of photos of other activities, such as the afternoon tea and Crystal Palace building workshop, that they have also participated in to support their learning. Well done Jade Class!

This week, Year 4 have been learning about the different types of volcanoes and the impact they have when they erupt. They have also been learning about how to keep themselves safe in the event of an eruption. This ties in with their work based on ‘Escape from Pompeii’. The children have been using fronted adverbials in their fantastic sentences. The children have also been learning about why Hadrian’s wall was built and how to multiply and divide by 10 in maths.

This week, Year 5 have continued to build their sentences for their nonchronological report about the Amazon Rainforest. In maths, the children have been calculating the area and perimeter of compound shapes and in science they have been looking at the properties of materials. In computing the children have started to develop their word processing skills.

In Year 6, this week the children took a trip to the British Museum. Once there, they were able to visit the Rosetta Stone. They were also able to see various other artefacts including the Parthenon Marbles. The children had a great day out and were very impressed by the museum’s collection. Many thanks to all of the parents who helped out on the trip. The children have used the visit to inspire their writing about whether or not the Rosetta Stone should be repatriated. In their thematic work, the children have learnt about Howard carter and the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb. The children have also been looking at algebra and converting measures in maths.

School Uniform

In response to a question raised by parents through the class reps, you will see that we have launched a consultation on the school uniform. Please take the time to read the proposal and respond using the Google form.

Mr O’ Connor.

It is with sadness that today we say goodbye to our Premises Manager, Mr O’Connor. He has been a great servant to Atwood quietly going about the business of keep the school clean and safe, always with a smile on his face. Although he may not actually be in the classroom teaching the children, he has been integral to the success of the school. The appreciation felt for him was apparent in our assembly today where the children gave him a great send off. We wish him all the best as he moves on to take up a promotion at a bigger secondary school.