Atwood Newsletter 22nd May 2026

This week, it has been Science Week in school and we have all used science to explore the theme of ‘Curiosity’.

The Nursery have been young scientists this week, looking for changes when materials are mixed.

https://www.pegasusacademytrust.org/news/eyfs/atw-nursery-news-22nd-may

In Reception, the children have also been experimenting as well as writing their own stories.

https://www.pegasusacademytrust.org/news/eyfs/atw-reception-news-story-writing-and-science-week

In science week Year 1 have been answering a number of questions about science. They predicted what would happen when skittles were arranged in a pattern in water. They worked out how to test which paper plane design was the best in terms of distance. They learned all about Chris Packham and his career as a naturalist. They also observed the effects of water on water beads and recorded the results. In English, they learnt the AA Milne poem ‘The End’ and performed it in groups, thinking about their tone and actions. In maths Year One found one more and one less than numbers going up to 100, using number squares to help them.

This week was all about Science in Year 2! The children were researching birds and learned all about how they build their nests using different materials. They put different materials to the test to understand why birds use the ones that they do. In English, Year 2 got creative and wrote their own Rosie’s Magic Horse retells. They continued asking insightful questions as part of our Computing learning and the children began learning about spreadsheets

This week Year 3 have been focusing on the science theme of collaboration and teamwork. The week began by watching a video of a man with a strange box. It encouraged the children to discuss what they thought the box was made of, why they thought it would be floating and particularly what did the ‘switch’ underneath it do. In groups, the children were encouraged to think of questions they would ask the man using their scientific knowledge. Still working under the theme of collaboration, the children were put into teams of four to work together to recreate an image using a pen. The pen had four pegs attached to it which children had to hold as they drew. It was a lot more challenging than they had expected it to be! After the initial ‘We can’t do it’ comments, they persevered and worked together to achieve drawing success! In addition to these activities, the children explored how shadows were made and what could affect the size and shape of a shadow. They used torches to create shadows in different ways and went outside to investigate if time could change the shape and size of a shadow, drawing around their shadows at different times of the day. At all times, the children were encouraged to use the scientific method of investigation, creating a hypothesis, using prediction skills and reaching conclusions. The activities really got them thinking about their shadows!

This week, Year 4 have been writing their own fairy tales including dialogue and a humorous ending. Amber Class went on a trip to the British Library for a fairy tales exhibition and workshop. They really enjoyed a listening to a retelling of the traditional fairy tale ‘Turandot’ and exploring the exhibition! In addition, they were lucky enough to also see an extra ‘treasures’ exhibition where they saw the original writing of Shakespeare, Beethoven, the Magna Carta and much more! In maths we have been continuing our learning on decimals. For science week, both classes have been looking at adaptation and creating their own animals that are adapted to their chosen environments.

This week, Year 5 started the week with an exciting trip to the The Science Museum an in science they have been studying the moon cycle. In their thematic studies the children learnt how the police force has changed over time and even go the chance to take their fingerprints. In English the children have finished their Robot Girl unit by writing an email as one of the characters from the book. In PE the children have been circuit training and Lavender class have been making their ‘biomes in a box’ based on the different regions in Australia.

Year 6 have been putting the finishing touches to their non-fiction survival guides linked to their Wolf Brother text. The children have carefully published their guides, making them bright, creative and engaging for anyone trying to survive in the prehistoric wilderness. They have continued to develop their use of organisational features, technical vocabulary and instructional language to support the reader effectively. In thematic learning, the children have been investigating the story of the Battle of Marathon during Ancient Greek times. They explored why the marathon race exists today and wrote persuasive letters to a general asking him to come out at Marathon and support the battle. The children enjoyed learning about this important historical event and developing their understanding of Ancient Greece. In science, the children have had a fun and investigative week learning all about static electricity. They explored how static energy can be created using a balloon and an aluminium can and investigated whether they could use the static energy created to make the can move. The children asked lots of curious questions throughout the experiment and enjoyed observing and discussing what was happening. The children have also auditioned for the Y6 leavers play and begun learning the songs.

FOAP Summer Fair

FOAP are looking for volunteer helpers at the summer fair. This event is an important source of income for FOAP and helps to provide funds for projects that directly help the children in school. Recent projects include the new climbing frame and the refurbishment of the library. The fair cannot happen without the willing support of volunteers so if you can help, in any capacity, please sign up through the volunteer form here: https://volunteersignup.org/KPQ3J

As well as the usual Bar, BBQ and inflatables, we have lots of free events and stalls happening. Tickets can be purchased through this link: https://buytickets.at/foap/2209801

Bike ability

Another group of intrepid cyclists have been braving the streets of Sanderstead this week as they learnt the skills required to ride safely on the roads. It has been lovely to see the children learning this valuable skill that will hopefully pave the way for a lifetime of enjoying safe cycling.

Gold Award

Well done to all the children who received a Gold Award in our assembly today. This half term we celebrated the children who consistently show good team work, support others and demonstrate good collaborative skills.

And finally…

We would like to wish everyone a restful half term break enjoying the sunshine.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Monday 1st June: Year 6 Chessington Trip

Tuesday 2nd June: Reception Godstone Farm Trip

Friday 5th June: Year 3 Caveman Visit.

Friday 5th June: Year 2 Wakehurst Place trip

Saturday 6th June: FOAP Summer Festival

Tuesday 9th June: Year 5 Wonderdome Visit

Friday 12th June: KS1 and 2 Sports Day

Week 15th June – 19th June Year 6 Isle of Wight Trip

Friday 19th June: Nursery Fun day and Picnic / Reception Sports Day.