Dear Families,
As we near the end of the Autumn term and the end of the calendar year, it is a good time to reflect on the progress we have made and continue to make. I am proud to say that our KS2 and KS4 results from last academic year provide an external verification of the journey we have been on in the past 14 months.
At KS2, we made significant improvements in our SATS results, and were above the National Average on every measure; showing School21's best ever SATs results. At KS4, our Progress 8 score improved by 0.3, bringing us in line with the National Average. This is a very significant rise in a single academic year and we are extremely proud of this. Whilst we continue to deliver a broad and balanced education – a 'big education' -these improvements are a recognition that we 'empower' our young people better than ever.
We have worked tirelessly on our curriculum to ensure it is much more robust and progressive. So much work has gone on behind the scenes in this endeavour and we now have much more robust assessment and feedback systems built into our curriculum to measure our application and students' progress.
We have had a hugely successful recruitment drive at Y7 and Y12 that has resulted in us being more popular than ever at these entry points to KS2 and KS5 – and this is amongst falling roles across Newham and London as a whole.
We are excited to be moving into the festive period and towards our wonderful 'Festival of Light' performances. Please see below for the details of the performances – we look forward to welcoming you to watch your children perform and be part of the School 21 'family celebrations'.
Many thanks to you all for your ongoing support and feedback.
Moray Dickson – Headteacher
Learning in School 21
Reception
In reception we've been learning about Diwali. This week we learnt about the Ramayana Story and used blocks, puppets and tea lights to recreate it in our room!
Year 1
This week in Year 1 have been learning more about our local area. We took a brisk stroll to the library on Monday and enjoyed identifying key places in our local area that we had been looking at in class. These included St John’s Church, the high street and the post office. Next week we will be taking another trip to the post office where we plan on posting some letters home so keep your eyes peeled for three next week. In English, we have started looking at our new book “Ready, Set, Mo!” Which is written by Mo Farah. We have been looking into his life and Olympic career. Ask us more about him! In maths, we have moved into looking at subtraction and different methods to help us solve subtraction equations.
Year 3
This week in Year 3, we've been using globes to explore where major volcanoes and earthquakes are located. Our project helps us improve our geographical skills by regularly using atlases and globes. We've also linked this project with our science unit on different types of rocks. We conducted an experiment to test the permeability of various rocks and recorded our results. We're excited about our upcoming visit to the Natural History Museum, where we'll learn even more about these fascinating rocks!
Year 4
So far this term, Year 4 students have been busy exploring, creating, and discovering! They’ve written narratives, fact files, letters, and setting descriptions, and explored addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, pictograms, and graphs in Maths. In RE, they learned about Hinduism and Christianity, while in Science, they explored electricity and states of matter through hands-on experiments. From building 'human sentences' to crafting story maps and discovering the links between multiplication and division, their creativity and curiosity have shone through. Well done, Year 4, for your enthusiasm and hard work! We’re excited for more fun before the holidays and even more learning next term!
Year 5
Year 5 students are diving deeper into their learning journey and have now reached week 2 of multiplication and division. In maths, we’ve explored multiplying by 10, 100, and 1000, using these skills to double and halve numbers effectively. Students have also begun mastering the formal written method for multiplication, developing their confidence and precision in problem-solving.
In science, our focus has been on forces, and the class has been busy designing and testing parachutes of various sizes to explore the concept of air resistance. By conducting practical experiments, students have observed how different variables impact the speed and movement of their parachutes, sparking curiosity and critical thinking. It’s been an exciting and productive week, with lots of hands-on learning!
Coming Up!
Wellbeing and Safeguarding Community Update
Hello families!
We are excited to introduce our half-termly Wellbeing and Safeguarding Update, designed to help our community work together in supporting the health, safety, and happiness of our young people. Each issue will focus on key areas that impact children and young people, from mental health to staying safe online and managing challenges like exam stress.
Whether your child is 5 or 18, we hope you find these tips, resources, and advice helpful. By working together, we can ensure that every child in our community thrives in a safe and nurturing environment.
Let’s take care of each other and help our children grow into confident, resilient individuals.
Wellbeing Happy children thrive!
Supporting your child’s wellbeing is all about creating a safe, loving, and encouraging environment where they can flourish. Whether they’re feeling on top of the world or a little down, small actions can make a big difference.
Some simple ways to support your child’s mental and physical health
Encourage Open Conversations. Let your child know they can talk to you about anything. Ask open-ended questions like, “How was your day?” or “What’s been on your mind?”
Focus on Sleep. Children of all ages need good quality sleep. Stick to a routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a calm sleep environment. Fun Family Activities: Plan regular activities that involve movement and bonding—walks, board games, or creative crafts.
Recognise Stress Signs. Look out for changes in mood, appetite, or sleep. Address them early by offering support and reassurance.
Helpful Resources:
Childline: Call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
YoungMinds Parent Helpline: Call 0808 802 5544 or visit www.youngminds.org.uk
Exam Stress
Exams can feel like a big deal, but you’re not alone! Supporting your child through exam season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and encouragement, you can help them feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
Some practical ways to support your child effectively
Encourage a Balanced Routine: Ensure your child has time for studying, breaks, and relaxation. A healthy balance prevents burnout. Create a Positive Study Space: Set up a quiet, organized, and well-lit area for revision. Focus on Effort, Not Perfection: Praise their hard work, not just results. Avoid creating unnecessary pressure. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, mindfulness apps, or a quick walk can help reduce stress.
Support Services:
Exam Stress Helpline (Childline): Call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
The Mix (suitabe for young adults): Call 0808 808 4994 or visit www.themix.org.uk
The Dangers of Clickbait
What is Clickbait? Clickbait uses flashy headlines or images to trick people into clicking links. It can lead to inappropriate content, scams, or misinformation—posing risks for young children. How to Protect Your Child Teach Them to Pause: Remind them not to click on links that seem too good to be true. Spot the Signs: Look out for phrases like “You won’t believe this!” or “Win a free prize!” Use Safe Platforms: Stick to child-friendly websites and apps. Set Parental Controls: Block suspicious sites and monitor their online activity.
Helpful Resources
ThinkUKnow: www.thinkuknow.co.uk Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org
Teaching your child to recognise clickbait keeps them safe and confident online!
Community Notices
As we approach the festive season, we are delighted to offer families in receipt of benefit- related free school meals the opportunity to take part in the Christmas Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme. This initiative provides essential support, ensuring children and young people have access to nutritious meals, engaging activities, and positive experiences during the holiday period.
For more information click on this document.
