WORLD OF WOODLAND NEWSLETTER ISSUE 25

This month's value is: Thoughtfulness - June's will be Unity 

Half term is here and probably the most eventful one experienced by our Year 6 group in their education to date. The SATS have come and gone and the results will be with us by the beginning of July. As parents will know, the SATS this year have been somewhat controversial with much harder tests, testing a much more traditional curriculum with the emphasis on grammar and arithmetic. Whilst we wait for the results, our middle school pupils will get a head start on primary school pupils by starting the Year 7 curriculum straight after half term. This week, however, is a celebration week for Year 6 with half at PGL in Devon and the other half having had an activity week with water sports, stop-go animation, a trip to the Space Museum, new sports (lacrosse/fencing) and a visit by the Booster Cushion Theatre Group. Loads of photos are available on Twitter @woodlandacademy , We have 500+ followers so join us by downloading the app.

Next half term is the last one for our Year 8 and this week marked the start of events that begins their transition period. Not only did Year 8 take their GL Assessment tests in English and Maths but they also posed for their leavers’ group photo. Parents will receive a proof for ordering a keepsake shortly.

Other events for Year 8 ahead of their transfer to upper school include the transition day to Redborne on 15 July, the prom night and the Leavers’ Assembly on 21 July and the Thorpe Park trip on the final day, 22 July.

Some staffing updates: We have a new Art Leader starting in September, Mrs Sara Sutton. Mrs Sutton is joining us from Lealands High School in Luton, where she is currently Head of Art. We also have two staff joining our Admin team. Mrs Christine Clifton joins us as our Finance Officer and Mrs Natalie Jenkins joins us as our Finance Assis- tant. The reason for creating two new admin posts is to cover the departure of Mrs Theresa Cusack. Mrs Cusack has been an excellent Finance Assistant for the past 8 years and has decided to relocate to Derbyshire now her family have ‘grown up.’ I would like to thank Mrs Cusack for her amazing contribution to the success of our school and wish her the very best for the future.

We are still seeking to recruit a Year 5 teacher for September (an expansion post) and a Science Technician. If you know someone interested in either post, please do email us on office@woodlandacademy.co.uk.

After half term, our Matilda cast will be full speed ahead with rehearsals. The entire cast went to the West End last week to see the professional production. It was superb and will inspire our pupils in Years 7 and 8 to put on a great show. Tickets will be on sale soon for three performances on 12-14 July.

This week, we have sent home raffle tickets for the Grand Draw to take place at our Summer Fayre on 17 June, 6-8pm. We are seeking more volunteer parents to help run stalls, so please email office@woodlandacademy.co.uk if you are able to offer help.

And finally, I would like to wish all our staff, pupils and parents of pupils a restful half term. Top up the energy re- serves, hopefully get some sunshine and fresh air—returning for our final 7 weeks of Summer Term and loads of learning and some fun as well!

World of Woodland Issue 25.pdf