Routines and Times:
School begins at 8:50am, and children need to be ready to line up at this time outside their classroom (Year 4s) or in their designated place on the playground. The children know that before and after school, there is no playing in the playground as we need to ensure the safety of everyone on the school site. It is important that children arrive on time for registration, as their lessons begin promptly at 9am. The end of the school day is at 3:10pm.
What children need to bring to school:
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Suitable clothing for the season
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PE kit – each item clearly named please
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Bag
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Water bottle (only containing water) and playtime snack- ideally a healthy snack
Children are not allowed to bring toys, cards, games, pencil cases, phones…or anything else that could get lost, or that gets in the way of learning.
Uniform and P.E. Kit
The school’s full guidelines on uniform can be found in our School Uniform Policy and should be adhered to. Children should be wearing red jumpers/ sweatshirts only with a white or red polo- shirt and black or grey trousers or shorts (no cycle shorts please). Tights should be red, black or grey. Leggings may be worn under a skirt only and not by themselves.
PE kit needs to be in school all week and can be taken home at weekends for washing as necessary. Children will need a plain white t-shirt (or one with the school logo), black shorts, black tracksuit trousers, a black sweatshirt, socks (if they wear tights) and trainers – all named please. As the weather gets colder we will continue to do outdoor games once a week, so these items really are essential! For health and safety reasons children are not allowed to wear any jewellery during PE sessions and must have long hair tied back. If your child wears earrings and is unable to remove them themselves, please ensure that they are removed on PE days. PE, like any other subject, is part of the National Curriculum. Therefore all pupils must take part in PE lessons, unless you let us know of a medical reason.
Reading, Spellings and Homework:
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Reading – we recommend every child should read at home each day. Children are welcome to bring a suitable reading book from home. Books are also available to read in class and to be taken out from the LRC, but these should be returned to school before another one gets taken home.
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Class Homework is set every week on your child’s Teams and MathsWatch account. (Year 4 children will be set up with accounts). It is usually linked to what is being covered in class at the time or may be work to consolidate prior learning. Children should spend no more than 30 minutes on Maths and no more than 30 minutes on the English/other curriculum work.
The Curriculum – Autumn Term:
Children will have daily Maths and English lessons. Please see the Knowledge Organisers (for Science, History, Geography, Art, Music, DT and RE) for information on the units of work in each year group. These are on the website for your information.
Getting in Touch:
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You will be given an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher during the Parent Consultations on Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd October and most staff are available on the playground before and after school.
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We realise that it is sometimes tricky for parents to be able to share information or ask quick questions so the best option is to write a note or email office@cottenham.cambs.sch.uk marked for the attention of your child’s teacher. The class teacher will then reply by email or phone you at a convenient time.
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However, if you want to discuss academic, social or family issues, it’s worth making the time to arrange an appointment - again please email the office or you can email me directly on rcole@cottenham.cambs.sch.uk
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Keep up-to-date on our website: www.cottenham.cambs.sch.uk – click on the tab to ‘Pupils’ and then ‘Year 4, 5, 6’. You will be able to download class timetables, letters and follow links to helpful websites. In addition, all of our Knowledge Organisers are available under the ‘Curriculum’ tab.
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Paperless Office: all letters from school will be sent out via MCAS. Should you have problems receiving any communications please contact the Office. We will continue to use the school’s online payment system to pay online for all school meals and trips. If you are struggling with the system, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office or Mrs Turner, our School Business Manager.
Key Dates for your Diary (more will follow):
3rd September: Pupils return to school
17th September: Year 6 SATs briefing (3.30 - 4pm in the Hall)
19th September: Jeans for Genes Day
3rd October: House Day
14th October: Year 5 Trip to National Space Centre
15th October: Year 6 Trip to National Space Centre
21st and 23rd October: Parent Consultations
27th – 31st October: Half term
15th December: Year 5 Christmas Concert 2pm
16th and 17th December: Year 6 Production 6pm
19th December 2pm: School Finishes for Christmas Holidays
The whole team look forward to working with you this term.
Best Wishes,
Rebecca Cole
Deputy Headteacher
456 Team Leader