Welcome to a new school year from all the staff in Years 4, 5, 6. We hope you have had a restful and enjoyable summer and that the children are raring to go for the year ahead! Below, you will find key information about school and the curriculum, as well as important dates for the year ahead.
If you have any further questions, please speak with myself or your child’s teacher.
Routines and Times:
School begins at 8:40am, 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:
- Suitable clothing for the season
- PE kit – each item clearly named please
- Bag
- 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. Class teachers will ask children to put away and then take home anything that should not be in school.
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:
- 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.
- Maths Homework is set every week on your child’s 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.
- Spelling homework will also be given each week and the expectation is that children do their best to learn the taught spelling pattern as well as the other words given.
Each piece of homework will be read and acknowledged by the class teacher and if there are misconceptions and inaccuracies to address in your child’s understanding of the work, this will be done in class time. Similarly, house points will be awarded for effort and good quality pieces of work.
If your child claims to have not had homework set for several weeks running, please check with your child’s teacher!
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 and you have also been sent a link to where they can be found.
Additional Support:
It is possible that at some point your child will require some extra support or help in class. We are extremely fortunate to have a highly skilled Teaching Assistant body, who can run a number of interventions. These interventions will largely take place in the classroom after discussion between the class teacher and TA. At times, your child may be removed from the classroom to attend small group interventions. Your child’s class teacher will always let you know if your child is receiving additional support and our Inclusion Manager, Mr Moore, is available to speak with you if you have any concerns. Appointments with him can be made through the Office.
Helping in Class:
We have been lucky over the last few years to enjoy the support of a body of regular parent helpers and this is something we are keen to continue. All parent helpers will first need to attend a Parent Helper Induction session with the headteacher, Mr Kilsby, which will start the process of becoming a CPS Registered Volunteer Helper. The date of the next Parent Helper Induction Session will be given to you as soon as possible. Parents who wish to support with hearing readers will also need to attend an additional Parent Helper Reading Briefing. We will allow the children to settle for a couple of weeks before inviting parents into the classroom so please bear with us.
Getting in Touch:
- You will be given an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher during the Parent Consultations on Tuesday 20th and Thursday 22nd October and most staff are available on the playground before and after school.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Paperless Office: all letters from school will be sent out via MCAS. Should you have problems receiving any communications please contact the School 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 Parfrey, our School Business Manager.
Key Dates for your Diary (more will follow):
- 3rd September: Pupils return to school
- 18th September: Jeans for Genes Day
- 24th September: PTCA Summer Fair
- 20th and 22nd October: Parent Consultations
- 26th – 30th October: Half term
- 15th and 16th December: Year 6 Production 6pm
- 18th December 2pm: School Finishes for Christmas Holidays
The whole team look forward to working with you this term.
Kind regards,
Rebecca Cole
Deputy Headteacher
456 Team Leader