Friday, 4 July 2025

Friday 4th July '25 Year 5/6 Blogpost

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

DIARY DATES

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm start

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9-10am


***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE ***
Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We have sung, danced and rehearsed as much as possible. We are soon going to be ready to show

Shrek the Musical.

Please could you encourage your child to learn their final lines and songs by heart.

Monday morning we will be performing to the school. As this begins at 9.30am, please could your child

be in school for 8.35am. Your child will be allowed to come to school dressed in their black clothing.

THEY DO NOT NEED TO BRING OR WEAR SCHOOL UNIFORM ON MONDAY ONLY.

They can then have it washed and ready for their evening performance on Wednesday.


Ticket Allocation

We will NOT be sending out physical tickets, however, we do ask that you stick to the 2 tickets

per child per evening rule. This is to ensure that we can safely fit everybody into the school hall

and it is also the fairest way to allocate places.


If your child cannot attend the evening performances please can you let your child’s teacher

know at your earliest convenience.


We can’t wait to see your children shine!

Mrs Hurley and Mrs Witherall

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after dropoff)

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Sumdog/TTRS

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend. Keep Cool!

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Thursday, 26 June 2025

 Friday 27th June 2025


Year 5/6 Blogpost 27.06.25

 Dear Parents/Caregivers,

The children have enjoyed the cooler weather this week, as have we. We have all been busy writing our non-chronological reports, making batteries out of lemons and much more this week. 

Please make sure that you keep up to date with events and check not only the blog, but also newsletters and Class Dojo too.

NEXT WEEK - There will be no swimming next week on Thursday.

YEAR 6 LEAVERS BOOKS

If your child would like to have a Leavers Book signed in the last few days of school,

feel free to purchase one. Children will also have the opportunity to have their shirt signed.

Click on the link below for an example but any would do.

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/school-notebooks/leavers-book/5052089372122.html

DIARY DATES

Friday 27th June - Reserve Sports Day and Year 6 Induction Days at Sweyne and Fitzwimarc Schools (Please see your chosen school for details)

Thursday 3rd June - Open afternoon to meet the new teacher (3-5:30pm) and Year 5 visit to Sweyne for an author visit (8:45 leave- 10:30am)

Tuesday 8th July - Year 6 performance to the school.

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

Tuesday 15th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am


***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE ***
Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We hope you are well. Please make sure you are keeping up with all of our end of year events in Year 6. Everything you need to know is either in the school newsletter or on our Year 5/6  blogpost. We are very busy preparing for our Shrek the Musical production and the children are very excited. Could you please ensure that your child has the appropriate costume if they have been asked to get one sorted. Sweyne has very kindly lent us a number of costumes and props for which we are extremely grateful for.

Please could you encourage your child to learn their lines and songs by heart.


Ticket Allocation

We will NOT be sending out physical tickets, however, we do ask that you stick to the 2 tickets per child per evening rule. This is to ensure that we can safely fit everybody into the school hall and it is also the fairest way to allocate places.


If your child cannot attend the evening performances please can you let your child’s teacher know at your earliest convenience.


We can’t wait to see your children shine!

Mrs Hurley and Mrs Witherall

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after drop off)





AUTHOR EVENT WITH ANDY SHEPHERD - SIGNED BOOK OFFER

Today some of the children joined the brilliant author ANDY SHEPHERD for a book event.

She is the author of the beloved THE BOY WHO GREW DRAGONS. Andy introduced the children to her enchanting new series, THE WOOD WHERE MAGIC GROWS. She talked about the magic of stories and nature in her interactive event packed with fascinating facts about trees and creative inspiration.

IMPORTANT – Parents, you can order the book from Our Bookshop - link available until Sunday...
https://www.ourbookshoptring.co.uk/product/the-wood-where-magic-grows-an-enchanting-new-series-from-the-bestselling-author-of-the-boy-who-grew-dragons/
Our orders of signed books and free merchandise will be collated and delivered to us the following week .

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM BEN AT OUR BOOKSHOP - Please include your child's name and class so the books can be labelled up for the event. Postage is not required; we will deliver all the books to your school the following week.


YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 39
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend. 

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday, 20 June 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 20.06.25

 Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

What a day! Sports Day was such a fabulous one. Thanks to you all for making it a good one. 

YEAR 6 LEAVERS BOOKS

If your child would like to have a Leavers Book signed in the last few days of school,

feel free to purchase one. Children will also have the opportunity to have their shirt signed.

Click on the link below for an example but any would do.

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/school-notebooks/leavers-book/5052089372122.html

DIARY DATES

Friday 27th June - Reserve Sports Day and Year 6 Induction Days at Sweyne and Fitzwimarc Schools (Please see your chosen school for details)

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am


***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE DATES***

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We have currently begun rehearsals for Shrek the Musical. You will have received a letter today with some details regarding this. It would be very helpful if the children could please watch the film, this will get them in character mode.

Your child will be expected to be in school around 5pm for hair and makeup.

We are hoping that it will take around 1.5-2 hours, more details will follow...

Children will need to go home at normal time and return to the office 5:00pm to change into their costumes and have their faces painted on both nights.

Should anyone be able to offer some artistic or creative skills, we would love to hear from you if you have any spare time. Sweyne have kindly offered some backgrounds and props and we are very grateful.

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after dropoff)

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 38
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend. Keep Cool!

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday, 13 June 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 13.06.25

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

We are looking forward to Sports Day next Friday and hope that the weather is kind to us. Details have already been sent out but please read our weekly newsletter.

YEAR 6 TRANSITION VISITS

We have now completed our discussions with members of staff both Sweyne and Fitzwimarc School. Several teachers came to visit our Year 6 pupils to make sure that they knew what to expect in the move from Down Hall to secondary school. It was really lovely to speak about each of our children and families so positively.

YEAR 6 LEAVERS BOOKS

If your child would like to have a Leavers Book signed in the last few days of school,

feel free to purchase one. Children will also have the opportunity to have their shirt signed.

Click on the link below for an example but any would do.

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/school-notebooks/leavers-book/5052089372122.html

DIARY DATES

Monday 16th June - Thursday 19th June- Book Fair

Friday 20th June - Sports Day (all day from 9.00am - parents welcome)

Friday 27th June - Reserve Sports Day and Year 6 Induction Days at Sweyne and Fitzwimarc Schools (Please see your chosen school for details)

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am


***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE DATES***

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We have currently begun rehearsals for Shrek the Musical. You will have received a letter today with some details regarding this. It would be very helpful if the children could please watch the film, this will get them in character mode.

Your child will be expected to be in school around 5pm for hair and makeup.

We are hoping that it will take around 1.5-2 hours, more details will follow...

Children will need to go home at normal time and return to the office 5:00pm to change into their costumes and have their faces painted on both nights.

Should anyone be able to offer some artistic or creative skills, we would love to hear from you if you have any spare time. Sweyne have kindly offered some backgrounds and props and we are very grateful.

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after dropoff)

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 37 - Word list Endings which sound like /ʃəs/ spelt –cious or –tious
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend - especially all of the dads/ step dads/ male role models - enjoy your special day.

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday, 6 June 2025

 

Friday, 6th June 2025


Year 5/6 Blogpost 06.06.25

 Dear Parents/Carers,

We've had a great start to the beginning of Summer 2 and are pleased to see the children back with smiles and ready to get back into the swing of things. This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

Swimming Next Week


**Please note****


Due to District sports taking place on Thursday, we are swapping our swimming day to Wednesday INSTEAD of Thursday. Please make sure that the children bring their kits in with them, and any items of clothing are labelled to avoid losing/ misplacing the uniform. 


DIARY DATES

Thursday 12th June- District Sports (KS2) Friday 13th June- PTA Father’s Day Sale Friday 13th June- Father’s Day Tea 3.15pm Monday 16th June- Thursday 19th June- Book Fair Friday 20th June- Sports Day (all day from 9.00am- parents welcome) Tuesday 24th June- Yr 3/4 Food and Farming Day, Writtle Friday 27th June- Reserve Sports Day


YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5

Maths - P58 & 59

GPS - P72 & 73

Year 6 

Maths - P76 & 77

GPS - P68 - 71


Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 38 - Word list – spelling ending in cial and tial
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.


We hope that you have a lovely weekend!


Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday, 23 May 2025

Friday 23rd May 2025

 

Friday, 16 May 2025

 

Friday, 23rd May 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 23.05.25

 Dear Parents/Carers,

Happy Friday again. It's last half term of the academic year. We hope that the children manage to have lots of fun and are well rested to come back in June for the final stretch of our academic year. Please ensure that children are sent to school wearing suncream and have hats to give shade in the warmer weather. As jumpers and cardigans are likely to be removed, please make sure that they are labelled so that they can be returned should they be left anywhere.


The children had a fantastic time on the Isle of Wight. I hope that they have lots of fun stories and photos to share. Thank you to all of the staff who gave up their time to spend the week with the children. Photos have been uploaded to the Instagram Down Hall page.  



DIARY DATES

Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May - Half Term Holiday

Monday 2nd June 2025- INSET Day (school closed) Tuesday 3rd June- Return to School Friday 6th June- Whole School Trip to Barleylands Thursday 12th June- District Sports (KS2) Friday 13th June- PTA Father’s Day Sale Friday 13th June- Father’s Day Tea 3.15pm Monday 16th June- Thursday 19th June- Book Fair Friday 20th June- Sports Day (all day from 9.00am- parents welcome) Tuesday 24th June- Yr 3/4 Food and Farming Day, Writtle Friday 27th June- Reserve Sports Day


YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5

No Homework

Year 6 

No Homework


Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 37 - Word list – spelling ending in cious and tious
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.


We hope that you have a weekend!


Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday, 16 May 2025

 

Friday, 16th May 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 16.05.25

 Dear Parents/Carers,

What a lovely, sunny week we have had again this week. Please could we ask that you make sure children wear hats and sun cream when the weather is warmer and drink bottles are brought in each day.


SATs week
This week, in Year 6, it has been an incredibly busy but very rewarding one!
The hard work and perseverance that you have all demonstrated throughout the year, and particularly during the SATS week, is to be commended.
You have all shown such maturity and enthusiasm, and we know you will go on to do great things. We are so proud of each and every one of you!

Mrs Witherall and I would also like to thank our amazing staff that have helped us to make this SATs week run smoothly – as it takes a lot of work and preparation.

Year 6 – enjoy your weekend and then your trip to the Isle of Wight because you have earned it!

Love from Mrs Hurley and Mrs Witherall



DIARY DATES


Monday 19th - Friday 23rd May 2025 - Year 6 Isle of Wight Residential

Friday 23rd - PTA Doughnut/Cookie Sale

Friday 23rd May - Wellbeing Day (come to school wearing comfy clothing)

Friday 23rd May - Last Day of Term

Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May - Half Term Holiday


YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5

GPS - Pg 60 & 61

Maths - Pg 78 to 81

Year 6 

No Homework


Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 62 - Word list – years 5 and 6 - random selection
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.


We hope that you have a weekend!


Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday, 9 May 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 09.05.25

 Dear Parents/Carers,

We hope that you have had a great week. This week in English, the children have begun learnig about persuasive letter writing and will be drafting their letters next week to Mrs Wood. Year 6 have worked exceptionally hard revising with a strong focus on timing in preparation for next week's SATs. We wish all of them good luck next week and we know that they will make us all proud.

SATs breakfast 

All Year 6 are invited to join us each morning from 8. This will provide all of the children with the opportunity to relax and calm any nerves. This is free for the children. Could you please bring them to the hall, using the side door in the front car park.



DIARY DATES

Monday 12th May -Thursday 15th May - Year 6 SATs Week

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd May 2025 - Year 6 Isle of Wight Residential

Friday 23rd - PTA Doughnut/Cookie Sale

Friday 23rd May - Wellbeing Day (come to school wearing comfy clothing)

Friday 23rd May - Last Day of Term

Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May - Half Term Holiday


YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5

GPS - Pg 94 and 95

Maths - Pg 68-69

Year 6 

No Homework


Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 61 - Word list – years 5 and 6 - sug- to y
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.


We hope that you have a weekend!


Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Thursday, 1 May 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 02.05.25

Dear Parents/Carers,

We hope that you have had a great week. A reminder that school will be closed to observe May Bank Holiday. Lots has been going on this week so please read the newsletter for all our latest news!

ANCIENT GREEK WORKSHOP

On Thursday 1st May Down Hall's year 5 and 6 had a visit from Victrix (Stephen). He told us all about the Greeks about the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greeks. He also told us many stories dating back to the Greeks, such as the The Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Minotaur. In the afternoon, we formed an army and we marched around the field. We held a really long spear and a shield. It was hard to keep in time but we managed to do it! Great teamwork! By Thomas D

TTRS DAY

Wow! What a great way to end the week with everyone wearing their best rockstar outfits, and rocking their times tables. We've all had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Keep an eye out for all the great pictures that will be included in this week's newsletter.


DIARY DATES

Monday 5th May - Bank Holiday (school closed)

Monday 12th May -Thursday 15th May - Year 6 SATs Week

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd May 2025 - Year 6 Isle of Wight Residential

Friday 23rd - PTA Doughnut/Cookie Sale

Friday 23rd May - Wellbeing Day (come to school wearing comfy clothing)

Friday 23rd May - Last Day of Term

Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May - Half Term Holiday


YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5

GPS - Pg 37-39

Maths - Pg 64-67

Year 6 

GPS - Pg 36-42

Maths - Pg 68-73

No extra revision booklets given


Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

  • Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
  • Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
  • Spelling Rule 61 - Word list – years 5 and 6 - sug- to y
  • TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.
  • This week's times table is: 8's


We hope that you have a weekend!


Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall