This week at Pathway 3.6.24

Message from the Executive Headteacher
 
It’s been a very successful first week of the half term in our schools. The second half of the summer is always such fun as we look forward to all of the memorable learning that comes at this time of year. Whilst we have the next academic year in sight, with things like reports and ‘Move Up’ days just around the corner, we will be ensuring that we keep working hard right up to the end of term.
 
It was a pleasure to meet with Ian Barlett on Monday to undertake a ‘Safer Schools’ assessment at Morda Primary School. This award, developed with the police, rewards schools for keeping its children and staff safe and secure. I’m pleased to say that we achieved the award and will look forward to our presentation in the autumn term. This means that each of our schools is now Safer Schools accredited.
 
Bluebells, from Morda, had a wonderful day at Whittington Castle on Tuesday. We are very lucky to have good links with the castle, which is perhaps easy to take for granted given its proximity. It is a rich site of historical heritage and I know that Bluebells made the most of their visit.
 
As you will no doubt be aware, Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Each of our schools commemorated this occasion admirably, with special assemblies and associated learning. D-Day was one of the single-most important days of the Second World War. At the time, the D-Day invasion was the largest naval, air and land operation in history, and within a few days around 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed on the beaches of Normandy. By August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and in spring of 1945 the Allies had defeated the Germans. The day was an important opportunity to learn our history and to give thanks to those who served.
 
As I write this, we have two teams competing at the Queensway Athletics festival. This is one of the best sports events of the year and children have been excited to practice for weeks! Good luck to the Morda and Whittington squads. We know that you’ll make us proud.
 
Have a great weekend.
 
Mr Carl Rogers
Executive Headteacher

Morda

It was lovely to welcome everyone back after the half term break, for what is my favourite half term of the school year. The next few weeks are packed with special events and activities for the children, and we will be welcoming parents to join us for our Leavers’ Fayre, Sports Day and Leavers Church Service. Please put the dates (which have been sent by email and are also on the school website) into your diaries.
 
Many parents have come in for parent teacher consultations this week. We hope that parents who have not yet spoken to their child’s class teacher will book in for a consultation next week. These discussions provide important feedback about your child’s progress and are an opportunity to celebrate successes, talk through any issues and share your child’s new learning targets. We would like all parents to attend. If the allocated sessions are not convenient, please talk to child’s teacher and they will arrange another mutually convenient time to meet.
 
On Tuesday this week, the Bluebells Class enjoyed a fantastic historic trip to Whittington Castle. Children dressed up in medieval clothing, learned about life in a castle and even had the chance to go in the stocks! (We didn’t throw rotting fruit and vegetables at them though!) All the class behaved well and were deeply engaged in the learning. Thank you to the parent helpers who accompanied their children.
 
We have started our final topics of the year. This half term we have a focus on geography. The Bluebells class are learning about life in the Highlands of Scotland, inspired by books about the fictional character Katie Morag. In the Daffodils, children are focused on the geography of our local environment – Morda. The Roses are comparing the village of Morda and the city of Birmingham. In their MoE drama, pupils will be helping a family newly arrived to the country to choose where they will live. The Shamrocks are environmentalists this half term. They will be studying where our energy comes from, how we can reduce our carbon footprint and conserve natural resources.
 
The whole school took part in a special D-Day Remembrance assembly, on Thursday 6 June, delivered by Reverand Yin. Children were very interested in the event and asked some thoughtful questions. It would be wonderful if children could talk to any family members or friends who remember D-Day and the Second World War.
 
This Friday, a keen group of children are competing at Queensway Athletics Festival. They have trained hard for the events and Mrs Edwards is confident that they will do their best and achieve well. We wish them good luck!

​Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Helen Chapman
Head of School