It was great to hear contributions from our ECTs, experienced staff and teachers who work across multiple year groups - all seeing the benefits, as well as the theory, of why aligning our school practices is so important.

@craigbartonmaths @dylanwiliam.bsky.social @teacherhead.bsky.social @olicav.bsky.social @katejonesteach.bsky.social

This lovely gem was today's assembly book.
@marymyatt.bsky.social @juliadonaldson

... and that's why reading aloud and sharing beautiful books is high profile in our school. From Monday assemblies where we share books, to dedicated daily class reader time, to half terms of 'Just Read' instead of our usual 'Reading Workshop'. We love reading aloud.

10 Little Monsters @mikebrownlow.bsky.social and @SimonRickerty is an absolute classic in our house and this year we added 10 Little Pumpkins.

We also love @nicolakillen’s books and I’m looking forward to getting her Christmas ones out.

What have you been reading this week?

One of our parents, who runs an alarms company, also came in to speak to the children showing them how real circuits work. Great to see learning with a purpose linked to a love of reading. @marymyatt.bsky.social @emmaturner06.bsky.social urner75 @mradamkohlbeck.bsky.social

💡 A bulb to light up when a pressure plate was activated at the entrance to the office
🚨 An alarm to sound the warning
🏳️ A spinning flag - a clever visual signal for anyone who might have difficulty hearing

They worked hard to create a parallel circuit (after discovering a series circuit wouldn’t do the job!) that made sure all components worked effectively. Their final designs included:

@marymyatt.bsky.social @emmaturner75.bsky.social @strickomaster.bsky.social @jonhutchinson.bsky.social

There’s a shared sense of purpose, a willingness to reflect, and a genuine drive to improve their teaching.
We’re proud of the journey we’re on—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s real, and sometimes tough. We’re using thoughtful steps, shared language, and a culture of learning.

As part of this discussion we also revisited our Intent, Implementation, and Curriculum Rationale documents. These aren’t one-off policies—they’re living tools.
What makes this work possible? The commitment and buy-in from our team.

We’re also “sweating the small stuff”—not in a perfectionist way, but with care and precision. Our current focus is on Agreed Consistencies across the school. These aren’t bolt-ons; they’re part of our bread-and-butter SDP and the fundamentals of how we work.

Teams reflected on which parts feel most alive right now. Two stood out:
🔹 “A relentless commitment to our own ongoing professional development”
🔹 “We use evidence-informed practice to make the best decisions for the school”

📖 The book is now on display in the corridor for anyone who wants to enjoy it again!
@marymyatt.bsky.social @smithsmm.bsky.social

This half term, we're exploring the concept of 'process' through science, and today's book captured the children's imagination with its beautiful illustrations.

A wonderful way to start the week together and celebrate our love of reading as a school community 💛