Head of School Message
Dear parents/carers,
As we come to the end of Week 4, it really does feel as though the autumn term is now well underway! It has been another busy week in school, and I continue to be incredibly proud of how well our children have settled into their new classes and routines.
Congratulations to our newly appointed House Captains, who were voted for by their peers last week. Thank you to all those who put themselves forward. We are also in the process of electing our new School Councillors and will be sharing the results with you next week.
I am looking forward to welcoming parents and carers to our Parent Consultation Evenings on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th October. Booking information will be sent out next week. These meetings are an important opportunity for us to share how your child has settled into the new school year, celebrate their achievements so far and discuss their targets and next steps for learning.
I would also like to share some staffing news. Today is Mrs Davies’ last day before she begins her maternity leave. I know you will all join me in wishing her every happiness and excitement as she prepares for the arrival of her baby.
Following a rigorous recruitment process, I am delighted to announce that Miss Zoe Chesterman will be teaching in Mrs Davies’ absence. Many of you will already know Miss Chesterman through her role as a member of our support staff team and as a parent within our school community. Her existing relationships with the children and understanding of school life will help ensure a smooth transition. Miss Chesterman will continue to work within the support staff team from Monday to Wednesday and will teach the class on Thursdays and Fridays.
We are also delighted that Mrs Gairy is back in Willow Class – we have all missed her and the children were so pleased to see her. A huge thank you to Mrs Rigby who has taught in Mrs Gairy’s absence and the whole Willow Class team who have worked so hard to give the children a wonderful start to the school year.
We are also excited to welcome two new members of support staff to our team. Miss Willoughby joins us in Key Stage 2, while Mrs Lockwood will be working across EYFS and Key Stage 1. We are very pleased to have them as part of our school family and know they will make a positive contribution to the children’s learning and development.
Finally, please remember to check the diary dates section and upcoming communications so that you don’t miss any important events over the coming weeks.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you and your families have a lovely weekend, and I look forward to seeing everyone again on Monday.
With best wishes,
Mrs Mavin
Class News
Nursery (Acorns)
Nursery have been busy exploring families by creating their own pebble family pictures. In maths, the children have been learning about full and empty, as well as comparing groups using more and fewer. They created eye-colour charts to help collect and sort information and enjoyed painting activities. The children have also been learning how to care for themselves and others, including exploring healthy eating by making fun wrap faces.
Willow Class
Willow Class enjoyed acting out a play inspired by Gigantosaurus, bringing the story to life through drama and imagination. In art, they created pieces using natural objects they had collected outdoors. Year 1 children welcomed firefighters into school and learned about their important role in the community. In science, the class investigated and identified different leaves found around the school grounds.
Birch Class
Birch Class stepped back in time through art, creating their own cave paintings inspired by prehistoric artwork. In RE, they have been learning about Judaism and exploring key beliefs and traditions. Science lessons focused on revisiting and consolidating previous learning, while in geography the children have been naming the continents and learning about the human and physical features found in each one.
Maple Class
Maple Class have been researching gorillas as part of their work on non-fiction texts, developing their reading and information-gathering skills. In maths, they have been comparing and ordering numbers, building confidence with place value. Their science learning has focused on electricity, exploring the properties of electrical insulators and conductors through practical investigations.
Oak Class
Oak Class have been developing their persuasive writing skills by writing formal letters in English. In art, they have studied the work of illustrator and printmaker Claire Harrup, using her work as inspiration for their own creations. In history, the children have researched one of the seven major Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and produced informative posters to showcase their learning.
Census Day Menu – Thursday 1st October
Did you know that every school meal eaten on Census Day helps secure valuable funding for our school? If your child usually has packed lunches, please consider booking a delicious school dinner on Census Day. Every meal makes a difference and helps us provide the very best opportunities and resources for all our children.
Thank you for your support! 😊🍴
FOBS Christmas Card Project
Today your child should have received a form to complete their own Christmas Card design for you to order for friends and family for the festive season. Finished designs must be returned by Monday 5th October.
Bicton Buddies Update – Fridays
Please note that Bicton Buddies until 5.30pm on Fridays has been cancelled due to low uptake. Bicton Buddies until 4.30pm will continue as normal and remains available to book.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
Thank you for your understanding.
Young Voices 2027
We are delighted to have secured a place for Bicton at Young Voices 2027!
With Young Voices, your child will learn the songs in school as part of the Young Voices Choir. Along the way, you’ll both have access to online resources at home – perfect for practising the music and dance moves together and making the journey even more fun. We will be running this as a free after school club on Wednesdays until 4.30pm with Miss Merricks starting on Wednesday 7th October.
After weeks of rehearsal, your child will join up to 9,000 others at Birmingham BP Pulse Live arena on Wednesday 13th January 2027. They’ll rehearse together for the first time on the day, before performing in a spectacular evening concert with special guests, amazing sound and lighting, and a full arena audience.
We have 30 places available to Bicton children in Years 4, 5 and 6 only in the first instance.
Your child must be able to commit to attending the rehearsals on Wednesdays 3.30 – 4.30pm and attend to concert on Wednesday 13th January, returning after 10pm. There will be a transport cost of approximately £15 per child. More details will follow for those children who book a place.
Please scan the QR code here Parent invite to register your child by the 28th September at the latest. This will confirm their place. If you would like to attend the concert and/or buy your child a YV T-shirt to wear on the day, we recommend doing so early as seats often sell out by the end of October.
Many thanks,
Mrs Mavin
Classopoly!
This year, we are introducing Classopoly, a fun whole-class challenge that celebrates the importance of good attendance.
Classes will work together to move around the Classopoly board and earn rewards along the way. The focus is on teamwork and encouraging children to be in school as much as possible so they can enjoy their learning, friendships and all the exciting opportunities school has to offer.
We know that children will sometimes be unwell and should stay at home when they are ill. Classopoly is not about perfect attendance, but about promoting positive attendance habits and celebrating classes who are making the most of every school day. 🎲⭐🏆
Attendance and Punctuality
Award Winners!
Congratulations to this week’s award winners!
Oliver- Always working hard in Maths.
Orla- For consistently working hard and following school rules.
Jazleen- Really good effort during her first week in Maple.
Rose- for always working hard.
Emma-Leigh- for her amazing effort in Dance.
Congratulations to our House Dojo Champion this week ……….Brookes!
And to our Dojo Champions from each class – well done all of you!