SPARK in Action

🔬 Science Week 2025

At the start of Autumn Term (2), the children took part in Science Week, focusing on working scientifically within the areas of learning they are currently studying. From exploring their senses 👃👀👂 to investigating electricity and light 💡⚡, the children asked thoughtful questions, planned investigations, and carried out fair tests.

Throughout the week, they also enjoyed engaging workshops 🧪 led by volunteers and attended assemblies 🎓 to learn more about influential scientists and what being a scientist involves.

To conclude our Science Week, we held a special assembly 🏁 for our Whole School Challenge! The children tested rubber band–powered cars and balloon-powered cars 🎈🚗 to see which would travel the furthest. It was fantastic to see their creativity, teamwork, and hard work in action.

The children showed wonderful enthusiasm and curiosity throughout all the activities, and we hope they thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Science Week experience!

Click on the sections below, to view some examples of our SPARK Curriculum in Action

Celebrating Kindness, Equality and Sharing at Our School

During Autumn Term (2) our whole school has been exploring the theme “Kindness, Equality and Sharing – The Teachings of Guru Nanak.” Through stories, discussion, creativity and reflection, pupils from EYFS to Year 6 have taken part in a special RE focus designed to deepen their understanding of Sikh beliefs and values.

Across the week, children learned about Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and why his teachings continue to inspire millions of people today. Each phase focused on an age-appropriate concept — from recognising special and kind people in F2, to thinking about how Guru Nanak’s messages can help us make the world fairer in Year 6. Lessons linked directly to our SACRE strands, encouraging pupils to learn about religion, learn from religion, and express their ideas creatively.

Our KS1 assembly introduced children to the story of young Nanak and the “true bargain,” helping them think about how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference.
In KS2, pupils explored how Guru Nanak’s message of equality is still relevant today, reflecting on fairness, inclusion and the importance of treating everyone with respect.

Broxtowe MHST: Supporting Wellbeing Across Our School

We are delighted to be working with the Broxtowe Mental Health Support Team (MHST) to deliver a whole-school programme that promotes positive mental health, resilience and emotional wellbeing for all our pupils. The MHST will be working with every year group throughout the year, offering age-appropriate sessions that help children understand their emotions and develop lifelong skills for managing them.

This week, the team began to work with pupils in Year 3 & Year 4:

• Year 3 – Managing Emotions
  Pupils learnt to recognise different feelings, understand what might cause them, and use simple strategies to stay calm and in control. These sessions help children develop early emotional awareness and confidence in expressing how they feel. In addition, Year 3 also spent some time looking at a Sleep Workshop, designed to encourage healthy sleep patterns and the importance of getting enough sleep. (See link below)

• Year 4 – Managing Worries
  Children explored what worry is, why it happens, and how they can use practical tools to manage anxious thoughts. The sessions are designed to build resilience and support pupils in developing healthy thinking habits.

As the year progresses, the MHST will continue to work with all year groups, with the programme forming an important part of our whole-school commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing, helping every pupil to feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

If you would like more information about the Broxtowe MHST or how they support our school community, please speak to Mrs White (Mental Health Support Lead) or Miss Skowron (Home Liaison Worker)