Dear Parents/Carers
At Umberleigh Academy, one of our key curriculum drivers is Building Learning Power, which supports children in developing the skills they need to be successful learners. This approach is embedded across our classrooms and celebrated each week through the awarding of certificates.
Building Learning Power focuses on developing sixteen key learning skills, grouped into four areas: Perseverance, Curiosity, Thinking, and Working Well. By explicitly teaching and recognising these skills, we help children develop a clear understanding of what it means to be a great learner—both in school and beyond.
Another important curriculum driver at Umberleigh Academy is Building Self-Esteem, and this has certainly been evident during our Year 5 residential trip to London this week. The children have had a fantastic time and have represented the school wonderfully. So far, they have visited the Harry Potter Studios, taken part in a tour and workshop at Parliament, experienced the London Eye, and climbed the Dome at St Paul’s Cathedral. They have also explored the Tower of London, where they took part in a workshop about the queens behind Henry VIII, and enjoyed a West End performance of Hercules.
Tomorrow, we are looking forward to visiting the STEAM Museum in Swindon on our journey home. I will continue to keep you updated on any changes to our expected arrival time back at Umberleigh via Mrs Langdon.
Year 1 Phonics Workshop for Parents
We are pleased to invite parents and carers of Year 1 children to a phonics workshop with Mrs Westwood on Wednesday, 4th March from 3.30pm - 4.30pm designed to help you better understand how phonics is taught in school and how you can support your child’s reading and spelling at home.
Phonics plays a vital role in early reading and writing, and in Year 1 children build on the foundations they developed in Reception. During the workshop, we will show you the strategies, terminology and activities we use in class, so you can see first-hand how children learn to blend sounds for reading and segment sounds for spelling.
The session will also include practical tips and simple activities you can use at home to support your child in a fun and confident way, as well as an opportunity to ask questions.
We hope this workshop will help strengthen the partnership between home and school and support children in becoming confident, enthusiastic readers and writers. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to support your child’s learning.
Lockdown Drill
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, the school will be practicing a lockdown procedure drill next week. These drills are similar to fire drills in that they are routine, carefully planned, and designed to help children and staff practice what to do in an emergency. The procedure will be explained to students in an age-appropriate and reassuring way, with teachers guiding them to follow instructions, remain calm, and stay in a safe area of the classroom. Practicing ahead of time helps ensure everyone knows how to respond safely and confidently.
Best wishes
Corrinne Smith
Head of School
