DOWNSELL PRIMARY SCHOOL

YEAR 6 NEWSLETTER SUMMER TERM 2014

Dear Parents/Carers, We would like to extend a warm welcome back to our children, parents and carers. As you will appreciate, this term promises to be the most challenging of your childs education at Downsell. We are, of course, referring to the forthcoming SATs tests that the children are expected to undertake very shortly. How are we helping? Preparations for SATs will continue in the form of Booster classes for some pupils to meet particular needs. The sessions are also supported by revision during lessons. We endeavour to give all the assistance possible to your child in order for them to realise and reach their full potential. In return, we expect them to do the best that they can, as we know all the children in Year 6 have been working extremely hard throughout the year. Of this, we are very proud. How can you help? As this is an important period in your childs education, it is vitally important that they continue to attend school every day. It therefore means that all non-emergency medical appointments should be made outside of school hours. You can also help by ensuring that your child undertakes some revision each evening. Homework will continue to be given every week to consolidate the work being done in class or to assist with their revision. SATs Week The SATs tests will begin on Monday 12th May 2014 and will run the course of the week. During the week, the following tips will be beneficial: Make sure your child has a proper nights sleep before each test by going to bed at a reasonable hour. Ensure your child eats a proper breakfast at the beginning of each day. All children must be at school on time (8:55am). Children should try to take some exercise in the evening and relax to relieve any anxieties that they may be feeling.

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The timetable for the week will be as follows: Monday Reading Levels 3-5/ Level 6 Tuesday Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling Levels 3-5/ Level 6 Wednesday Maths Paper 1 Levels 3-5 Mental Maths Thursday Maths Paper 2 Levels 3-5 Maths Level 6 Friday

During SATS week, 100% attendance and punctuality is absolutely essential. Behaviour & Rewards Good behaviour and work is rewarded through the House Point System, which is in place for the whole school. Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated at any time. This will be recorded on a referral slip. If your child receives three of these within a week, a letter will be sent home and you will be asked to come to school to discuss your childs behaviour. Hard work and good behaviour will be celebrated and acknowledged using a variety of reward systems (house points, certificates, prizes). Please encourage your child to try their best throughout this year. Physical Education Physical Education is an important part of the curriculum and as such, all children are expected to take part, unless there is a medical reason that prohibits them from doing so. A note is required if your child is not able to participate. PE takes place every Friday for Year 6. Children must remember to bring their PE kit which includes: Navy blue or black shorts or tracksuit bottoms Plain white T-shirt Plimsolls or trainers Please ensure that all of your childs clothing is named (including their school uniform) and placed in a bag. Punctuality & Attendance May we take this opportunity to remind you that school starts at 8:55am and finishes at 3:20pm. You need to make sure that your child attends school regularly and is punctual. If your child is absent from school, you need to telephone the school on 020 8556 0103, giving a reason for their absence and provide a note when they return to school. If no reason is given, this may result in a visit from the Educational Welfare Officer.

France Trip The children in Year 6 will be visiting Le Touquet in Northern France from 2nd to 4th July 2014. There are still places available and we would like to encourage more children to participate in this trip. It is an opportunity for children to experience French culture with their friends and peers before going to Secondary school. The cost of the trip is 280. A deposit of 50 can be made online to secure a place. Please visit the school office for a permission slip. Graduation We look forward to inviting you to the Year 6 Graduation on Monday 21st July. Personal invitations will be sent out in due course. Thank You We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and continued commitment to your childs education during their time at Downsell. Yours sincerely, Teachers Miss Jean Phase Leader Mr Jansen (Class 21) Mrs Dawood (Class 19) Mr Pallas (Class 20)

Teaching Assistants Mrs Payne Mrs Smith Miss Miller