Appleton Academy Primary Newsletter
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the festive season approaches, we want to take a moment to reflect on a wonderful term filled with learning, growth, and joyful moments. Your children have worked incredibly hard, and we are so proud of all they have achieved.
This term has also been a time of togetherness and celebration, whether through our work in the classroom, school performances or festive activities.
We would like to thank you for your continued support, which plays such a vital role in your children’s education and in the life of our school.
As the holidays begin, we wish you a joyful and restful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you for being part of our school community. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year for another exciting term.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Warm regards,
Miss Clayton Head of Primary
There has been a very festive feeling in the air in Early Years. The children had a wonderful time when the Festive Farm came to visit Appleton, although we think Miss Searle and Mrs Teasdale were the most excited!
The children have all worked so hard on their Christmas performance this half term and they were very proud of the show they put on for all their grown-ups!
Early Years were very excited when Santa himself came to visit! The children were eager to tell him what they wanted for Christmas, including a fullsize Batman Mansion!
Year 1
Year 1 have been exploring the 5 senses. They have been completing investigations using their senses including identifying different things using touch, taste and smell.
The festive farm visited our school and Year 1 had a great time. We saw goats, donkeys and the farmer's dog.
In DT, Year 1 made their own fruit salads following the instructions they wrote.
Year 2
Year 2 had a fantastic half term this year with a lovely visit from the Festive Farm. They got to feed and pet donkeys and goats and play with the friendly dog Meg who came along.
This half term Year 2 rehearsed and performed a play called Baubles, where they have had to memorise lines and songs with the actions. During the last few weeks of this festive term the children have enjoyed making and decorating baubles, Christmas cards and calendars.
A special guest also made a visit to all the children bearing gifts, spreading joy and laughter.
Year 3
This half term, Year 3 have been learning all about the Stone Age. They have been engrossed in different activities to support their learning. In science, we have also learnt about different types of rocks and how they are formed.
Year 3 also had a visit from Saviour Pirotta and we planned our own magical stories.
Year 3 became archaeologists and dug for fossils. We then created our own fossils using salt dough.
In drama we have been rehearsing our Christmas songs.
Year 4
We had a visit from artist Chris Mould, and he gave our children a master class based upon his illustrations from the book called 'A Boy Called Christmas'.
We have loved taking part in our Christmas production this year and we have been in great voice as the show's choir.
We've had lots of fun during this term, especially festive fun! We had a visit from the festive farm and the children were allowed to get up close and personal with some adorable goats.
Year 5
Year 5 had a fantastic lead up to Christmas by practising and performing two sell-out performances of their Christmas production!
We also had a visit from the festive farm, where the children had the opportunity to pet some festive pets and goats.
During a very busy half term, we also had a visit from an archaeologist, who provided the tools to conduct our own search for Viking treasure!
Year 6
In PE this half term we have been focussing on gymnastics. We have shown some amazing balancing skills.
We have been looking at World War One in history and we have focussed on one of the deadliest battles during this period – The Battle of the Somme. We have also been using a range of different mediums to create poppies.
Y6 Herd Farm Residential
This half term the class have been on their residential where they enjoyed nature during the day and at night, built fires and nibbled on smores, became a modern-day Robin Hood at archery, zipped down the zip wire and conquered the crate stacking.
Y6 showed great teamwork, resilience and determination, as well as having lots of fun and laughter.
Y6 Herd Farm Residential
6SL had a fabulous time at Herd Farm. We enjoyed all the activities we took part in & showed how we could work as a team and be resilient.
We have also completed some persuasive writing to showcase our residential to the rest of school.
Thank you to the incredible staff who helped during our residential.
Library News
During this half term Year 3 have been reading 'The Stolen Spear' by Saviour Pirotta. Saviour visited school to chat about his book and help our children to create storytelling ladders.
Our Year 4 children have been listening to 'A Boy Called Christmas' during their weekly library sessions and Chris Mould led an illustration workshop drawing elves and Elfhelm.
Library News
Festive Farm visited our children in school. There were goats in Christmas jumpers, donkeys and the farm dog. Our children loved stroking and feeding the animals and throwing a ball for the dog proved to be very popular.
Santa visited our children in the library. Children received a Christmas gift and sang Christmas songs for Santa and his elves.
Children in Need
A massive thank you and well done to everyone for your support for Children in Need. We raised a fantastic £227.93
Parental Involvement
Christmas is here and I hope everyone has a wonderful break and comes back in January 2025 feeling refreshed and ready to learn. Please remember, Christmas is about giving and spending time with loved ones. Enjoy the festivities and stay safe.
If you need any support I am outside primary main entrance most mornings or you can email me on emily.chesterman@appletonacademy.co.uk
Merry Christmas Emily
Useful information and events
Reevy Hill Hub
Monday 30th December 1-3pm- New Year Party 01274 434940- Book your place Familyhubsouth@bradfordcft.org.uk
Warm space every Wednesday 1230-230pm until 26th March 2025
Nutcracker Trail until 5th January 2025Chance to win £100 gift card. Find 10 nutcrackers in a variety of locations- Collect a map from Waterstones in Wool Exchange Bradford
The Broadway Bradford
Saturday 21 December – Christmas Stilt Walkers 11-5pm Free event
Sunday 22 December- Magic Santa Band 11-5pm Free event
Here you can find information and advice for all aspects of family life, a service directory and a guide to local activities and events. Please visit https://fyi.bradford.gov.uk/
EYFS Christmas Performance
Nursery and Reception did a fabulous performance of 'Our First Christmas Play'. They worked hard to remember their parts and all the songs and actions. Well done everyone!
KS1 Christmas Performance
Key Stage 1 enjoyed performing Baubles which is a modern day retelling of the Christmas story. We were impressed with how well everyone learnt and delivered their lines. The singing was amazing and it truly felt like Christmas has arrived.
KS2 Christmas Performance
KS2 really showcased their talents with their two performances of 'The Stars Are Coming Out For Christmas'.
The actors did an amazing job with all their lines and the singing from Yrs 3,4 and 6 was really impressive. Many thanks to everyone who came to watch.
