Dear Parents,

What a wonderful way to close the first half of the autumn term! It’s been a busy and inspiring week across Columba and Aquila.

As journalists, we wrote amazing non-chronological reports about junk food, focusing on key features such as structure, language, and cohesive devices. As mathematicians, Columba learned about factors and prime numbers, whereas Aquila focused on multiplying and dividing decimals by integers.

As theologians, we completed our Sikhism enquiry and reflected on how Sikh actions—such as selfless service, sharing, and equality—can be examples for us all.

We had a fantastic week with our special visitors! We were thrilled to welcome children’s poet and author Samantha Rodgers to our school— the children left her assembly inspired and full of creative ideas. If you'd like to explore her books you can do so here.

The children continued this energy today by taking part in a range of active challenges, celebrating teamwork and the importance of keeping fit and healthy.

We are also excited to invite you to our North Hinksey Launch Event at Junior Parkrun on Sunday, 2nd November — and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible!

Next Term

In English, we will take inspiration from Wonder by R. J. Palacio. In Maths, Aquila will focus on fractions, while Columba will explore prime, square, and cube numbers. In Science, we will begin our new topic on Light, investigating how light travels, shadows are formed, and reflections occur.

Home Learning

Please remember to return the Maths Practice Journals on Tuesday, 4th November, when we will welcome everyone back after the half-term break.

Both Aquila and Columba classes should continue to practise spellings from the Years 3–4 and Years 5–6 word lists. All children are encouraged to revisit the words in their spelling logbooks regularly throughout the week.

Have a lovely half term!