Hacton Primary: OUTSTANDING in all areas

Hacton Primary School has been rated as OUTSTANDING in all areas during its latest Ofsted Inspection carried out on 24th and 25th November 2015. This is an accolade we are all truly proud of and is a testament to the hard work, dedication, skills and support of our exceptional team of staff, governors, families and above all our pupils.

As Ofsted state, ‘Pupils enjoy their learning at Hacton and teachers throughout the school are highly skilled at motivating pupils to learn exceptionally well. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary and they make excellent progress during lessons. The curriculum stimulates pupils’ curiosity in all subjects. Pupils’ academic outcomes are high compared to pupils nationally and the school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding’. Read the full report here »

It is a very exciting time at Hacton Primary, with the construction of a brand new purpose built 21st century school underway that is likely to be completed in the latter part of 2016. The school will increase in size from 2 to 3 form entry in Reception from September 2016.

Thank you again to our staff, governors, families and our amazing pupils for helping make Hacton a truly outstanding school.

Goodwood Avenue Gates Closed

Whilst preparation of the construction site for our new school is in progress, the Goodwood Avenue gates will be closed. All pupils should enter school via the main entrance in Chepstow Avenue. Key Stage 2 pupils should walk though the Key Stage 1 playground, around the side of the school and wait in the Key Stage 2 playground as normal. The Goodwood Avenue gates will remain closed until the beginning of next term.

Digital Leaders: Programming with Hopscotch

A group of our Year 5 Digital Leaders have been using their extra Computing time to explore the Hopscotch iPad app. This introduces programming in a user friendly way, helping develop a greater understanding of some key computing concepts. Our Digital Leaders have worked together to program the steps necessary to write the name of our school on their screens. We have been very impressed with the initiative they have shown to develop their programming skills in their break and lunch times.

"We wanted to show that, when you put your mind to it, programming is quite easy."

"The most difficult thing was deciding the angles."

"We showed Mr Emes. He thought it was great and gave us the Headteacher's Award."

"Next, we have been challenged to program a simple game. We are confident we can do it!"

Key Stage 2 Maths Challenge Winner

Congratulations to the winner of last week's Maths Challenge. We had a record number of entries that resulted in 15 correct answers. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner. Well done to the marvellous mathematician from Year 5 who counted the number of triangles correctly. The answer was 20.

"You had to count the number of triangles; it was pretty easy. I do the Maths Challenge sometimes. I gave it a go in case I would win: it's better to fail that not try! I didn't think I would win, but Miss Muskett called out my name in class. I was very exuberant that I'd won. I got a certificate and a bag of Jelly Tots. I opened them at break time and shared them with my friend."

E for Effort

Every week, teachers recognise pupils in their class who have made an extra effort. These pupils are awarded the E for Effort cup in front of the whole school during our Friday morning assembly.

Congratulations to all the wonderful children who made an extra effort last week.

Hacton 7 - 0 Oakfields

The first girls' football match of the season was a great one for Hacton. We started playing down the field, giving us an advantage against Oakfields. It wasn't long before we were 1-0 up thanks to Megan. After her lovely celebration, we kept the ball in their half. 2-0! Another great shot from Megan. What an advantage for us; however, the game wasn't over yet. Within the next five minutes, Poppy came off and on Alice went. Continuing our winning streak, Brooke ran up the field with the ball. Pass, pass again and another amazing goal, this time by Brooke. Kick off was taken and passes were passed. Boom! An absolutely gobsmacking goal by Maddie. We were now 4-0 up. Half Time. Now we had to get the ball up the field; however, we still managed to score. In it goes and that's 5-0 to us. Megan then managed to flick the ball into the goal. 6-0! With about 7 minutes to go, Brooke ran up the field, despite there being 3 defenders at the ready. She kicked the ball backwards quickly, and in it went. The whistle blew with the final score 7-0 to Hacton. Amazing work girls!

By Alice (Year 6)

Fundraising for Children in Need

Pupils entered into the fundraising spirit today and dressed up for this year’s Children in Need campaign. In addition to the superhero themed non uniform day, School Council representatives worked hard all week selling raffle tickets to win Build-A-Bear Pudsey and Blush teddies. The winning tickets were picked in assembly and the cuddly characters now have new homes with delighted Year 2 pupils. As a result of these fundraising activities, our school has collected £475 for Children in Need. Thank you to parents and pupils for your support.

Singing Assembly: "No One Quite Like Me"

The powerful sound of our pupils' voices echoed through the school corridors this week during a joyful Key Stage 2 singing assembly. The children were clearly inspired by the empowering lyrics and soaring chorus of "No One Quite Like Me". We hope you enjoy listening to this song as much as our pupils enjoyed singing it.

E for Effort

Every week, teachers recognise pupils in their class who have made an extra effort. These pupils are awarded the E for Effort cup in front of the whole school during our Friday morning assembly.

Congratulations to all the wonderful children who have made an extra effort this week.

Remembrance at Hacton

Today at Hacton, we joined with people around the world to stand in silent contemplation. We stopped. We thought. We remembered.

In both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 assemblies this week we have discussed the reasons why we wear poppies and about the importance of remembrance. We have not forgotten the people who sacrificed so much for our country. Our pupils learnt that Armistice Day is commemorated every year on November 11 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning - the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Children in Reception made their own poppies to hold during the silence at eleven o'clock. Later in the day they painted pictures and added their poppies to classroom displays.

Keeping Your Child Safe Online

Children are using technology and the internet more than ever. Online Safety is embedded in our Computing curriculum and whenever children use online resources at school they are reminded about how to stay safe. However, with children learning, playing and conducting their social lives on the internet, it is also important for them to receive support and guidance at home. Thankfully, plenty of information exists for parents so they can help children remain safe online at all times.

We have our own page of Online Safety Information for Parents »

Havering School Improvement Services have recently shared some useful links:

• InternetMatters.org » is a portal dedicated to making sure all parents are only a click away from advice, tips and support about online safety for children. The information is divided into age-appropriate sections to help you talk to your child about the issues and technologies they'll come across as they grow up online. From setting your parental controls to teaching your child how to be a good friend online, you'll find a wealth of information so that you can spend less time researching and more time having fun with your family.
• Parentinfo.org » is a site for schools and parents. The Parent Zone's work has focused on the impact of digital technologies on families. They provide information and resources for parents and those who work with them.
• Thinkuknow.co.uk » has resources, support and tips for parents of children of all ages and it includes information on what children are doing online and the associated risks.

Privacy checklists from www.saferinternet.org.uk highlight issues and give advice about how to more safely use Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Please note that the age restrictions for these sites mean that they are intended for ages 13 and over:

Fireworks: Have Fun and Be Safe

Our pupils have enjoyed a range of firework themed activities this week: learning the fireworks code in class; producing poems; singing songs and painting pictures. We hope that, whether you are going to an organised display at the weekend or you are having your own party, you enjoy the whoosh, bang and crackle of the fireworks. Please think about the safety of children at all times and remember the fireworks code:

• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never put fireworks in your pocket
• Never throw fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Keep pets indoors

More information about fireworks safety is available on the RoSPA website

Parking Outside Schools - Guidance from the Local Authority

Most of our parents are careful, considerate drivers when they drop off and pick up their children from school. However, some people forget the importance of following the rules of the road, particularly near school where safety is paramount. This is a common issue across the borough so the local authority have produced guidance documents and a helpline to improve the safety of our children at drop off and pick up times.

The Council’s Traffic & Parking Control Department can be contacted on 01708 432787 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or via email: trafficandparkingcontrol@havering.gov.uk

More information about dangerous parking outside schools is available on the Havering website»

Weekly Objectives Available on Our Phase Group Blogs

Firstly, thank you to everyone that attended parents' evening before half term. It was great to see so many proud parents finding out about how their children have settled into their new classes and the progress they have already made. We really appreciate your ongoing support in helping to make Hacton the super school that it is.

As a result of your feedback from our recent assessment meetings, each year group is now uploading weekly posts to inform you of the objectives in each class so you can further support your child's learning. Also, teachers are now blogging more frequently to keep you up to date with news directly from their classes. You can find their posts, including information about weekly objectives, on our phase group blogs»

Why Britain is Great: A Week Celebrating our Nation

After a jam packed week of learning about our nation, children gathered in the hall to share their personal highlights of 'Why Britain is Great' week: learning the national anthem; exploring fashion through the years; mixing up ingredients in our own British bake off; perfecting precision in cricket, learning the etiquette required for a traditional afternoon tea and much more. It was fantastic to see our pupils so engaged in learning about what makes Britain great.

We put together a video to capture some of the exciting activities that the children enjoyed during the week.

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Why Britain is Great: Pantomime

Children from all year groups discovered the history of Pantomime and discussed British traditions in an activity led by Mrs Neville. They were challenged to 'Decorate a Dame' and shared some brilliant portraits. Years 1 - 4 used scenes from Cinderella to freeze frame and act out various characters. Years 5 and 6 took on the roles of different Pantomime characters and followed a script; many sported costumes and some were brave enough to dress as a dame.

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Why Britain is Great: Playground Games

Our pupils went to 5NM to learn about traditional British playground games. The children discovered  the origins of games such as 'Ring-a-Ring o' Roses' and 'Oranges and Lemons'. The children discovered some games going back to Victorian times. 'Queelio Cookio' and 'Farmer, Farmer May We Cross Your River' were enjoyed by all the children.

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Why Britain is Great: Afternoon Tea

Clotted cream, Jam, Scones (thank you Mrs Mason), Tea. It must be time for a traditional afternoon tea. In true British style, hungry Hacton pupils enjoyed the opportunity to visit year 6 to take part in our the sophisticated experience. Children throughout the school are now experts in the etiquette surrounding afternoon tea including: keeping elbows off of the table; keeping your little finger tucked in; breaking your scones in half using your hands rather than a knife and stirring your tea in a front to back motion rather than round and round. Very civilised.

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Why Britain is Great: Whole School Collage

Children across the whole school went to 1KR to help create a whole school collage showcasing their ideas about what makes Britain great. Children in Key Stage 1 drew a British symbol on a piece of blue paper and children in Key Stage 2 wrote about the things they thought made Britain great on a piece of red paper. All the children's ideas have been used to create a Union Jack that is on display in the main corridor. It looks fantastic!

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Why Britain is Great: Landmarks

Big Ben, Angel of the North, Edinburgh Castle and The Shard were just a few of the British Landmarks that children learnt about during 'Why Britain is Great' week. Inspired by the dominating skyline of our city and the natural wonders around our countryside, children in years 5 and 6 designed their own very imaginative British landmarks made out of everything from glass to Maltesers!

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Why Britain is Great: British Bake Off

Pupils from all year groups went to 4JW for their own British bake off. Years 1 and 2 decorated biscuits in the colours of the Union Jack. Years 3 and 4 made British white chocolate rice crispy cakes. Last but not least, Years 5 and 6 made traditional buttery Scottish shortbread. Delicious!

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Why Britain is Great: Emergency Services

On day 4 of 'Why Britain Is Great' week, children celebrated our emergency services who work tirelessly around the clock to keep us safe from harm.  Our pupils looked at what constitutes an emergency and when a call to 999 should be made. They also considered when it would be more appropriate to call the police's non-emergency number 101. After listening to examples of hoax calls, the children discussed why it is so mportant to never waste the emergency services’ time.

Our younger pupils were fortunate enough to have a visit from both the police and fire services where they asked lots of interesting and thoughtful questions.

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Why Britain is Great: The Monarchy

On day 2 of 'Why Britain Is Great' week, children throughout the school looked at our monarchy and significant historical events surrounding their lives. They participated in a range of fun and fascinating themed activities: they looked at the grandeur surrounding royal celebrations and visits; they compiled family trees; they wrote social media posts for the Queen; and even designed their own royal crowns.

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Why Britain is Great: Learning about The Law

Years 5 and 6 were very lucky to have a visit from a local magistrate. He clearly explained the importance of the rule of law and the reasons why we have the judicial system in our country. Our pupils were captivated by stories that conveyed the consequences of breaking rules and highlighted why you should always think carefully about your actions. He reminded years 5 and 6 that laws are in place to protect us. The children asked lots of sensible questions; this had clearly been a very engaging talk for our young citizens.

Thank you to our local magistrate for helping us understand the importance of laws to ensure the smooth running of our community.

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