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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Year 5 RE: Learning About British Muslims

Year 5 welcomed Mrs Naeem, from the Havering Islamic Centre to help them with their RE topic. As a British Muslim, Mrs Naeem spoke in detail about multiculturalism in Great Britain and the Islamic Faith. The children were shown a range of artefacts and were allowed to dress up in traditional Islamic costumes from around the world. They were also given the opportunity to ask questions about the faith and gained an insight into how a modern British Muslim combines their religious duties with their day to day life.

Why Britain is Great: Democracy and The Law with Years 5 and 6

Having discussed democracy in our country, the political pupils of years 5 and 6 were challenged to create their own party and present a law which they would like to be introduced. After learning about the reasons behind laws and the impact that they have on a community, children had to ensure that their laws would have a positive impact on everyone and would be easily monitored. Pupils passionately delivered their campaigns to the rest of years 5 and 6 along with their persuasive propaganda in the form of posters, slogans and chants.

The campaigns chosen by the children displayed thoughtfulness and maturity: a law protecting animals; a law making university free for all; a law banning guns from our country; a law to stop smoking; a law to make rich people pay more towards the NHS; and a law to keep dogs on leads in public places. After listening carefully to each of the campaigns, children had to vote for the law which they believed was most persuasively presented and would benefit our society. Our pupils voted by a narrow margin to make it illegal to sell or smoke cigarettes.

Well done to all our children for excellent, topical campaigns. You spoke confidently and clearly about your chosen laws. Watch this space for the next generation of Hacton MPs.

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Why Britain is Great: Assembly

Gathering in the hall to the sound of Rule Britannia, our pupils eagerly awaited the launch of our special week in school: Why Britain is Great. After looking at the difference between Britain, Great Britain and the United Kingdom we discussed the different aspects of British life and the etiquette associated with different traditions. This week children will be taking part in a carousel of activities giving them an insight into why we believe Britain really is great!

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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 this week.

Year 6 World War II Day

Evacuation tags - check! Gas masks - check! Authentic costumes - check!

Dressed as evacuees, army officers, land girls and other characters, our Year 6 World War II Day began with the chilling sound of the air raid siren. Nervously heading to the nearest shelter, children imagined what life would have been like during the devastating air attacks which took place during the Second World War.

When the all clear siren sounded, children returned to their classrooms to take part in a range of Second World War themed activities that included making carrot cookies (using only rationed ingredients of course) and composing their own uplifting wartime songs.

The afternoon saw children transported back to 1939 with a lively and engaging workshop from the Rainbow Theatre Company. With gas masks in hand, the children lined up outside the hall waiting for their headmistress to accompany them to the countryside. After a long, uncomfortable journey, they finally arrived and were greeted by their billeting officer. The children imagined how challenging life would have been for evacuees during the Second World War. Our Hacton historians performed alongside Rainbow Theatre actors in a range of wartime scenes about the Blitz, rationing, black outs and air raids. The children's acting and enthusiasm were extremely impressive.

The day was a great success, helping our pupils to develop a greater understanding of life as a child during World War II.

Assessment Meetings for Parents

Thank you to everyone who attended our assessment meetings. We were delighted to see over 75 parents to share our new way to assess the updated curriculum. Your questions about and understanding of the changes which have taken place will help us improve the dialogue that we have with you about your children's learning.

Our parents' guide to assessment at Hacton is available to download here»

More information and assessment tracking grids are available on our website»

Money Awareness Week Competition

We have something exciting happening during the week before half term (week commencing 19th October): we are having a 'Why Britain Is Great' and 'Money Awareness' themed week.

As part of money awareness the children are being given the opportunity to participate in a competition. Your child will receive information about their allocated challenge from their class teacher, including information about prizes that could be won. Entries must be in by the date specified on the challenge sheet. The competition is not compulsory, but we believe your child would benefit from this chance to be creative; and they could win a prize!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Miss Youngs or Miss Horn.

Good Luck!!!

• Early Years challenge
  Inspiration: Maths hats
• Key Stage 1 challenge
• Year 3/4 challenge
  Inspiration: Bank notes
• Year 5/6 challenge
  Inspiration: 'The Journey of a £1 Coin' / Money poems

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 this week.

Digital Leaders

Thank you to all of the children who applied to be a Digital Leader at Hacton. It was a very hard decision as so many of you boasted excellent skills. After careful consideration, the Computing Coordinators chose 12 children to take on this important role. The job involves working alongside teachers to enhance the support of computing across our school. Digital Leaders will be attending termly meetings to discuss the provision of computing as well as assisting during ICT clubs.

Macmillan Coffee Morning Raises £603!

Thank you for supporting this year's Macmillan Coffee Morning, helping raise a staggering £603! Parents, carers, grandparents and friends visited the small hall for tea or coffee, delicious homemade cakes and a friendly chat; some even purchased a book or two. When break time arrived, the children flooded into the hall and queued excitedly, ready to purchase cakes and fruit juice. Happy faces made it clear that the sweet treats were a hit!

Thank you to everyone who donated cakes, books or their time to support this very successful event. A big thank you also to Hornchurch Electrical whose generous customers topped up our total with a donation of £70 (included in our final amount). All money raised will go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mandy (for the Hacton Parents' Association)