Newsletters

23/24 Spring 1 - Week 3 

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Dear parents and carers,

We have reached the end of another busy week full of fun and learning.

School visits

This week it was the turn of Year Six pupils to go on an educational visit.  Courtesy of PWC, who fully fund this experience, our pupils enjoyed 'Beauty and the Beast' at the Peacock Theatre in London's West End.  Not only were the pupils able to enjoy the fabulous costumes, excellent acting and live music, but they too were able to consider what future careers they may like to pursue within the performance arts industry, from lighting and sound engineers, costume design, make up artists, stage managers, acting, musical performing - the list is endless!  With film studios being built in Dagenham, we know this industry potentially could be a big employer in the future, hence it was great that some of our pupils are inspired to consider such careers.

This week it was also the turn of classes 4D and 4W to attend Lego HQ.  This was another fantastic trip which you can read more about below, including how we may well use Lego more within our curriculum.

Interviewing skills

Speaking of Year Four, I know that they have been working very hard on their interview skills: writing questions in RE to ask a Christian in order to develop their understanding of this religion.  On Monday, class 4D had the privilege of interviewing me!  I have to say I was most impressed not only by the quality of the questions but their desire to learn more and to develop confidence in asking their questions in a formal yet polite manner.  Whilst this was a great opportunity for them to learn first hand about the Christian faith, it also taught the pupils another valuable skill for the workplace - being able to interview and ask questions.  This skill could certainly be important to them, be it interviewing in a journalistic capacity, researcher, police or even just recruiting new people to join their business or organisation.  Well done Year Four.    

I pray you all have a wonderful weekend.

 

Mr. David Huntingford

Headteacher

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Puzzles Wanted

 

Do you have any children's puzzles at home that you no longer need? 

Please donate them to the school for our intervention space! We are looking for puzzles that have larger and fewer pieces, right up to more complex ones. If you do have any at home that you are willing to donate, please hand them to the office for the attention of Mrs Beech. 

Thank you in advance. 

Reading books and Diaries 

 

Your child is provided with a reading book and diary. Please ensure you read with your child and that the book/diary are kept in a safe place and frequently returned to school.

Lost and missing book may lead to a charge for replacement books.

 

GOOD LUCK to the William Ford Choir for Mondays'  Young Voices show. You will be amazing as usual.

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This week 'Space Band' by Tom Fletcher is recommended. The book is about a group of friends who are in a band. They sing to save the plane. This book is full of adventures and really fun to read. 

By Mya 5P

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Lego Workshop 4W and 4D
9:00am – 1:30pm
26
January
Pupil Voice Meetings
All Day
From 29 Jan until 02 Feb
29
January
Young Voices performance -
All Day
29
January
Parent Meeting - Y6 Sats - What they are, how your child is assessed and how best to support them.
3:30pm – 4:00pm
29
January
Parent Meeting - Y6 Sats - What they are, how your child is assessed and how best to support them.
5:00pm – 5:30pm
29
January
Young Voices show @ O2 arena
6:00pm – 8:00pm
29
January
Egypt Day - Year 3
All Day
02
February
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26 Jan 2024
Lego in the curriculum - inspiring future careers
Class 4D and 4W visit Lego's London HQ to consider how they can protect biodiversity at Eastbrookend Country Park, Dagenham
Read more
26 Jan 2024
Beauty and the Beast
This week Deborah from 6F writes about the year 6 trip to the theatre
Read more
23 Jan 2024
Exploring careers through visiting a pantomime
Year 6 visit Peacock Theatre in London's West End
Read more
23 Jan 2024
Practising our interview skills through RE
Class 4D interview the headteacher
Read more
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Year Three

What we have learnt about this week

This week in English, the children finished researching a country of their choice and then wrote about it in the style of a non-chronological report. 

In maths, we have continued to focus on multiplication and have looked closely at multiplying by 3 and 4 using a range of strategies and problem solving.

In science the children have learnt how fossils are made.

In this week's history lesson we looked at a range of sources to inform us of the types of activity the Ancient Egyptians enjoyed during their leisure time.

What we will learn about next week

In English we will continue with our book 'Around the World in Eighty Days and the children will practise a number of comprehension strategies, such as retrieval, explanation of new vocabulary and inference. We will also be practising our dictionary skills and improving our understanding of alphabetical order.

In maths, we will be looking at multiplying and dividing by 8. As the multiplication work is becoming more challenging, it is evident which children are working hard to learn their facts on TT Rockstars and those who need to develop a much more secure knowledge of these. Please encourage your child to practise these regularly as it will really help their understanding in class.

Each class has now completed their own volcanic island, and we will be using alphanumeric coordinates to locate features of their island next week.

Year Three will be celebrating Egyptian Day next Friday. The day will be full of exciting and varied activities based upon our history curriculum. It would be lovely if the children could join the staff in dressing up as Ancient Egyptians. This could be made easily from an old white sheet or a large white T-shirt. Many thanks for your continued support.

Year Four 

Intro

What we have learnt about this week

This week in English, Year 4 explored the various features of instructions, followed by a practical activity where they worked together as a class to create delicious rice krispies cupcakes. In Maths, the focus was on the introduction of a new topic - fractions. Students began to understand the concept and its applications. In Science, the children engaged in experiments involving sound and pitch, utilizing a range of musical instruments. This hands-on experience enhanced their comprehension of these concepts. Additionally, in Religious Education, the children interviewed a Vicar to gain insight into their roles within the church and the wider community. Furthermore, in History, pupils commenced their learning journey into the origins and early stages of the Roman Empire. The fascinating history of this civilization captivated their interest.

 

What we will learn about next week

Looking ahead to next week, Year 4 will be honing their creative writing skills in English by crafting an assessment piece in the form of a poem. The students will experiment with rhyming couplets and alliteration to create engaging and expressive poems. In Maths, the focus will continue to be on fractions, delving into the understanding of improper and mixed numbers.

In Science, the theme will shift towards exploring the science of hearing, investigating various sounds and methods of reducing the impact of noise. Moreover, in History, the focus will be on Roman and Celtic soldiers, enabling students to learn more about their roles and contributions to their respective societies.

We look forward to another exciting and productive week in Year 4.

Year Five

At the half-point stage for this half-term, the children in Year 5 are now all settled into their work and topics well.

What we have learnt about this week

This week in English, we have written balanced arguments, looking at both sides of an argument before reaching a considered conclusion.

In Maths, we have concluded our topic on fractions by multiplying a range of fractions by integers and finding fractions of amounts.

In R.E. we have explored how and why Christians might worship and pray and reflected upon how we worship in school.

For History, the children explored how the Vikings were viewed and why different historical sources are open to interpretation.

What we will learn about next week

Next week in English we begin to study the epic poem Beowulf which links to our History topic about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings.

We also begin our new Maths topic, looking at decimal places and equivalent fractions and decimals.

In Geography we will be investigating and comparing climates across North America.

Year Six

After last week's assessments, the children have been busy learning new knowledge and skills across the curriculum.  They also had their second swimming session this week.

What we have learnt about this week

This week in English, the children have planned and written a diary entry based on our focus text, 'When The Mountains Roared.'  In maths, we have focussed on developing the children's understanding of algebra.  During our IT lesson this week, the children used the school IPads to research facts about the development of computers over the last 200 years.  In French, the children have started learning new vocabulary to use in their new unit, 'Planning a Holiday,' 

What we w ill learn about next week

Next week's maths will move on to learning about area and perimeter.  In English, we will develop the children's writing skills by planning and writing descriptive settings based on our focus text.  In science, the children will be learning how to draw electrical circuits to match their festive celebration designs.  In art, the children will be looking at the work of Paula Rego.

 

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Each week, staff select three children from each class who have shown effort and commitment to upholding an aspect of our school vision, shown at the bottom of the page. Congratulations to this week’s ‘stars of the week’ for their tremendous endeavours!

 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Three

3F

Name: Rodiatu 

For: settling into our class well and trying her best in all lessons

 

Name: Samir

For: working hard in history and helping others when they are stuck

 

Name: Amelia

For: being a kind and polite role model for her peers

3M

Name: Alex

For: making an effort to improve his presentation and using his own time to practise.

Name: Dwayne

For: generously sharing his knowledge and ideas with the class.

Name: Fateha

For: making an effort to be quieter and more focused in lessons.

3N

Name: Azaan

For:  settling well in class and working diligently all

Name: Irina

For:  sharing class equipment and her ideas in group work.

Name:  Alexander

For:  for a calm approach to all areas of school life.
 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Four

4D

Name: Nathan

For: being confident when speaking in front of a crowd on our trip to Lego HQ.

 

Name: Mia

For: acting generously and working well as part of a group on our school trip.

 

Name: Cairon

For: being sensible and acting in a mature manner on our school trip.

4IW

Name: Brooke 

For: working extremely hard in all lessons this week. 

Name: Kamso

For: being very helpful and generous with her time around the classroom.

Name: Jada

For: always having a calm and peaceful attitude in the classroom.

4W

Name: Chikaima

For: working diligently and making good progress in Maths. 

Name: Mia

For: acting generously and working well with others when doing the group work. 

Name: Florence

For: living at peace and trying her best in all lessons. 
 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Five

5A

Name: Jerry

For: his fantastic effort in French this week! Bien Joué!

 

Name: Cherish

For: her diligent work in a maths challenge this week.

 

Name: Aisha

For: her calm attitude in class.

5H

Name: Mataa

For: great effort in lessons, especially Maths this week.

Name: Onirban

For: ensuring all equipment is collected at the end of lessons.

Name:  Joanna

For: working so collaboratively with a range of partners and groups this week.

5P

Name: Amelia

For: working really hard during maths lessons.

Name: Claude

For: being generous with his time, helping to give things out during break.

Name: Tilly

For: being a calm presence in the classroom.
 

Working diligently

 

Acting generously

 

Promoting peace

Year Six

6B

Name: Maryam

For: a great start to Year 6 at William Ford with excellent effort in all lessons.

 

Name: Isaiah

For: excellent participation during our panto visit.

 

Name: Khadeeja

For: good attitude and effort within the classroom.

6F

Name: Aiden

For: showing great confidence and determination during swimming lessons.

Name: Joanna

For: always being polite and helpful to others. 

Name: Robert

For: being focused and having a positive attitude in the classroom. 

6I

Name: Reggie

For: Working extremely hard in all lessons.

Name: Kaiona

For:  Always being kind and helpful towards others.

Name: Deborah

For: Her cheery presence in class.
       
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