News

Recycle at Moortown

You can now recycle small waste electrical and electronic equipment at Moortown – there’s a recycling unit in the front area of school.

The significance of this new initiative was highlighted in a recent survey carried out on behalf of Recycle Now.  It revealed a staggering 94% of people have broken electrical appliances simply gathering dust somewhere around the house. Only one third of us recycle electrical appliances and a further 10 per cent put redundant / unused electrical appliances straight in the bin. People under 35 are 50% less likely to have recycled at least one small electrical item than those over 35.

The types of electrical items that can be collected through the new scheme include:

• battery operated and electrical toys
• remote controls
• CD players and radios
• hairdryers and hair straighteners
• shavers
• clocks and watches
• small electric fans
• computer keyboards and internet boxes
• small kitchen appliances like toasters, kettles and irons
• DIY and garden electrical tools
• DVD players
• video cameras
• electrical cables
• phones
• electric toothbrushes

Please note, we can’t accept older style (CRT) TV and computer monitors, microwave ovens, car batteries or items used in businesses.

To get the scheme off to the best possible start, Leeds has introduced a scheme to recognize the three best performing schools each term who achieve the highest collection weights.  These schools will receive cash prizes of £500, £300 and £200, ring-fenced for spending on environmental improvements in school.

And, if we fill the free-cycling bank by the October half term, we’ll receive a reward of £50 to spend on environmental improvements in school.

PE links with Allerton Grange

We work closely with Allerton Grange to arrange PE activities for each class. 

Throughout the year, Year 1 to Year 6 will be taking part in sessions led by the Sports and Dance leaders at Allerton Grange.

The visits take place during the school day and teachers will inform their class nearer to the time.

Breakfast, lunch and water to fuel your brain

This week we’ve found out how a healthy, balanced diet and good hydration provides us with the energy our brain needs to function throughout the day.

Nutritionists believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but what children eat can be just as crucial.   Breakfast cereals and foods rich in whole grains, fibre and protein and low in added sugar may boost attention span, concentration and memory and prevent children having a mid morning energy drop. http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/breakfast.html

Fruit at playtime, provided free for Reception and Key Stage 1 and the only snack allowed at Key Stage 2 playtime, can provide an energy boost for the rest of the morning.  Remember the weekly fruit tuckshop on Tuesdays is available to Key Stage 2 costing 20p per item.

A healthy, balanced lunch is also crucial to refuel the brain for the afternoon’s learning and this week children, who bring a packed lunch to school, have been given a copy of our Guide for Healthy Packed Lunches (https://www.moortown.leeds.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/packed-lunch-guidance.pdf).  The guide was launched in September 2010 but may not have been seen by children new to the school or children who may have previously had school dinners.

The importance of hydration for the brain, to maximise learning, has been another focus of our Brain Box week.  Children need to have a water bottle to keep in their classroom to allow regular water breaks throughout the day.  This should be taken home weekly to be cleaned.  Water is also provided at lunchtime for packed lunches and school dinners.

As well as regular exercise and opportunities for relaxation these factors all contribute to a healthy brain!

Better brains with more sleep

‘Your brain needs lots of sleep to repair itself and to organise and sort everything you have learnt’… One of the messages in the Good-night guide for children, published by The Sleep Council, sent home today, at the end of Brain Box week.

Research carried out by The Sleep Council revealed that lack of sleep among primary school children was having a devastating effect in schools with nine out of 10 teachers (92%) complaining that pupils were so tired they were unable to pay attention in class.  More than a third (38%) said lack of sleep among youngsters is a daily problem for them.

This week, classes have been looking at The Sleep Council’s Better Brains with More Sleep initiative where children are encouraged to learn tips on getting their full sleep quota and the factors that can affect it.

Our Big Topics begin...

We’ve had a busy few weeks with mini-topics and our themed week but our Big Topics will begin next week!

Our topics for this school year are:

Year 1 and 2

• Roll up! Roll up! Learning about the origins of the circus and how they have changed over time
• Treasure A new topic for 2012-2013, ‘Treasure’ will include lots of map-reading and adventure
• Ee Ie Ee Ie O! Learning about different types of farms and animals

Year 3 and 4

• All aboard! Learning about transport through the ages
• To infinity and beyond! A popular topic delving deep into space
• Food, glorious food! Another new topic for 2012-2013, ‘Food, glorious food’ will look at popular food in different cultures

Year 5 and 6

• Rich and poor Thinking about differences in lifestyle between rich and poor over time
• Theme parks Another new topic for this school year, ‘Theme parks’ is a roller-coaster ride which links all the key literacy learning the children have done in the past, from reports to recounts
• Chocolate A popular topic looking at aspects such as fair trade and how chocolate is made

How do drugs affect the brain?

…This was one of the questions Key Stage 2 children have been looking at today as part of their drug education sessions with d:side.

Each class have been focussing on a different drug and its effects on the body:

• Year 3 – tobacco
• Year 4 – alcohol
• Year 5 – solvents
• Year 6 – cannabis

Both pupils and staff have given great feedback on the informative sessions and d:side also commented on our ‘very friendly and well behaved’ children.

If you have any questions please see a member of staff or contact Dave Hill, d:side Programme Manager, on 2225471.

For a comprehensive guide to this subject visit the Talk to Frank website (www.talktofrank.com).

Our amazing brains - Brain Box week!

This week is dedicated to developing an awareness of learning and how the brain works.

The importance of exercise, healthy food, sleep, hydration and emotional health, for a healthy brain, will be covered throughout the week alongside a main focus for each day:

Monday

Understanding your brain, brain cells and how to help your brain to learn.

Tuesday

How your brain learns best and learning styles.

Key Stage 2 classes will also have a visit from d:Side.  As part of our drug education in school, representatives from d:Side, a drug and health programme, will be looking, in particular, at the effects of various drugs on the brain.

Staff from d:Side will be available after school, in the dining room, for parents / carers to ask any questions about these sessions.

Wednesday

Developing the understanding of multiple intelligences and that everyone has gifts and talents.

Dr Dave Lewis, Senior Lecturer of Neuroscience, from the University of Leeds will be visiting Key Stage 2 classes.

Thursday

Thinking about thinking and problem solving.

Friday

A day to remember – exploring a range of memory strategies.

The whole school Water Aid sponsored walk will take place during Friday.

Please check the website for further information and links to websites throughout the week.

Parents' / carers' annual survey 3

This, the third and final summary of results from the annual survey, presents just a few of the many positive comments we received.  Unlike the comments noted in the previous posts, I won’t respond to these, except to say, from all staff: thank you.

I am extremely happy with my son’s progress, he loves reading and sports and is positively encouraged by staff at all times. Moortown is a gem of a school and I feel incredibly grateful that my child attends.

Learnt so much this year! A great first year at school! School communication is excellent – the class newsletters are particularly useful, and active Twitter / regularly updated website very good. Advanced calendar dates are very useful.

The school has a strong sense of community. I feel my child’s uniqueness (as all children are) is valued and that teachers build respectful, warm relationships with the pupils, imperative to enable children to feel safe and happy enough to learn.

I think you run a fantastic school – my son is very happy.

Fantastic school in all areas with exceptional leadership.

I am happy with the way my child has progressed this year with Mr Wilks. He has been encouraged in all aspects of his learning and enjoys coming to school.

My child has had a very enjoyable year thanks to the care and understanding of Mrs Weekes and Mrs Maver (and the assistant teachers). Working together has demonstrated the value of teamwork between teachers and parents and what it can achieve.

Strengths – clear values; encouraging good behaviour; awareness of others’ feelings; deals well with bullying; warm approachable head and staff alike; friendly atmosphere; children are always polite and helpful; awareness of importance of health eating and exercise. Forgot to mention brilliant Mrs O’Malley and her team – always helpful.

Please note, we won’t rest on our laurels.  We’re always seeking ways to improve, and you can help.  If you’ve any suggestions, questions, comments or concerns, do let me know.

Parents' / carers' annual survey 2

If you’ve read the first article about the annual survey, you’ll know that we’ve received very positive feedback about the series of statements – we’re especially happy that once more, 100% of parents / carers who responded agreed with the statement My child is happy to come to school.

This second article looks at the comments some of you made.  Here are some of the constructive ideas and ‘even better if’ comments you noted:

“Stop avoiding using the words ‘Christmas’, ‘Halloween’ etc.  Political correctness gone mad!  More apt communication eg lots comes out about general things but nothing came out to say my daughter was leaving school to go visit the bank.”  We don’t avoid using the term ‘Christmas’ and in fact in recent years have developed more Christmas activities such as Christmas Carol singing in the community; we choose not to celebrate ‘Hallowe’en’ because we view it as a fairly minor event in the year which might distract from learning in school.  If you’ve reason to believe a member of staff is being overly politically correct at the expense of reference to key aspects of our culture and identity, please speak with me.  Regarding the visit to the bank, this is a local visit and so we don’t ask permission; we’re sorry you weren’t aware of this – I’ve encouraged teachers to post news articles on the class news, especially in busy weeks such as themed weeks, when the bank visit happened.

“Would like to hear more about the transition to Year 1, and the expectations.  Anecdotally I hear it is a big jump and can be a shock to the youngsters.  However, I suspect more information about this will come towards the end of this term and start of next term.”  Thank you for your patience regarding transition to Year 1 – since you returned your survey, there was indeed a meeting to discuss this – and look out for the forthcoming Learning Workshop this half-term.  Please contact Mrs Maver, the Year 1 teacher, if you want more guidance.

School trips – need more than 2 weeks notice – it causes childcare issues otherwise.  Lost property – if an item has a name on it – why is it put into LOST property???  Photoboard – re members of staff and identifying them – HASN’T appeared – they don’t wear ID badges and don’t introduce themselves: so who are they?  Toilets – near the hall: the large disabled one has no lid: when you flush it germs spread everywhere, including over the hand basin – very unhygienic!!  PTA – until recently – as additions on newsletter, we aren’t informed what the PTA spend their money on.  We constantly have non-uniform days, stalls etc to raise money but it would be good to know the PTA’s plans for the money: could they do a bulletin/newsletter maybe twice a year to inform us of their plans how they’ll spend the (our) money.  It’s difficult to get communications right for everyone but I agree – lots of notice about trips would be good and I’ve asked office staff to try to communicate trips etc earlier (difficult, since the electronic diary system we use allows for an alert only two weeks in advance!) – please let me know if you feel things haven’t improved.  I agree that clothes with a name should not be put in the lost property box; we suspect this is due to children who spot clothes around school and choose not to ignore them but instead put them somewhere safe.  We’ve arranged for a weekly check of the lost property box.  Regarding knowing who staff are, I must apologise that a photoboard  of staff has not appeared.  To remedy the situation, one will appear very soon and the photos will also appear in the Class News section of the website; I’ve also reminded staff to introduce themselves!  I’m not a big fan of ID badges as we’re a small community and sometimes wonder if – from a security point of view – they encourage complacency.  The easy-access toilet doesn’t have – and has never had – a lid; I wonder if this is due to accessibility issues, which I’m investigating (can anybody offer advice?).  Finally, The PTA is still re-establishing itself so communication could be better, I agree – I’ll pass you comments on to Mrs Maver, who currently coordinates this.  The PTA needs a Chair to manage such issues – I don’t want to decide how we spend money without PTA agreement.  Any volunteers to be Chair?

Not enough school trips – if any!  Especially for older ones.  There also seems to be more warnings than praise.  This parent was in Year 6 – we really want all Year 6 pupils to go on the annual residential, and so try to keep other trips to a minimum to make the residential more affordable.  I understand it might seem there are more warnings than praise – this, I’m sure, is due to warnings being taken seriously (and note-worthy) by our conscientious pupils.  Year 6 pupils tell me when I lead Year 6 leavers’ interviews each year that they like warnings because it helps pupils to learn, and they always say praise and warnings are fair.

I would like to see a better variety of sports taking place in school time.  Healthy competition between schools in various sports would be great.  Especially with the Olympics coming up! (athletics, tennis, rugby, rounders or baseball among many).  This comes from a parent of younger children.  I’ve passed your comment to our Health Leader, Mrs Taylor.  The variety of physical activity our children do widens as the children get older because they are more able to walk to Allerton Grange and benefit from activities there, and many local tournaments are open to older children only.  I’m trying to establish with local schools a football league.  Please also look out for various after-school clubs – we have a weekly football club on Fridays and there are many other sports clubs in the area – contact us for details. 

My child is currently on pack lunches because from what she told me when wasn’t eating much veg and fruit in school dinners.  Yet on pack lunch it seems she is not allowed to sit with friends and not very happy at all.  So I am feeling somewhat pressured to return her to school dinners.  Please look at packed lunch seating arrangements, and also veg choices and encouragement in school dinners.  We introduced set tables for those who have a packed lunch so older children could act as role models and support and encourage younger children.  A mix of children on each table promotes social skills and develops the community atmosphere.  Children I’ve asked have told me they like this and understand why it’s useful.  However, your daughter can mention this (perhaps using the Worry Box near the office or the SEAL boxes in each class), or you can tell Mrs Wilson or the class teacher – we want everyone to have a happy and healthy lunchtime, whoever they sit with, so will endeavour to rearrange some seating for individual children if we know about it.

If your view is not expressed here, it’s because (I hope) I’ve addressed it in response to someone else’s comment.  Again, please contact me, or the Chair of Governors if you prefer, if you’re concerned about something at school.

Thanks for your comments.  I welcome all your suggestions, questions and concerns.  Of course, it’s good to have the occasional pat on the back, too – look out for the third news post where I list some of your praise!

Parents' / carers' annual survey 1

In the summer term, you were invited to complete the annual survey of parents / carers.  There were 88 returned surveys, meaning over half of families have replied – thank you.  We do listen to your views: the Chair of Governors and I have gone through all the data and comments and agreed appropriate action.

99 children (just under half) were represented in the survey by 88 respondents, and (generally speaking) the younger the child, the more likely their parent returned a survey.  The survey asked for views about school dinners; these will be discussed by governors and passed to council caterers (an equal amount were positive and negative).  Of the general comments, more people praised the school than the counter – thank you.  The general comments will be highlighted to teachers, office staff and governors – we’ll respond positively where we can.   One or two comments were very specific to a child or class – I’ll try to discuss those with parents, but I can only do so if you noted your name.  If you didn’t, sadly, we can’t try to remedy a problem.

I’m delighted to report that once more, 100% of parents / carers who responded agreed with the statement My child is happy to come to school.  This confirms yet again that Moortown Primary is a happy place to learn.

Over 90% of you also agree with the following statements:

• My child learns a lot in lessons.
• The school helps my child to do as well as he / she can.
• Teaching at Moortown Primary is good.
• Teaching at this school helps my child to develop skills in communication, reading, writing and maths.
• I am happy with my child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• Behaviour is good at Moortown Primary.
• Behaviour is good in lessons.
• My child feels safe at school.
• I am happy that my views will be listened to.

We’re very pleased with such overwhelmingly positive results.  We’re equally interested in the three statements which received a less positive response (figures may not total 100% due to rounding):

I know how well my child is doing at school: 88% agreed with this statement, whilst 13% were unsure (nobody disagreed).  The fairly high percentage of responses which were ‘unsure’ is possibly to do with not having received the annual report to parents which came out after the survey – I hope the report indicated clearly enough your child’s attainment, progress and attitude, summed up in the table at the end of the report.  Teachers give me attainment data for every child at the end of every term, so if you’d like more frequent updates, we can let you know each term – come to see me or your child’s teacher (and, of course, come to parents’ evening).

Adults in school explain to me how to support my child at home: 78% agreed, 16% were unsure, 2% disagreed.  In response:

• I have reminded all teachers that they should ensure our Homework Guide with helpful tips and a Reading Activities booklet are attached to Homework Books
• I have reminded teachers to regularly add ideas to support your child to Class News sections on our website and to the Newsletter
• We will continue to hold Learning Workshops this year (look out for a general one about key skills and a specific one about iPads)
• Mrs Maver has already trialled an Open Morning where you can visit the classroom when you drop your child off – this proved popular and all classes will have one this half-term
• We will have more Open Afternoons where you can look at a selection of children’s work
• Have you visited our Learn More pages? Here, you’ll find ways to support you child’s learning and descriptions of the different levels your child may be working at with some skills and activities that will support the next steps, and you can download reading activities and handwriting guides
• Finally, it may sound simple, but the best ways to support your child’s learning at home is to concentrate on the basics, and make it fun: daily reading, spellings practice, counting (in 1s, 10s, 5s – forwards and backwards), number bonds (pairs of numbers that add up to 10), times tables (from Year 2) – and, most importantly, lots of opportunities for speaking and listening

The school deals with all types of bullying very well: 78% agreed, 18% were unsure, 1% disagreed.  The high percentage of ‘unsure’ responses can be explained by one or two parents’ extra comments, such as, ‘I ticked unsure because my child has never encountered any bullying at Moortown.’  I urge the one respondent who disagreed with the statement to discuss his / her concerns with me – we have zero tolerance to bullying.

Three was the highest number of respondents who disagreed with any one statement, which was I am happy that my views will be listened to.  Again, I urge these three parents to come and speak to me or, if still unhappy, to address their views to the Chair of Governors.  I can assure you all we will listen to your views (but we do need to know who you are for us to do so).

Thank you, once again, for taking the time to complete the survey.