Newsletters

Dear parents and carers,

I am delighted to inform you that we recently underwent an assessment for the Historical Association’s Quality Mark Award.  As you are aware, reviewing the curriculum continues to be a focus of our school improvement, particularly as we move to single form entry which enables us to re-sequence our units of learning.

Our History curriculum places a special emphasis on local History and our children are very aware of the history of Bramhope as well as the city of Leeds.

As subject leader, Mrs Stewart has led this work across school and developed an outstanding history curriculum with unique enrichment opportunities. We are very proud that Mrs Stewart’s work has been recognised by the Historical Association and that Bramhope Primary have been awarded the Quality mark for history Gold Award. 

The Historical Association Quality Mark is an award that recognises the excellence of history provision in a school. Historical Association appointed assessors review the history provision of the school, the leadership of the subject, quality of teaching and learning and what is being offered to our children through the history curriculum. The assessor observed lessons across KS1 and KS2 and of course, spoke very highly of our children: ‘the pupils I met during my visit clearly love the subject and are excellent champions.It Is particularly creditable that the school and subject leader have achieved so much during the challenging period of a pandemic.'

A huge thank you to Mrs Stewart for all her hard work. She remains committed to further developing the curriculum and is delighted that so many children are really enjoying history!

School expansion

Following last week’s public consultation, I would like to clarify that no decisions have yet been made about site access. I am aware that many people use the Tredgold entrance and at present, the plan is to maintain this is as one of the school entrances. Developing such an open site is complex and there is much to consider but please do let me know if you have particular questions that I may be able to answer. If planning permission is granted, works will start in April so that the expansion will be ready for September.

Leeds Schools Cross-Country League

Last Saturday, the third race of the Leeds Schools Cross-Country League took place in Middleton Park, Otley. There were an impressive number of children representing Bramhope Primary School, and we are very proud of them all!

The Under 11 boys' team are currently first place in the league and have consistently produced fantastic individual results while supporting one another.

The Under 11 girls have improved in each race producing excellent results. A special plea from Farrah and Sophie who would love at least two more Y5 or Y6 girls to complete their team. Please encourage your child to have a go!

Under 9 boys and girls both had full teams at every race and most of them earned a new personal best at Middleton Park!

We're very much looking forward to the next race in the series. If you have any questions about the Cross-Country League, please contact me in the first instance.

Finally, if you are enjoying running and want to do more and make new friends, why not join the Abbey Runners Juniors? 

Mr McKeown (P.E. subject leader)

KS2 Geography

Today in KS2, we joined a virtual Zoom meeting with Maddie Moate. Maddie is a CBBC presenter who has written a book about Stuff and all the extraordinary things you can do with it! The book links with our Geography topic on Natural Resources and how we can become more sustainable with the things we use. Children got the chance to write questions and learn some amazing facts from all around the world.

Maddie read us one of the stories about how to make paper out of elephant dung, apparently, it doesn't smell at all! We also learnt about clay cups and why they are much more environmentally friendly than plastic cups. Here are some of the comments from today:

'I enjoyed it a lot and I think she's amazing at telling people how to recycle'. William M, Year 4

'I thought it was really interesting how you could make elephant poo into paper!' Elodie, Year 4

'I thought all the things that people were doing all around the world were really interesting'.

Louis, Year 3

Xmas for Schools Fundraising

I am very pleased to inform you all that we have raised £263.00 in total from your ‘Xmas for Schools’ Christmas card orders! Thank you! We will be donating the money towards improving the school playground and all classes have been voting whether they would like a playground or a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area).

Your Christmas card orders should arrive in school by the end of next week and will be handed to your children by their class teachers. I do hope everyone enjoys their cards and gifts. I’m sure the children will feel a real sense of achievement and pride when they see their designs made into real products.

Thanks again for your generosity,

Mrs Heald

Wharfedale Refugee Response

Wharfedale refugee response are running the annual reverse advent calendar appeal, asking local households to consider creating a festive box full of vital foods and toiletries for refugees, asylum seekers and others in need in our region. Please read the flyer below to find out more:

Otley Children's Centre

Please follow these links to view some useful information for families over the Christmas period and the New Year, from Otley Children's Centre. The information includes details of courses, support groups and services.

January - February Timetable

Useful Contacts for parent and carers

Have a lovely weekend.