I hope this message finds you well. As we wrap up a busy first half of the spring term, I want to share some highlights of our recent activities, including our exciting sports events and the preparations for SATs.
Our sports events have been a fantastic display of our children's abilities and teamwork including two of our children representing the school at national level. A big thank you to all the parents who came out to support our teams and supported with transport. I'm sure you will join me in thanking our staff for making these events possible.
I must also congratulate our Year 6 pupils for their hard work during SATs preparations and through the tests themselves. Their resilience and dedication was really good to see. They now have to work hard to display their very best writing as the teachers begin their assessments of these key skills. Results of all the Year 6 assessments will be shared with the children and sent to parents after they are released in July.
Our Year 4 children will shortly complete their Multiplication Tables Check. They are practising hard, and we ask that you support them over the holiday as they remember multiplication facts. In Year 1 the children continue to learn to read through learning letter sounds. They will shortly be completing their phonics screening. This is a very informal activity run by the children's class teachers in school. We will share the outcomes of both of these assessments as soon as we can.
Thank you for your support of our recent VE day events and for helping the school look red, white and blue for the day. I hope that the day helped the children understand a little about our important history.
Additionally, a huge thank you to The Friends of Somerset Bridge, whose support is currently helping us to restock our library and whose events enrich our school community.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to keep an eye on our website and your emails as we share upcoming events for your children. This will include a number of sporting events, the Summer Fair along with some final opportunities at Somerset Bridge for our Year 6 children.
The South West Grid for Learning is an Online Safety Charity which has published an anonymous survey for parents and carers to share their experience on their child’s first smartphone:
The aim is to better understand the concerns, expectations, and experiences that come with this important milestone and to create a practical support kit to help make their experiences safer, smoother, and more positive.
Under the website’s parents’ tab, there are also many resources which you might find useful , such as a child friendly- research engine, advice on screen time, profile settings on Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram : https://swgfl.org.uk/audience/parents/
Ofcom, the UK's independent communications regulator, have recently finalised child safety measures for sites and apps used by children. The changes will be introduced from July. Tech firms must act to prevent children from seeing harmful content and changes will mean safer social feeds, strong age checks and more help and control for children online. For more information on this, please visit the following site:
Congratulations to your whole school community on being one of the first schools within Somerset to receive a Somerset Health and Wellbeing Framework award!
Somerset Public Health, Health and Wellbeing Framework Partnership Group Leads, have reviewed your settings progress within the audit tool.
We are delighted to let you know that we have approved your setting with a 2 Star award indicating your work completed to 50% of the audit tool. Please see your certificates attached, both for reaching 25% (1 star) and 50% (2 stars).
These certificates are shown on the School Website in the Mental Health and Wellbeing section. Thank you for Mrs Palmer for all her hard work with this.
The children in Reception have had a fabulous time learning about different minibeasts. They have had a wonderful time watching our caterpillars grow and they can’t wait until they change into butterflies. The children have also enjoyed finding out about the tadpoles that Rory brought in. They are now living in Mrs Tweedie’s pond and the children are loving getting regular updates about their changes. This week some of the tadpoles have started to grow legs.
Tadpole
Year 1 and Year 2 Classes
Year 1
In Year 1 the children made bread; they had great fun following instructions, pouring, stirring, kneading, proving, baking and finally eating. It was great fun.
Year 2
In Year 2 the children have been learning about sunflowers. They have planted the seeds and are looking forward to some beautiful blooms.
European eel class have sponsored a dog called Tetley. They will be writing letters to Tetley asking him about his life in the Dog Trust. They are all looking forward to a reply. Eel class will soon be in receipt of a tank full of eels.
Spotlight - Year 3 Classes
Year 3 have been busy working hard all year to learn new knowledge and improve our skills. We have made new online pen pals with Year 3 children from Mrs Gatford’s previous school in Dubai. We wrote questions for them, and they did the same for us. We were all very excited to meet the children on our online video call.
Maths
Most recently we have been learning about Mass and Capacity and also Fractions. We enjoyed using measuring cylinders to estimate and measure the volume of liquid. We worked hard in fractions to ensure we could add and subtract fractions as well as find fractions of amounts.
Look at our great work!
Here are some of the links to some useful games we used to support our learning. You are welcome to have a go with these with your children at home to reinforce their learning.
Our most recent units in English have been writing a story based on ‘Javi and the Emerald’ and also free verse poetry inspired by Kit Wright’s ‘The Magic Box’. In these units, we have learnt about: using adverbs; writing ‘show, not tell’ sentences’; using adjectives and including a range of prepositions.
Most recently, we have been reading ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak. We created puppets of the characters so we could re-tell the story.
Swimming
This term, we have started our swimming lessons in Burnham. We have enjoyed the first few lessons so far and look forward to continuing to improve throughout this term.
Year 3 - Trips
It’s been a busy term for us! We’ve had lots of opportunities to take our learning out of school and explore new and interesting places.
In early February, we visited the Brick & Tile Museum in Bridgwater. It was really interesting to see how tiles were made in Victorian times, as well as how the equipment and tools have changed since then! We had a go at making our own tiles which were fired in the kiln, and we will be using some of our new skills to help us make Roman mosaics later this term.
Later that month we hopped onto the coach and went to Watchet beach for a day of fossil hunting! We had a great time working with Mandy and the team from Somerset Wildlife trust to discover how fossils are formed and what sort of creatures might have been roaming this part of Somerset millions of years ago. We really enjoyed this trip and ended up finding lots of fossils – what a great way to finish our Science topic!
Finally, just before Easter, we went to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. As well as spending time visiting the huge variety of animals from all around the world, we took part in a special workshop all about the Amazon rainforest. We had the opportunity to learn about how the forest is formed and how we can help prevent its destruction. Our favourite part was holding some of the creatures and objects that come from South America….now that we are Amazon experts, a few of us want to work at Noah’s Ark in the future!!
Spotlight - Year 4 Classes
Year 4 Classes
What an exciting and hardworking term it has been in Year 4. As we welcome the warmth and sunshine of summer, there’s a real buzz of energy across the classrooms. The children have truly impressed us with their dedication and enthusiasm across all areas of their learning. From diving into fascinating new topics in science and history, to pushing themselves in writing and problem-solving in maths, their efforts have been incredible. We've also seen some fantastic creativity in art and design projects, and teamwork shining through in PE and group activities.
This year has also brought new challenges that the children have faced with resilience and positivity. We’ve been so proud to see their confidence grow and their curiosity flourish. With summer finally arriving, we’re looking forward to even more outdoor learning, sports, and exciting celebrations. Thank you for your continued support—it really makes a difference.
Burnham Beach
After our final swimming lesson, we had a walk along the beach as the children have been learning about beach formations and have compared local beaches. This was also a nice opportunity for the children to have some fun on the beach collaborating with each other!
Design and Technology
During our Design and Technology unit, the children used Lego Mindstorms. This is a robot building set based on Lego bricks. This required the children to work collaboratively, have good communication skills, perseverance and resilience.
Healthy Eating
The children all took part in a healthy eating workshop where they got to try some delicious and healthy foods. Many children tried some new foods for the first time and it was great to see how many were willing to try something new.
On the topic of food, the children also enjoyed an enrichment activity of having a cream tea in the classroom.
Science
Our Science lessons have focussed on Animals including humans and the children have learned about teeth, they have been introduced to the names of the different types of teeth and the function of each one. The children have also learned about the different parts of our digestive systems and the roles they play. Most of the children enjoyed creating the digestive process, which was very messy!
VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the children took part in a World War II workshop, we learned to Lindy-Hop and the children enjoyed a whole school picnic on the field.
Online safety
In the Spring term, the children found out about cyber security. Ask your child about staying safe online and the precautions they need to take. See attached a link for a short clip explaining cyber security.
We were lucky to have Sam from South West Heritage Trust come and deliver a workshop called Egyptian Adventures. The children got to experience an archaeological dig, bake Egyptian date bread and paint their own scarab amulet. This was a great start to our new History unit!
Year 5
In Year 5 this term, we have completed a great deal of exciting learning! In Art, we’ve been looking at Botanical art and using our observational skills to sketch plants and insects in the style of Botanical and Zoological artists. The children have enjoyed learning about Ancient Greece in History especially the Gods and Goddesses.
Year 6
A big well done to Year 6 who all showed an excellent attitude and effort during SATs week; they should be really proud of themselves! All of their hard work was celebrated on the Friday where they enjoyed a special treat: a private cinema screening and bowling with their friends.
Sport News
Netball County Finals:
Well done to our 2 Netball teams who went to compete in the Somerset Schools Netball County Finals. Both teams played some brilliant netball with a great attitude. There were 12 teams competing and we managed to finish in 5th and 7th place, with one of our teams winning 4 out of 6 games and the other winning 3 out of 6.
Cross Country County Finals:
Congratulations to Freddie, Filip, Jasper, Penny and Florence who got selected as part of the Sedgemoor Schools Cross Country team and took part in the Finals in Yeovil. All ran really well and managed to secure medals with their teams, great achievement.
Table Tennis National Finals:
A huge congratulations to Owen A and Janice who went to Wolverhampton to compete in the England Schools Table Tennis National Finals. They represented Somerset and played against some of the best u11 players in England. Owen managed to win 2 out of 4 games which is an incredible achievement and placed him in the top 25 players in England. Janice managed to win 1 out of 4 games which again is a brilliant achievement especially as a year 5 competing against year 6 children. We are really proud of both Owen and Janice for going to compete at such a high standard of Table Tennis and representing our school.
Upcoming sports events:
Good luck to our Somerset Bridge sports teams in their upcoming events in the summer term: Swimming, Boys Cricket, Girls Cricket, Year 3 and Year 4 Athletics, Year 5 and Year 6 Athletics and Rounders.
Sports Day
This year's Sports Day will be held on Wednesday 25th June. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be in the morning; Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 will be in the afternoon. More details will be sent out via the app and email after half-term.
Friends of Somerset Bridge
Year 6’s SATS Celebration
Last week, to celebrate the end of SATs week, the Friends of Somerset Bridge treated Year 6 to a private screening of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, at Scotts Cinemas, Bridgwater, followed by a game of bowling at All Stars, Bridgwater. The SATs celebration is funded by Friends of Somerset Bridge PFTA every year to recognise the children's hard work during their time at Somerset Bridge Primary. A big thank you also goes to Somerset Passenger Solutions, who kindly provided a coach free of charge, to take the children to the cinema.
Summer Fair
We are pleased to announce that the Friends of Somerset Bridge (FOSB) will be holding a Summer Fair on Friday 6th June 3.30 -5.30pm on the KS2 playground.
This will be our first Summer Fair in 6 years, and we hope you can support us by buying our Grand Summer Draw Raffle Tickets, donating items for our Tombola, Raffle or by just coming along to the fair.
At the fair, we will have a variety of games from a Coconut Shy to racing pigs, plus a Father’s Day pop-up shop, tombola, sweets, ice creams, craft stalls, hot food and an inflatable assault course. All FOSB games, which will be kindly run by the teachers, will cost 50p to play (please bring change) and you will get a prize every time.
We are looking forward to seeing you there.
Frozen Fridays are coming back.
Frozen Fridays will be back on Friday 14th June. We will be selling a selection of Ice Lollies for 50p and Cornetto’s & Magnums for £1, outside the main school office from 3pm onwards, every Friday to the end of the summer term. Payment can be made by cash or card, so please support the Friends of Somerset Bridge by buying one or even two!
Come and Join Us
If you would like to join the Friends of Somerset Bridge, we usually meet around once a month, in the evening at School. If you are not able to attend meetings, maybe you could support us by helping out at events. If you wish to be involved, please email friendsofsomersetbridge@yahoo.co.uk or leave your details with the School Office, and we will contact you.
Holiday Club
We are thrilled to report that our Easter Club was a fabulous success. The children’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with children reporting that they had most enjoyed baking, the sports activities and making new friends.
The weather was lovely for our outdoor activities and the egg hunt.
Sports and Games
The children learnt lots of new skills.
Hockey
Baking
We would like to thank Junction 24 for providing such lovely food each day. The children thoroughly enjoyed it.
We are hopeful that we will be able to offer a camp during the summer holidays and will release dates for this shortly if our funding application is approved.
Please look out for the posters/app messages and book early to avoid disappointment.
Local Free Activities
Bridgwater Library:
Prehistoric Creatures Treasure Hunt – Saturday 24th May – Saturday 31st May
Join us this half term for a prehistoric creatures-themed treasure hunt! Find all the pictures hidden around the library, write down the letter hidden with them, and unscramble them to find a dinosaur-themed word and win a sticker!
Dinosaur Colouring Wall – Throughout May
Our children’s library colouring wall throughout May is dinosaur themed. Pop in and colour in a picture of a dinosaur to help us decorate!
Silly Stories & Potty Poetry with The Professor – Thursday 29th May 11am – 12:30pm
Lost Lady Society & Tor Theatre are holding a FREE storytelling event at Bridgwater Library on Thursday 29th May, aimed at 6 - 10 year olds. Come along for a fun-packed session featuring stories ancient and new with The Professor!
This event is free but places are limited and must be booked in advance. You can book your child's free place by either messaging Somerset Libraries Bridgwater on Facebook, emailing brwlib@somerset.gov.uk, calling 0300 123 2224 to be put through to the library, or speaking to staff in person. Staff will confirm your space is booked. Please note: children remain the responsibility of their adult at all times during this event.
Wild Wednesday
Wednesday 28th May 2pm - 4pm in the Teeswater Walk Play Area, Nature Craft and Outdoor Skills.
Reminders
Absences:
If your child is absent, please remember to ring school before 8.30am and leave a message on the absence line. In your message leave your child's full name and clearly specify the reason they are not at school. For example, if your child has a temperature, please say that your child has a temperature and not just state that they are ill.
