Lantic Class at Saltash Regatta

What a great effort from Lantic class at the Saltash Regatta parade on Saturday!
Despite the gloomy weather and the threat of heavy showers, our class were very well represented in the parade.


They turned up in the brightest colours to reflect this year's theme 'All Things Bright and beautiful, one of our Y1 girls even had a fabulous rainbow plait, which was greatly admired.


Waving our streamers and proudly carrying the Brunel Primary & Nursery Academy flag and banner, we paraded all the way down Fore Street and Lower Fore Street to Jubilee Green. We even managed to collect another member of Lantic class on the way.


I know that it takes a lot of organise to come to a school event on a weekend, particularly one with a dreadful weather forecast, so huge thanks to all the children and families who came.

w/e 6.6.25

As we conclude another vibrant week in our Year 3 and 4 classrooms, we're thrilled to share the exciting learning journeys your children have embarked upon.

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 English: Exploring Recounts

This week, our young writers delved into the world of recounts. They focused on:

• Fronted Adverbials of Time: Phrases like "Afterwards," and "Later that day," were used to sequence events effectively.
• Apostrophes for Contraction: Understanding how words like "did not" become "didn't" enhanced their grammatical skills.
• Identifying Key Features: Students examined various recount texts to pinpoint essential elements such as chronological order and personal reflections.

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Maths: Decimals and Fractions

Our mathematicians have been busy:

• Year 4: Continued their exploration of decimals, representing tenths and hundredths on number lines and bar models, and understanding their relationship with fractions .
• Year 3: Focused on fractions, using number lines and bar models to identify and represent equivalent fractions .

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 History: Investigating King Alfred the Great

In history, students became detectives, examining various sources about King Alfred the Great. They learned to:

• Identify Bias: Understanding that historical accounts can be influenced by the author's perspective.
• Evaluate Sources: Discussing the reliability and purpose of different historical documents .

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 Art: Observational Drawing

Our artists practiced seeing shapes within objects to enhance their observational drawing skills. This exercise helped them:

• Break Down Complex Images: By identifying basic shapes, students improved their ability to draw more accurately.
• Develop Attention to Detail: Focusing on subtle differences in shapes and proportions.

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 PE: Sprinting Skills

Physical education sessions emphasised:

• Sprinting Techniques: Proper posture, arm movement, and starting positions.
• Racing Practice: Applying techniques in friendly competitions to build speed and confidence .

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 Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check

Year 4 students have commenced the statutory Multiplication Tables Check, designed to assess fluency in times tables up to 12×12. We're proud of their positive attitude and dedication .

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 Upcoming Events

• Saturday – Saltash Regatta Parade: Please join us at Victoria Gardens at 9:45 AM for the 10:00 AM parade. Children should wear bright clothing to represent our school spirit.
• Monday – Deer Park Farm Trip: An exciting start to our new topic! Ensure your child arrives at school at the usual time, dressed appropriately for a farm visit, and brings a packed lunch, water bottle, and waterproof coat.

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Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another week of learning and adventure!

A very warm welcome back to the final half term of the academic year. This week, we have had a visit from the Bridge School Improvement Team which was incredibly positive. They commented on the quality of the provision provided for our children and their developing oracy skills. We were delighted with the feedback and will continue to work on our next steps as we continually endeavor to improve our wonderful school.
Please enjoy looking through this week's edition of The Brunel Bulletin to catch up with all the latest news and events from our incredible school.

Designing and building our very own miniature playground.

Have you ever wanted to design and build your own playground? Well, that's exactly what Year 5 (Talland Class) did! We combined our creativity and teamwork skills to build a miniature playground using everyday craft materials. From slides and swings to tunnels and merry-go-rounds, we crafted our very own zoo-themed playground using lollipop sticks, matchsticks, straws, cocktail sticks, pipe cleaners, and other materials. And guess what? We even used tools like a mitre saw, scissors, and rulers to get everything just right!

1. Measuring and Marking We used rulers to measure out our pieces of materials. This was super important because it made sure that everything fit together just right. If we wanted our slide to be tall enough, we had to measure the correct length for the lollipop sticks. Using a pencil, we marked where we needed to cut and assemble the pieces. The more careful we were with our measurements, the better our playground would turn out!

2. Cutting with Tools Here’s where things got a little tricky but exciting. We used scissors for cutting some of the softer materials, like straws and pipe cleaners. However, for tougher materials like the lollipop sticks and matchsticks, we used a mitre saw (don’t worry, it’s safe for us with a teacher around!). The mitre saw helped us make sure our cuts were straight and precise, which is super important for building sturdy structures.

Finally Our themed playgrounds project was a huge success for Talland Class! Not only did we learn how to use tools like rulers, scissors, and a mitre saw, but we also developed skills in teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Building our own playground gave us a sense of achievement and pride, and we can’t wait for our next big project. So, if you’re ever looking to build something amazing, grab some craft materials, measure carefully, and start designing your own playground today. Who knows? You could even create a zoo or a space adventure—anything your imagination can dream up!

best wishes, Mrs Swabey, Mr Parry and Mrs Walters.

w/e 23.5.25

As we approach the half-term break, we're excited to share the enriching activities and learning experiences your children have engaged in this week.

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English: Crafting Imaginary Worlds

This week, our English lessons transported students into the realm of creative writing. They crafted stories set in imaginative worlds, employing figurative language and expanded noun phrases to bring their narratives to life. This exercise not only enhanced their descriptive writing skills but also encouraged them to explore the depths of their imagination.

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Mathematics: Exploring Fractions and Decimals

In Year 3, students focused on comparing unit fractions and fractions with identical denominators. They learned that among unit fractions, the larger the denominator, the smaller the fraction, and practiced ordering them accordingly.

Year 4 students delved into the world of decimals. They connected hundredths to tenths and place value, extending their understanding of the number line to link fractions, numbers, and measure.

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Geography: The Spread of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon Britain

Our geography lessons explored the historical spread of Christianity during the Anglo-Saxon era. Students learned about key figures like St. Augustine, who began converting influential Anglo-Saxon leaders such as King Ethelbert of Kent around 595 AD, leading to significant cultural and religious transformations in Britain. 

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PSHE: Understanding and Addressing Bullying

In PSHE, the focus was on recognising bullying and understanding appropriate responses. Students discussed various scenarios, learning strategies to address and prevent bullying, fostering a supportive and respectful school environment.

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Design and Technology: Castle Construction Day

A highlight of the week was our Design and Technology day, where students designed and built model castles. They incorporated features such as turrets, towers, flags, and drawbridges, using materials like cardboard and recycled items. This hands-on activity allowed them to apply their knowledge of 2D and 3D shapes creatively. 

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Special Events:

Excitement filled the air with the opening of the new KS1 playground. Each child received a lunchbox and water bottle to celebrate this occasion. 

Additionally, students enjoyed sharing reading sessions with Tregantle class outdoors, taking advantage of the sunny weather.

We also hosted an online author workshop with Neill Cameron, known for "Donut Squad." Students enthusiastically participated, designing their own characters and gaining insights into the creative process of comic book creation. 

We also enjoyed a Dance for Dementia alongside Archie! 

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We look forward to welcoming the students back after the break, refreshed and ready for more learning adventures.

This week, Seaton class enjoyed using the microbits in their computing lesson. They showed off their coding skills by making different sounds and light patterns. 

Today Seaton class enjoyed their reading with Daymer class. It was wonderful to see them sharing books and enjoying the wonderful grounds we have. 

Nail painting!

Today was break the rules day so we ended it by painting our nails. Everyone joined in and I enjoyed seeing the different colours. A fun end to the half term!

Great Gardeners! 

What a wonderful final week we’ve had in Tregantle Class before the half-term break! The children have been busy, creative, and full of enthusiasm as we've rounded off a brilliant few weeks of learning. To bring our storytelling to life, we’ve been exploring the magical tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Inspired by Jack’s adventure, the children planted their very own beans! We discussed what plants need to grow and each child carefully potted a bean to take care of. We can’t wait to see which ones grow as tall as the beanstalk in our story! Our young writers also put their skills to the test, producing some fantastic sets of instructions on how to plant a bean. From neat handwriting to clear step-by-step guidance, we were so impressed by the effort and thought that went into their work. Budding authors in the making! In PE, we had tremendous fun playing 'popcorn' – a game using the parachute and lots of bouncing balls! It was brilliant to see such great teamwork, energy, and laughter as everyone took part and encouraged each other.  To top off the week, we were treated to a very special music session with our music specialist, Sally Butlin. The children had a brilliant time exploring rhythms and sounds, and their enthusiasm for making music was infectious. A huge thank you to Sally for such a joyful and engaging session. We’re so proud of all the children for their hard work and enthusiasm this half term.
Have a lovely break, and we look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready for more adventures next half term! 

  Lights, Camel, Action!

This week, we’ve been putting on our reporter hats and learning how to create a news report—and the subject we covered was the desert biome. Desert biomes are fascinating places, and they have so much to teach us about how plants, animals, and even people survive in such an extreme environment. We learned how people use the desert in very unique ways, for instance, the military to fly supersonic fighter aircraft. Not only did we learn about the desert, but we also got to use video techniques to create our very own news reports. We used a range of techniques which included close-up, panning shot and long shot.

This week in French, we've been learning some super useful phrases that you can use every day, especially when you're talking about things around your home! Whether it's in the kitchen, the living room, or even the garden, these French phrases will help you talk about all the places and things you see in your house, for example: Les Phrases de la Maison (House Phrases) When you talk about your house in French, it’s really helpful to know a few key phrases to get started. Here are some that we’ve learned: Où est… ? (Where is…?) Voici ma maison. (Here is my house.) Ma chambre est… (My room is…) Il y a… (There is…) Je suis dans… (I’m in…)

Great job this week, Talland Class! You’ve learned some really useful skills in video camera usage, you understand how people make use of the barren land of the desert and are able to use some French phrases to talk about your home, and now you can practice using them to describe the rooms and things around you. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to talk about everything in French—right from your own house! Keep up the fantastic work, and remember: Pratiquez, pratiquez, pratiquez! (Practice, practice, practice!) À bientôt (See you soon - after half term)!

best wishes, Mrs Swabey, Mr Parry and Mrs Walters.

What a wonderful half term it has been at Brunel Primary and Nursery Academy. At 3:10pm today, we close our doors for the start of the half term break. Our school will reopen on Monday 2nd June for the second half of the Summer Term. We can't thank our whole community enough for your continued support. In the meantime, please enjoy this week's edition of the Brunel Bulletin. Have a wonderful half term break.

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Playground fun

This week, in DT, we designed and made our own play parks. In groups we looked at different structures and decided which ones we would like in our own parks. 

Once our decisions were made, we then gathered our materials. I was impressed by the imaginative ideas that different groups came up with. 

Using our wide range of skills and knowledge of structures and materials, we built the different parts. Some children made zip wires, whilst others made swings and climbing frames. They used glue guns and hacksaws with expertise. 

we just need a few finishing touches to the creations, then they will be ready to evaluate.

What a Week!

It's been one of the most exciting weeks for us all in Lantic class.

Firstly, we were so delighted when our brand new playground was opened by the Mayor of Saltash. We heard all about how she used to play on our playground when she was a little girl. We still can't believe that we won the competition to collect the most plastic, across the whole country. Everyone received a brand new lunch box and water bottle too, what a lovely surprise!



On Thursday morning, we ventured out for a spot of gardening, as it was Making a Difference Morning and Relax the Rules Day. We decided we wanted to improve our outside space, we're going to reveal as results after the half term holiday but huge thanks to Mrs Hooper and Mrs McNeil who started all the hard work by clearing the weeds. Also, thank you to the parent helpers who've been painting the fence. Then in the afternoon, it was time for a rest with a relaxing reading session with Talland class. All in all, a very busy week, so have a lovely holiday everyone, see you on Monday 2nd June.

A huge well done to our Year 6s who completed their end of KS2 SATs with such determination and maturity last week. We were so proud of each and every one of them. In addition to Year 6 completing their SATs, it was another busy week of learning opportunities at Brunel Primary and Nursery Academy. Take a look at this week's Brunel Bulletin to keep up-to-date with all the latest news from our school. 

We are so proud of all our Nursery children who are getting so good at sharing the resources and activities with their friends.

Some of the younger children are just settling in and the older ones are looking after them so well.

As the older children develop their friendships they can talk through their pretend play scenarios, negotiate with the others when they have to share ideas or toys, and help them extend the narrative of the play story.

SATs Week

This week the year 6 children completed their SATs tests. I am incredibly proud of how maturely they approached the tests and how much effort they put into them. They were fantastic! We celebrated by going to the park and they received their leavers hoodies.

This week, we have also been lucky to take part in many workshops at the library for their science week. They learned about robotics, NASA and the Mars Rover and rockets. This ended with them setting off rockets they had built on the playground. 

We have also been creating games on Scratch using our coding skills and creating art work based on cacti using our watercolour and pastel skills. 

Excellent work year 6, you have earned a relaxing weekend!

Miss Burton

We’ve had a wonderfully creative and hands-on week in Years 3 and 4, filled with storytelling, scientific discovery, historical investigation, and exciting physical challenges. Here's a look at what your children have been learning:

 English – Imaginary Worlds Come to Life

This week, our budding authors embarked on a journey into imaginary worlds. They began by designing their own fantastical settings, drawing inspiration from their vivid imaginations. These illustrations served as the foundation for planning the opening of their own stories. The focus was on crafting engaging introductions that set the scene and introduce characters, aligning with the national curriculum's emphasis on developing narrative writing skills in Years 3 and 4 .

Maths – Fractions and Shapes

In Maths:

• Year 3: Students explored fractions, learning to recognise, find, and write fractions such as 1/3, 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4 of a length, shape, set of objects, or quantity. They also practiced writing simple fractions and understanding equivalence, such as recognizing that 2/4 is the same as 1/2 .

• Year 4: The focus was on geometry, specifically identifying and classifying shapes, understanding their properties, and exploring symmetry. This aligns with the curriculum's goal of enhancing spatial reasoning and geometric understanding in Year 4 .

 Science – Magnetism and Compasses

We concluded our unit on magnetism by investigating how compasses work. Students learned that a compass needle aligns itself with Earth's magnetic field, always pointing north. They explored how this property has been historically significant for navigation. This hands-on exploration helped solidify their understanding of magnetic forces and their practical applications .

 Design & Technology – Castle Designs

In Design and Technology, the children applied their knowledge of medieval structures to design their own castles. They considered features such as turrets, drawbridges, and moats, ensuring their designs met specific success criteria. This project encouraged creativity and practical application of design principles .

 PE – Standing Long Jump with Argyle Coach

This week's PE sessions were led by a coach from Argyle, focusing on the standing long jump. Students practiced proper technique, emphasising balance, coordination, and explosive power. This activity not only improved their physical skills but also introduced them to athletic events in a fun and engaging way .

 RE & Computing – Exploring Beliefs and Digital Literacy

In a combined RE and Computing lesson, students explored various religious beliefs and how they are represented in digital media. They discussed the importance of respectful representation and learned basic skills in creating digital presentations to share their understanding. This interdisciplinary approach helped students appreciate the intersection of technology and cultural studies .

 History – Uncovering the Secrets of Sutton Hoo

Our young historians delved into the mystery of Sutton Hoo, examining artifacts to deduce who might have been buried there. Through critical thinking and analysis, they learned about Anglo-Saxon culture and the significance of burial practices. This investigative approach fostered a deeper understanding of historical inquiry .

 Looking Ahead – Sistema Playground Grand Opening

We are excited to announce the grand opening of our new Sistema Playground on Tuesday! This event will celebrate the culmination of our students' hard work and provide a fantastic new space for play and learning. Families are welcome to join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another week of learning and discovery!