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!

Owl Babies

This week Tregantle Class has been filled with exciting activities that have sparked curiosity and fostered creativity among our young learners. The children embarked on a journey as budding cartographers, creating detailed maps of our school garden. Using symbols and keys, they navigated their surroundings, enhancing their understanding of spatial relationships and directional language. This hands-on activity not only honed their mapping skills but also deepened their appreciation for the natural world around them. In PE, the focus was on developing balance and coordination. Through various activities, the children practiced balancing on one leg, hopping, and skipping, which are essential skills for physical development. These exercises also promoted teamwork and perseverance, as the children encouraged each other to improve and achieve their personal bests. This week's story, Owl Babies, captivated the children with its tale of three baby owls searching for their mother. The narrative sparked discussions about family, reassurance, and the comfort of home. Inspired by the story, the children crafted their own owls using various materials, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the tale's themes. To further nurture a love for reading, Tregantle Class visited Saltash Library. The children explored a wide array of books, selecting ones that sparked their interest. They were particularly excited to use the self-service borrowing system, marking a memorable experience in their reading journey! We look forward to more adventures and discoveries in the coming week!

Science and Technology

Talland Class have had a wonderful week which included extra science lessons from science experts. They enjoyed learning a little about Nanotechnology. They learned that Nanotechnology is a super cool science all about tiny things — so tiny that you can't even see them with your eyes or a regular microscope. Scientists work with nanoparticles, which are a million times smaller than a grain of sand.  They use these tiny bits to build amazing things like: Super strong materials for sports gear; or building Tiny robots that might help doctors inside our bodies;  special coatings that keep clothes clean; or help windows clean themselves! It's like using invisible LEGO bricks to build the future.  Learning about nanotechnology helps children understand how science and imagination can work together to make the world a better place.

We’ve been learning all about Cornwall’s very own Space Centre – Spaceport Cornwall! Did you know that rockets can launch satellites into space right from here in the UK? That’s exactly what Spaceport Cornwall is working on at the moment. So, what does Spaceport Cornwall do?  It sends satellites into space – These tiny machines go up into orbit and help with things like weather forecasts, internet connections, and even tracking wildlife.  It uses special planes but instead of big rocket towers, it uses a jumbo jet that carries a rocket under its wing. The plane flies high into the sky, then the rocket zooms off into space. How cool is that?   Spaceport Cornwall has special events, activities, and learning spaces where children (like us!) can discover more about science, space travel, and the future of technology.  It is trying to be one of the most eco-friendly spaceports in the world. It thinks about how to help Earth while exploring space. We think it’s amazing that something as exciting as space exploration is happening right here in Cornwall. Who knows — maybe one of us will work in space one day!

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

w/e 9.5.25

What a fantastic week we’ve had in Daymer Class!

The highlight was undoubtedly our celebration of VE Day. The children took part in a meaningful and insightful assembly, reflecting on the importance of peace and remembrance. This was followed by a joyful picnic lunch on the school field, where everyone enjoyed time together in the sunshine, marking the day in a special and memorable way.

In English, our focus has been on enhancing descriptive writing. The children have been exploring the use of figurative language and expanded noun phrases to bring imaginary settings to life. It’s been wonderful to see their creativity flourish as they crafted vivid and imaginative descriptions, using language to transport their readers to far-off, magical places.

Our Maths learning has taken different directions for each year group. Year 3 have successfully wrapped up their work on length and perimeter and are now diving into fractions with great enthusiasm. Year 4, meanwhile, have started an exciting new topic on angles and triangles.

In History, we’ve been exploring the fascinating period of change and continuity between the Iron Age and the Anglo-Saxons. The children have been comparing aspects of daily life, culture, and settlement, developing a deeper understanding of how societies evolve over time.

PSHE this week focused on resolving conflicts and how to act respectfully during disagreements with friends. These sessions provided valuable strategies for handling arguments and promoting positive relationships.

In RE, we continued our learning about the Muslim faith, with a particular focus on Ramadan. The children have been thoughtful and inquisitive, asking meaningful questions and developing respect for different beliefs and practices.

Science lessons carried on with our topic of magnetism. The children have enjoyed investigating how magnets work and conducting hands-on experiments to explore magnetic forces.

In Computing, we continued learning about emails—how they work, how to use them safely, and their importance in modern communication.

Our PE sessions with the Argyle Community Trust coach have been filled with energy and laughter. The focus has been on athletics, with children developing key skills through fun and engaging games. It’s been great to see their confidence and teamwork grow.

Finally, in Design and Technology, we’ve been using 3D nets to support our ongoing castle design project. The children have been applying their mathematical understanding in a practical way, using their nets to create models and develop their ideas. It’s been a rich and rewarding week of learning across the curriculum.

Thank you for your continued support—have a lovely weekend!

We had lots of celebrations this week, including red, white and blue activities in Nursery  to help us remember those who have helped to keep us safe during the World wars.

We talked about what colour our British flag is and had a go at making our own; there were lots of Union flags around school and Nursery so we had lots of clues to help us.

Our snack was even made up of red, white and blue fruits; it looked very colourful and was very tasty.

Reflection and Celebration

What a fantastic week it has been for Tregantle Class! We’ve seen amazing progress in phonics—our pupils have been working incredibly hard, showing growing confidence in segmenting, blending, and recognising tricky words. It's been wonderful to see their enthusiasm during our phonics sessions, and the children are clearly proud of how far they’ve come. In maths, we’ve been confidently counting and deepening our understanding of numbers up to 20. Whether it’s recognising number patterns, solving simple problems, or using number lines, the class has shown brilliant thinking and teamwork throughout. Friday brought an exciting visit to Saltash Library, where the children had the opportunity to explore a wide range of books and even change their book to take home. It was a lovely trip that encouraged a real love of reading—plus, it’s always great to see the children’s excitement when discovering new stories. We had a wonderful VE Day celebration on Thursday. The children took part in a thoughtful assembly where we reflected on the importance of peace and remembrance. Everyone observed a respectful 2-minute silence, showing real maturity and understanding. Afterwards, the whole school gathered on the field for a joyful picnic, filled with laughter, music, and sunshine—such a special way to come together as a community. Well done, Tregantle Class, for a week full of hard work, reflection, and fun!

A Busy and Brilliant Week!

What a packed week we've had in Talland Class! From editing written work and spiritual thinking to maths mastery and making memories on the school field, we’ve truly shown what amazing learners we are.

Using Inverted Commas in Speech

We had great fun correcting written speech and have developed a sound grasp of using inverted commas for direct speech correctly. Well done, Talland authors!

Area and Perimeter of Compound Shapes

In Maths, we’ve become shape-solving experts! We tackled compound shapes by breaking them down into simpler rectangles. We used rulers, formulas and our sharp minds to find both the area and perimeter. It was a challenge at first, but now we’re pros at it!

VE Day Picnic - Red, White and Blue

Thursday was especially exciting as we celebrated VE Day with a picnic on the school field. Everyone looked fantastic in red, white and blue, and the sunshine made it even better. We ate our lunch and juice while remembering the bravery and joy of the end of WWII.

Hinduism, Karma and Life After Death

In RE, we’ve been learning about Hindu beliefs, especially karma, reincarnation, and life after death. We talked about how actions have consequences, and that Hindus believe in doing good deeds to have a better next life. We discussed how this helps guide people to make kind, thoughtful choices.

Deserts and their Features

Geography took us to some of the hottest places on Earth — the deserts! We looked at physical features like sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and mushroom rocks. We learned how these features form and how animals and people adapt to survive in extreme heat with little water. “Deserts are dry because they get very little rain!” explained one child during our class discussion.

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

It's been a lovely week in the May sunshine this week. Our children have been so busy enjoying all of the wonderful learning opportunities this week. We also celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Take a look in this week's Bulletin to find out more about this week's events. 

What a fantastic week we’ve had in Marazion Class! The highlight was undoubtedly our celebration of VE Day. The children took part in a meaningful and insightful assembly, reflecting on the importance of peace and remembrance. This was followed by a joyful picnic lunch on the school field, where everyone enjoyed time together in the sunshine, marking the day in a special and memorable way.

In English, our focus has been on enhancing descriptive writing. The children have been exploring the use of figurative language and expanded noun phrases to bring imaginary settings to life. It’s been wonderful to see their creativity flourish as they crafted vivid and imaginative descriptions, using language to transport their readers to far-off, magical places.

Our Maths learning has taken different directions for each year group. Year 3 have successfully wrapped up their work on length and perimeter and are now diving into fractions with great enthusiasm. Year 4, meanwhile, have started an exciting new topic on angles and triangles.

In History, we’ve been exploring the fascinating period of change and continuity between the Iron Age and the Anglo-Saxons. The children have been comparing aspects of daily life, culture, and settlement, developing a deeper understanding of how societies evolve over time.

PSHE this week focused on resolving conflicts and how to act respectfully during disagreements with friends. These sessions provided valuable strategies for handling arguments and promoting positive relationships.

In RE, we continued our learning about the Muslim faith, with a particular focus on Ramadan. The children have been thoughtful and inquisitive, asking meaningful questions and developing respect for different beliefs and practices.

Science lessons carried on with our topic of magnetism. The children have enjoyed investigating how magnets work and conducting hands-on experiments to explore magnetic forces. In Computing, we continued learning about emails—how they work, how to use them safely, and their importance in modern communication.

Our PE sessions with the Argyle Community Trust coach have been filled with energy and laughter. The focus has been on athletics, with children developing key skills through fun and engaging games. It’s been great to see their confidence and teamwork grow.

Finally, in Design and Technology, we’ve been using 3D nets to support our ongoing castle design project. The children have been applying their mathematical understanding in a practical way, using their nets to create models and develop their ideas.

It’s been a rich and rewarding week of learning across the curriculum. Thank you for your continued support—have a lovely weekend!

VE Day

Another busy week in year 6!

We have been revising for our SATs tests next week - everything from nouns in English to algebra in Maths. We are now ready to try our best and conquer the tests as a team. 

In RE, we have been looking at karma and reincarnation in Hinduism. We played a special game of snakes and ladders which depended on good and bad karma. If you ended up going down the snake, you could be reincarnated as a fly! We also looked into how these beliefs impacts on a Hindu person's daily life and choices. 

On Thursday, we celebrated 80 years since VE day. We started the day with an assembly, then had a lovely picnic at lunchtime in the sunshine. We all enjoyed dressing in red, white and blue for the day.

w/e 2/5/25

We’ve had another exciting and enriching week in Year 3 and 4! Here's a round-up of what your children have been exploring and learning across the curriculum:

English – Exploring Imaginary Worlds and Figurative Language.

This week, we’ve delved into texts set in imaginative and fantastical worlds. The children have enjoyed describing settings and characters using powerful figurative language, including similes and personification. Their creativity has truly shone as they painted vivid pictures with their words!

Maths – Perimeter and Fractions.

In Maths, our Year 3s have begun learning about perimeter—they’ve measured the edges of shapes and are starting to calculate total lengths confidently. Meanwhile, Year 4 pupils have continued their work on fractions, deepening their understanding of equivalent fractions and learning how to place them on number lines.

Science – Marvellous Magnets.

The children have been investigating magnets, discovering which materials are magnetic and learning about poles and magnetic forces. They were fascinated to find out how magnets can attract or repel without touching!

History – The Anglo-Saxon Invasion

In History, we’ve been asking: Why did the Anglo-Saxons invade Britain? The class explored reasons such as land, resources, and settlement opportunities. We’ve looked at maps and artefacts to understand how they travelled and where they settled. #

PSHE – Setting Boundaries in Relationships

Our PSHE focus this week was on setting boundaries and understanding respectful relationships. The children discussed different types of relationships and practised how to express their feelings and needs in a healthy, confident way.

Computing – Sending Emails 

A big moment this week in Computing, as the children learned how to compose and send their own emails! They were introduced to email safety and etiquette and practised sending polite, purposeful messages.

PE – Agility, Balance and Coordination with Argyle Trust

We were thrilled to welcome a coach from the Argyle Trust for our first PE session together. The children played fast-paced games focused on improving agility, balance, and coordination—and they absolutely loved it!

RE – The Second Pillar of Islam

In RE, we explored the second pillar of Islam – Salah, the practice of prayer. Children discussed the importance of prayer in Muslim life and how it shows discipline, focus, and connection to faith.

Design & Technology – Designing Strong and Sturdy Castles

This week in DT, we looked at the key features of castles—moats, towers, battlements—and discussed what makes a castle strong and secure. The children then used this knowledge to begin designing their own impressive fortresses!

Reading Assembly – A Cat Called Waverly

In our KS2 reading assembly, we enjoyed the story of A Cat Called Waverly, which beautifully echoed our projected characteristics such as resilience, curiosity, and compassion. It sparked some wonderful discussions afterwards.

Thank you for your continued support. We’re so proud of the enthusiasm and effort the children bring to their learning each day.

May Day - Youth Parade

A huge thank you to our Team Brunel community who took part in the Youth Parade on Saturday morning to officially open Saltash May Fair.

Every day we have many heuristic play opportunities at Nursery.

Heuristic play is a type of open-ended play where children interact with everyday objects to explore and learn about their properties; it gives them a chance to explore and discover things for themselves without specific instructions or limitations.

Heuristic play encourages sensory exploration and discovery, allowing children to learn through trial and error as they manipulate and interact with objects in a safe and supported environment. 

Heuristic play uses everyday items like boxes, containers, utensils and other natural materials, promoting sensory development and building key motor skills. They learn how try other strategies if their idea didn't work, building learning links and problem solving skills.

Designing Playgrounds, Cracking Maths, and Moral Stories!

It’s been a fantastic week in Talland Class, full of creativity, problem-solving, and some exciting storytelling!


Designing Playgrounds with Strong Structures This week, our classroom turned into a hub of imaginative design as we took on the challenge of creating playgrounds based on exciting themes such as the circus and the zoo! As budding engineers and architects, we explored how to use strong structures to support our ideas—triangles, arches, and cross-bracing featured heavily in our designs. We thought carefully about materials, safety, and how to make the experience fun and interactive for children. The results were impressive, with teamwork and innovative thinking on full display!

Maths Magic – Decimals, Fractions and Percentages Talland Class also tackled their exit tests in decimals, fractions and percentages this week—and what a brilliant job they did! The children showed a strong understanding of place value, equivalence, and how to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts. Their hard work and perseverance paid off, and we’re very proud of their efforts. Great job, mathematicians!

Exploring Moral Stories – How the Camel Got Its Hump In English, we’ve started exploring stories that teach us a lesson, beginning with Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale “How the Camel Got Its Hump.” We looked at the structure and the features of a story with a moral, including repetition, alliteration, and expanded noun phrases. The children have begun experimenting with these techniques in their own writing, and we can’t wait to see the moral tales they come up with next!

Well Done, Talland Class! From structural engineering to storytelling with soul, it’s been a busy and rewarding week. We’re so proud of the enthusiasm and effort every pupil has shown. Keep it up—exciting learning adventures await!

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

As we come to the end of another fantastic week of learning at our school, we would very much like to thank our parent community for your continued support. We really hope you have a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend. We hope you will be able to join us tomorrow morning for the Youth Parade at Victoria Gardens. Please arrive at 9:40am with our children wearing their Brunel uniform. In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy this week's Brunel Bulletin. 

 What a fantastic week we've had in Tregantle Class! Our young learners have been showing off their brilliant writing skills, with a special focus on letter formation. It’s been wonderful to see the care and attention everyone is putting into their handwriting – those tall letters and neat flicks are really starting to shine! In maths, we’ve been exploring teen numbers – not just saying them, but learning how to represent them too. Using objects, drawings, and number lines, the children are getting really confident at understanding the value of these tricky numbers. Creativity has been in full swing with some amazing junk modelling! From rockets to robots, the children have used recycled materials to bring their imaginative ideas to life. It's been lovely to see so much teamwork and problem-solving as they build and create. We’ve also been making the most of the lovely weather by playing outside in the sunshine. Whether it's running, climbing, or imaginative role play, outdoor time has been full of joy, energy, and laughter. As part of our music and rhyme time, we’ve been learning the classic nursery rhyme “The Grand Old Duke of York”. Not only are we singing the rhyme with gusto, but we've also been drumming along to the beat, building rhythm and coordination in such a fun way. It’s been a joyful, creative, and busy week in Tregantle Class – well done to all our superstar learners!