Transitioning to term time
It is a peculiarity of the education calendar that this frozen January week brings the start of Spring Term. Whilst the seasonal promise is at odds with the weather, the arrival of the spring term is welcomed.
For the children, despite the break for Christmas, school routines remain in place and most are able to slip comfortably back into the rhythm of school life. This ability to pick up where they left off is an invaluable learning for a child, one that builds confidence in returning and embeds another layer of quiet self-assurance as they add to the learning from the previous term.
For the grown ups, the return to school often signals a return to a home or work routine that hopefully creates space for personal growth and challenge – essential stimuli for all. As a community, we are brought back together and can reflect on the break but also mentally allow ourselves a fresh start and a new learning mindset.
Preparing together is a strategic focus this year, and the skill of writing brings us all together this term. Firstly, as a staff, we took part in continuing professional development focused on quality writing throughout the curriculum. Later in the week, we enjoyed a ‘Big Write’ in the hall, with all the pupils inspired by a ‘mystery visitor’. Next week, we continue to explore character development through a ‘Big Build’ initiative, which brings together children in different classes to work creatively and collaboratively.
Both initiatives aim to support academic development, curiosity and a love of learning through our community – something we can really benefit from when we work together.
