🧮 Terrific Times Tables

Since last half-term’s Trust-wide Aurora Times Tables Competition, our pupils have been absolutely fired up to improve their number fluency! We know that rapid recall of number facts makes a huge difference in wider maths learning, and Year 4 in particular have been working incredibly hard in preparation for their Multiplication Tables Check. We’re thrilled to share that they have doubled their average score since September—an amazing achievement!

A few fantastic commendations:

• 🏆 Oakwood is now ranked 9th in Eastbourne on Times Table Rock Stars!
• 🌟 Our current Top 10 TTRS pupils are:
  1. Nathan (Y6)
  2. Ernis (Y6)
  3. Rayan (Y5)
  4. Ethan (Y6)
  5. Oscar (Y6)
  6. David (Y6)
  7. Harry (Y6)
  8. Aya (Y6)
  9. Ashton (Y6)
  10. Shawn (Y6)

With more Year 4s and 5s closing in quickly… keep those number facts flying! 🔢✨

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🛟 Shelter-In Practice

This week, we carried out our first ‘shelter‑in’ (lockdown) practice of the year. Just as we regularly practise fire drills, we also rehearse our shelter‑in procedures 2–3 times annually to ensure everyone knows exactly what to do.

We were incredibly impressed—every class calmly followed all the steps:

• Windows and doors closed
• Lights switched off
• Waiting quietly and safely

Our children showed maturity, confidence and care throughout—well done, Oakwood! 👏💛

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🎨 Creative Curriculum

We take great pride in offering a broad and balanced curriculum, and this half‑term we’re deep into our Art and History topics.

Our Year 5 pupils particularly shone this week through their paper engineering exploration. They investigated different techniques to transform paper into 3D structures. Their exploration boards were vibrant, imaginative and full of fantastic textures and effects. Truly inspiring work! 🖌️📚✨

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📱 Device Monitoring

In today’s digital world, many children have frequent online interactions. While we teach online safety and responsible digital behaviour through our computing curriculum, parental monitoring at home remains essential.

We strongly encourage all families to stay informed about:

• App age ratings
• Privacy settings
• Group chat monitoring
• How to talk with your child about online safety

Here are some recommended websites to support you:

🔗 Online Safety & App Guidance

• NSPCC Online Safety Hub: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
• Internet Matters: https://www.internetmatters.org/
• Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
• ThinkUKnow (CEOP): https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
• Childnet: https://www.childnet.com/

These sites offer clear information about apps, age recommendations, and how to support positive online behaviour at home.

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☕ PINS Project Coffee Morning

We are delighted to be hosting our next PINS Project coffee morning on Tuesday, 8.45–10.30am.

This project supports parents and carers in understanding neurodiversity and provides a warm, welcoming space to:

• Discuss experiences
• Ask questions
• Share strategies
• Receive expert guidance

We warmly welcome all families and look forward to seeing many of you there! 💛🤝

Warmest wishes, 
Mrs Morgan