The Word-July

At Wincanton Primary School we have been
working hard since lockdown began to support
all our children and their families. Key
worker families have been able to send their
children into school every week day throughout
this period, including half terms, Easter
and Bank holiday times. Currently we are
also welcoming Reception, Year One, and
Year Six pupils as well, as advised by the
government.
The way that we have planned our work
encompasses all pupils, whether at home
or in school. To make life easier for all those
parents who have become their children’s
teachers we have planned our learning so
that all year groups are following the same
theme across the school.
So far children have enjoyed a varied and
exciting range of learning experiences. We
have covered the story of Wind in the Willows
based on an animated film, following
the antics of Ratty, Mole and Toad in Kenneth
Grahame’s timeless story.
Mary Anning – the famous fossil hunter from
Lyme Regis – and Grace Darling, of lighthouse
keeper fame, have kept our history
links alive. Another focus allowed pupils to
become film makers, creating their own ‘stop
animation’ films.
Children became superheroes for two weeks,
designing their own superheroes and villains,
showcasing their amazing imagination.
Castles has been another focus for learning
incorporating historical knowledge and imaginative
writing.
We have been very
impressed by the amount
of work families have
sent us, showing
huge creativity and
dedication, to continue
children’s
learning over this
Fossils, superheroes & a gentle row up river
News from Wincanton Primary School
period. If you visit our website and look on
the class pages you will see our class planets,
by clicking on a planet you will be taken
to a class and can see a selection of work
submitted to us by our children.
Teachers have spoken frequently to parents
and children over the phone to ensure we
keep our links with them alive. Teaching
assistants have supported teachers and children
in school and ensured, with our cleaning
staff, that our school is sparkling clean and
germ free.
Our classrooms don’t look
like they normally do.
We operate on a basis
of up to ten children
in a room, each
with their own
desk and
equipment.
Very conscious of
hygiene, children and staff frequently wash
hands and socially distance all the time. Our
play areas are zoned so that each ‘bubble’
of children only mix with each other. All our
children returning to school have been happy
and enjoyed their slightly different school day.
As I write we are planning our all-important
transition work. Our Year Six classes will be
leaving us for pastures new; just before the
lockdown began we held a leavers service,
not knowing whether we would see our
pupils again before the end of the school
year. We recognise that for these children
this has been a very difficult and confusing
end to their primary years and send them all
our very best wishes for the next part of their
educational journey.
Other children will be meeting their new
teachers, albeit virtually, as the term draws to
a close. For our new Reception children, we
still have activities planned in our extensive
school grounds to introduce them to their
new school and teachers, as well as virtual
story times.
Although we are still celebrating our welldeserved
‘good’ judgement from Ofsted, we
continue to evolve and improve our school,
currently we are enhancing our grounds and
the inside of the buildings; redecoration of
the old building takes place over the summer
and a beautiful new shelter graces our
playground for children to enjoy.
At the time of writing we do not know what
September holds for us, whatever the guidance,
you can be assured that staff will continue
to do their best to support families and
children across Wincanton and the surrounding
area. All too aware that this has been a
challenging time for many, it has also allowed
lots of us to have developed new skills and
hobbies and enjoy more family time. We all
look forward to a return to our new norm and
celebrate the time we can all be together
again in our school community.
We would like to thank our team of volunteers
who spare a few precious hours each
week to come into school to support our
children in many different capacities. Once
we reopen fully we are aware that, as it will
be across our country, children may face
challenges and gaps in their learning. If you
feel that you could spare a little of your time
to come into school to support us then do,
please, contact the school as we will value
any help and support that you can offer.
As always we hope you are well and safe
and continue to follow the guidance to ensure
we are all safe and together as soon as possible.
Best Wishes,
Everyone at Wincanton Primary School