The children and staff at North Beckton Primary enjoyed a yummy festive Christmas Dinner.  Everyone had lots of fun pulling crackers and telling each other a funny joke!
Father Christmas made a special appearance; Ho, Ho, Ho... Merry Christmas!

         

Forest School: This term, the nursery children have been taking part in Forest Schools.  During each visit, the children spend their time exploring and investigating the Forest School area. Children took part in forest school activities, as well as letting their imagination take control and play freely.  They got to experience collecting sticks for cooking and toasting marshmallows over the campfire, splashing in puddles, playing in the mud kitchen, painting, climbing the trees, exploring and learning about the natural world around them plus much more.
        

Shrove Tuesday: Today in nursery, we had a fantastic time celebrating Pancake Day! We helped make delicious pancakes and enjoyed choosing our favourite toppings. Some of us loved the tangy taste of lemon juice, while others enjoyed sweet jam or tasty banana slices. It was so much fun flipping, topping, and, of course, eating our yummy pancakes!

      

During this term, we have been learning about ourselves, our families, our school and how we celebrate different events, including Diwali and Christmas. 
The children and staff at North Beckton Primary have been showing off their talents with singing, dancing and acting for their Christmas Concerts.  The children looked fantastic dressed in their festive costumes and jumpers. 
A big well done to all the children and teachers for your hard work and dedication. 

Forest School: This term Reception children have been taking part in Forest Schools.  During each visit, the children spend their time exploring and investigating the Forest School area. Children took part in forest school activities, as well as letting their imagination take control and play freely.  They got to experience collecting sticks for cooking and toasting marshmallows over the campfire, splashing in puddles, playing in the mud kitchen, painting, climbing the trees, exploring and learning about the natural world around them plus much more.

      

R.E: Year 1 visited St Mary's Magdalene Church in East Ham.  The children and parents looked for Christian symbols around the Church and witnessed what happened during the baptism of a baby. We had a great morning of RE learning!

      

In Year 1, we have been busy settling in and learning. This term, we have been reading the story of 'Beegu' and even found part of her spaceship in our Forest School! We had a great time investigating what happened. In Maths, we have been busy learning our place values, counting forwards and backwards. We even used sticks we found in our Forest School to help us remember the symbols for greater than, less than and equal. 

      

History: During our History topic this half-term, Year 1 have been learning about Explorers and Activists. They learnt about Christopher Columbus' voyage on the Santa Maria. Inspired by this, the children made their own maps, and went on an adventure around the school. The children also learnt about Amelia Earhart. They made paper planes and flew them in the playground to recreate her successful flight across the Pacific Ocean.  

      

  

Computing: In Computing, Year 1 have been learning about digital painting. They experimented with different brushes and shape tools to create images. 

    

School Trip: Young V&A Museum 
We had a great visit to the Young V&A looking and playing with old and new toys. On the way there, we even got a shout-out on the DLR!

 

Maths: In Maths this half-term, we are exploring the concept of place and value.  We use concrete resources daily to enhance our learning.

          

Science: During our Science Skills session, we observed and asked/answered questions.  For example:  
Can you predict which animal the remains come from?
Can you predict how old the fossil is? How do you know?

      

School Trip: On Tuesday 26^th November 2024, Year 2 children visited one of the most historic sites in England, the Tower of London, where they extended their learning about Britain’s Monarchs and stepped back in time, exploring the Medieval Palace and seeing the Crown Jewels! We also admired the once Royal Animal Collection sculptures, The King’s House and the Tudor houses that are closely linked to our learning about the Great Fire of London in 1666. Wonderful weather and high spirits made the day full of memorable moments for all.

                                

Maths: Year 2 started their Spring term by learning to count money. The pupils were really engaged in making the same amount using different coins. They also compared values and played shop games, where they needed to pay for goods using the correct amounts, but also to give/receive correct change if needed!

Last Thursday, excitement filled the air as our Year 2 pupils and teachers came together for a fantastic Movie Night. Classrooms were transformed into mini cinemas, decorated with colourful lights to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

The evening started with outdoor games, followed by a Movie Quiz, tasty snacks, and a short film that had everyone laughing and engaged. The Disney Movie Charades was a particular highlight, bringing plenty of laughter and enjoyment.

This wonderful event wouldn’t have been possible without the creativity, commitment, and dedication of our staff, especially our fantastic Year 2 team. Their hard work made the evening a truly special experience for our pupils.

School Trip: On Tuesday 4th March 2025 Year 2 visited the Tate Modern. The day started with a sun shining and leading our way. The children and adults were very excited and happily walked many miles!

It was a day filled with amazement at how big artwork masterpieces can be and how daily objects can be transformed into mind-blowing sculptures! 

    

Year 3 had an unforgettable evening of adventure and fun last Thursday! The excitement kicked off with a delicious snack and a cozy movie, followed by stargazing and lively camping games. The children then set off on a thrilling night walk through our Forest School, before gathering around the campfire to toast s’mores, sip hot chocolate, and sing their favourite songs. It was a magical night, filled with laughter and wonder, giving Year 3 a taste of the amazing residential opportunities ahead at North Beckton Primary School. What an incredible experience!  

School Trip: Year 3 had a fantastic trip to the Museum of London Docklands, learning about the history of the Royal Docks and the River Thames. They enjoyed travelling on the DLR and exploring the museum’s fascinating stories. With sunny weather adding to the fun, it was a memorable day for all!
  

 

On the 18th September, Year 4 had a virtual visit to the London Mithraeum. During their session, pupils were able to explore three Roman sites in London: London Mithraeum Bloombery; London’s Roman Amphitheatre and Billingsgate Roman House and Baths. Not only this, but the children were able to explore replica artefacts that would be found in each of these places. They were even given scent boxes! Year 4 pupils were guided to use their background knowledge, as well as the sources, to build a picture of what life would have been like in Roman London. 
 
       

On the 1st November, Year 4 pupils visited the British Museum as part of their Ancient Greeks topic. The children had the opportunity to explore the artwork painted onto Grecian vases and what it could tell us. They also learnt about the Minoans and Mycenaeans, particularly what their cultures were like. They did lots of sketches and source interpretation, applying lots of historical enquiry skills. 

Year 4 went on an exciting trip to the Natural History Museum. We journeyed all the way across to South Kensington and saw the huge, beautiful building which was surrounded by dinosaur skeletons and interesting rocks and loads of plants.
Inside we learnt all about how volcanoes are formed and how dangerous they can be to people who live near them. From our knowledge of Geography, we were able to link this to the different layers of the Earth and how the Tectonic plates move. We also explored earthquakes and got to experience what a real earthquake would feel like by going in a simulator. It was so scary! 
Finally, we saw a show all about volcanoes and earthquakes. We played scientists responding to an emergency transmission and had to save the town. We tested lava flows, seismometers and rescued people from disaster! 
       

 

P.E: Our Year 4, 5, and 6 pupils have an incredible opportunity to train for the TCS London Marathon Mini Marathon, taking place on Saturday, 26th April. During their PE sessions, they have been working hard to build their endurance and prepare for the challenge. There are two different races—2.6km and 1 mile—giving pupils the chance to test their abilities at different distances. On the day, 40 of our pupils will be selected to represent our school, competing alongside some of the best young athletes from across the UK. This is an exciting chance for our students to showcase their dedication and talent in a prestigious event!
        
 

English: To help us understand our new English book: The Pebble in my Pocket (A History of our Earth) we went outside to draw some huge timelines! Each interval on our timeline represented a jump of 100 million years.

   

DT: In DT, we put our Geography learning to the test as we created prototypes for earthquake-proof buildings. We had draw nets for 3D shapes, create shell structures and then reinforce them to make them stronger - all just using paper!Following that, we tested them against a wobbling whiteboard earthquake. Which ones do you think stayed standing? 

         

The children and staff at North Beckton Primary participated in Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for Save the Children - we raised an amazing £113. Everyone looked fantastic in their festive clothes.

English: This week, Year 5 had an exciting lesson on performance poetry, where we explored how to bring poems to life using tone, volume, expression, and actions. We looked at a variety of poems based on the five senses, including Ears Hear, Vegan Delight, Louder Than a Clap of Thunder, and An 'Everything' Pizza. Each poem gave us a different way to think about sound, taste, touch, sight, and smell!

As we read through the poems, we discussed how different elements of performance could enhance the meaning and impact of each one. We experimented with:

Tone – Changing our voices to match the mood of the poem.
Volume – Using loud and soft voices to create emphasis.
Expressions – Showing emotion on our faces to engage the audience.
Actions – Using movement and gestures to add excitement.

Finally, we worked in groups to create and perform our own original performance poems, using everything we had learnt. It was amazing to see how small changes in delivery could make a poem even more powerful!  Fantastic work Year 5 – you brought poetry to life!

    

   

P. E: Our Year 4, 5, and 6 pupils have an incredible opportunity to train for the TCS London Marathon Mini Marathon, taking place on Saturday, 26th April. During their PE sessions, they have been working hard to build their endurance and prepare for the challenge. There are two different races—2.6km and 1 mile—giving pupils the chance to test their abilities at different distances. On the day, 40 of our pupils will be selected to represent our school, competing alongside some of the best young athletes from across the UK. This is an exciting chance for our students to showcase their dedication and talent in a prestigious event!

       

As part of our inclusive curriculum, the Year 5 children have been learning how to manoeuvre in a wheelchair during their PE lessons. They have practiced using the wheelchair properly, raced each other, and even navigated around opponents in an adapted version of dodgeball—all while having great fun! These activities have helped them develop their coordination, teamwork, and awareness of different abilities in sports. They will continue to use wheelchairs in the coming weeks as part of our Olympics and Paralympics lessons, further deepening their understanding of inclusive sports.

         

             

School Trip: Recently, our Year 6 students had the opportunity to embark on an educational trip to the Imperial War Museum, which proved to be an enriching experience in line with their current curriculum on World War II. This visit allowed the students to engage directly with a wealth of artefacts that vividly illustrate the historical context of the war.

During their time at the museum, the pupils were able to review their previous learning and build upon their knowledge through hands-on interaction with the exhibits. They explored various displays that captured the complexities of wartime life, making the history they had studied come alive.

The trip greatly enhanced their understanding and appreciation of World War II, enabling a deeper connection to the subject matter. Such experiences are invaluable as they not only reinforce classroom learning but also inspire a lifelong interest in history. We extend our gratitude to all who facilitated this insightful excursion.

English: During Spring Term 1, Year 6 students engaged in The Last Wild by Piers Torday. This novel provided an excellent opportunity for children to deepen their understanding of character development and narrative structure. They acted out various scenes and conversations between the main characters, enabling them to empathise with Kester Jaynes and his experiences.  Following these immersive activities, the pupils composed their own story starters, narrating from the perspective of
Kester Jaynes. The children demonstrated remarkable skill in capturing the solemn atmosphere of Kester’s life at Spectrum Hall. They creatively explored different scenarios for his escape, showcasing their ability to weave together complex ideas while maintaining narrative coherence.
This literary exploration not only enhanced their analytical skills but also fostered a collaborative spirit within the classroom, as they shared and celebrated each other’s imaginative storytelling.

   

Geography: During Spring Term 1, Year 6 children engaged in an enlightening study centred around the theme of 'What is currently happening on our planet?'. This unit explored the dynamic changes in the world, with a particular focus on population density and the accompanying increase in global population, alongside the negative impacts these trends present. The children examined climate change, delving into the greenhouse effect, and the significant issue of desertification, directing their attention to the Sahel as a global study area.

Following this foundational knowledge, students investigated various initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, including the ‘Great Green Wall’ project. They also learned about the efforts of non-governmental organisations operating in this vital area.

To further inspire their creativity and critical thinking, children were introduced to the Earthshot Prize, understanding its origins and objectives. They were then afforded the opportunity to innovate their own Earthshot Prize initiative, addressing either the repercussions of the burgeoning world population or the challenges posed by climate change. This comprehensive learning experience allowed students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications, encouraging them to become proactive global citizens.

           

Art Project: In this engaging art project, children focused on the works of renowned artist and sculptor Cornelia Parker, examining the historical context of her innovative creations. They discovered that Parker's art often involves the processes of construction and deconstruction, culminating in a dramatic reconstruction resembling an explosion. This understanding provided the foundation for the children's own creative journey.

Challenged to design and sketch a structure inspired by the Spectrum Hall from the novel The Last Wild, students then applied their designs in a practical context by building their interpretations of the structure. Following this, they engaged in the deconstruction of their sculptures, emulating Parker's artistic style.

In pairs, they utilised the fragments of their deconstructed works to collaboratively create 3D sculptures, encouraging teamwork and imaginative thinking. This project not only enhanced their artistic skills but also deepened their appreciation for the transformative power of art.

       

P.E: Our Year 4, 5, and 6 pupils have an incredible opportunity to train for the TCS London Marathon Mini Marathon, taking place on Saturday, 26th April. During their PE sessions, they have been working hard to build their endurance and prepare for the challenge. There are two different races—2.6km and 1 mile—giving pupils the chance to test their abilities at different distances. On the day, 40 of our pupils will be selected to represent our school, competing alongside some of the best young athletes from across the UK. This is an exciting chance for our students to showcase their dedication and talent in a prestigious event!