Weekly Newsletter

Thoughts from the Study

Innovation and foundation

As an educationalist, I am always mindful of the impact education can have both globally and, of course, closer to home within our own superb school community. I see the role we all play in shaping a future world filled with brilliant individuals who strive to make it a better place as crucial. On my daily walks around the school, speaking with the children, staff, and parents, it’s often the palpable sense of positivity that people comment on, an atmosphere that inspires the feeling that there is indeed something special in the dust at Broomfield. While that may be true, our resolve remains to seek out even the smallest of gains, where a difference of 0.0001% matters.

Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is deeply rooted in a mindset that encourages questioning and exploration. By consistently asking “What if?” and “Why?”, we ensure that our practices remain agile, reflective, and at the forefront of educational best practice. This approach extends to all aspects of our school, embracing a “black box thinking” culture that values the contributions of the entire community. Involving everyone in idea generation creates an environment where new initiatives are evidence-based, meaningful, and genuinely enhance the educational experience for our children. The children are brilliant at seeing the world through different lenses.

Our strong sense of community and our commitment to doing what we believe is right are well recognised, reflecting shared values of social responsibility and diversity. This spirit naturally aligns with the newly launched Dukes Foundation, mentioned in this week’s newsletter, which aims to become the largest provider of transformational bursaries in the UK. As the charitable arm of Dukes Education, the Foundation seeks to widen access to life-changing educational opportunities for young people from a range of backgrounds, addressing the need for greater social mobility through the power of quality education. This initiative is timely, with increasing awareness of the opportunity gaps that persist in society, supported by research showing that diverse educational environments benefit all children by offering exposure to a range of perspectives and life experiences.

At Broomfield, we are fortunate to have brilliant parents who are actively engaged in the life of the school and who share our commitment to making a positive impact. As the Foundation embarks on its mission to ‘Lead with Heart,’ there may be opportunities for our parents to join in supporting this cause. This shared sense of purpose is at the heart of what makes Broomfield unique, as we all strive to create a better future for children both within and beyond our school.

The Foundation’s initiative also resonates with our ethos of innovation and reflective practice. Just as we apply an evidence-based approach to refining our teaching and learning methods, we recognise the importance of using the same rigour when addressing social mobility. At Broomfield, we are committed to pushing the boundaries in education, ensuring that we do not merely respond to change but actively shape it. This commitment is regularly demonstrated by our mighty, democratic pupil council, who, guided by a shared purpose of making positive change, bring forward suggestions on initiatives that benefit us all, rather than the few.

If you would like to find out more about the Dukes Foundation and how you can get involved, please sign up for the parent community session at Dukes House on 21st November.

All the very best for a wonderful weekend.

Mr Anstey

Headmaster

Read More >

Reminders
and Notices

Whole School

Spanish National Festival Celebrations

At Broomfield we will be celebrating the Spanish National Festival with a flamenco workshop and a Spanish themed lunch on Tuesday 15th October. The company Dance Days will teach some flamenco dance to all children from PK to Year 6 in a fun celebration of Spanish culture. The children in PK and K can come into school in their own clothes. Any flamenco outfits are very welcome, the Spanish colours are red and yellow, but the main thing is that they will feel comfortable to dance. The children who will have been swimming can bring clothes with them on Monday and leave them at school to change into at school after swimming during morning breaktime if they wish or they can wear their usual uniform.  Many thanks to the PTA for making this possible.

¡Viva España!

Harvest Donations 

A reminder that our Harvest Festival assembly will be taking place on Friday 18th October. Donation deadline is Wednesday 16th October. We ask all families in Years 4, 5 and 6 to fill a decorated shoebox with foodie treats: a small box of chocolates, a packet of fancy biscuits, lovely jams or chutneys for example. The recipients of your generosity are elderly and housebound residents of Kew, and the gifts will be hand-delivered by small groups of Year 6 children during the afternoon of Friday 18th. We are grateful to the Kew Neighbourhood Association which supports us in identifying those in need. All other year groups are asked to give donations of food which will be delivered to Richmond Food Bank. Please follow this link to see a list of food currently needed: https://richmond.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/. All donations will be left in the Atrium during the week beginning 14th October. Year 6 parents are invited to join us for the assembly at 9am and we anticipate it will be finished by 10.15am. Year 6 parent volunteers are also needed to support the children with making the deliveries. Thank you in advance for your generosity in supporting our Harvest causes. 

 

Chestertons Coat Drive 2024

We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing generosity and support as we join Chestertons in their 11th year of backing the Calling London Coat Drive. This initiative plays a vital role in providing warmth to some of London’s most vulnerable individuals during the winter months.

With the current cost of living crisis, many more families are facing financial struggles, and the demand for winter coats is higher than ever.

We are running our Coat Drive this year from Wednesday, 16th October until Friday, 22nd November. As always, we will have donation bins set up, and we encourage you to drop off any gently used winter coats you can spare.

Thank you for your continued support in making a difference.

IMAGO Images – Free Delivery Period Extension

Your Free Delivery Period is Ending on 17/10/2024

For your Individual and group shoot on 9/9/2024.
You can still order after 17/10/2024, but a delivery charge will apply.

To View and Purchase your Images 

  1. Login/Create your account – https://www.imagophotography.co.uk/account/login
  2. Add your images in the Add Gallery Tab, using the gallery details on your contact sheet
  3. View, select your favourites and Order your images by selecting your shoot from My Library tab.
  4. Press Create Order to order

Gallery Logins Details 
Your gallery details will be on your low res contact sheet(s), which your child should have brought home from your School.

FOR LOST / NOT RECEIVED GALLERY DETAILS 
Click here and enter your Safeword and your details.
We will then add your gallery to your account for you.
Safeword/code for your Individual shoot on 9/9/2024: BHSCPL*W24

Safeword/code for your Group shoot on 16/9/2024: BHSJYR*W24

Alternatively, your School has a master-list with all gallery details.

Kind Regards,
Imago

Year 6

Information for Year 6 parents regarding the 11+ online exams being hosted by Broomfield House School:
  • There will be a mock online test for all the children on Monday 18th November 2024.
  • The four ISEB online assessments will take place on both Monday 25th November 2024 and Tuesday 26th November (two assessments on each day).
  • We will also host the 11+ London Consortium online exam on Tuesday 3rd December 2024.

Dukes Foundation

We are excited to announce that the Dukes Foundation is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to become the largest provider of transformational bursaries in the UK.
The Dukes Foundation is the charitable arm of Dukes Education. It harnesses the powerful and uniting spirit of Dukes Education to make a meaningful difference – to ‘Lead with Heart’.
We aim to raise investment to support young people from low-income backgrounds by enabling them to access the extraordinary opportunities Dukes schools and colleges offer. Education serves as a powerful catalyst to break the cycle of unequal opportunities and empower individuals, while creating socially diverse environments in our settings from which everyone can benefit. David Goodhew, Dukes Foundation’s Managing Director, outlines our ambition for the campaign in the latest edition of School House Mag, which you can read here.
Parent voice is incredibly important to us and so Dukes Education’s Chairman and Founder, Aatif Hassan offers an open invitation to our parent community to join us at Dukes House, 6pm-7pm on 21st November, for the opportunity to learn more, provide feedback and contribute to the development of the campaign.
The campaign is being led by Dukes Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Glen Fendley who has over 30 years of fundraising experience. If you would like to learn more about the invitation, please email Glen at glen.fendley@dukeseducation.com.

Dukes Club

Webinar
 
‘The 5 Steps to Success’, Tuesday 15th October, 5pm – 6pm. 
 
With World Mental Health Day fresh in our minds, we are pleased to bring you ‘The 5 Steps to Success’ Webinar from Brave the Rage. This step-by-step, sustainable, life-skills training workshop will help combat any issues with friendships, anger, anxiety, and stress. This will include access to ‘Resource Packs’ support to increase parent’s confidence, raise emotional resilience and improve personal wellbeing.
For more information and to book, please click here: https://thedukesclub.com/Events/Club-Events/Event/id/211
This Week’s Article
Thursday, 10 October was World Mental Health Day, when we came together to prioritise mental health. The power of animals in promoting emotional wellbeing in children is well-documented, so it seemed a good opportunity to focus on the natural world. Here is a selection of animal-related activities to keep kids of all ages occupied.
 
Discounts
 
JK Educate are offering a series of events at Dukes House on Monday 28th October.
Introduction to the 11+ and Y4/Y5 introductory workshop – FREE to Dukes families
Y6 Creative Comprehension workshop and Y2 Booster Workshop – 20% discount to Dukes families
More information and booking can be found here:

Half Term Provision - Brentford Football Club

Preschool Event  – Ages 16 months – 6 years old 

Come along and try out Gymnastics, Football and Dance all morning!

Gymnastics & Dance Camps – School Years Reception – Year 9 (9:30-3:30)

Work on you gymnastics, dance and performance skills!

We will also be introducing some cheerleading skills in this half term – book on now to avoid disappointment.

Highlights

ISA Art Competition

We are thrilled to announce the fantastic achievements of our talented young artists at this year’s regional ISA Art Competition! Our Artists truly impressed us with their creativity and skill. Congratulations to Evelyn K for winning 1st prize in the 2D Early Years category with her expressive tiger portrait, and to Enna in Year 2 for securing 2nd prize in the 2D Key Stage 1 category with her beautiful flower painting. A huge congratulations also goes to all the children from Kindergarten to Year 6 for winning 1st prize in the 3D Key Stage 2 category for their incredible mosaic panels. We are so proud of everyone’s hard work. And a big thank you to Mrs Frey for all her excellent work in helping the children showcase their creative talents.

1st prize 3D Key Stage 2 - - Regional ISA Competition

Well done to all children (Kindergarten to Year 6) for our amazing mosaic panels!

1st prize 2D Early Years - Regional ISA Competition

Well done to Evelyn K for her expressive tiger portrait.

2nd prize 2D Key Stage 1 - Regional ISA Competition

Congratulations to Enna Y2 for her beautiful flower painting.

Victorian Project

This morning, Year 6 put on an incredible display of their Victorian projects for their parents to come and see, offering interesting insights into life during that time. Each child confidently presented their topic, explaining their research clearly. The projects were of a high standard, with each one highlighting the children’s hard work and creativity. The display truly reflected their dedication and interest in the subject, leaving parents impressed by their effort and enthusiasm.

Tara's War Horse Review

I first read War Horse by Michael Morpurgo (available in the school library) for my Year 5 history project and absolutely loved it, so I was very excited when the show was back in the theatre in September.

In case you haven’t read the book, War Horse tells the moving story of a boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the background of World War I. Albert loves Joey deeply, but the outbreak of war forces his father to sell Joey to the Army. Joey is sent to France to help with the war effort, and the play’s main plot revolves around Albert’s determination to find Joey and bring him home. As we follow Joey’s journey through the battlefield, we get to see the horror and sadness of war and the struggles of both soldiers and animals.

One of the amazing features of the play is the puppetry. My favourite performances were by the three puppeteers controlling Joey. The level of detail in his movements was so lifelike that I quickly forgot Joey wasn’t a real horse. I felt scared for Joey when he was taken from Albert and heartbroken when he was hurt during the battles.

The set design was simple but so effective. A torn handwritten page was used as the backdrop, which felt like the story was being told from the book. However, I found the sound and lighting effects during the battle scenes too loud and startling. While this made me uncomfortable, I think it showed how terrifying the battlefield would have been for the soldiers.

With Remembrance Day coming up, the play made me think about not only the soldiers who died in world wars, but also the animals, like the horses, that played such an important role during the war. That’s why this year I will be wearing a purple poppy which is a symbol of remembrance for animals that served during the war, as well as my usual red poppy.

War horse was an unforgettable production, and if you loved the book like I did, it will not disappoint you. Please remember that it is a sad serious story, and I would only recommend it for year 3 children and above.

Tara (Drama Captain)

Fun fact: War Horse has been the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre!

World Animal Day

On Monday, in recognition of World Animal Day on October 4th, we discussed the alarming number of species facing extinction—41,000 according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The children created a list of factors contributing to this decline, including habitat loss from deforestation and farming, as well as poaching. Each child then selected an animal from the IUCN's list of species most at risk and designed posters to raise awareness. They did a fantastic job identifying the causes behind the decline of these species, with their posters aimed at educating and informing others.

A Special Lunch Menu

On Tuesday 8th October, Mathew in Year 2 chose our delicious lunch menu: Main: Chicken Ramen Vegetarian: Mushroom rice Desert: Chocolate mousse cake It went down a treat with the children and staff.

Weekly Awards

Drama Star of the Week
Valters (Y5)
Music Star of the Week
Kaede (Y1)
Artist of the Week
Enna (Y2)
Sports Star of the Week
Teoman (Y6)

Polite Person of the Week

Pre-Kindergarten: Alyssa: Alyssa has been really brave coming into class independently this week. She is kind, helpful and engaged in class. Well done!
Kindergarten: Leila: Leila has worked super hard this week. Her listening ears have been switched on constantly and she has been listening attentively. She has worked really hard in phonics and her blending has come along fantastically.
Year 1: Max: Your maths book is a real masterpiece and it has been a pleasure to see your English book becoming just as excellent this week, especially with your new joint up handwriting! We are very proud that you take such pride in your work and always take on challenges with determination and a smile!
Year 2: Enna: Your ability to work well with others is truly impressive! You always show respect by listening to your friends' ideas. #teamplayer
Year 3: Cora: For having a positive attitude towards all your learning and also giving a challenge a go! Well done Cora, we are very proud of you!
Year 4: Rita: For her enthusiasm towards her story writing this week and because her work, particularly in maths, is always very neatly presented.
Year 5: Aurelia: For her excellent English writing this week, and for proudly taking on feedback to make her writing even better!
Year 6: Anika: For a wonderful attitude in all your work and for some fantastic writing this week!

Upcoming Events

Monday 14th Oct

Y1 – Y6 to bring in their clothes for Spanish Workshop (Optional)

Tuesday 15th Oct

SPANISH WORKSHOP – ALL DAY

 

Wednesday 16th Oct

Harvest Box/Food Bank Delivery Deadline – Donations to the Atrium

Coat Drive begins – Donation Box in the Atrium

2 – 3:30pm: Y5 Girls Netball V Falcons 

2 – 4pm: Y6 Boys Football V KGP 

Thursday 17th Oct
Friday 18th Oct

9am: Harvest Assembly – Y6 parents invited to join

1:30pm: Y6 Parents delivery harvest boxes with children

3:30pm – 8pm: Stagecoach 

Monday 21st Oct

October Half Term

Tuesday 22nd Oct

October Half Term

Wednesday 23rd Oct

October Half Term

Thursday 24th Oct

October Half Term

Friday 25th Oct

October Half Term

Playground Snapshots