Thoughts from the Study
Digital Library
The Library of Alexandria was apparently one of the most remarkable collections of literature and ideas of the ancient world, renowned for its vast collection of manuscripts and scrolls that spanned the breadth of human knowledge at the time. Housing works on mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and more, the library represented a pinnacle of learning and was a symbol of power, perhaps built as a legacy to Alexander the Great. The library is believed to have contained texts from some of the greatest thinkers across civilisations, but unfortunately, due to disagreements and fire, much of this knowledge was lost forever. Some speculate that had the Library of Alexandria survived, humanity would have made even more significant advances across many sectors.
Just as the Library of Alexandria was designed to preserve and share knowledge, I am excited to share that we are creating a dedicated digital library for parents that will house a collection of resources designed to further empower parents with the knowledge they need to support their child’s learning. This digital space will also, over time, include in-house booklets for our enrichment and clubs offering, Little Leaders Award, and our Post 11+ offering, as well as an English guide, all of which we have been working on as part of our ongoing curriculum review. The ultimate aim is to equip families with the same educational tools and insights that we use in school, ensuring that these techniques and approaches can be reinforced by parents at home in a meaningful and impactful way.
As we lay the foundation for this initiative, the first addition to the digital library is the Maths Guide Fundamentals. This guide offers parents a clear explanation of how we approach maths in school, where it fits within the broader educational framework, and practical advice on supporting your child’s learning. Mathematics is a subject that many parents often feel unsure about, especially as teaching methods evolve over time. The guide will help to demystify these processes and enable parents to, with increased confidence, support their child’s development, ensuring consistency between home and school.
The importance of strong parent-school collaboration is ever evident. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shows that active parental engagement in a child’s education can lead to as much as four additional months of academic progress over the course of a year. The benefits, of course, are not limited to academic achievement but extend to emotional, and cognitive development. This resonates deeply with our approach at Broomfield, where we value holistic growth in all our children, and crucially in our staff too.
Our new school library space, which was part of a significant capital investment project last summer, has become a cherished environment for the children. This space offers them the agency to choose what they read, explore different subjects, and develop a love for learning on their own terms. Much like the freedom children experience in our library, we believe parents should also feel empowered in their child’s educational journey. We know that many parents sometimes feel as though they are on the outside, looking in. The new digital library is designed to bring parents further into the fold, giving you the same sense of agency by sharing the teaching strategies and approaches we use in school.
You can view the digital library via this direct link: here or via the Parent Portal here.
All the very best for the half-term break.
Mr Anstey
Headmaster
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion.
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion. ...
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event.
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event. ...
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph!
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph! ...
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk ...
Children are spending plenty of time exploring and enjoying the new garden. A favourite activity has been transforming fallen leaves into beautiful, creative decorations 🍂🍁.
Children are spending plenty of time exploring and enjoying the new garden. A favourite activity has been transforming fallen leaves into beautiful, creative decorations 🍂🍁. ...
Roasting marshmallows over the fire – what a fantastic way for Year 2 to end a busy week at school!
Roasting marshmallows over the fire – what a fantastic way for Year 2 to end a busy week at school! ...
Thanks to all Broomfield families for your generous donations to our local food bank. We also continued our tradition of our harvest boxes, which were delivered by our Year 6 children, staff and parent volunteers to the elderly in our local area. It was a heartwarming event, reminding us of the value of kindness and generosity during this season of harvest.
Thanks to all Broomfield families for your generous donations to our local food bank. We also continued our tradition of our harvest boxes, which were delivered by our Year 6 children, staff and parent volunteers to the elderly in our local area. It was a heartwarming event, reminding us of the value of kindness and generosity during this season of harvest. ...
Well done to Year 3 for creating these wonderful harvest cards which were given to the elderly in our community. The children worked on their water colour technique and collage skills. Fantastic work!
Well done to Year 3 for creating these wonderful harvest cards which were given to the elderly in our community. The children worked on their water colour technique and collage skills. Fantastic work! ...
To celebrate European Day of Languages we immersed ourselves in the rich culture of Flamenco. Thank you to Danielle from @DanceDaysLondon for delivering a great workshop.
To celebrate European Day of Languages we immersed ourselves in the rich culture of Flamenco. Thank you to Danielle from @DanceDaysLondon for delivering a great workshop. ...
From exciting activities to wonderful moments with friends, we are having such a fun week at Broomfield!
From exciting activities to wonderful moments with friends, we are having such a fun week at Broomfield! ...
We proudly joined our fellow Dukes schools in raising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals flag, standing united in the global #TogetherForTheSDGs movement. We are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of school life, shaping a greener future for our children and community. Special thanks to Dukes Sustainability Manager, Sally Cornelius for visiting us last week to discuss our sustainability strategy and goals for the upcoming academic year.
We proudly joined our fellow Dukes schools in raising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals flag, standing united in the global #TogetherForTheSDGs movement. We are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of school life, shaping a greener future for our children and community. Special thanks to Dukes Sustainability Manager, Sally Cornelius for visiting us last week to discuss our sustainability strategy and goals for the upcoming academic year. ...
Last week Thursday, Year 4 enjoyed a fun trip to Wimbledon Watersports. The sun was shining and everyone had a great day on the water, learning to sail and playing games in the kayaks. Despite the cold water, a number of children even jumped into the lake at the end of the day!
Last week Thursday, Year 4 enjoyed a fun trip to Wimbledon Watersports. The sun was shining and everyone had a great day on the water, learning to sail and playing games in the kayaks. Despite the cold water, a number of children even jumped into the lake at the end of the day! ...