Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been an absolute privilege to join our Year 5 children in London this week. What an incredible experience it has been! The visit linked beautifully to both our school values and British values, not to mention the powerful cultural opportunity of visiting our capital city.
During their time in London, the children:
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Visited Parliament and deepened their understanding of democracy in action.
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Met Ian Roome MP, bringing their learning about representation and government to life.
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Took in breathtaking views from the London Eye.
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Explored the wonders of London Zoo and the Science Museum.
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Experienced the magic of storytelling at Harry Potter World, where literacy and imagination truly came alive.
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Enjoyed the spectacular performance of Hercules the Musical.
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Visited the Tower of London.
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Night tour of this amazing city!
It was wonderful to see their confidence, curiosity and friendships grow. These are the moments that stay with children for a lifetime.
We were also delighted to have Swimbridge join us, and so, for one week only, we proudly rebranded ourselves “BlueSwim!” Collaboration, partnership and shared experiences make learning even richer.
A heartfelt thank you to our AMAZING staff for their meticulous planning, dedication, care and professionalism in making this happen. Residential visits of this scale require enormous commitment, and we are so grateful for the team who ensured the children were safe, inspired and supported every step of the way.
For the children who remained in school, it was no less adventurous! They enjoyed their own London-themed learning, explored our beautiful forest area, visited Barnstaple Museum and engaged in a range of enriching activities.
Opportunities like these are vital. They support the whole child, academically, socially and emotionally. At Pilton Bluecoat C of E Academy, we are committed to providing experiences that broaden horizons and nurture aspiration. This is what Building Brighter Futures looks like in action.
Children’s Mental Health Week – “This Is My Place”
Children’s Mental Health Week was a special and reflective time in school. In Collective Worship, we explored the theme “This Is My Place”, discussing how we look after ourselves and one another. The children’s thoughtful responses and follow-up work really cemented their understanding of belonging, responsibility and care.
A particular thank you to Claire Jones for her work this week with children and families around the Zones of Regulation. Helping children to understand and regulate their emotions is crucial in an ever-changing world. Giving them strategies to navigate feelings, build resilience and support one another is key to their long-term success, wellbeing and self-esteem.
We have recently received a number of requests for holidays during term time. As a school, we follow the Local Authority guidelines regarding attendance. Our term dates are mapped out clearly well in advance to support families in planning.
Attendance matters greatly. Every lesson builds upon the last; learning is carefully sequenced and collaborative. When children are absent, they miss not only academic content but also discussions, shared experiences and social development that cannot easily be replicated. Good attendance supports achievement, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging within our community.
We appreciate your support in ensuring children are in school and ready to learn wherever possible.
As we approach half-term, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are building something very special at Pilton C of E Bluecoat Academy.
Have a wonderful and restful half-term.
Kind regards,
Mathew Harts
Head of School
