News

100th Day Activities

On 1st March, the school celebrated the 100th day of the school year and to mark this occasion all the classes took part in activities that centred around the number 100.

  
The children in year 4 had 100 footprints and had to make a pattern with them.
(Click thumbnail for larger image. Use back button to return to this page.)

 
The children in Reception made cookies in the shape of the number 100 and sprinkled them with hundreds and thousands.

  
the children of Year 4 made paper chains using 100 pieces of paper.

Spring Term News

Dear Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past term and many successes we have enjoyed as a school; as well as to set out some of our plans for continuing improvement for the remainder of the year.

Achievements this Term

Secondary School Transfer Success

We were pleased with the results gained by our Year 6 students leaving this year - entrance to grammar schools and selective independents were good - most people being satisfied at what can be a stressful time -by the outcomes.

At the time of writing the children were offered amongst others: 2 Scholarships; Gained places at 3 Grammar schools and 3 Selective Independent schools. In addition 9 will be attending local Catholic State Schools. We offer our hearty congratulations to all our Year 6 students and wish them all the best in their new communities.

Sporting Achievements

We continue to do well at sport: our Under 9 Soccer team won the Downside Cup against many local schools this term. Our Under 11 Soccer team remained undefeated all term.

Two boys recently won the Surrey Doubles Table Tennis competition.

We won the Croydon Indoor Pairs Cricket Cup last week.

Our Netball team lost, in their many fixtures, to only one school all year (this school's goal shooter was nearly six foot and could look me in the eye). They finished top in their division with the highest points total of any of the 45 schools. They won their section in the Croydon Schools' League and were runners up in the recent Croydon League Tournament too.

All these results are attained with such relatively small squads. What we are particularly proud of is that a notably high proportion of pupils able to do so take part in our many and varied sports clubs.

School Clubs

Some clubs have been set up and run by our pupils - teachers giving up their lunchtimes to monitor them. Some of the girls running the Irish Dancing Club have been notably successful outside school in their individual competitions too.

Those of you lucky enough to see our recent Swimming Galas will have noticed the determination, sportsmanship and ability of children - some of these belonging to outside clubs and doing exceptionally well in them also.

We look forward to our upcoming music concert and hope that, if the Individual Soloists Concert which took place earlier this term is anything to go by, it will be a tremendous success.

Recently three of our young pupils took part in the Individual Chess Challenge run by the Coulsdon Chess Fellowship. They remained undefeated and won the Schools' Individual Challenge and qualified for the finals on Saturday 7th June.

Continuous Improvement Plans

Inspection Report

We have had time to reflect upon our Inspection Report, we have replied to the Independent School's Inspectorate, to the Independent Association of Prep Schools (who we hope to join) and to the Department of Children, Schools and Families - which we have to do by law. We have created a document entitled 'Next Steps', the title being self explanatory and it is a response to the recommendations made by the ISI Inspectors. Interestingly, all the inspector's recommendations in the report had been identified as far as back as September 2007, as areas of concern by us and in need of attention and action by our staff and included in our School Improvement Plan for this year.

Secondary Transfer

Next year we are planning to improve and expand the information provided to parents as regards secondary school transfer and children's assessments in verbal reasoning.

Provision for Talented and Gifted Children

We are re-addressing and focusing on our gifted and talented provision to make sure we continue to meet the needs of all our children and reflect the values of our Mission Statement.

After School Care

We are investigating the provision of after school care and hope to have this valuable facility in place for the Autumn term.

Summary

As you can see - this has been a busy and successful term and we are working hard to build on the successes of the past and to continue to achieve excellence in the future.

I wish to thank all the staff, children and parents, grandparents, carers, and friends of our school, for working so hard and effectively, to provide a fulfilling and a positive environment here at Laleham Lea.

I hope you agree that it has been a full and rewarding term.

J.Power
Head teacher
March 2008

Bulleted below are other noteworthy events this past term:

• We continued with our Class Junior School Masses and Infant services; involving the children in their preparation and hopefully enriching the important spiritual aspects of their lives.
• Our new Nursery and outdoor classroom area were finished and blessed. It has provided an excellent facility to nourish the roots of our school.
• We cannot thank our Parent's Social Committee enough for all their hard work and successes this term, including the Quiz evening and Ladies' night.
• Our collection for our charity CAFOD, through the teachers' and pupils' swimathon, Bread and Cheese Day and most importantly, the Coin a Day initiative has, through your focus and donations, raised over a £1000!
• We had enjoyable whole school days when we celebrated World Maths Day, World Book Day and our 100th School Day.
• In our recent INSET Day the Staff learnt about Child Protection Procedures and Regulations from a professional from Croydon Council and we updated our Emergency First Aid Training with a qualified practitioner- this is in line with Schools Regulations.
• Finally I would like to thank our Governors who continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes for the benefit of all at our school.

Laleham Lea SATS Results

Key Stage 1

All children achieved expected standard for 7 year olds in English and Maths with 44% achieving level 3 in each subject. Level 3 is the expected standard for 9 year olds.

Key Stage 2

As can be seen in the tables above, the 2006 SATs results maintain the excellent standards of recent years. Laleham Lea has a policy of allowing ALL children in the year group to sit the tests even those with English as a second language. It should also be noted that a large proportion of pupils consistently exceed the nationally expected standards and achieve Level 5 (expected standard for 13 - 14 year olds) in all three subjects.

Reading Help

This document can be downloaded in PDF (Acrobat) format by clicking here (right click 'Save Target As')

2008 is National Year of Reading, its aim is 'to boost all children's love of reading' and please note, 're-engage adults with storytelling.'

The staff at Laleham Lea School believe that every year should be the National Year of Reading.

We believe that it is the most important academic thing you can do to help your child succeed and that the impact lasts a life time building their confidence and giving greater job opportunities.

Outlined below are many common questions, ideas and hopefully some sound advice culled from many different sources:

Isn't it the school's responsibility to teach my child to read?

The staff at our school believe that the importance of reading cannot be overstated. It is the key to opening the doors to virtually all other subjects and so much more.

However, parents are their child's first educator so parents and families have an important role to play. Indeed much research shows that your involvement in your child's reading and learning is more important than anything else in helping them to fulfil their potential. Encouraging your child to grow up loving reading is the best start you can give them. You can also have great fun in the process.

Above all you must enjoy reading?

All children at some time find reading difficult. As a parent do not make it more so, realise that they might not enjoy reading to you. This can be stressful for both you and your child and it can prevent your child from wanting to read at home.

So choose a time to suit both of you. Sit somewhere warm and comfy - a reading place! Reading regularly three times a week is enough to make a real difference. Obviously you should choose good books i.e. ones that the children want to read. Decide with your child how long you want to read, 5-15 minutes is quite enough. You can spend time before reading talking about the blurb or pictures, author etc.

Share the reading with your child and take turns reading each page - if they get tired or you wish to - read on. Help out with tricky words, encourage them to guess and check. Above all do not be critical, no child makes mistakes on purpose - PRAISE ENCOURAGES and be specific why you are praising them.: "well done we had that hard word yesterday". With younger children, if there is time, let them reread the story and give them a chance to read more confidently. Remember reading aloud to an audience can be stressful and is a different skill to that of reading to yourself - be patient.

Reading is everywhere.

You can help your child with books sent home from school, but there are many other things you can read together as well and these are just as important (see 'Dad's Section): road signs, TV guides, shop signs, adverts, food packets, labels, how to information (car washes etc), instructions for DVD games etc.

How to talk about books.

Why should your child read if you show no obvious interest in the written word? You probably read as part of your job, but you are encouraging your child to read books. Does your child see you reading books? Do you practice what you preach?

• Additionally talking about books helps children understand what they have read and makes reading more interesting….it can be as important as hearing your child read.
• Before reading look at the cover, the author and the title, talk about what the book could be about.
• During reading recap the story, propose reasons for what people have done or said. Guess what will happen next.
• After reading discuss whether it had a good ending. What did you both think of the book? What part did you like best? Why?
• Remember this is not a test, but an equal discussion.

Is hearing your child read necessary?

Helping your child with reading at home helps them to make more progress at school. Children love parents to take an interest in what they are doing.

How to read to your child.

Note this well - reading to your child is just as important as hearing your child read. When you do this you are showing them that you think reading is important, how to read with expression and that you enjoy reading. Remember too that you do not just have to read school books; you could just as well read a joke book or something from a newspaper. Read to them often and discuss what you have read - ask what I/we shall read next? Reading to your child will not make them lazy about reading.

Paired Reading. What is it?

Paired reading is when an adult and child read aloud together the words of the book. It makes reading less pressurised. Look through the book and talk about it. You start reading. Ask your child to point at the words as you read .After a couple of pages ask your child to read aloud with you. If your child makes a mistake, point at the word and say it correctly then read on together. If your child feels confident he or she might like to do some reading on their own. Let your voice fade out so that only your child is reading. If they hit a difficult part, start reading with them again.

A good reader is not necessarily a good reader!

Remember that reading aloud to someone is very different to reading quietly to yourself.

Helping Pre-schoolers get started: some ideas

• Children who are familiar with books and stories before they start school are better prepared to cope with the demands of formal literacy teaching.
• It's never too early to start sharing stories, babies respond to the sound of your voice. Repeating favourite stories again and again helps build childrens' language.
• Introduce your baby to a variety of books: big, small, bath books, squashy, noisy etc. Some babies will show little interest often only in one picture, this is natural.
• Keep books in your bag and in the car.
• Ask questions about pictures.
• Let them pretend to read - this is a great way to start by making up their own stories. Take photos of your child and of familiar objects or places. Use these to make books about your child.

Helping 3-5 year olds to read.

• Read for your child, let them turn the page and guess what will happen next.
• Follow the words with your finger, point out pictures and talk together about the story (once again let them pretend to read with you).
• Use funny voices and actions to make the characters come alive. Remember little and often is best - a good ten minutes is better than a difficult half hour.
• Choose books together and do not object if they choose the same books again and again - if they keep going back to a book it is because they are getting something from it.

Helping 5-8 year olds to read

• Make your child their own special place to keep their books.
• Show them how to turn the pages carefully.
• Point out words all around you.
• Visit your library.
• Make time to read - read at bedtime every night.
• Encourage them to share reading with the family.
• Be positive and let them know that it is alright to make mistakes.
• Don't make them try too hard, it doesn't matter if you have to tell them the word sometimes.
• Follow the words with your finger and sound out the words.

Helping 9-11 year olds to read

• Visit your library as a family, take out CDroms of books too.
• Make time to read as a family, encourage independent reading but do not be afraid to tell a bedtime story
• Read all texts, yellow pages, internet and cookery books etc.
• Encourage them to read to other members of the family.
• Let them read to the end of the line before correcting them. Do not always point out mistakes if their error has not detracted from the text.
• Help them spot words they know within larger more complicated words.
• Let them read their favourites and don't worry overly if they read only one kind of book.
• When they read aloud encourage them to read with expression. This will help read more fluently
• Buy and use a simple dictionary to check the meanings of some new words.

Why the Male is vital!

It is a fact that in many families mothers still are the main focuses for children's education. Research shows that when fathers become involved, their sons' and daughters' achievements are enhanced. Dad's input and involvement is very important especially if reading is perceived as a 'girly' thing. For many boys, fathers, uncles, grandfathers etc. are their main role model in life. Seeing them enjoy reading will help boys realise that they too can do the same, even if it is just a matter of finding the right material.

Boys tend to be more competitive and if they constantly come second, can be turned off - set this against the fact that girls outperform boys in literacy tests throughout school life and so it is vitally important that they are encouraged to enjoy reading. It is not just a skill to get a job, it is fun and will support your child's other interests. Remember too you do not have to think in terms of 'proper' story books, many boys and their dads prefer to read non-fiction, magazines, programmes, league tables and reports, how-to manuals and comic books. Start with interests you share with your child and use these as a basis of your shared reading.

They should be reading Shakespeare!

No. The best way to turn children off 'the classics' is to force them to read them when they are not ready, but you are!

Don't stop at 11.

It is obvious that children and adults enjoy being read to and listening to stories. There is no reason to stop reading with your child when they reach senior school and many reasons to continue. Research shows that boys especially benefit from this.

In a nutshell.

Regular reading for pleasure and enjoyment of a wide range of materials can be the foundation for educational achievement and a lifelong reading habit.

Still need convincing?

Reading with your child can improve your relationships with them and can improve confidence in your ability to provide support.

Places to find more information.

• www.yearofreading.org.uk
• www.readingconnects.org.uk
• www.readingchampions.org.uk
• www.clpe.co.uk
• www.readtogether.co.uk

J.Power
February 2008.

Emerald Music School

Music Director - Clare Caddick

The Emerald Music School is held at Laleham Lea School on Saturdays during term time. This independent music school is open to all girls and boys aged from 6 to 16. A number of different classes are on offer throughout the day.

The Emerald Flexiband 10.30am – 11.30am

A flexible ensemble designed for all instruments. The music is arranged specifically for each member, so the band is suitable for all players at any level.

The Emerald Theory Class 11.45am – 12.45pm

Students in the theory class work towards Grade V theory at their own pace with support and advice from the teacher.

The Emerald Chorus 1.15pm – 2.15pm

This group is a mixed children’s choir of 6 to 12 year olds. The choir has won many local festivals. The children take part in at least one concert per term and are often invited to take part in operas and musicals.

The Emerald Chamber Choir 2.30pm – 3.30pm

This is a mixed chamber choir of 11 to 15 year olds. The choir has won many festivals and has sung at the Royal Festival Hall. Emphasis is on part-singing. Entry is by audition or invite.

Individual Instrumental Lessons

Peripatetic teachers give lessons in advanced theory, clarinet, composition, flute, piano, saxophone and singing. Other lessons can often be arranged on request.

For more information call Clare Caddick on 20 8647 3300 or 07973 114 218

Chess

You can download the document "The Educational Benefits of Chess" in PDF format

The past two terms have seen members of the chess club produce some outstanding successes. In the Autumn and Spring terms, pupils from the Laleham Lea chess club participated in a team chess competition known as Champions League Chess. This is a competition where teams of four come together to play against other teams from local schools. The two scores are added together and the teams who finish at the top then qualify for the final to be held in the Summer term in Coulsdon.

In the Autumn term we were unable to raise four players for the competition so we joined forces with Whitgift. I would like to congratulate both Daniel Moth (year 5) and Teddy O'Shea (year 4) for winning four and three matches out of five respectively. Their performances were superb and both of them played some fantastic chess. They were part of the team which won the first qualifying leg but, with only half of the team being from Laleham Lea, our qualification score was halved. Alex Mester also performed well on behalf of the school. He played in the School's Individual Challenge where he managed to score two draws in a tough field.

In the Spring term the team merged with Chipstead Valley. Laleham Lea did not do as well in this term but Daniel Moth (year 5) played on top board and scored a maximum five out of five. The top board is very challenging because it is the board on which the top players play.

In terms of overall qualification, we finished 14th but it is clear that, from the successes we have seen, this school has the potential to finish in the top five.

We would like to build on the success of the Laleham Lea pupils who have entered the Champions League Chess tournament over the past two terms. I ask that you take a moment to think what could have been if we would had raised a full first team for both terms. I believe that Laleham Lea is capable of winning qualification and performing well in the final of the Champions League Chess.

Chess club is held in the Art room on a Friday between 3.30 and 4.30pm. It is an opportunity to come and learn the game or to improve existing skills, fulfil your potential and represent the school…I look forward to seeing you in chess club!

If you would like to represent the school team in Autumn 2007 then please contact Daniel Gliddon at CCF on 020 8645 0302.

Daniel Gliddon
(CCF Chess Trainer in Laleham Lea)

Laleham Lea tastes Chess Success..

On Saturday 8th March 2008, the second leg of the Champions League Chess tournament took place. This is the school teams tournament that is run by Coulsdon Chess Fellowship.

As Laleham Lea only managed to finish fourteenth in the first leg it meant that if we raised a full team that we would have three points to make up to jump into a qualification position.

We only managed to raise three players and, as a result of the way the points are calculated for half teams, we took the decision to play them in the Schools Individual Challenge.

The three players that took part were Teddy O, Jacob M and Luke J who was playing in his first chess tournament. The tournament got off to a flyer with Luke recording the first win for the school with Jacob and Teddy not too long behind him. The day saw all three of them play some superb chess meaning that they were all on maximum score after the first three rounds. This meant that things were looking good for Laleham Lea going into round 4. The three players were on such a momentum that it almost looked like nothing was going to stop them…in round 4, Laleham Lea dropped their first points of the tournament with both Teddy and Jacob only managing to record draws but Luke recorded his fourth win of the event.

The final round of the day was as exciting as ever. If Luke won in the final round he would share the cash prize which was to be shared among those players on 5 out of 5 - a terrific achievement for a first tournament. He was unfortunate to find out that the only player to stand between him and this feat was Jacob. The Laleham Lea showdown only produced a draw and with Teddy recording a win it meant that the players from the school remained unbeaten for the whole event.

Luke 4½
Teddy 4½
Jacob 4

This meant that Laleham Lea won the Schools Individual Challenge and I am convinced that there is more to come from these three players and others within the club.

The final is due to take place on Saturday 7th June 2008 at Coulsdon and these three players have all qualified to be in it. I hope that all three will be able to and, hopefully, we can repeat the success…

Chess club is held in the Art room on a Friday between 3.30 and 4.30pm. It is an opportunity to come and learn the game or to improve existing skills, fulfil your potential and represent the school…I look forward to seeing you in chess club!

If you would like to represent the school team this year then please contact Daniel Gliddon at CCF on 020 8645 0302.

Daniel Gliddon
(CCF ECF Accredited Coach in Laleham Lea)