Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Maths

  Fri 16 Jan 2026

  We have been making sure that all of the year groups use concrete manipulatives in maths. Year 6 engaged with the resources and are now dividing and multiplying with confidence.

  

• Reading for pleasure

  Fri 09 Jan 2026

               Did you know that the number of children who are reading for pleasure is decreasing each year. This year is the National Year of Reading and we at St. Mark's are keen to encourage our children to read for pleasure more. We already have  Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) time in school and now we are adding informal book talk sessions as well. You can support our drive to improve reading for pleasure by using the following questions as prompts when reading:

   Key Questions for Informal Book Talk:

  You can use these prompts to guide conversations with your child/ children when reading:

  1. Before Reading
     • What made you choose this book?
     • Have you read anything by this author before?
     • What do you think this book might be about from the cover or title?
  2. During Reading
     • What’s happening in the story so far?
     • How do you think the character is feeling right now?
     • Can you predict what might happen next?
  3. After Reading
     • What was your favourite part of the book? Why?
     • Did anything surprise you in the story?
     • Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
     • Does this book remind you of anything else you’ve read or experienced?
  4. Deeper Thinking
     • What message do you think the author is trying to share?
     • If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be?
     • Which character would you like to meet and why?

  

• Choir at the Manse

  Fri 19 Dec 2025

  The choir fulfilled one of their 10 good deeds (11B411) promises by performing at the Manse  which is on Portland Road. One of the residents who danced the most was 103!

  

• Working with Caterlink

  Fri 05 Dec 2025

  Year 5 & 6 were able to work with Paris from Caterlink and enjoy the experience of making their own biscuits.

  

• Culture Vulture 11B411

  Fri 05 Dec 2025

  Years 2, 3 and 4 went to Fairfield Halls to watch musicians perform a variety of compositions. It was the first time some of our children had seen an orchestra playing.

  

• Courageous Advocacy

  Fri 28 Nov 2025

  We have prayed for the people in Jamaica but also wanted to help them in a practical way. The children and families donated generously and we were able to take the items to The Fisher Christian Centre on Portland Road.

  

• 28th November

  Fri 28 Nov 2025

  We had a visit from a virtual reality firm that allowed our children to see their topics brought to life. It engaged all the children with a mixture of technology and interaction.

  

• Grandparents Open Afternoon

  Thu 20 Nov 2025

  We welcomed grandparents into school and also had a Light on the Hill market which sold items made by the children.

  

• Clip and Climb

  Fri 14 Nov 2025

  Year 5 & 6 went to clip and Climb this week with many children having their first go at organised climbing events. Would they go again? Yes they would!

  

• Trips

  Mon 10 Nov 2025

  We believe trips provide additional opportunities to learn. Year 5 enjoyed their day at the Tower of London as part of their History topic.