Please tell us your views on the school's ethos 'It's all about the climb'. What do you understand of it? 

Many parents spoke positively about the message behind the ethos. You told us that you understand it to be about effort, resilience and personal growth and encouraging children to keep going, do their best and take pride in their journey. Several parents said it reflects real life. The idea that progress can be challenging but it’s the trying, learning and encouragement along the way that matters most. 

Parents also shared that they appreciate how the ethos celebrates individual strengths, not just academic ability and how it encourages children to face setbacks with confidence. 

Alongside this, you highlighted some important areas for us to consider: 

• Clarity: A number of parents would like more information about what children need to do to progress or achieve different milestones. You can watch our video which explain all about The Climb here: 

• Consistency: Some families feel the ethos is more visible or celebrated in certain year groups than others. 

• Inclusivity: A small number of children feel they may never “reach the top,” particularly those with additional needs or behaviour challenges and parents want to ensure that the system motivates every child. Generally children are encouraged to focus on being the best versions of themselves and to focus on working on own areas for development.  

• Recognition along the way: You suggested strengthening the recognition of children’s efforts throughout their journey, not only at the end. There are now 4 opportunities to earn a Top of the Hill badge – one per year!  

Generally children are encouraged to focus on being the best versions of themselves and to focus on working on own areas for development.  

Overall, parents told us that the ethos is a strong and positive part of our school culture and that with clearer communication and consistent reinforcement, it can be even more meaningful and inclusive for all pupils.

We have noticed that a small number of children are arriving on site far too early in the mornings. Please be aware that there is no staff available to supervise children before the official start of the school day and we cannot take responsibility for pupils who arrive before this time.

When children are unsupervised, disagreements or fallouts can sometimes occur and these can carry over into lessons and disrupt learning for both themselves and others. To help us ensure a calm, positive start to the day for everyone, we kindly ask that children do not arrive before 8.45am.

Thank you for your support in keeping all of our children safe and ready to learn.

Last Friday we opened the doors for a science morning and were blown away by just how many family members gave up their time to attend. Thank you so much. The theme of British Science Week this year is ‘Curiosity: What’s Your Question?’ and there was certainly a strong sense of curiosity across the school. We hope that some of you have been inspired to try out some further investigations at home with your children. 

Year 6 had a brilliant science morning investigating flying machines! With the help of our parents, grandparents and siblings, some of us made paper aeroplanes and some of us made paper helicopters. Some of the variables we tested were size, different types of paper and added weight. It was great fun testing the planes outside- even though it was very windy! We always love science lessons but this one was fantastic! 

Year 5 was investigating solubility. They decided what they would change and keep the same to make sure each investigation was fair. The children worked collaboratively with their group and with their parents. It was lovely to see the children so involved in their investigations. Well done Year 5! 

Year 4 had a fantastic time being curious for science morning. We didn't let the wind put us off and we launched an investigation into paper aeroplanes! We had a range of variables in each classroom and were impressed with the scientific minds at work. Some children investigated size of plane and some built planes with different types of paper. We even had some origami experts crafting different types of paper aeroplanes to test! We all enjoyed going outside to get some fresh air and test our planes. Unfortunately, most of our results were affected by the weather but this has only made us more curious! Lots of us are now wondering how different types of weather impact planes... 

Year 3 had a great morning investigating whether they could make raisins dance! The children were investigating which of the different liquids allowed raisins to rise to the surface and bob their way back down again. Children discussed why this might happen in some liquids and not in others. Children then explored whether adding baking powder to the unsuccessful liquids would result in a change of results. It was lovely to see so many adults engaging with the task and challenging the children’s thinking. A fab morning! Well done Year 3 and thank you everyone for visiting! 

I am really pleased to tell you that Richard Pomfrett will be visiting our school again on Tuesday 14th April to work with the children. He will be delivering 2 sessions (one for the lower school and one for the upper school) on this day. Some of you will remember Richard visiting our school previously and delivering invaluable sessions for both parents and children.  

Children in Year 3 will be ‘building a digital toolkit’ in their session. They will explore various tools that children can use throughout their online lives (regardless of what apps and games they use.) They will be looking at the following topics:  

• Digital footprint 

• Leaving clues behind (sharing personal information)  

• The importance of being kind and respectful online  

• Making healthy online connections (i.e. stranger dos and don’ts) and spotting the signs of grooming 

• Online bullying and hate  

• When things go wrong  

Children in Years 5 and 6 will be ‘taking control of their digital life’ by looking at social media: viewing, sharing, interaction and online information. There will be a focus on the following: 

• Social media pros and cons 

• Understanding content  

• Comparison 

• FOMO 

• Digital pressure  

• Banter vs bullying 

• Algorithm  

• Fake news  

• Mis/disinformation  

• Sharing and bullying 

For more information, please take a look at the following website: https://thestaysafeinitiative.org.uk/our-work/online-safety/ 

I’m pleased to let you know that the booking system for our Cheerleading and Street Dance classes is now open for all pupils and parents. Families can view the timetable and book their child’s place using the link below:  https://lindseypollarddance.com/classtimetable/childrensclasses 
Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage parents to book early to secure their child's space. 

I hope children are looking forward to Bikeability which will take place 20th-26th April.  It is really important that bikes and helmets are checked before the course starts so please ensure this is done before the first day. This link is a handy guide: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/about-cycle-training/cycle-training-for-children/ and please can we ask that parents/carers watch this short video: How To: Fit Your Bike Helmet 

Bikeability Level 2 Course Information

New Summer Menu

Thank you to those of you who have already completed the consent request on Arbor for the swimming lessons in the pop up pool. Please note, if your child has already achieved their 25m swim we have marked the consent manually to 'declined' so you do not need to do anything. Consent received this year will remain in place until your child leaves Almond Hill. You are welcome to amend your consent at any time by contacting the school office. 

Please can I remind parents who wish to make a contribution towards their child's swimming lessons in the pop-up pool that the payment request will close on Friday 27th March. 

Please remember to order your child’s leavers’ hoody. Thank you to everyone who has already ordered – there are only a handful left to go! The deadline for ordering is 9.00am on Monday 20th April. After this date, if we have not received your selection, we will choose a size on your behalf so the order can be placed in time. Please note, the order cannot be changed once it has been placed. 

Year 6 Leavers' Hoodies Order Form - 2025-26 – Fill out form  

Last year, a few children were disappointed with the size their parents chose, so we kindly ask that you check the attached size guide carefully before submitting your order.