The first workshop, Growing Our Own Peas, saw pupils transform into budding gardeners. Children learnt how peas grow from tiny seedlings and what they need to thrive, including sunlight, water and care. Many were fascinated to discover that peas grow in pods and can be eaten fresh straight from the plant. The session concluded with a hands-on activity, where pupils planted their own pea seeds, which they are now eagerly waiting to see grow.

In the second workshop, Beans Are Brilliant!, pupils explored the nutritional value of beans and their role in a healthy diet. Sophia introduced the nationwide #BangInSomeBeans campaign, supported by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, which encourages people across the UK to include more beans in their meals. Children learnt that beans are rich in protein, support heart health, and are environmentally friendly. They were also shown a variety of beans and how they can be used in everyday dishes such as soups, salads and breakfasts.

Throughout the sessions, pupils developed a deeper understanding of where food comes from, how to grow their own vegetables, and why making healthy choices is so important. The workshops highlighted how small dietary changes, such as incorporating more beans into meals, can have a positive impact on overall health.

The school would like to extend a sincere thank you to Sophia and Accent Fresh Catering for delivering such an interactive and inspiring experience. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn in a practical way and are now looking forward to continuing their gardening journey—and perhaps even trying out some bean-based recipes at home.

And as the campaign reminds us—don’t forget to #BangInSomeBeans!

This wonderful find has created a real buzz of excitement across the school. Over the coming weeks, every class will have the opportunity to observe the fascinating process of metamorphosis firsthand. Children will be closely monitoring the changes as the frogspawn develops into tadpoles and eventually into frogs.

This real-life learning experience provides a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to explore life cycles in a meaningful and engaging way. Through discussion and observation, the children will deepen their understanding of how living things grow and change, bringing their science learning to life.

We look forward to sharing updates as our tiny pond residents continue their incredible journey!

The excitement continued last night as they took to the stage at The Cresset for the Fantasy Footlights show. Performing a high-energy dance to Magic Man G in front of an audience of almost 800 people, the children truly rose to the occasion. Every performer was beaming with pride following their fantastic routine – and Mrs Clulow certainly was too!

It was a wonderful opportunity and an experience the children will treasure for years to come. We are already looking forward to the next chance to see them shine on stage.

A heartfelt thank you to our supportive parents who came along to cheer them on – your encouragement makes all the difference.

Well done to everyone involved!

We’re incredibly grateful to POSH for generously offering all children the chance to attend this Saturday’s match for free, as well as any upcoming women’s match. 

A huge thank you to POSH for this wonderful opportunity!

The children enjoyed warming their hands by the fire and taking responsibility for maintaining it by carefully adding sticks. Older pupils have also had the opportunity to practise using flint and steel, learning how to create sparks to help start a fire.

All groups have enjoyed gathering together around the fire circle, using their senses to describe what they can see, smell, hear and feel. We’ve been particularly impressed by the rich and imaginative language used, with phrases such as “the crackling hot fire” and “the vibrant fire is dancing” shared across different year groups.

It has been a wonderful experience for all involved, and the children have had great fun learning together while discovering just how fascinating and engaging fire can be.

Throughout the day, pupils designed their own house emblems, carried out lively (and safe!) potion-making experiments with Professor Snape, and created imaginative spells using the rich and descriptive language found in J.K. Rowling’s stories. The classrooms were filled with creativity, curiosity and excitement, making the day a memorable and inspiring experience for everyone involved.

This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective parents and carers to meet our dedicated staff, explore our vibrant reception classrooms, and learn more about our curriculum and values. We can’t wait to show you why Hampton Vale is the perfect place for your child’s learning journey to begin.

Join us at either 4:00pm or 5:15pm – and don’t forget to invite friends, family, and anyone looking for a school place in 2026!

For more details, please contact us at office@hvp.org.uk.

We explored global sounds through fun music quizzes, listened to songs from across continents, and even had the chance to play a variety of instruments. The highlight for many was our fantastic talent shows, where pupils had the opportunity to showcase their
Musical skills and confidence on stage.

It was a joyful celebration of music’s power to unite, inspire, and express—and a day we won’t soon forget!

This was a fantastic day for all the children involved! Below are some pictures captured on the day.

The event was held on our newest school site: Manor Drive Primary and Secondary Academies which opened in September 2022.  The event was very well attended, providing visitors the opportunity to speak with leadership colleagues from all schools as well as our Teacher Training provider – Teach East.  Attendees were offered the chance to learn more about exciting career opportunities within the Trust, meet current staff and leadership teams as well as exploring the Trust’s mission to transform lives through education.

CEO, Mike Sandeman, said “our young people are at the heart of everything we do and attracting the right staff to deliver the education they deserve is our utmost priority.”

For more information about working for the Trust, please see www.fourcsmat.org.uk or telephone 01733 513780.