Friday, 8th September 2017

Dear Children and Parents,

There is always an air of excitement at the beginning of the new academic year and having visitedthe classrooms yesterday morning, this year is no exception. My colleagues and I are lookingforward to the forthcoming academic year with keen anticipation.

Welcome back to everybody and a particular welcome to those children for whom yesterday wastheir first day at Southlands. As the weeks go by this newsletter will reflect the life of the school andthe many aspects of school life that take place both in and out of the classroom.

New ColleaguesI am sure that you will join me in welcoming the following new members of staff.

Ms Gemma Pace (BSc Medical Sciences, Physics Enhancement, PGCE Secondary Sciences) willjoin our Senior School team as Head of Physics. Ms Pace has taught in the UK and the MiddleEast. She has completed the IBDP course in Physics. Ms Pace has run the Duke of EdinburghAward scheme, coached football and run a Science club. Her hobbies are travelling and teamsports. Ms Pace has done voluntary work with students with learning difficulties.

Mr Samuel Brassington (BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance Studies, Master of Arts in Dramaand Theatre Education and PGCE in Drama) will join our Senior School staff as Head of the Dramadepartment. Mr Brassington is a keen footballer who has a coaching badge and supports Stoke City.He also plays the guitar.

A Message From Mr Colin Bradshaw Bastida (Head of the Senior School) regarding SeniorSchool examination results will appear in next week’s newsletter.

Primary School - National Tests Results Information 2017 for Key Stage 2Last Year’s Year 6 were the second year group to take the new SATs tests. There havebeen major changes in the way end of Key Stage 2 results are reported in England and Iam including in this newsletter some comments about these changes released by theDepartment for Education (DFE) in England in July last year.

“The 2016 Key Stage 2 assessments are the first which assess the new, more challengingnational curriculum which was introduced in 2014. Results are no longer reported as levels,and each pupil will now receive their test results as a scaled score. Because of thechanges set out above, figures for 2016 are not comparable to those for earlier years. Theexpectations for pupils at the end of Key Stage 2 have been raised. Given the differences inthe curriculum and assessments, levels are not comparable with scaled scores or teacherassessment outcomes.”

The new scaled score range runs from 80 to 120 with 100 as the expected standard and110+ designated as a “high standard”. A summary of this year’s results can be found below.

Reaching or exceedingthe expected standard

Achieving a high standard

Reaching or exceeding the

Achieving a high standard

The Principal’s Weekly Newsletter

in English in English expected standard in Mathematics

in Mathematics

Southlands 83% 25% 86% 25%

England 71% 24% 75% 22%

Congratulations to the children and the teachers for these excellent results.

Primary School PresentationsFor all parents of children in Nursery, Reception and Years 1 & 2 on

Wednesday 27thSeptember

For all parents of children in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 on Thursday 28th September

▪ Would you like to find out about the variety of teaching techniques we use in theclassroom?

▪ Would you like to see how the use of practical activities complement traditional teachingmethods?

▪ Would you like to find out how you can support your child at home?

If so, come along to the Presentation for Parents! Come to find out more about:

▪ Literacy: Reading, Understanding and Speaking.▪ Science: In Action▪ Geography/History: Discovery▪ PSHE: An insight into what we do at Southlands.▪ Music: Hitting the right note.▪ Numeracy: Hints and Tips▪ Library: Book your place!▪ EAL: What we do.▪ Educational Support: Extra help when it is needed.▪ ICT: Resources and safety

We look forward to seeing you there!Mr Graham Thompson and the Primary School Team

Messages From the AdministrationCoffee CornerThe Coffee Corner has taken off and as the fine weather continues we look forward to seeingmore parents making the most of the complimentary morning refreshments. The Coffee Corner isopen Monday to Friday from 8.50-9.15 and we extend the invitation to you all.

School PremisesThe grounds at Southlands are open to our parents and children should they wish to play and relaxafter school. However, the Nursery garden, Reception garden and area in front of the gym andequipment (e.g. bicycles) are off limits. May we remind you that, as parents, you are responsiblefor monitoring your children and any non-Southlands child that accompanies you? Please continueto supervise the children in your care ensuring that their behaviour is appropriate. Your co-operationin this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

We count on your assistance in this regard in order to ensure that equipment and personal itemsare not damaged or inadvertently misplaced. In addition, the cleaning staff commence their dutiesin several areas of the school after 3.45pm.

Driving SafelyLet’s all think about the environment and about other parents that waitfor their children by the gate at 3.25pm by switching off our engines.Getting into the habit of turning your car engine off is good forbystanders and your engine components too.

To ensure the well-being of children and adults alike, we stress theimportance of not parking cars and dropping off children in the areaadjacent to the pedestrian gate.

Driving safely in the school car park is essential for the well-being ofchildren, parents and teachers alike. However, we still see recklessdriving that could have dangerous consequences. May we remindyou to:

drive under 20 km/h avoid using mobile phones park in the designated bays take extra care when reversing if you hit/damage a car, be courteous enough to leave your telephone number and

name on the damaged car's windscreen.

Morning Breakfast & Homework ClubMorning Breakfast 7.30 - 8.50 a.m. & Homework Club 3.45 - 4.45 p.m.The above services have started well. If you require either of these services please contact theoffice for further information.

Southlands AppDownload the Southlands English School App.

Welcome back and do have an enjoyable weekend.