Recurring events throughout the year
Responding to parent feedback, particularly from parents who are new to the school, this page will hopefully provide an overview of the events that take place regularly throughout the year and how you can get involved:
September
Friends of Westwood School (FoWs) AGM
This is the first meeting of our FoWs (PTA) in the academic year and is an opportunity to come along to school and meet the volunteers who work hard to raise money for our school, find out more about how you can get involved and also even become a part of the committee. This is voted for during the evening , following a review of the previous year's successes.
Meet the Teacher meeting
Early in the academic year, we provide the opportunity for parents and carers to come in to school and spend 20 minutes with their new class teacher and other parents to learn and discuss what the year has in store. This is in an informal meeting that takes place in classrooms and teachers will aim to outline routines, expectations and hopes for the year, as well as address any issues and take any questions that you may have. This is also an excellent opportunity to find out how you can support your child with their learning at home.
Governors FGB (Full Governing Body) & Committee meetings
The governors of Westwood with Iford School meet six times a year to oversee and discuss the running, management and success of the school. If you are interested in becoming a school governor, please contact our Clerk, Michelle Hocking on clerk@westwoodwithiford.org
Science Week
During September we usually organise a Science week where the children will get to experience a number of exciting scientific opportunities, including a hands-on session with a scientist. We normally ask for a small donation to enable this event to take place.
This is the first meeting of our FoWs (PTA) in the academic year and is an opportunity to come along to school and meet the volunteers who work hard to raise money for our school, find out more about how you can get involved and also even become a part of the committee. This is voted for during the evening , following a review of the previous year's successes.
Meet the Teacher meeting
Early in the academic year, we provide the opportunity for parents and carers to come in to school and spend 20 minutes with their new class teacher and other parents to learn and discuss what the year has in store. This is in an informal meeting that takes place in classrooms and teachers will aim to outline routines, expectations and hopes for the year, as well as address any issues and take any questions that you may have. This is also an excellent opportunity to find out how you can support your child with their learning at home.
Governors FGB (Full Governing Body) & Committee meetings
The governors of Westwood with Iford School meet six times a year to oversee and discuss the running, management and success of the school. If you are interested in becoming a school governor, please contact our Clerk, Michelle Hocking on clerk@westwoodwithiford.org
Science Week
During September we usually organise a Science week where the children will get to experience a number of exciting scientific opportunities, including a hands-on session with a scientist. We normally ask for a small donation to enable this event to take place.
October
School Open Morning
If you know of anyone who would like to visit us and have a look around, we can always accommodate visits, but open morning is where we open the school to everyone who has an interest in bringing their child to our school either now or in the future. The head teacher will give parents a tour of the school and is happy to answer questions about how we work at Westwood. This then enables you to decide whether our school would be the primary learning experience you are looking for.
Home School Learning Partnership & Reading Meeting
As a school we are always trying to encourage a strong partnership between home and school so that we can work together to give our children the best possible chance of success. This meeting is for parents and carers to come along and listen to our staff explain how you can support your child with their learning through phonic strategies, reading, homework activities, or maybe even something more targeted. It is also a chance to ask questions and find out how we deliver phonics and reading in school. Highly recommended for everyone to attend as this will maintain a strong partnership between home and school.
School Disco
Throughout the year school discos are organised by our FoWs for the children and they are always incredibly popular. They take place in the school hall, with our youngest dancers (reception, Y1&2) attending from 5-6pm and our older dancers (Y3-6) from 6.15-7.30. With a nominal charge to get in and the opportunity to buy disco accessories (!), children always love dancing to DJ Stuart. Under 5s will need a parent to stay and all children require consent to attend.
Simonsbath Residential Week
Every other year we take our Year 5 and 6 children on a week's residential to Simonsbath House Outdoor Centre on Exmoor. Here they will spend a week living with their peers and experiencing a vast array of exciting outdoor activities. In preparation for this week away, Mrs Hannam, our group leader will lead an evening meeting in the previous summer to outline the details of what will happen during the week and to answer any questions. This is a parent funded week's residential.
Harvest Assembly
Every year we hold a traditional Harvest assembly in the school hall where all parents, carers and family members are welcome to attend. This takes place in the school hall and we ask for a range of non-perishable donations on the day which we then take to the Trowbridge Storehouse Foodbank, who are always incredibly grateful.
Tea with the Head
At the end of every term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow at the end of the school day for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!). We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
If you know of anyone who would like to visit us and have a look around, we can always accommodate visits, but open morning is where we open the school to everyone who has an interest in bringing their child to our school either now or in the future. The head teacher will give parents a tour of the school and is happy to answer questions about how we work at Westwood. This then enables you to decide whether our school would be the primary learning experience you are looking for.
Home School Learning Partnership & Reading Meeting
As a school we are always trying to encourage a strong partnership between home and school so that we can work together to give our children the best possible chance of success. This meeting is for parents and carers to come along and listen to our staff explain how you can support your child with their learning through phonic strategies, reading, homework activities, or maybe even something more targeted. It is also a chance to ask questions and find out how we deliver phonics and reading in school. Highly recommended for everyone to attend as this will maintain a strong partnership between home and school.
School Disco
Throughout the year school discos are organised by our FoWs for the children and they are always incredibly popular. They take place in the school hall, with our youngest dancers (reception, Y1&2) attending from 5-6pm and our older dancers (Y3-6) from 6.15-7.30. With a nominal charge to get in and the opportunity to buy disco accessories (!), children always love dancing to DJ Stuart. Under 5s will need a parent to stay and all children require consent to attend.
Simonsbath Residential Week
Every other year we take our Year 5 and 6 children on a week's residential to Simonsbath House Outdoor Centre on Exmoor. Here they will spend a week living with their peers and experiencing a vast array of exciting outdoor activities. In preparation for this week away, Mrs Hannam, our group leader will lead an evening meeting in the previous summer to outline the details of what will happen during the week and to answer any questions. This is a parent funded week's residential.
Harvest Assembly
Every year we hold a traditional Harvest assembly in the school hall where all parents, carers and family members are welcome to attend. This takes place in the school hall and we ask for a range of non-perishable donations on the day which we then take to the Trowbridge Storehouse Foodbank, who are always incredibly grateful.
Tea with the Head
At the end of every term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow at the end of the school day for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!). We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
November
Parent Consultations
These are an opportunity for parents and carers to sign up for a 10 minute consultation slot with their class teacher to discuss their child's progress, attainment and school experience. You can sign up for an appointment at least a week in advance and sign up sheets for each class and each consultation evening date will be in the entrance hall to the school on the shelf under the notice board. Please do sign up as we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to meet with you outside of these dates.
Children in Need non-uniform day
To celebrate Children in Need day and raise money for this worthwhile charity, children are invited to come to school in their own clothes and to bring a £1 donation. Money collected is then sent to Children in Need.
Parent Online Safety Meeting
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our children safe online, parents and carers are invited to an evening meeting where the latest topics, developments and strategies for keeping children safe online are shared. Every year this becomes even more important for discussion and the online safety lead for the school will talk through the need to educate and talk to our children about keeping safe online, how we approach this in school and how you can work with us at home to continue good practice.
These are an opportunity for parents and carers to sign up for a 10 minute consultation slot with their class teacher to discuss their child's progress, attainment and school experience. You can sign up for an appointment at least a week in advance and sign up sheets for each class and each consultation evening date will be in the entrance hall to the school on the shelf under the notice board. Please do sign up as we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to meet with you outside of these dates.
Children in Need non-uniform day
To celebrate Children in Need day and raise money for this worthwhile charity, children are invited to come to school in their own clothes and to bring a £1 donation. Money collected is then sent to Children in Need.
Parent Online Safety Meeting
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our children safe online, parents and carers are invited to an evening meeting where the latest topics, developments and strategies for keeping children safe online are shared. Every year this becomes even more important for discussion and the online safety lead for the school will talk through the need to educate and talk to our children about keeping safe online, how we approach this in school and how you can work with us at home to continue good practice.
December
Advent assembly
At he beginning of advent the Head will lead an assembly just for the children , remembering the Christmas story and the story of advent in a traditional way.
EYFS/KS1 Christmas Performance
Every year the children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 work together to perform a traditional, exciting and just brilliant Christmas play for parents, carers and family to watch. Two performances are given, one in the morning and one in the evening, with tickets limited to the number of seats we are able to accommodate in our school hall.
Christmas Jumper Day
We always support Save the Children by wearing a Christmas Jumper on this day and the children are asked to bring in a £1 donation , which we send off to the charity.
Christmas Lunch
We always ask our caterers, Lataca, to provide us with a Christmas lunch and we provide crackers to make it extra festive. This is a whole school event and meals can be booked in the usual way through Lataca in advance.
Christingle Service
Every year we celebrate Christingle at Westwood church, with the whole school attending. As there is limited space at the church, this is a school only event, but children will definitely need coats and possibly wellies for the walk down to the church.
Carols around the tree assembly
This is the final assembly of the Christmas term and everyone is invited to share in the magic of Christmas! With performances from live musicians, dancers, readings and songs, this is always a special time where the whole school community comes together, so all parents, carers and family are welcome to join us.
Tea and mince pies with the Head
At the end of the Christmas term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow after the Carols around the tree assembly for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!) or a mince pie. We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
At he beginning of advent the Head will lead an assembly just for the children , remembering the Christmas story and the story of advent in a traditional way.
EYFS/KS1 Christmas Performance
Every year the children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 work together to perform a traditional, exciting and just brilliant Christmas play for parents, carers and family to watch. Two performances are given, one in the morning and one in the evening, with tickets limited to the number of seats we are able to accommodate in our school hall.
Christmas Jumper Day
We always support Save the Children by wearing a Christmas Jumper on this day and the children are asked to bring in a £1 donation , which we send off to the charity.
Christmas Lunch
We always ask our caterers, Lataca, to provide us with a Christmas lunch and we provide crackers to make it extra festive. This is a whole school event and meals can be booked in the usual way through Lataca in advance.
Christingle Service
Every year we celebrate Christingle at Westwood church, with the whole school attending. As there is limited space at the church, this is a school only event, but children will definitely need coats and possibly wellies for the walk down to the church.
Carols around the tree assembly
This is the final assembly of the Christmas term and everyone is invited to share in the magic of Christmas! With performances from live musicians, dancers, readings and songs, this is always a special time where the whole school community comes together, so all parents, carers and family are welcome to join us.
Tea and mince pies with the Head
At the end of the Christmas term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow after the Carols around the tree assembly for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!) or a mince pie. We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
January
School Disco
Throughout the year school discos are organised by our FoWs for the children and they are always incredibly popular. They take place in the school hall, with our youngest dancers (reception, Y1&2) attending from 5-6pm and our older dancers (Y3-6) from 6.15-7.30. With a nominal charge to get in and the opportunity to buy disco accessories (!), children always love dancing to DJ Stuart. Under 5s will need a parent to stay and all children require consent to attend.
Throughout the year school discos are organised by our FoWs for the children and they are always incredibly popular. They take place in the school hall, with our youngest dancers (reception, Y1&2) attending from 5-6pm and our older dancers (Y3-6) from 6.15-7.30. With a nominal charge to get in and the opportunity to buy disco accessories (!), children always love dancing to DJ Stuart. Under 5s will need a parent to stay and all children require consent to attend.
February
Safer Internet Day
In school we always celebrate and address safer internet day. Each year there has a different theme and we work hard to talk to our children about this in school as it is such an important area of learning.
Interim reports to parents
Mid way through the year parents are given an overview report summarising the progress their child is making and their attainment so far. Each child will also be given next steps in learning for English and maths. These are useful for parents to focus on in order to support their child's learning.
Tea with the Head
At the end of every term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow at the end of the school day for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!). We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
In school we always celebrate and address safer internet day. Each year there has a different theme and we work hard to talk to our children about this in school as it is such an important area of learning.
Interim reports to parents
Mid way through the year parents are given an overview report summarising the progress their child is making and their attainment so far. Each child will also be given next steps in learning for English and maths. These are useful for parents to focus on in order to support their child's learning.
Tea with the Head
At the end of every term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow at the end of the school day for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!). We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
March
Parent Consultations
These are an opportunity for parents and carers to sign up for a 10 minute consultation slot with their class teacher to discuss their child's progress, attainment and school experience. You can sign up for an appointment at least a week in advance and sign up sheets for each class and each consultation evening date will be in the entrance hall to the school on the shelf under the notice board. Please do sign up as we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to meet with you outside of these dates.
World Book Day
To celebrate World Book Day, classes spend the day immersing themselves in literature, reading and writing. In the past we have dressed up as book characters for World Book Day, but we also sometimes bring in a book we have read to swap with a friend who may not have read it. This develops our love of reading. Please look out for a letter nearer the time with our focus for the year.
Family Friday afternoon and International Day
This is an opportunity for female family members to join us in school for the afternoon to see what the children are learning and to get involved in an international learning themed afternoon. One of our favourite times of the year, you are welcome to join us for as little or as much of the afternoon as you wish and sit with your child and enjoy time together in class. This special afternoon will end with a tea party in class with all other families and children.
School Disco
Throughout the year school discos are organised by our FoWs for the children and they are always incredibly popular. They take place in the school hall, with our youngest dancers (reception, Y1&2) attending from 5-6pm and our older dancers (Y3-6) from 6.15-7.30. With a nominal charge to get in and the opportunity to buy disco accessories (!), children always love dancing to DJ Stuart. Under 5s will need a parent to stay and all children require consent to attend.
These are an opportunity for parents and carers to sign up for a 10 minute consultation slot with their class teacher to discuss their child's progress, attainment and school experience. You can sign up for an appointment at least a week in advance and sign up sheets for each class and each consultation evening date will be in the entrance hall to the school on the shelf under the notice board. Please do sign up as we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to meet with you outside of these dates.
World Book Day
To celebrate World Book Day, classes spend the day immersing themselves in literature, reading and writing. In the past we have dressed up as book characters for World Book Day, but we also sometimes bring in a book we have read to swap with a friend who may not have read it. This develops our love of reading. Please look out for a letter nearer the time with our focus for the year.
Family Friday afternoon and International Day
This is an opportunity for female family members to join us in school for the afternoon to see what the children are learning and to get involved in an international learning themed afternoon. One of our favourite times of the year, you are welcome to join us for as little or as much of the afternoon as you wish and sit with your child and enjoy time together in class. This special afternoon will end with a tea party in class with all other families and children.
School Disco
Throughout the year school discos are organised by our FoWs for the children and they are always incredibly popular. They take place in the school hall, with our youngest dancers (reception, Y1&2) attending from 5-6pm and our older dancers (Y3-6) from 6.15-7.30. With a nominal charge to get in and the opportunity to buy disco accessories (!), children always love dancing to DJ Stuart. Under 5s will need a parent to stay and all children require consent to attend.
April
Easter Assembly, Bonnet Parade & Egg Rolling
Our end of term assembly is another opportunity for parents, carers and family to join us in the school hall and celebrate another lovely term in school. After an assembly focusing on the story of Easter, with readings, Easter songs and performances from the children, we then head outside for our traditional, annual bonnet parade. In the week leading up to this, children will be asked to make an Easter bonnet and decorate an egg for homework. Bonnets will be worn and paraded around the field before eggs are rolled in a competition to see whose can go the furthest!
Tea with the Head
At the end of every term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow at the end of the school day for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!). We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
Our end of term assembly is another opportunity for parents, carers and family to join us in the school hall and celebrate another lovely term in school. After an assembly focusing on the story of Easter, with readings, Easter songs and performances from the children, we then head outside for our traditional, annual bonnet parade. In the week leading up to this, children will be asked to make an Easter bonnet and decorate an egg for homework. Bonnets will be worn and paraded around the field before eggs are rolled in a competition to see whose can go the furthest!
Tea with the Head
At the end of every term you are invited to join the head teacher in the meadow at the end of the school day for a free cup of tea, coffee or glass of squash and some free cake (kindly made by the head's mum!). We have done this for many years and it is a lovely way to informally chat and finish a term before we head off into the holidays. Please do join us!
May
KS1 SATs
Throughout May, children in Year 2 will take their end of Key Stage 1 SATs. They will however, be unaware that is what they are taking as we always keep this very low key and relaxed so as not to put any undue pressure on the children. If you could avoid referring to these as SATs, we would greatly appreciate it!
KS2 SATs
In May, children in Year 6 will take their end of Key Stage 2 SATs. This can be sometimes be a difficult and stressful time for the children, but we always try to make it as relaxed and as informal as possible. We do not give SATs homework or run SATs clubs. We are proud of our children's achievements, all of which are celebrated and achieved during school hours. Mrs Tyler always runs a SATs breakfast club during the week for all children as a great way to start the day with fun and friends.
Skipping Day
To support the British Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Life initiative, we always take part in a healthy skipping day. Children come to school in PE kit and take part in a range of fun and exciting skipping activities. We ask for a £1 donation, which we send to the British Heart Foundation.
Sports Day
Sports day at Westwood school is very much a traditional affair, with flat races, egg &spoon, sack race, relays and so much more. Parents, carers and family are all invited for the afternoon to watch the races and cheer their children on. There are, of course, races for the adults too! Children are asked to come to school in PE kit for the day, as we also have a morning of sport, and to bring a sun hat and a full drinks bottle.
Race for Life
Every year we always hold our own school Race for Life for Cancer Research on the school field. This takes place on the last afternoon of the May half term straight after school at 3.15pm. Children and parents, carers and family can all take part and obtain sponsorship for this very worthwhile cause, with Reception, Year 1 and 2 children completing 2 laps of our school field and Years 3-6 completing 4 laps. Everyone who takes part will receive their own medal and we always try to raise as much money as possible. Race for Life is always followed by Tea with the Head on the field and is a very special occasion.
Throughout May, children in Year 2 will take their end of Key Stage 1 SATs. They will however, be unaware that is what they are taking as we always keep this very low key and relaxed so as not to put any undue pressure on the children. If you could avoid referring to these as SATs, we would greatly appreciate it!
KS2 SATs
In May, children in Year 6 will take their end of Key Stage 2 SATs. This can be sometimes be a difficult and stressful time for the children, but we always try to make it as relaxed and as informal as possible. We do not give SATs homework or run SATs clubs. We are proud of our children's achievements, all of which are celebrated and achieved during school hours. Mrs Tyler always runs a SATs breakfast club during the week for all children as a great way to start the day with fun and friends.
Skipping Day
To support the British Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Life initiative, we always take part in a healthy skipping day. Children come to school in PE kit and take part in a range of fun and exciting skipping activities. We ask for a £1 donation, which we send to the British Heart Foundation.
Sports Day
Sports day at Westwood school is very much a traditional affair, with flat races, egg &spoon, sack race, relays and so much more. Parents, carers and family are all invited for the afternoon to watch the races and cheer their children on. There are, of course, races for the adults too! Children are asked to come to school in PE kit for the day, as we also have a morning of sport, and to bring a sun hat and a full drinks bottle.
Race for Life
Every year we always hold our own school Race for Life for Cancer Research on the school field. This takes place on the last afternoon of the May half term straight after school at 3.15pm. Children and parents, carers and family can all take part and obtain sponsorship for this very worthwhile cause, with Reception, Year 1 and 2 children completing 2 laps of our school field and Years 3-6 completing 4 laps. Everyone who takes part will receive their own medal and we always try to raise as much money as possible. Race for Life is always followed by Tea with the Head on the field and is a very special occasion.
June
Phonics Testing Week
During June in school, children in Year 1 will be assessed on their knowledge of phonics. We do not tell them they are being assessed and make it a relaxed and informal part of their learning.
Family Friday afternoon and International Day
This is an opportunity for male family members to join us in school for the afternoon to see what the children are learning and to get involved in an international learning themed afternoon. One of our favourite times of the year, you are welcome to join us for as little or as much of the afternoon as you wish and sit with your child and enjoy time together in class. This special afternoon will end with a tea party in class with all other families and children.
During June in school, children in Year 1 will be assessed on their knowledge of phonics. We do not tell them they are being assessed and make it a relaxed and informal part of their learning.
Family Friday afternoon and International Day
This is an opportunity for male family members to join us in school for the afternoon to see what the children are learning and to get involved in an international learning themed afternoon. One of our favourite times of the year, you are welcome to join us for as little or as much of the afternoon as you wish and sit with your child and enjoy time together in class. This special afternoon will end with a tea party in class with all other families and children.
July
Transition Day
In July, our Year 6 children visit their new secondary school for the day and the rest of the school will spend the day with the class that they will be in for the following academic year. For some this may mean a new classroom and new teacher, but you will be given information well in advance .
KS2 Performance
Every year the children in Lotus and Orchid Class work hard to put together a slick, humorous and fun play for parents, carers and family to watch. Two performances are given on consecutive evenings. With a nominal cost, tickets are limited to the number of seats we are able to accommodate in our school hall.
Reports to Parents
At the end of the school year you will be provided with an individual, comprehensive report of your child's progress and attainment for the preceding academic year.
FoWs Activity Day
In the final week of term, our generous FoWs always fund an activity day for the children. Please send your child to school in their PE kit for the day with a sun hat and a full drinks bottle.
Year 6 Leaver's Assemblies
On the last day of Term 6 we hold two assemblies. To the morning assembly we invite parents, carers and families of children in Orchid class only to come and celebrate with us as we say goodbye to the Year 6 children who are leaving. In the afternoon we invite parents, carers and family from the whole school community to join us as we round up another year at Westwood school and say goodbye as we head into a long summer holiday. This is always followed by Tea with the Head in the meadow.
In July, our Year 6 children visit their new secondary school for the day and the rest of the school will spend the day with the class that they will be in for the following academic year. For some this may mean a new classroom and new teacher, but you will be given information well in advance .
KS2 Performance
Every year the children in Lotus and Orchid Class work hard to put together a slick, humorous and fun play for parents, carers and family to watch. Two performances are given on consecutive evenings. With a nominal cost, tickets are limited to the number of seats we are able to accommodate in our school hall.
Reports to Parents
At the end of the school year you will be provided with an individual, comprehensive report of your child's progress and attainment for the preceding academic year.
FoWs Activity Day
In the final week of term, our generous FoWs always fund an activity day for the children. Please send your child to school in their PE kit for the day with a sun hat and a full drinks bottle.
Year 6 Leaver's Assemblies
On the last day of Term 6 we hold two assemblies. To the morning assembly we invite parents, carers and families of children in Orchid class only to come and celebrate with us as we say goodbye to the Year 6 children who are leaving. In the afternoon we invite parents, carers and family from the whole school community to join us as we round up another year at Westwood school and say goodbye as we head into a long summer holiday. This is always followed by Tea with the Head in the meadow.