Nelson Academy

Nelson Academy Nursery - Donaldson

Nelson Academy Nursery

Welcome to Nelson Academy Nursery. In our nursery you will find Mrs Barber (Nursery Room Leader), Miss Sharpe and Miss Matthews. 

We are very excited to share with you our new and exciting Curriculum within our EYFS at Nelson Academy! We will be following Norfolk’s 50 things to do before you turn 5, developing skills, language, a passion for learning and resilience through life-long learning experiences, ensuring all children reach their full potential.  

Every child that joins our Nursery and continues their journey through to the end of Reception will achieve Norfolk’s 50 things. These will include #23 See it Live! in our Reception Year, #30 Yummy Picnic in our Nursery and another exciting 48 experiences!  

The Educational Programmes within the EYFS Statutory guidance will be found within every experience ensuring that all 7 areas of learning progress throughout your child’s time in our EYFS.  

We use our ClassDojo page to keep you all up to date with events and news. This is also a great way to keep you all involved in your child's learning. 

Being part of the Nelson Academy also means that we are able to access all aspects of the school e.g. using the hall for physical development activities and the wildlife area to learn about the world around us.  All children are provided with free fruit and milk, and have access to both indoor and outdoor learning environments.  If you are planning to send your child to Nelson Academy, then being in our Nursery will make the transition easier. 

Nursery sessions:    Morning session – 9am – 12noon
Afternoon session – 12noon – 3pm
All day – 9am – 3pm 

Claim your 15 hours FREE education or 30 hours of FREE education (subject to eligibility) – Contact us for more details 01366 383824  

We believe that Nursery should build on the valuable learning experiences that children have at home to give them a head start in their social, physical and educational development. 

Research shows that children learn best when they feel happy, safe, secure and excited about what they are doing. It is our job to encourage children to explore, question, make choices, collaborate and have fun learning. These experiences will allow them to develop a love of learning, build strong friendships with their peers and learn new independent skills. 

Children can start at Nelson Academy Nursery with funding (15 or 30 hours) the term after their third birthday.  However, if you would like to pay extra, your child can start as soon as they turn 3.  All of our sessions are 3 hours long and we understand that every family has different work and home commitments. Therefore, we offer a flexible approach to how these sessions are used. You can choose between morning or afternoon sessions, or a mix of full and half days. 

Sessions and fees 

Our timings are:
Morning session – 9am – 12noon
Afternoon session – 12noon – 3pm
All day – 9am – 3pm 

Additional paid sessions will be available soon at a cost of £15 per session; please call the Nursery on 01366 383824, or ask for more information when you visit us. 

We look forward to meeting you and your child here at the nursery.  

Reception – Attenborough and Anning

Welcome to Reception!
We are very excited to share our inspiring curriculum within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Nelson Academy.

🌟 Our EYFS Curriculum – 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 🌟
At Nelson Academy, our Reception and Nursery curriculum is inspired by the Norfolk 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 initiatives. This framework provides children with rich, meaningful experiences and lays strong foundations for future learning.

By the end of Reception, our aim is that children who have been with us from Nursery through to Reception will have experienced all 50 activities, giving them the best possible start as they move into Year 1 and beyond. These include:

• #30 Yummy Picnic in Nursery
• #23 See It Live! in Reception
  … plus another 48 exciting adventures along the way!

Each week, we share the experience we are focusing on in school, and we encourage families to continue and build upon these experiences at home too.
Find out more here: Norfolk’s 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5

All of the 50 Things experiences are carefully linked to the EYFS Statutory Frameworks, ensuring children make progress across all areas of learning and development.

Alongside the 50 Things curriculum, children will:

• Learn phonics through the Little Wandle programme
• Develop their understanding of mathematics with White Rose Maths
• Enjoy a wide range of storytelling, singing, and rhymes to build a love of language and reading

Reception Classes at Nelson Academy

We are very proud of our Reception team, who provide a nurturing, engaging, and inspiring start to school life:

• Attenborough Class (Reception)
  • Teacher: Mrs Carmen and then Miss Gipp after October half term.
  • Teaching Assistants: Miss Cowell
• Anning Class (Reception/Year 1 mixed)
  • Teacher: Miss Armit
  • Teaching Assistants: Miss Smith

We are passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every child can grow in confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and reach their full potential.

The EYFS team looks forward to working in partnership with you to make your child’s Reception journey truly special.

 Miss Gipp – Attenborough Class
Miss Armit – Anning Class

Year 1 – Banks

Welcome to Year One, Banks Class!

In our class, our adults are Mrs.Sek (the Scottish one who loves art), Miss Armstrong (who is expert at doing great voices when she reads stories) and Miss.Veal (who loves singing Maths Meeting songs and working with us on maths challenges).

From the beginning of the year, we will build on prior learning from reception with lots of exciting challenges and experiences which will make the learning stick! Our learning will be developed through enhanced provision, which will allow each child to explore topics and skills throughout the week.

We will build upon the phonics knowledge picked up last year, starting with a recap of the sounds learnt in Reception. We will then introduce new sounds and tricky words which will be applied in our reading practise groups and when we read in our cosy book corner. It is really important to share books at home, and if possible, join the library as there are so many lovely books to borrow there too!

We will focus on ‘place value’ in Maths for the first half-term, ensuring that the children have an extremely solid understanding of place value and the number system. We will be comparing, ordering and representing numbers. This will be supported with our daily maths meetings, and all the catchy songs and rhymes!

Once we have completed our introductory assessments, reading books will be given out and changed every Wednesday, so please ensure you remember to bring it back! This year, each child will have a physical book to bring home, along with their reading record. We will also visit the school library every Tuesday, where children can choose a book to borrow for a week.

We have so many exciting topics to learn about too! History we are going back to the Roman period, In Geography we are learning about the British Isles and in Science, Forces (Push and Pull). There will be lots of opportunity for us to be creative too, with a Colour unit in Art, Pizza designing in DT and Carnival of the Animals in Music. We will also be introduced to a lot more music in our daily listening calendar session. 

Our P.E will be on a Tuesday, so children need to come into school in their P.E kit (with earrings removed and hair tied up please).

We look forward to a fun filled year and are sure every learner will leave our classes knowing more, remembering more and achieving more!

Mrs.Sek,

Year 1 and 2 – Boudica 

Welcome to Boudica class! 

We are Mrs Melia and Mrs Short and we are so pleased with the start we have made to the year.    

We have worked very hard this summer to create a classroom that combines more traditional learning and elements of enhanced provision so the children have the chance to move about and learn in a hands on way.  We hope this ‘sticky learning’ will be fun for everyone and help us all to remember more! 

In English, we will continue to develop the children’s reading and writing skills through the teaching of phonics and the Y2 children will  move on to bridging the gap to spelling We are starting the year by focusing on the sense of a sentence so that we can all write sentences which make sense, start with a capital letter, end with a full stop and include a subject and verb.  Handwriting is another big focus and the children are already thinking about how to sit their letters on the line as well as their relative size.   

In maths, we are looking at place value within 20 and ensuring we really understand the numbers, how to represent them in a variety of ways and how they compare to each other.   

In history we will be travelling back in time to the Roman times and have already been thinking about how very long ago it was – thanks to our toilet roll timeline!  We are looking forward to learning about the impact they had on Britain.  

In Science this term we will be learning all about forces - discussing and exploring how forces affect us and objects around us. 

Geography this half term will be focusing on the geography of the British Isles. 

Pizza making in DT links nicely with the Romans’ homeland of Italy and in art, we have already been mixing paints to look at primary, secondary and complementary colours.  Mostly, I am impressed that they have been brilliant at washing up and cleaning up any messes they make! 

Our RE learning this half term is learning about places of worship for Christians, Jewish people and Muslims:  churches, synagogues and mosques.    

We are so excited to go on this learning journey together. 

Mrs Melia and Mrs Short

Welcome to Year 2!  

In Year 2 Miss M-B is the class teacher for Cleopatra class and in the classroom, you will also find Mrs Plummer. 

Everyone has started the year with a positive attitude to learning and friendship and we look forward to lots of exciting times ahead.  

In our year two room, we have created an inviting space for learning, including cosy reading areas and ambient lighting. 

There is so much to look forward to as we start the Autumn term.  

In English, we will continue to develop the children’s reading and writing skills through the teaching of phonics, moving on to bridging the gap to spelling and a wide range of topics. We will include a number of experience days to help the children to develop their understanding of the world and to further develop their exposure to new vocabulary.  

In maths we are looking at place value within 100 and the different ways you can partition these numbers.   

In History we will be travelling back in time to the Romans. Exploring how the Roman Empire shaped Britain through its armies, inventions, buildings and way of life. 

In Science this term we will be learning all about forces. Discussing and exploring how forces affect us and objects around us.  

Geography this half term will be focusing on The British Isles. Where we will explore the countries, landscapes, physical features and cultures that make the British Isles a unique and fascinating place to live and learn about. 

Our creative subjects also include links to our topic, Roman shields, forces and moving objects, outdoor learning and many more cross curricular opportunities! 

Our RE learning this half term will be looking into Multifaith and places of worship.   

We hope your children enjoy their time in Year Two and we are sure they will leave our class knowing more, remembering more and achieving more! 

Miss Murthwaite-Bedding – Cleopatra Class 

Year 3 – Archimedes and Drake

Welcome to Year 3!  

Our team is made up of two classes: Archimedes Class and Drake Class. The adults in Archimedes class are Mrs Pearson (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) and Mrs Smith (Thursday and Friday) along with Mrs Tasker. In Drake class the adults are Miss Abbott and Mrs Wilson.  

Our first topic this term will be Ancient Greeks. We will be comparing the lives of Spartans and Athenians, looking at the ancient philosophers, reading Greek myths, painting Greek mythology and making and eating Greek food.  

Science: We will be learning about magnetism, leavers and pulleys, insects and life cycles. 

English: our first unit will be creating our own myth and mythical creature report.  

Maths: This term will be focused on place value and the basic operations of addition and subtraction. We will be using lots of equipment to secure an understanding of numbers and applying this to reasoning and problem-solving.  

Geography: We will be exploring the local area services within our community and land uses.  

Each week we will do SPaG lessons, times table lessons, spelling lessons and guided reading lessons. Guided reading lessons will usually link to a current world event and include a range of multi-cultural and gender diverse texts.  

Our PE day this year is a Wednesday. Please ensure your child comes to school wearing the correct PE kit. We will also be completing short active sessions throughout the week to ensure your children can remain active.  

Homework will be online. This is spelling practice (Spelling Shed) and Times table practice (Timetable Rockstars). Online homework is free to access and can be accessed on all digital devices; phones, laptops, tablets and games consoles. Other exciting home learning projects will be issued and set via our class dojo pages; these will reflect our learning in class.  

Children will have their reading books changed weekly. Children will also be able to bring home a school library book on a Friday and these also need to be returned on a Friday.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Year Three team. We look forward to an exciting year!  

Mrs Pearson and Mrs Smith - Archimedes Class Teacher  

Miss Abbott - Drake Class Teacher  

Year 4 – Cromwell and Wren

Welcome to Year 4! We are excited to begin a new year of learning and look forward to working in partnership with parents to support children's progress and development. 

Our Year 4 team consists of two classes: Wren Class and Cromwell Class. Mrs Nyarko teaches Wren Class, supported by Mrs Clark. We are also delighted to welcome Miss C. Knapp, who is completing her teacher training with Wren Class and will be supporting the children throughout the year. Miss Eggleton teaches Cromwell Class, with the support of Mrs Clarke. 

This term, our History topic is Charles I and the Stuart period, while in Geography we will be exploring our local area. In Science, we will be learning about animal classification, giving children opportunities to use classification keys and apply their knowledge through practical fieldwork activities. 

In Art, we will study the work of architects from the Stuart era and use this inspiration to design and construct strong structures of our own.

In English, we will begin the year with a narrative writing unit, developing creativity, vocabulary and writing skills. In Mathematics, our focus will be on place value and the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Children will use practical resources and visual representations to strengthen their understanding of number and develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills. 

Reading remains a key priority in Year 4. We will continue to provide daily opportunities to develop reading fluency, spelling and comprehension skills, and all classes will visit the school library each Friday to encourage a lifelong love of reading. 

Reading books will be issued on Fridays and reviewed the following Friday, although children may change their books more frequently if required. Weekly spellings and times tables will also be set on Fridays and tested the following week. We greatly appreciate parental support in encouraging regular reading practice and times tables revision at home. 

If you have any questions or concerns during the year, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Year 4 team.  

Mrs Nyarko 
Wren Class Teacher 

Miss Eggleton 
Cromwell Class Teacher 

Year 5 – Hepworth and Tubman

Hello and welcome to Year 5: Hepworth and Tubman Classes! 🌟

In Tubman Class, our teacher is Miss Knapp, and our TA is Mrs Galley.

In Hepworth Class, our teacher is Mr Bidder, and our TA is Miss Jeffries.

Mrs Rosier will also be working in Year 5, supporting children from Packham Class.

We can’t wait to welcome your children to our classes, and we are going to have the best year yet!

📚 Keeping Learning Fresh at Home

We ask that you continue to spend at least 3 x 10 minutes each week on Times Tables Rock Stars. This will help to embed learning from previous years and keep those important multiplication facts fresh.

Please also visit Spelling Shed to complete the weekly assignments. Who knows, perhaps your child can become a Royal Bee! 🐝👑

📖 Reading

In Year 5, children are becoming increasingly independent readers, so we encourage you to check in regularly about what they are reading and talk to them about their books.

It is still hugely beneficial to read with your child too, whether that means sharing a book, taking turns reading or simply discussing a story together.

Please use the Reading Journals to let us know what your child has been reading and return them to school regularly. This helps us to keep books up to date and ensures that children enjoy a wide range of texts.

We have some special reading rewards for regular readers, so let us know what your child has enjoyed and make recommendations for our reading area. You might even earn a special treat! 📚✨

We will also continue to have weekly library sessions, where children can choose books to bring home and share with their families.

🏉 PE 

Our PE day is Thursday, so children should come to school wearing their PE kit on this day.

Later in the year, children will also have swimming lessons. More information will follow after Christmas.

🏛️ History

During the Autumn term, our History learning will explore the end of the Stuart period and why the Georgian period began.

This will build on the History learning children completed in Year 4 and will pave the way for all the exciting History learning still to come!

🔬 Science

In Science, we will be exploring and investigating rocks and soils, which links beautifully with our English work on Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

If you have any related books at home, or if you have visited museums or been on trips where you have seen anything exciting connected to rocks, fossils or the Earth, please let us know!

🎨 Art and DT

We will be getting creative through Art, DT and lots of cross-curricular projects throughout the year!

Our first Art unit will compare Rococo and Modernism – two very different styles, but equally fascinating to explore.

Very early in the year, we will also be producing work for our annual exhibition, which will have a worldwide theme. We will share invitations to come and see the children's wonderful creations very soon!

💧 A Few Reminders

Please send a water bottle into school each day. Children are also welcome to bring a healthy snack for breaktime.

School lunches should be ordered through the Aspens app.

At the end of the school day, we will bring the children to the door onto the field for collection.

💬 Keeping in Touch

We are very much looking forward to learning and growing together over the coming year.

Please come and see us or send us a ClassDojo message if you have any questions, or if you would like to share some exciting news from home.

And finally… Pritt Sticks are always welcome too! 😉✂️

We can't wait to get started!

From,
The Year 5 Team 💛

Year 6 – Darwin and Fleming

Welcome to Year 6 

In Year 6, our teaching team consists of Mr Taylor (Darwin Class) and Miss Atkinson (Fleming Class), supported by Mrs Klyn, Mrs Barnes, and Miss Jory. 

PE and swimming take place on Wednesdays, with swimming running during the first term only. 

Homework and spellings are set every Wednesday and includes tasks in maths, reading, and grammar. Children also have access to Times Tables Rock Stars and Spelling Shed, which provide engaging ways to continue practising their spelling and times tables at home.  

This year, we will place a strong focus on mastering the core skills to give every child the best possible chance of success as they prepare for the next stage of their education. Our curriculum map, available on the school website, outlines the exciting topics and learning experiences planned for the year. We will also be posting our subject knowledge organisers onto our Dojo pages so you can keep up-to-date with class learning.  

As the oldest pupils in the school, Year 6 children are encouraged to be excellent role models — looking smart, working hard, and showing respect for others and for our school community.  

Year 6 is also a time to prepare for the transition to high school, while making sure pupils enjoy the very best final year of their primary school journey.  

Above all, we want Year 6 to be a time when children challenge themselves, enjoy their learning, and feel safe and supported every step of the way. 

Rosen Class

In Rosen class, our team of adults are Mrs Limbert, Mrs Whiting and Miss Liles.

Rosen is an enhanced provision class, for children who need additional support in accessing the curriculum.  Our daily routine includes a combination of discreet teaching sessions in small groups and the use of continuous provision activities, that give the children time to explore a variety of resources.  We develop listening and attention skills using the Attention Autism Bucket intervention and word level understanding is developed through the retelling of sensory stories. 

Our curriculum is supported by the Sensory classroom schemes of work, with learning adapted to suit the needs of the pupils.

We spend time each week in the school library, enjoying stories and learning how to handle books with interest and care.  On Mondays, we use the hall to develop various physical skills during PE lessons.

 

ASD SRB Unit 

ASD SRB 

About us-

Our ASD SRB is for pupils with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (or who are on the ASD pathway) who need specialist input to enable them to overcome barriers to accessing mainstream lessons.