Friday 7th March 2025
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This fortnight we bring you updates from our Rivers phase.
Welcome back to another edition of the Rivers Phase Newsletter! As we journey through another busy term, we are delighted to bring you the latest news, updates, and celebrations from our school community.
Our 9R1 students have been diving into the fascinating world of sound through musical instruments! As part of their learning, they have explored the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves and discovered how sound travels from its source to the ear. Through hands-on activities and engaging discussions, students are developing a deeper understanding of the science behind sound, vibrations, and wave properties. We look forward to seeing their continued curiosity and enthusiasm as they explore more about the physics of sound!
In Humanities, our 9R2 students have been delving into the fascinating world of ecosystems. They have been learning about what an ecosystem is, how different components interact, and why they are essential for our planet. To showcase their understanding, students have started creating engaging and informative posters, highlighting key aspects of ecosystems. We can’t wait to see their creativity shine as they bring their learning to life.
10R1 have been working towards and completing their speaking and listening assessments. All students have worked extremely hard to ensure they receive a high mark. They have been discussing the dangers and benefits of social media and building onto prior knowledge with further research. Well done for engaging in some really insightful discussions!
10R2 have been learning about the Jewish festival Tu B Shevat in RE and finding out interesting facts about this celebration. It is a new year celebration and focuses on trees and fruits to symbolise new beginnings. During this time, people try new fruit, plant trees, and show appreciation for all the things that trees do for the environment. We have also been covering ratio and fractions in Maths and have been moving onto more challenging work using mixed fractions. As a whole group we looked at visual aids and used ‘Bitesize’ interactive Maths to help us order and compare fractions. Our next step is to look at the difference between proper and improper fractions.
11R1 have been practicing their communication skills during their careers lesson. Both in small groups and a large class group, pupils were given a topic they had to discuss. Whilst doing this, they were asked to focus on good communication by using gestures, eye contact and positivity. Everyone did a splendid job – we may have some future public speakers amongst us! In addition, we have played bingo with the residents of Hillcroft Nursing Home this week. After last week’s introductions, we all felt very much at home and are all enjoying getting to know everyone. This is enabling pupils to practice their communication skills; something they have been learning about in their careers pathway this half term. Cross-curricular learning at its best!
As part of their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering section, 11R2 have been on a visit to the Black Country Foodbank, they heavily rely on volunteers to work there, who give up their time to support and help the community in preparing essential food parcels for people in a crisis. 11R2 have also just completed their speaking and listening assessments as part of their Entry Level Certificate in English, the task was to talk about social networking and their favourite sites that they use. This was a great topic for them, as they all love social networking on their phones! All pupils did really well in their assessments.
Whole school events
🔬 Science Sparks: A Day of Discovery! 🚀
Ahead of British Science Week, our pupils dived into a fun-filled Science Day packed with exciting experiments and hands-on activities! From creating musical water xylophones and bubbling lemon eruptions to designing robot hands and mastering the art of rock stacking, curiosity was in full swing. The energy was electric, and both pupils and staff had a blast exploring the wonders of science! 🌍✨
World Book Day at Sutton School
World Book Day was a fantastic celebration of stories, imagination, and the joy of reading! In our SEN school, we recognise that reading takes many forms, and all are equally valuable. Whether through traditional books, visual storytelling, or sensory experiences, reading sparks creativity, enhances communication, and helps our pupils explore new worlds in a way that suits their individual needs.
A huge thank you to our parents and staff who went above and beyond to make the day so special. Your enthusiasm and dedication ensured that every child had a fun and engaging experience. Let’s continue to foster a love of reading in all its wonderful forms!
Beyond Sutton
The Zones of Regulation: Helping Your Child Manage Emotions at Home
At Sutton School, we use the Zones of Regulation to help pupils understand and manage their emotions, and we encourage parents to explore this approach too! By learning about the Zones, you can support your child at home, help them build self-regulation skills, and put strategies in place to reduce stress and avoid triggers.
The Zones of Regulation framework breaks emotions into four color-coded zones:
By recognising these zones in your child, you can create routines and strategies that help them stay in or return to the Green Zone—where they feel calm, focused, and ready to engage.
When parents and school work together using the same strategies, it creates a consistent and supportive approach, making it easier for children to regulate their emotions in different settings.
If you'd like more information on the Zones of Regulation and how to use them at home, to support our children in managing their emotions and building resilience, please read this pdf, and visit this site for further information.
Community support at your local library
Did you know that Dudley Council’s libraries offer more than just books? They are a hub for valuable community support, providing access to expert advice and essential services—all under one roof!
Barclays Bank Surgeries – Get expert financial guidance directly from banking professionals. Whether you need advice on budgeting, fraud prevention, or managing your finances, their team is here to help.
1-2-1 Business Support – Thinking of starting a business or need help growing an existing one? Get tailored advice from business experts.
Cost of Living Support – Struggling with rising costs? Find out what help is available to you, from benefits advice to energy-saving tips.
Room Hire & More! – Need a space for meetings, events, or community activities?
These fantastic free services are available at select libraries across Dudley.
Pop into your local library to find out more or visit the Dudley Council website for details on upcoming sessions or check the availability here. Let’s make the most of these brilliant community resources!
Young carers day, 12th March 2025.
At Sutton School, we recognise the incredible role that young carers play in their families and communities. Many of our students take on responsibilities beyond their years, supporting loved ones with additional needs. As a SEN school, we understand that every family’s circumstances are unique and ever-changing, and we are committed to providing the right support to help our young carers balance their education with their responsibilities at home.
If you think your child may be a young carer, or if your family’s needs have changed, please reach out to them—they are here to help.
#YoungCarersDay #SupportingYoungCarers #WeLoveCarers