We had an enjoyable assembly this morning thanks to Mrs Lewis who spoke to us all about the importance of developing a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset. If we have a growth mindset, we believe that we can always improve in what we are doing. Some of the staff had a go at drawing the Eiffel Tower and we saw a mixture of mindsets. Mrs Fenn was very switched off and negative, Mr Pollard gave up half way through and Mr Lawrence thought his drawing was ‘perfect’ and there was nothing he could do to improve it. Thank goodness for Mrs McCarron and her ‘growth mindset!’

Our Governors often come in to school to learn more about what we are doing. This morning, Mrs Lewis led a focus visit all about metacognition which includes the ways we encourage the children to better understand themselves as learners. Governors observed a ‘Let’s Think’ session in Year 3 and a Maths challenge in Year 4. The children showed off their excellent thinking skills and resilience.

Mr Shorney has been coming in to Middle Park and listening to children read for more than 14 years. He is such an interesting and kind man and we feel so fortunate to have such a great friend of our school. Thank you Mr Shorney.

Years 3 and 4 had a great time in their first lunchtime Cheerleading Club with Nahteefa from Cray Wanderers.

Digital Technology Club spent the first half term practising coding, trying to overcome problems and working together to think differently about coding. After all that practice, they moved on to the more advanced Lego Mindstorms kit and they have now started building and programming robots that can move. Challenging and very exciting times ahead!

Another day and another inspiring visit, this time from Paralympic bronze medal winner Robin Womack and inspirational former pupil James Pearce. Neither James or Rob have the use of their legs, but they don’t let that stop them doing anything and they came in to talk to the children about their achievements, their challenges and their hopes for the future. We have been inspired by their determination not to focus on what they can’t do, but to focus on what they can and will do. We are learning so much this week.

We are so lucky to have had a fascinating visit this morning from Judith Richards who is Miss Eccleston’s mum! Judith is deaf and she came to speak to the children about what life is like for her, how she communicates with people and she even brought in some of the gadgets and technology that help her every day. We loved hearing about it. Some of our children introduced themselves in sign language and also asked Judith some excellent questions. Thanks so much to Miss Eccleston for sharing some of her stories with us.