At Birklands Primary School, we are proud of the strong sense of team and family that runs through everything we do. Our dedicated staff go the extra mile every day to ensure that our children receive the very best education, care and support. We believe in serving our community with pride, always putting the needs of our pupils at the heart of our work. As we come to the end of another busy and successful year, we would like to sincerely thank our parents and carers for their ongoing support, encouragement and partnership — it truly makes all the difference.
We held our special graduation ceremonies this week to celebrate the end of the school year and mark the children’s achievements. Each pupil was presented with an individualised certificate recognising their unique strengths and successes, making the moment truly personal and memorable. Families and staff beamed with pride as the children sang songs together, filling the hall with smiles and happy tears. It was a wonderful way to reflect on the year and look forward to the exciting journeys ahead.
As a reward for their outstanding effort over the past year - and to celebrate their incredible SATs results - Year 6 spent the day in Mablethorpe last Friday! There was ice-cream, a trip to the amusement park and even a sandcastle competition (thank you to all that voted on Instagram). We'll soon be saying goodbye to this cohort and couldn't have wished for a better send off for them.
Thank you, Year 6! You've been glorious
We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 pupils for their exceptional achievements in this year’s SATs. Their hard work, dedication and determination have truly paid off, reflected in their outstanding progress and attainment. The results are a testament to their effort and resilience, as well as the support from our staff and families. We will be sharing the final percentages with you in the autumn term.
This week, our children enjoyed fantastic Hawaiian-themed end-of-year discos to celebrate the end of term. The playground was transformed into a tropical paradise, with colourful inflatable palm trees and tropical birds setting the scene. Pupils arrived wearing bright Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts and flower leis, bringing a real sense of fun and celebration to the event. The music, dancing, and festive atmosphere created a wonderful memory for all, as we said Aloha to another successful school year!
Year 3 and 4 have been busy writing exciting and imaginative stories about escaping from the ancient city of Pompeii. Their work is full of vivid descriptions, creative ideas, and powerful storytelling, and they are all very proud of what they’ve achieved. Year 5 and 6 thoroughly enjoyed reading the Y3 stories and have shared their thoughts in the book reviews below. Here is a brilliant sample of the writing from James Furniss (Y3) and Solly (Y4). Well done to all LKS2 children!
Last week, Year 3 loved taking part in the storytelling workshop with the amazing Nicky Rafferty. Nicky shared fantastic, funny and (some) freaky stories about monkeys eating mangoes, a king with smelly feet and a retired pirate to name just a few. The engaging workshop opened year three's imagination to the amazing world of storytelling. To quote Nicky: "Stories make the world go round, ideas are more precious than all the gold in the ground, so tell a story every day."
The Wonderverse poetry books have arrived, featuring our very own pupils’ poems published in a real book! Ayla-Rose (Year 4), who wrote 'Friendship', said, “I feel amazing and proud of myself that I have been published in a real-life book.” Copies are now available in our school library areas for everyone to enjoy—look out for the brilliant work by the talented poets pictured!
Vinny has shown such dedication and commitment towards the two teams he plays for, giving up all his weekends and most evenings. Recently, he has played in (and won) 3 football tournaments, bagging himself 3 medals and 3 summer league trophies for under 9’s Meden Vale Reds and under 8’s Shirebrook Soldiers Cobras. If that wasn't enough, he has been selected to train with Leicester City! Remember us when you are famous, Vinny!
As promised, here is the next installment in Lewis' swimming adventures: he has successfully swam 1 mile! Our very own merman! Well done, Lewis!
Taya has recently competed in her in-house gymnastics tournament and 'smashed it'! If her cartwheeling on the playground is anything to go by, she is destined for the Olympic podium!
Here's another budding gymnast:
Martha is so proud of her achievement. At the weekend she took part in a gymnastics competition and came second overall in her group. Her family are super proud of the courage and passion she showed and so are we!
These are some pictures of Noah at his singing lessons with Mrs Elce at Voice of the Vale. Noah is practicing for his grade 2 singing exam. Mrs Elce said that Noah's voice has improved so much from when he first started, there is any need for him to complete his grade 1 exam. Noah is so passionate about performing he is also starting Musical Theatre classes in September. Next stop: The West End...
Summer reading challenges
Library
Warsop Library are taking part in The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. The Story Garden challenge celebrates nature and the great outdoors, exploring adventure, fantasy and the magical world of storytelling. The Challenge, aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer. There are stickers to collect and a medal and certificate when a child completes the Challenge. Visit Warsop library to find out more or click here:
Birklands
This summer, we’re inviting all our pupils to take part in our exciting Reading in a Random Place challenge. Grab your favourite book and snap a photo of yourself reading in the most unusual spot you can find. It could be in a tent in the garden, at the park, in a shopping trolley (with a grown-up’s help), or even under the kitchen table. The more creative, the better! Please email your photos to Miss Goodwin (mgoodwin@birklandsschool.co.uk). In September, staff will choose the most random reading spot, and the winner will receive a special token for our book vending machine. Happy reading Birklands – we can’t wait to see where your books take you!
Postcard Challenge – Share Your Summer Adventures!
This summer, we’re bringing back the joy of postcard writing! While you’re out and about over the holidays—whether you’re visiting somewhere new, relaxing at home, or exploring your local area—we’d love you to send the school a postcard telling us about your adventures.
It’s a wonderful way to keep writing alive and share your experiences with friends and teachers. Let’s resurrect this classic form of communication and fill the school with stories from near and far!
Address your postcards to the school office—we can’t wait to read them!
Birklands Primary School
Appleton Street
Warsop
Mansfield
Notts
NG20 0QF
Here are this weeks attendance figures. Well done to Jay class on winning a non uniform day next week, your teacher will let you know which day.
Please continue to support us in ensuring your child attends school everyday.
Year 6 Leavers' Disco - Friday 18th July (6-8pm)
LKS2 Music Showcase - Monday 21st July (2:30pm)
Year 6 Leavers' Assembly - Wednesday 23rd July (3:30pm)
Last Day of term - Thursday 24th July
Back to school - Monday 1st September
The HAF Programme offers free holiday club places for children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. These clubs provide a safe, engaging environment where children can enjoy:
-Fun and enriching activities such as sports, arts, and outdoor adventures
-Nutritious meals to support health and wellbeing
-Opportunities to socialise, build confidence, and develop new skills
If you would like your child's HAF code, please contact the school office.
Birklands Primary School
Train to teach with the Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT