Warden Hill Primary School Cheltenham

Events

Netball: Season Review

To all of our incredible netballers, a huge thank you for your energy, motivation and tireless commitment towards our netball practices throughout the whole season. 

You have shown remarkable team spirit, both on and off the court, and this has certainly contributed to our success in every game we played.  We are so proud of everyone: those that joined in the summer in Year 5, those who joined in the final term, those that played only a few competitive matches, those that played consistently in our ‘B’ Team matches, those that represented Warden Hill at the Netball Tournament and those who went on to win the Cheltenham Schools Netball League – the passion you have shown towards netball and the support you have given each other is remarkable. 

You have all developed excellent skills – we will remember the one-footed goals achieved on numerous occasions by Matilda, the quick passes by Seongbin, the encouragement on the side line by Lucy -who quickly become the team’s cheerleader on and off the court, the eagerness to improve by Jemima, the calmness and accuracy that Lylah, Millie, Amelie, Emilie and Lottie brought the court, the perseverance shown from Poppy, the improved skills and sheer determination by Ed, the actions of a flying salmon from Jacob, the outstanding ability to read the court by Jack, the commitment that Jeeya, Eliz, Chloe and Molly showed towards netball training, the dedication that Harry and Jamie showed despite joining our team in the Spring term, the improved attacking skills shown from Rose, the considered and thoughtful ball skills that Vienna showed to enhance a game and the superb, skilled defending by Henri, Thomas and Radin – our netball season, without question, has been outstanding – one that we will talk about for many years to come.

Quite simply –  thank you, from two very proud netball coaches,

Mrs. Redman and Mrs. Andrews

Pupils’ Success

We always love to hear about our pupils’ success outside of school. 

If you would like to share your child’s achievements with us, please send an email to admin@wardenhill.gloucs.sch.uk

Olivia (4R) was thrilled to win the silver medal in the Piano Solo – Jazz category at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts. 

Darcie (5H) won first prize and the overall cup for her duologue at Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts. 

Darcy and her friend Edie did a scene from Little Women and received some lovely feedback. 

Darcy also did a solo verse ‘It’s a drag to be a dragon’ which she received for.

“Gotcha! Hungry Fox!”
by Olivia Chiang

Royal Academy of Arts: Young Artists’ Summer Show 2025

Now in its seventh year, the Young Artists’ Summer Show is a free, open submission exhibition for students aged 4–18 studying in the UK. Artworks are judged by a panel of artists and arts professionals, with selected artworks displayed online and on-site at the Royal Academy of Arts.

https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/young-artists-summer-show-2025

Olivia’s (4R) artwork “Gotcha! Hungry Fox!” was one of 23,000 submitted to the Royal Academy of Arts. A small number of artworks have been selected for the display at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The exhibition will run from 15 July to 10 August. The exhibition will also be viewable online. 

What an achievement for Olivia! We are very proud to have such a talented young artists at our school.

Gloucestershire Tennis: 8U County Cup

We always love to hear about our children’s success outside of school and we were delighted to hear about amazing achievements of our two young tennis players.

Ben (3G) and Emma (3C) have been selected to represent Gloucestershire Tennis in the prestigious 8U County Cup.

The County Cup is a highly competitive team event organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), bringing together the best young players from counties across the country to compete in singles and doubles matches. Gloucestershire Tennis squad sizes typically range from 4 to 8 players and being chosen to represent the county highlights not only Emma’s and Ben’s exceptional talent but also their unwavering dedication, determination, and countless hours of training both on and off the court. 

This accolade reflects their remarkable work ethic and passion for tennis, and we hope that their selection serves as an inspiration for their peers and the wider school community. 

VE Day Celebrations

In Year 3, our commemoration of VE Day involved a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance the children’s understanding of this significant historical occasion. The day started with the children creating bunting to decorate their classroom.

We then showed the class an old photograph of the VE Day celebrations in Cheltenham, which prompted discussions about the realities of life during the war, particularly the impact of rationing on children. The pupils learned how rationing affected daily life and how communities came together to celebrate despite such challenges. The concept of street parties on VE Day was discussed including how families were encouraged to use their rations creatively to prepare biscuits for children. After that, the children played a board game that featured photographs of various items from World War II. Through this interactive activity, they answered questions relating to these historical artefacts. To help our children’s connection to the children in the photograph, each child was given a shortbread biscuit to savor. This experience served as a poignant reminder of how children 80 years ago might have felt receiving such a delicacy Finally, we watched a live stream of Mr Dilly’s World of History VE Day 80 Special. All these activities have deepened our children’s understanding of this pivotal day in history.

Wellbeing Chat

Safe use of Technology

In this week’s conversation Mr Antonious and Mrs Chavasse discuss supporting children to use technology as safely as possible, with really insightful input from some of our year 6 children.  

Top Tips: Fortnite
Top Tips: Roblox

Fair Play and Friendly Competition

This week’s conversation is all about fair play and friendly competition. We are talking about how best to encourage our children, in all kinds of competitive situations, to present their very best selves – it’s all about the journey.

Top Tips: Fair Play and Friendly Competition

Supporting Children to Develop Emotional Resilience

In this week’s conversation Mr Antonious and Mrs Chavasse discuss supporting children to develop emotional resilience, taking a guide from the 7 Cs of Resilience.

They look at the importance of real relational connection, positive modelling for character development, coping strategies and the importance of seeing competence as being part of a journey.

Top Tips for Supporting Children to Build Emotional Resilience
Amazon.co.uk - A Therapeutic Treasure Deck

Family Rules for Using Devices

In this week’s short video Mr Antonious and Mrs Chavasse discuss why we should all be, and how to go about, setting rules for devices and technology for everybody in the home. There are so many positives to technology, but there are also downsides, one of which is undoubtedly a loss of actively engaged family time. A whole family approach to when, where and for how long devices are available will help to reset that balance.

Tips for Creating Family Rules for Using Devices

Supporting Children to Manage Conflict

In a short video, Mrs Chavasse and Mr Antonious discuss managing conflict amongst family and friends. The conversation is based on the Well-Being poster and its top ten tips. As well as incorporating suggestions from the below poster, the conversation references how we manage conflict at Warden Hill. This includes creating a safe space, soothing the children, making sure they feel seen, heard and secure enough to engage positively with unpicking and adapting behaviour. After half-term, we will have a conversation about setting family rules for devices and another about supporting emotional resilience. If you have any suggestion for further conversations please let Mrs Chavasse or Mr Antonious know.

Supporting children to manage conflict effectively

Five Ways to Wellbeing

In a short 5-minute video, Mrs Chavasse and Mr Antonious discuss the 5 Ways to Well-Being, talking through how they incorporate them into family life.

This video is the first in a series of regular conversations between the Senior Mental Health Lead and the Well-being Lead about how best to support your family around everyday issues such as sleep, technology and managing conflict.

Alongside discussing strategies that they use at home, they will signpost useful resources and extra information such as family-friendly posters.

Gloucestershire Young Photographer 2025

The Gloucestershire Young Photographer Competition 2025, run by Cheltenham Camera Club recently took place this spring. Pupils from year 5 and 6 were invited to submit just one titled digital image each, on any subject.

Judging took place during March and we are delighted to share the news that a number of our students have had their work selected to be displayed in the audio-visual display (which will be shared with schools in the coming weeks). Congratulations to the following students:

Ethan – “Waxing Crescent”
Lotus – “A Carpet of Mist”
Niamh – “La Dame De Fur”
Poppy – “Time to Bloom”

Particular congratulations go to Poppy Burtwell whose image, Time to Bloom, has also been given an Award of Commended at least.

Thank you to all who entered the completion. This is always a fantastic opportunity for students to share their talents!

Ice Cream Fridays

Ice Cream Fridays are back for the next couple of weeks (weather permitting!)

We sell our delicious range of local artisan Winstones ice creams using the fresh milk and cream from quality assured local farms.

The ice creams are served by Year 6 pupils – something they have looked forward to for years and there is great competition as to who is going to serve each week.

TOKENS
As always, you need to purchase a token to swap it for an ice cream or lolly.

We will sell tokens at the front of the school by the foot of the ramp from about 3:00pm each Friday.

In order for all children to leave safely and meet their parents we will get all the Reception and Year 1 children down onto the playground to be collected by parents before anyone is allowed back to buy ice creams. Once these classes are on the playground, I will announce to parents and children that they can walk around the outside of the school to the area outside the Year 1 classrooms to buy ice creams and lollies.

Ice cream tokens: £2 for 1 token or £6 for 4 tokens (This works out at £1.50 each – left over tokens can be used in future weeks or even next year).
Ice lolly tokens: (a different token) are priced at £1 each.

How to get to the ice creams
Take your token to a table selling the flavour you want – look out for the signs. Beware a queue develops quickly. Give in your token and you will be given that flavour ice cream in a cone. If you want another ice cream of a different flavour tell the Y6 child who is scooping and they will get it for you (you don’t have to queue all over again).

There is another table that distributes a free flake and / or sprinkles to anyone who has bought an ice cream.

After School Club
If your child goes to After School Club then they can bring money or a token and the club leaders will make sure they do not miss out.

Weather
If rain looks imminent then we will probably cancel that week (I am always watching the clouds and my rain app).

There is obviously no pressure or obligation to buy ice creams. We see this as a treat for the children and a chance to raise some money for the school.

The Year 6s love selling they ice creams, but it can be quite hard for them to scoop and it is always very busy, so we ask for your patience.

Thanks for your support,
Mark Bailey

Brass Skills Showcase

This afternoon, over 70 of our talented Year 3 and Year 4 children showcased their skills on brass instruments after ten weeks of whole class lessons. Led by their teacher Mr Storer, the concert was a celebration of their hard work and dedication.

The children performed a fantastic selection of tunes, including “I Feel Good,” “Soul Bossa Nova,” and “Uptown Funk,” much to the delight of their families. It was truly fantastic to see so many families in attendance, coming together to support our young musicians.

What a wonderful way to end the week! Huge congratulations to our brilliant performers, and a heartfelt thank you to Mr Storer for being such an inspirational teacher. 

Red Nose Bake Off

Thank you all for the incredible cakes and biscuits you made! Parents, we truly appreciate your support in helping the children. The treats were absolutely delightful, making it a very tough competition.

We’re thrilled to share that we raised an amazing £388 for Red Nose Day!

The winners were:

Reception – Mollie P
Year 1 – Mia R
Year 2 – Eleni E
Year 3 – Benny W
Year 4 – Lily W
Year 5 – Victor M
Year 6 – Amelie J