Choral Partnerships
Working in partnership with St Paul’s Cathedral has brought our school many wonderful opportunities, and our children have already benefitted from a range of enriching musical experiences as part of this programme.
As part of this partnership, Laurel Neighbour will continue to provide termly reports on our whole-class singing sessions. These reports reflect on pupils’ progress and achievements, outline plans for the term ahead, and highlight how the teaching aligns with the Music Curriculum.
We have been able to take part in some great singing opportunities and will take other opportunities when they come up, the children have loved taking part in these events:
- LDBS Service at St Paul’s Cathedral – Thursday 13th February (Year 6):
A limited group of up to 30 Year 6 pupils will have the chance to join a massed choir with other partner schools, with a rehearsal and service taking place at St Paul’s. Further timings will be shared closer to the date.
- Massed Choir Concert – Wednesday 29 April (Year 3 or 4):
Plans are underway for a large showcase concert under the Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. This will be an afternoon and evening event, with more details to follow once the date is confirmed.
- Sung Lunchtime Eucharist – 6th February (Year 5):
Schools are invited to bring a class of up to 30 pupils to sing at a 12:30 Eucharist at St Paul’s, including rehearsal and a Cathedral tour. Dates will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
National Year of Reading 2026 – Going All In!
2026 is the National Year of Reading, and at St Michael’s we’ll be going all in on something we already value deeply — reading for pleasure.
Throughout the year, we’ll be celebrating all kinds of reading: books, stories, comics, magazines, websites and audiobooks — because all reading counts. Our focus will be on helping children enjoy reading, talk about what they love, and see reading as something that belongs to everyone.
Children will take part in familiar and much-loved events such as World Book Day (Friday 6th March), Reading Mornings with Parents and Carers (Friday 6th March and Friday 12th June, 9:05–9:30am), alongside class celebrations that encourage sharing favourite reads and reading recommendations.
At home, you can support your child by reading together regularly, letting them choose what they read, talking about books and stories, and keeping reading relaxed and enjoyable.
Together, we’re building a joyful reading culture — at school and at home.
Empowering Learning Through Computing
This term at St Michael’s, pupils have taking part in an exciting new approach to Computing through Project-Based Learning. As part of this initiative, Google Workspace and Canva have been introduced to support creative and meaningful learning.
Pupils are using these tools to plan ideas, create presentations and videos, and develop their creativity and communication skills, while staff have received training to support this work in class.
By giving children greater choice and ownership, this approach builds confidence, flexibility and real-world digital skills. Learning will conclude with a celebration of work, where pupils will proudly showcase what they have created.
This is My Place - Children's Mental Health Week
From 9–15 February, we recognised Children’s Mental Health Week, with this year’s theme “This Is My Place”, which focuses on belonging.
Across the school, children took part in gentle, age-appropriate activities and conversations that help them explore what it means to feel included, valued and connected within our school community.
These moments were woven naturally into the school day and delivered in a calm, supportive way.
Children were also reminded that it is always okay to talk about how they are feeling and that there are trusted adults in school who are there to help.
RE visits
This half term, several year groups have been exploring different World Religions as part of their learning. As well as classroom activities, pupils had the opportunity to visit places of worship to deepen their understanding. Year 1 and Year 3 visited a Synagogue, Year 5 visited a Gurdwara, and Year 6 visited a Buddhist Temple. These visits provided valuable first-hand experiences and helped bring their learning to life.
Year 5 also got the opportunity to sing at St Pauls Cathedral during the Eucharist service which was such a great experience and Year 6 children will be singing this week as part of the London Diocese Schools Service.
St Michael’s were very privileged to be invited to the Confirmation of the Election of the Archbishop. Two children from Year 5 and two children from Year 6 took part in the service by giving the Charge. It was a truly special and memorable occasion for everyone involved.
