Waterside Academy

📚✨ Reception Paired Reading in Phonics ✨📚

Our Reception children have been enjoying paired reading during their phonics sessions! Working together helps to build confidence, develop fluency, and strengthen their decoding skills in a fun and supportive way.

It has been wonderful to see the children encouraging one another, celebrating successes, and growing in confidence as readers. We are so proud of their enthusiasm and teamwork! 🌟

Keep up the fantastic reading, Reception! ❤️📖

🏕️🌲 Year 6’s Final Day at Cuffley Camp 🌲🏕️

After a good night’s sleep, the children enjoyed breakfast and got ready for their final activities at camp. 😊

This morning, they have been putting their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test through shelter building, working together to create waterproof shelters using materials and equipment found in the forest. 🌿🏠

Later, the children will take part in Ambush – a game of hide-and-seek with a twist! 👀🍃 They will be learning how to camouflage themselves within the natural environment while putting their observation and teamwork skills to good use.

It has been a fantastic few days filled with adventure, learning, laughter and new experiences. We are incredibly proud of how the children have represented Waterside Academy throughout the trip. ⭐

We look forward to seeing everyone at pick-up this afternoon at 2:30pm at the camp. 🚍

⚽🏕️ COME ON ENGLAND! 🏕️⚽

After another action-packed day of adventures at Cuffley Camp, some of our Year 6 children are now settling down together to enjoy the England game. 🏴

There is plenty of excitement as the children cheer on the Three Lions, enjoying the match with their friends after a day filled with hiking, ziplining, challenges and teamwork.

We are delighted to have managed to get this photo uploaded despite the signal challenges at camp! 📸

Come on England! 🏴⚽

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🏕️🌳 Year 6 at Cuffley Camp – Update So Far! 🌳🏕️

Following this morning’s hike, the children took on the low ropes obstacle course 🧗 before soaring through the trees on the zipline 🌲✨.

This evening, they put their teamwork and creativity to the test in a water balloon challenge 💧🎈, building protective shields from materials they earned by sharing jokes 😂, riddles 🤔 and interesting facts 💡 with the adults.

To round off another brilliant day of adventure, laughter and fun 😊, the children will have the opportunity to watch the England game this evening if they would like to ⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.

📸 We are still doing our best to upload photos, but the signal at camp continues to be a challenge. Thank you for your patience while we keep trying to get them through!

🌟 The children are having a fantastic time and continue to represent Waterside Academy brilliantly. 🌟

🏕️ Year 6 at Cuffley Camp – Update So Far! 🌳🥾

After a hearty breakfast this morning, Year 6 set off on a hike through the Great Northern Woods. The children have been working hard, staying hydrated and showing great enthusiasm throughout the walk.

Along the way, they have been learning about the plants, wildlife and habitats found in the woodland, making the most of the outdoor learning opportunities around them. It has been fantastic to see their teamwork, resilience and positive attitudes as they continue their camp adventure.

📸 We are still trying to upload photos for everyone to enjoy, but the signal at camp is proving a challenge! We will keep trying and hope to be able to share some images with you as soon as possible.

More updates to follow later! 😊

🌲🏕️ Year 6’s First Day at Cuffley Camp 🏕️🌲

Year 6 have had an exciting and action-packed first day at Cuffley Camp! 🎉

The day began with the thrilling Gladiator Challenge, where the children pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and conquered impressive heights with determination and courage 💪🧗.

They then put their skills to the test during axe throwing 🪓 and archery 🏹, demonstrating fantastic focus, perseverance and teamwork throughout the activities.

This evening, everyone gathered around the campfire 🔥 to round off a fantastic day. The children enjoyed learning campfire songs 🎵, sharing stories and, of course, roasting marshmallows 🍡. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax together and create lasting memories with their friends.

The children have represented the school brilliantly and are looking forward to another exciting day of adventures tomorrow! ⭐

📸 We know many parents will be eager to see photos. Unfortunately, we have been struggling with the signal at the campsite, which has made it difficult to upload them today. We will try again tomorrow and share photos as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience! 😊

Our Nursery children have been showing great interest and enthusiasm while learning about the fascinating life cycle of a butterfly! 🐛🦋

Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, they have been exploring each stage of development, from a tiny caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. The children are especially excited about the arrival of our live caterpillars, which will give them the wonderful opportunity to observe this incredible transformation firsthand.

These real-life experiences are helping to develop their understanding of growth, change, and the natural world, while encouraging curiosity, observation, and a love of learning. We can't wait to share their butterfly journey with you! 🌿✨

With high temperatures forecast throughout this week, children may come to school wearing their PE kits every day if this is more comfortable for them. While children are still welcome to wear their normal school uniform, we recognise that PE kits may help them stay cooler during the school day.

Please ensure that your child:

• Applies sun cream before coming to school each morning.
• Brings a named sun hat or cap to wear during outdoor activities.
• Has a named water bottle in school every day so they can stay hydrated.
• Brings additional sun cream if they are able to apply it independently. Staff will remind children to reapply it where appropriate, but we are unable to apply sun cream for children.

We will continue to monitor the weather closely, encourage regular water breaks and make use of shaded areas wherever possible.

💧 Water Safety Matters 💧

With warmer weather approaching, it’s important that we all stay aware of the dangers around water and know how to keep ourselves and others safe.

Water can be unpredictable, and a few simple steps can help prevent accidents and keep our community safe. Please take a moment to read the water safety advice from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and share these important messages with your family and friends.

Find out more:

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/fire-and-rescue/fire-safety/water-safety.aspx?utm_source=external&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=water2026&fbclid=IwVERDUASiWpZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeCrfajmILmwzVaQAGk6ZO-jydv1bDP430lGlSq6SzSO8GEPA1XI5zNLaqf0I_aem_tHIf1dgeH7iF_d6ftALgew

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service