Overthorpe C of E Academy

BELIEVE, ENJOY, ACHIEVE

'Overthorpe is more than a school-

We are the heart of the community.

In our family, we nurture the courage,

And skills to fly higher than the flock,

Whilst always providing a nest,

To come home to.'

TRUST, FRIENDSHIP, ENDURANCE, FORGIVENESS, HOPE

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Headteacher - Mr J Mitchell

Senior Leadership Team - Ms L McCarthy (Deputy Head), Ms L Stott (Assistant Head), Mrs S Wood (SENDCo)

Designated Safeguarding lead - Mrs S Wood

Deputy DSLs - Mr J Mitchell, Ms L Stott, Ms L McCarthy, Mrs A Godfrey

As part of their chemistry unit, year five have been testing the transparency, magnetism and hardness of materials.

Woodpeckers exploring the style and techniques of Rob Dunlavey, experimenting with different media.

This week has been a full and productive one in school, with pupils engaging in a rich mix of classroom learning, visits and extra‑curricular activities. KS1 and reception classes have focused on strengthening key skills through phonics coaching, Year 6 reading and maths booster sessions, and targeted support such as maths tutoring and sports coaching, all designed to help children deepen understanding and feel confident in the run‑up to the spring term assessments. Staff have also met throughout the week to review progress, plan next steps in subjects such as geography and maths, and ensure the curriculum continues to be ambitious and well‑sequenced for every child.

There has been a strong emphasis on working with others beyond individual classrooms. Leaders have met with parents and external professionals, including a SEND parent event, and trust‑wide curriculum and teaching workshops, so that support plans and provision are closely matched to pupils’ needs. Children have also enjoyed specialist sessions such as dance lessons in the hall and Sportshall Athletics, which will feed directly into the quality of performing arts and sporting experiences on offer in school.

Our extra‑curricular offer has remained busy and varied. Pupils have taken part in sports events and competitions, Dance Club for Key Stage 2, and a range of after‑school clubs and booster groups that help children stay active and receive additional academic support where needed.

Have an excellent weekend and I will see you next week.

Mr Mitchell

We will be holding two short information sessions for parents to learn more about the upcoming national assessments for pupils in Years 4 and 6. Both sessions will take place in Kestrel’s classroom from 3:30pm to 4:00pm.

Year 6 SATs Parent Meeting – Tuesday 27th January
This session will outline the arrangements for the Year 6 SATs in May, including what the tests cover, how we prepare children in school, and ways you can support learning at home.

Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) Parent Meeting – Tuesday 3rd February
We’ll share key information about the national multiplication tables check, explain how it is carried out, and offer practical tips for helping your child become confident with their times tables.

We look forward to seeing as many parents as possible at these helpful sessions.

We wanted to let families know that, from Monday 19th January, there will be no school crossing patrol outside school for a minimum of six weeks. The crossing patrol service is provided by Kirklees Council, not Overthorpe, and we have contacted them to request a replacement officer as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Kirklees are unable to provide a replacement crossing patrol. They have offered to deliver an assembly on road safety, which we have accepted.

In the meantime, please take extra care when crossing the road outside school, especially at busy drop-off and pick-up times. Children should be reminded to cross safely with an adult wherever possible.

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Parents Attendance Letter January 2026.pdf

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Sparkle Boy

During collective worship this week, we shared the picture book Sparkle Boy, a thoughtful and gentle story that explores gender stereotypes in a way that is accessible and meaningful for children. The story follows a young boy who loves things that sparkle and shine, and shows how he remains true to himself despite others questioning what boys and girls “should” like, wear, or do.

Together, the children reflected on where these ideas about how boys and girls, and men and women, are expected to behave or present themselves might come from. They were encouraged to think deeply about how such expectations can shape our thinking, and how important it is to challenge assumptions with kindness, understanding, and courage.

As a church school, developing children’s spirituality is at the heart of our worship. We do this by creating space for thoughtful reflection, open discussion, and opportunities for pupils to consider big questions about identity, belonging, and how we treat one another. Through this worship, children were reminded that they are valued for who they truly are, and that embracing our unique, authentic selves helps us to grow.

We also reinforced the importance of being kind and respectful to others. Our pupils recognised that difference is not something to fear, but something to celebrate. It is our differences that make our world such a rich, vibrant, and wonderful place. Moments like these help nurture our children into caring, compassionate human beings who are confident to be themselves and thoughtful towards those around them.

Messy Church, Saturday 17th January from 4pm at Thornhill Social Club. Join us for two hours of fun, crafts, songs and relaxed worship followed by refreshments. Open to people of all ages, do come along and see what it's all about.