<![CDATA[Buckingham Park Church of England Primary School - News Blog]]>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:13:37 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[End of Term Award Winners - Summer 2025/6]]>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/end-of-term-award-winners-summer-20256Congratulations to the winners of our Summer Term End of Term Awards!

These are the highest accolade in our behaviour policy and are only awarded to one child from 60 in each year group, each term. This is a great representation of the consistent effort, hard work and high standards these children show in school every day. These are only awarded to those who are consistently, every single day, making the correct choices and going ‘Over and Above’ what is expected of them.
 
I have great pleasure in announcing that this term’s winners are:
 
END OF TERM AWARDS – SUMMER TERM 2025/26
 
Mariam – Reception
 
Throughout the year this child has been a wonderful member of our class and a shining example of kindness, respect, and positivity. She is always polite, well-mannered, and follows all school rules with maturity beyond her years. Her commitment to always trying her very best, no matter the task, is truly admirable and reflects her hardworking and determined nature.
One of the first things people notice about her is her warm and genuine smile. She brightens the classroom each day with her cheerful attitude and positive outlook. Her approachable manner makes those around her feel comfortable and valued, and she has a natural ability to make others feel included. She is always polite and respectful to both adults and her peers, setting a wonderful example for those around her. 
A particularly special quality is the way she welcomes new children into the class. Whether it is introducing herself, offering to help them find their way, or inviting them to join in games and activities, she always goes out of her way to ensure that no one feels left out. Her kindness and empathy help new pupils settle in quickly and feel part of the school community from the very beginning.
She is a caring friend who treats everyone with respect and consideration. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, and celebrate the successes of others. Her positive influence can be felt throughout the classroom, where she contributes to a happy, supportive, and inclusive environment. She always follows school rules diligently and can always be relied upon to do the right thing. I will miss her tidying up skills greatly next year! 
She should be incredibly proud of all she has achieved this year, and we are proud to celebrate the wonderful person she is becoming. For her outstanding character, excellent behaviour, welcoming nature, and unwavering determination to always do her best. She is a truly deserving recipient of this End of Term recognition and her name is ... Mariam!
 
Lily F – Year 1
 
We always find it tricky to choose our Over and Above award as we have so many children that work hard to follow the School Values and achieve their best.
We have chosen this pupil because they have been consistently amazing all year. This pupil arrives at school and greets those around her in a friendly manner and offers to help those who need it. Her peers will agree that she is kind, caring and a joy to be around. She will always support friends who are feeling sad or worried, and will soon have them smiling and laughing.
This pupil is organised and likes to help keep the classroom tidy even when she hasn’t been asked to. She is always ready to listen when on the carpet and she sets a good example to those around her. She tries her best in every lesson and never gives up when faced with a challenge.
This pupil has worked incredibly hard this year and the amount of house points she has earned reflects that. Well done to Lily F in 1A!
 
Lauren – Year 2
 
Year 2 are delighted to celebrate a child who truly goes over and above in all that they do.
They are the kind of pupil who brings sunshine into the classroom. With their positive attitude, polite manner and smiley, cheerful nature, they help to make our school a happier place every day.
They approach each task with determination and care, and their hardworking approach means that they always give their very best. They are also a wonderfully creative artist, producing lovely pieces of artwork that show both imagination and effort. There is real pride in the work they create and it is always a pleasure to see what they will make next.
Alongside all of this, they have a fantastic sense of humour and a lovely way of making others smile. They are always ready to help, whether that means asking to do a job, supporting someone with their learning or simply being a reliable and thoughtful member of the class. in fact, they have so consistently shown this helpful attitude that they have given themselves the title of "Miss Mannion's helper"!
 
We are incredibly proud of this person and the example they set for others. They show us what it means to be kind, helpful, cheerful and committed to doing the right thing. They truly deserve this award and we are so pleased to give Year 2's Over and Above award to Lauren! 
 
Elijah– Year 3
 
This year's Over and Above Award goes to a truly exceptional child who has touched the hearts of everyone in the Year 3 team. In fact, the decision was completely unanimous, which says everything about the wonderful person they are. Every single day, they arrive at school with a huge smile on their face and a positive attitude that brightens the classroom. Their cheeky personality, fantastic sense of humour and kind nature make them an absolute joy to be around; to teach and to top it off, they have a wonderful way of making others smile too.
Throughout the year, they have grown in confidence both inside and outside the classroom. They are a fantastic friend and an inspiring role model who lives our school values every single day. They are always willing to challenge themselves, try something new and give their very best, even when they find things difficult. Their resilience and perseverance have been truly inspiring, showing us all what can be achieved through determination, hard work and a positive mindset.
One of the most remarkable parts of their journey this year has been the enormous progress they have made in both reading and writing, which has been noticed by numerous staff members across the school. They have worked incredibly hard, embraced every opportunity to learn and should be immensely proud of everything they have achieved.
Watching this child grow has been a privilege, and we couldn't be prouder of the amazing young person they have become. They are a shining example of everything we hope our pupils will be, and it is with great pride that we present the Year 3 Over and Above Award to Elijah. Congratulations, you truly deserve it

Oakley – Year 4
 
When thinking about this award for the final time this year, there was one name which immediately came to the minds of the adults. Although I can almost guarantee this person won't think it's them! They have worked incredibly hard this year to improve their independence with their work as well as their academic process. They don't always find everything easy, but they try, show determination and ask for help when they need it. And as teachers, that is the biggest thing we ask. I have been particularly impressed with this persons reading progress, and seeing them share and enjoy more books with others in class. Who isn’t a Jamie Smart fan at the moment!? They can be a little cheeky at times(!) but they also know when enough is enough and bring their focus back to their learning. This person has a beautiful, infectious smile and you can't help but feel happy when you see it. They are also aware of others feelings, and on many occasions have recognised when a friend, and even staff, may not be feeling themselves, offering a kind word or a cuddle. This has helped this child to really expand their friendship group, and we love watching them play with a range of different people. We hope that receiving this award will help this person remember how wonderful, brilliant and kind they are, even when they don't realise it themselves.
 
Thank you for this year, and congratulations to Oakley. 
 
Grace – Year 5
 
The Over and Above Award goes to someone who has taught us all a very important lesson: that we are not defined by where we begin, but by the choices we make along the way.
They have been on an incredible journey over the past year. It has been a privilege to watch them grow into a young person who is thoughtful, reflective and deeply caring. The maturity they have shown has not happened by chance—it has come through listening, learning and making the conscious decision to become the very best version of themselves.
Today, this child is someone who quietly puts others first. They are the person who notices when someone needs help, who offers their time without expecting anything in return and who continues to show kindness, even when others may not always show the same kindness back. Time and time again, members of staff across the school have commented on their willingness to help and the genuine compassion they show towards others.
They have represented our school brilliantly as a committed member of the girls' football team, showing determination, resilience and outstanding teamwork. Their wonderful sense of humour fills those around them with laughter, while their enthusiasm for sharing their faith and the values that are important to them is both heartfelt and inspiring.
What has impressed us most as a team, however, is the courage this pupil has shown to grow. It takes strength to reflect on yourself. It takes character to accept advice. It takes resilience to make lasting changes, because of this, their attitude towards learning has flourished, their progress has accelerated and they have become someone that younger pupils and peers can look up to.
This award is not simply for what this person has achieved, but for the remarkable person they are becoming. They remind us that kindness, humility, perseverance and compassion are qualities that leave the greatest mark on the people around us.
It is with enormous pride that the Year 5 team want to present this term’s Over and Above Award to... Grace.
 
 Aida – Year 6A
 
The child who has been chosen for our End of Term Award in 6A truly embodies everything this award represents. From the moment the staff team began discussing potential recipients, their name stood out immediately and all of the 6A staff were in complete agreement that they are thoroughly deserving of this recognition.
This child consistently goes above and beyond in everything they do. They approach every day with positivity, determination and a genuine desire to do their very best. Their commitment to learning, their kindness towards others and their willingness to challenge themselves make them a wonderful role model within Year 6.
One of the most remarkable aspects of their journey this year has been the progress they have made in reading. They have developed a genuine passion for books and now eagerly share their thoughts and opinions about the stories and authors they enjoy. This love of reading has had a significant impact on their writing, which has flourished over the year. Equally impressive has been the transformation in their confidence within Maths. At the beginning of the year, they often doubted their abilities and were hesitant to contribute. However, through perseverance and hard work, they have developed into a confident mathematician who regularly shares their thinking and strategies with the class.
Beyond their academic achievements, this child brings something truly special to our classroom every single day. They have a wonderfully individual sense of humour and a fantastic ability to laugh at themselves, a quality that creates warmth and positivity wherever they go. Their humour often lightens the mood during difficult moments and reminds everyone around them to keep smiling and persevere. During our end of year production, The Wizard of Oz, this person developed their role with great character and humour, with some impeccable line delivery with expression and comic timing! We also cannot write about this child without referring to their love of fancy dress, especially an inflatable costume, which always makes an appearance on a non-uniform day…
Most importantly, she consistently demonstrates the values that are at the heart of our school. They are exceptionally kind, caring and considerate and are always looking out for others. She has gone over and above to help her friends and her loyalty, support and kindness has not gone unnoticed. We are incredibly proud of all she has achieved this year.
She should be immensely proud of herself for the growth, resilience and character she has shown. This award recognises not just her achievements, but the wonderful person she is and we could not think of a more deserving recipient for our 6A End of Term Award. The award for 6A goes to, Aida.
 
Anvika – Year 6B
 
The End of Term Award for 6B goes to someone who has consistently set exceptionally high standards throughout the year in Year 6. This student has truly demonstrated what it means to be an outstanding member of our school. In the classroom, every challenge has been approached with enthusiasm, determination and a genuine love of learning. A commitment to achieving the very best has been evident in everything undertaken, with work always completed to an exceptionally high standard.
What has been particularly impressive is that these same high standards have extended far beyond the classroom. Week after week, home learning has reflected the same dedication, care and pride. This outstanding effort and application led to selection to represent the school in the National Junior Maths Challenge with Mr Fell - a fantastic achievement.
This student has also embraced every opportunity to give back to our school community. Whether supporting our Reception children, carrying out librarian duties or collecting House Points, every responsibility has been fulfilled with maturity, kindness and reliability. Leading by example every single day, this pupil has embodied our school values through hard work, respect and a willingness to help others, always going above and beyond without seeking recognition. We hope this pupil recognises what a star she is because her efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed!
We are incredibly proud of all that she has achieved and have no doubt that she will continue to thrive as she begins the next exciting chapter at secondary school. Deservedly, the End of Term Award for 6B goes to... Anvika!]]><![CDATA[New Reading Spine for Writing 2026-2027]]>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:35:52 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/new-reading-spine-for-writing-2026-2027Throughout the next academic year, the children will explore a range of high-quality texts as part of their English lessons. These carefully chosen books will inspire their writing, develop their reading skills and introduce them to a variety of authors, genres and writing styles.
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Below you will find the texts we plan to use across the academic year. Some parents and carers have previously asked which books we study in class, particularly when looking for birthday or Christmas gift ideas. We hope this list may be helpful if you are looking to build your child's home library.

If your child already owns a copy of one of the books and would like to bring it into school to use during the unit of work, they are very welcome to do so. However, there is absolutely no expectation or requirement to purchase any of these books.

Our aim is simply to share the exciting books we will be enjoying together and for those who may wish to get a copy for their child.
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Thank you, as always, for your continued support in encouraging a love of reading.
Reading Spine for Writing 2026 2027.pdf
File Size: 867 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
]]><![CDATA[The Hygiene Bank and St Peter's Meals]]>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:27:19 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/the-hygiene-bank-and-st-peters-mealsPicture
Supporting Our School Community: The Hygiene Bank
 
At Buckingham Park, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil feels confident, comfortable, and ready to learn. We understand that families can sometimes face financial pressures, and access to everyday hygiene products should never be a barrier to a pupil's wellbeing or education. We have recently taken delivery of some parcels from The Hygiene Bank, which can be distributed to families in financial need. 
What is the Hygiene Bank?
The Hygiene Bank provides free essential personal care and hygiene products to pupils and their families, who may need extra support. The service is designed to be accessible, confidential, and free from judgement.
Items available may include:
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel and soap
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Sanitary products
  • Washing powder and household essentials
  • Baby care items (subject to availability)
The Hygiene Bank helps ensure that all pupils have access to the everyday products needed to maintain good health, personal hygiene, and self-confidence.

How Can Pupils and Families Access Support?
Accessing support is simple and completely confidential. You can request support by speaking to a member of the pastoral team face-to-face, via telephone: 01296 415 687 and selecting option 3 or via email: safeguarding@buckinghampark.org. We will work sensitively with families to ensure support is provided in a respectful and discreet manner.
There is no requirement to provide detailed personal information, and requests are handled with care and understanding.

St Peter's Meals
As you will already be aware, we are very proud to partner with St Peter's Church locally to provide St Peter's Meals.

St Peter's Meals provide ready-made meal boxes to feed a family of four. These are stored on site and are 'grabbable' - they can be provided same day for those emergency situations.

During the School holidays, you can request support in the following ways:
  • Via email at safeguarding@buckinghampark.org. This email address is only manned by our safeguarding team who operate on a strict confidential understanding
  • Via the 'Request Support' form through the wellbeing and family support section of our website.​
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]]><![CDATA[Changes to Free School Meals/ Pupil Premium]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:04:32 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/changes-to-free-school-meals-pupil-premiumDear Parents and Carers,

From September, schools nationally will have to recheck all families for eligibility for Free School Meals and access to the Pupil Premium.

Therefore, we need current families to ensure we have accurate data to ensure your child does not lose out to funded meals, support with other in school activities and funding directly to the school. 

The simple link below will take you to a secure form where you can submit your name, DOB and NI number in order for the eligibility checker to run. 

It is important that as many families complete this as possible as once we have this data accurately, we can then apply continually each year to ensure eligibility and also can make sure that your child receives funding automatically, should your personal circumstances change. Please do not only complete the form if you think you may be eligible. 

Link to form here

See more information on the poster below and on the Buckinghamshire Council Website.
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]]><![CDATA[AVPSAA District Sports 2026 Champions]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:24:48 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/avpsaa-district-sports-2026-champions
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On Monday 29th June, Buckingham Park KS2 athletes were crowned AVPSAA District Sports 2026 champions! They showcased their talents in sprints, middle-distance running, shot put, long jump and relay events. An amazing achievement! Well done, Team BP!

All of our athletes worked so hard and should so very proud of themselves - we all are!

We also would love to confirm the renewal of our Gold Sports Award for this year due to the outstanding sporting opportunities and achievements your children have access to at Buckingham Park!

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]]><![CDATA[Emotion in Motion: A Free Online Group for Bereaved Children Aged 8–11]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:06:35 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/emotion-in-motion-a-free-online-group-for-bereaved-children-aged-8-11
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We would like to share an opportunity from Child Bereavement UK for children who have experienced the death of someone important to them.
Emotion in Motion is a free online group for bereaved children aged 8–11 years. Delivered via Zoom, each session provides a safe and welcoming space where children can explore and express their feelings through movement, dance, music and connection with others who may have had similar experiences. 
The sessions are designed to be positive, supportive and uplifting, helping children to reflect, share and feel less alone in their grief. 
What to Expect
  • One-hour online Zoom session
  • Opportunities to express feelings through movement, music and dance
  • A supportive environment with other bereaved children
  • A special dedication whiteboard where children can share the name of, or a message for, their important person
  • Children should wear comfortable clothing and have enough space to move freely
Upcoming Dates
📅 Wednesday 22 July – 9:30am
📅 Wednesday 5 August – 9:30am
📅 Wednesday 19 August – 9:30am
If you feel your child may benefit from attending, please visit Child Bereavement UK by clicking here for more details and booking information. 
Supporting children through bereavement is an important part of helping them understand and manage difficult emotions. Opportunities such as Emotion in Motion can provide valuable support in a safe and understanding environment.
]]><![CDATA[BP Annual Public Speaking Competition]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/bp-annual-public-speaking-competition
Congratulations to our finalists and winners in the Buckingham Park second annual Public Speaking Competition!

This is quickly turning into a very important event at Buckingham Park and the the finals cemented the reasons for that. 

Every child in KS2 is asked annually to produce and present a short 3 minute speech on a subject of their choosing. This year, we had such a range of entries which have been narrowed down, through 3 stages of the competition to our eight finalists below:

George - Entomology
Ethan - Darts
Arya - Extinct Animals
Peter - Cookies
Mnqobi - Cars
Max - Lapland
Tyler - Darts
Zoya - Space

The competition was hot and our judging panel or Mrs Sweeney, Mr Gibson, Headteacher at Aylesbury Vale Academy and Mrs Norman, Chair of Governors had their work cut out.

Our winners are:

Commended third place - Arya
Second Place - George
2026 Winner - Zoya!

It was amazing for one of our youngest entrants to win and the judges were very impressed by the confidence, content, delivery and intonation and resources prepared by all of our winners!

Trophies and certificates have been sent home and the school trophies are with the engravers, ready for your name to be etched into BP folklore!

]]><![CDATA[Year 6 Leavers Performance]]>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/year-6-leavers-performance
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Our Year 6 children wrapped up one of their final contributions to their Primary School journey with a fantastic rendition of 'The Wizard of Oz' for their leavers production. 

They were all fantastic and beautifully supported by the Year 5 children providing a beautiful choir. The singing was fantastic throughout and the dancing was a choreographic masterstroke!

The children loved their show and we wanted to send a few thanks:

- Mr Perks, Miss Taylor Lane and the rest of the Y5/6 teams for their contributions and hard work
- Mrs Perks (Mr Perks' Mum!) for the amazing scenery and backdrops which she hand paints each year for us
- Gillian, from Haddenham, who provides our amazing costumes each year to the school
- Lucy, Jacob and Tom who organised lighting, sound and props.
and most importantly the fantastic cast of children - great acting, singing and dancing throughout. 
]]><![CDATA[A message from the Chair of Governors]]>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:50:32 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/a-message-from-the-chair-of-governorsLast week, we were delighted to celebrate two fantastic wins at the Bucks School Awards, with our Early Years and Inclusion/SEN teams quite rightly taking home awards in recognition of the incredible work they do.

As Chair of Governors, I also wanted to take a moment to recognise two members of staff whose achievements deserve celebrating too.

Being shortlisted for a Bucks School Award is an achievement in itself. These awards celebrate the very best in education across the county, so to be named as a finalist is something to be incredibly proud of.

Mr Fell- Headteacher of the Year Finalist

As Chair of Governors, I'm privileged to see first hand just how much Mr Fell does for our school, much of which happens behind the scenes and often goes unseen by the wider community.

Being a headteacher isn't always easy. There are countless decisions to make every day, many of them difficult, and much of that work happens behind the scenes. However, what I see is someone who never loses sight of the children and has worked incredibly hard to build a school where they come first, where staff feel trusted and empowered, and where every child is known, supported and cared for.

His nomination was a wonderful reflection of that leadership:
Dan’s compassionate, values-driven leadership has had a profound impact on his school and the wider community. Leading through unprecedented challenges, he went above and beyond during COVID to support families financially, emotionally and educationally. His commitment continues through initiatives like “Christmas Angels,” bringing the community together to support those in need. Within school, he has fostered a culture of trust, safety and high expectations, championing both staff wellbeing and pupil success. Beyond his own setting, Dan shares his expertise across the county, supporting and strengthening practice in other schools. As reflected in the nomination, Dan has created “a school community built on care, trust and belonging,” capturing the heart of his leadership.

Much of what Mr Fell does happens behind the scenes and isn't always visible, but the impact of his leadership is evident throughout the school. Seeing that recognised at county level was thoroughly deserved.

Ms Zafar- Teacher of the Year Finalist

Ms Zafar's nomination recognised the difference she makes to our youngest learners every single day. Anyone who has visited our Reception classes will know the enthusiasm, care and creativity she brings to her teaching, helping every child feel confident, valued and ready to learn.

Her nomination read:
Naima has made a significant and lasting impact on the school community through her dedication as a Reception teacher, helping many children who start below expectations make remarkable progress and gain confidence by the end of the year. Her engaging, hands-on teaching sparks curiosity and builds resilience, creating a strong foundation for future learning. Her expertise is widely recognised, with visiting schools praising her use of resources, nurturing interactions and inclusive practice. Beyond the classroom, she contributes as a staff governor and played a key role in achieving the ‘Communications Champion’ award. “Naima inspires curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every pupil.”
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We know how much she means to the children and families she works with, so it was wonderful to see that recognised at county level.

Congratulations once again to Mr Fell and Ms Zafar on their finalist nominations, and to our award-winning Early Years Team and Inclusion Team. We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated, talented and caring people as part of our school community. I hope you'll join me in celebrating all of these wonderful achievements and congratulating everyone on being recognised among the very best in Buckinghamshire.
]]><![CDATA[Buckingham Park - Award Winners!]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:40:30 GMThttp://www.buckinghampark.bucks.sch.uk/news-blog/buckingham-park-award-winners
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Congratulations!

Our Early Years team, and Inclusion and SEN teams were winners at the Buckinghamshire School Awards last week - representing an enormous success for our school!

Congratulations to Mrs Whytewood, Miss Eaver and Mrs Platt for the Inclusion Award and to (get ready...) Mrs Whytewood, Mrs Perks, Ms Zafar, Mrs Goodman, Mrs Fuller, Mrs Dennis, Mrs Godfrey, Mrs Jahan, Mrs Dysart and Mrs Rush for the Early Years awards.

This was a fantastic evening, hosted by Taskmaster's very own Alex Horne. There was a live taskmaster on stage (which Mr Fell did very badly at...) and a lovely feel to the evening, celebrating our success and that of other schools. 

Further congratulation is needed to the following staff who were shortlisted finalists on the day:

- Ms Zafar, who was a finalist in the 'Teacher of the Year' award
- Mrs Norman, our Chair of Governors, who was a finalist in the 'Great Governance' award
- Mr Fell, who was a finalist in the 'Headteacher of the Year' award. 

I also want to congratulate all of our other nominees!

​Go BP!
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