APSR Newsletter 15
Message from Headmaster
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Week 15! This week has been filled with remarkable achievements and wonderful learning experiences across all year groups.
Warm regards,
The Headmaster
EYFS
๐จ Nursery
Nursery pupils revised shapes, practising mark-making by tracing and colouring, before using shapes creatively on the carpet to build trains, castles and caterpillars.
They are learning more about Monster Phonics Land, meeting the friendly monsters who help them learn to read.
๐ Family Resources: Families can also enjoy meeting these characters via the "Meet the Monsters" e-book platform.
In Maths, pupils explored numbers through fun, hands-on games, counting objects using:
โจ Learning was fun, engaging and full of enthusiasm throughout the week! โจ
๐ Reception
๐ Term Topic: "Going Places"
Our welcome back to school began with our topic for the term, "Going Places." We have been exploring different types of transport that travel on land.
๐จ Creative Transport Activity
As part of our learning, the children took part in a painting activity using cars, trucks, trains and taxis.
The pupils created routes and patterns by rolling the wheels through paint and then onto paper. This hands-on activity encouraged creativity while also developing fine motor skills and an understanding of movement and direction.
Year 1 and Year 2
๐จ Year 1
Year 1 have been busy exploring shapes, materials and stories. They identified 2D and 3D shapes and continued patterns.
๐ Mysterious Visitor!
We have had a mysterious visitor from our new English book. The children got to work on what they think the book might be about based on the clues.
2D Shapes
Circles, squares, triangles
3D Shapes
Cubes, spheres, cylinders
Patterns
Continuing sequences
๐ฐ Year 2
Year 2 have started the new term with enthusiasm. Money in Maths has caught the attention of the children as Year 2 have enjoyed the challenge of discovering a range of coins and notes.
๐ต Money Maths Challenge
Pupils had to think carefully about the value of each coin and work out the different options.
๐ช Exciting News: They have also started having ideas about a classroom shop!
Coin Values
Identifying different coins
Notes & Options
Exploring different amounts
Classroom Shop
Planning and ideas
๐ก Learning about money brings maths to life and develops essential real-world skills!
Year 3 and Year 4
๐ชจ Year 3 - Rocks & Earth Science
Year 3 pupils have been learning about rocks as part of their Science Enquiry. The lesson began with careful observations using magnifying glasses, which allowed pupils to examine the wide range of rock types more closely.
๐ฌ Rock Properties Explored
They explored key properties such as shape, size and surface texture, while also discussing possible uses and origins.
Igneous Rocks
Formed from molten magma
Sedimentary Rocks
Formed from layers of sediment
Metamorphic Rocks
Changed by heat and pressure
๐ฌ Pupils developed a deeper understanding of how rocks are formed!
โ๏ธ Year 4 - States of Matter
Year 4 have started to study their new topic for Science this term. They looked at how to identify the differences between solids, liquids and gases.
๐จ Creative Learning Activity
To help them understand the difference between the three states of matter, the class created a collection of posters for their classroom displays.
๐ Scientific Investigation: Pupils used balloons to help them make scientific observations!
Solids
Fixed shape and volume
Liquids
Fixed volume, takes container shape
Gases
No fixed shape or volume
๐ฌ Hands-on experiments bring science concepts to life!
Year 5 and Year 6
๐ฌ Year 5 - Properties of Materials
Year 5 scientists returned from the winter break full of curiosity and enthusiasm as they stepped back into the exciting world of science. This term, they have begun a new Physics topic exploring the "properties of materials".
๐ This Week's Focus: Testing Materials
Pupils are learning how scientists compare and classify objects based on their properties through hands-on investigations exploring:
Hardness
Testing material strength
Transparency
How light passes through
Magnetism
Magnetic properties
โจ It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm, thoughtful questioning, and growing confidence as they develop key scientific skills through practical experiments and discussion. We are looking forward to many more exciting investigations this term! โจ
โค๏ธ Year 6 - The Circulatory System
Year 6 have started their journey into the circulatory system and have been learning how the heart, blood and blood vessels work together like a super efficient delivery network.
๐ฌ Blood Vessel Investigation
They have been spotting arteries, veins and capillaries and matching each one to its function, using brilliant scientific vocabulary as they build their understanding of how blood is transported around the body.
Heart
Pumps blood
Blood
Carries nutrients
Arteries
Carry blood away
Veins
Return blood
Capillaries
Exchange gases
โค๏ธ Understanding the circulatory system helps us appreciate how our bodies work to keep us healthy and active!
๐บ๏ธ Year 6 - Map Reading
We have started a new topic on map reading. Students have discussed examples of where, when and why we might use maps.
๐บ๏ธ Types of Maps We Explored
As classes we came up with a huge array of examples for the types of map that we use in our lives and where.
๐งญ Understanding maps helps us navigate our world and understand our place in it!
Year 7 and Year 8
๐ก๏ธ Year 7 - Diffusion & Temperature
Year 7 have been investigating diffusion and this week science got colourful!
๐จ Food Dye Experiment
They carried out an experiment using food dye in water at different temperatures to test how temperature affects the rate of diffusion.
๐ Key Finding: In warmer water, particles have more kinetic energy, move faster and spread out more quickly. A great example of using evidence to support a scientific conclusion!
Cold Water
Slower diffusion
Warm Water
Faster diffusion
๐ Year 7 - Asian History
In our brand new topic we have begun with looking at the Mongol Empire and thinking about why it was so successful.
๐ค Student Inquiry
Students have come up with some insightful questions that they would like to discover.
Empire Expansion
Largest land empire
Military Strategy
Innovative tactics
Cultural Impact
Lasting influence
๐ Exploring the fascinating history of Asia through inquiry-based learning!
โ๏ธ Year 8 - World War One: The Battle of Gallipoli
This week we began with Gallipoli. Using the facilities of the school grounds we reenacted the campaign, investigating where the likely pitfalls were that befell the entente forces.
๐ญ Historical Reenactment Activity
Students used the school grounds to recreate the Gallipoli campaign, bringing history to life through experiential learning.
๐ฏ Learning Objective: By physically experiencing the terrain challenges, students gained a deeper understanding of the strategic difficulties faced by the Allied forces during this historic campaign.
Terrain Challenges
Steep cliffs and difficult landing areas
Strategic Positioning
High ground advantages for defenders
Historical Analysis
Understanding tactical decisions
๐๏ธ Experiential learning brings history to life and helps students truly understand the challenges of the past!
Physical Education
๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ Welcome Back to PE!
We have had a fantastic first week back in PE and it has been wonderful to see all the students engaged and enthusiastic as we begin our new sports units.
๐ This Term's Sports Units
This term the classes have started short tennis, hockey, gymnastics, dodgeball, cricket and table tennis.
Short Tennis
Racket skills
Hockey
Team play
Gymnastics
Balance & coordination
Dodgeball
Speed & agility
Cricket
Batting & bowling
Table Tennis
Hand-eye coordination
๐ We are excited for the term ahead and look forward to supporting the students as they continue to develop their skills and confidence! ๐
Arabic as a Second Language
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Non-Native Speakers Programme
This week, students in the Non-Native Speakers Programme explored the Family Unit.
๐ Learning Objectives
Students learnt how to name family members and use masculine and feminine forms correctly in short sentences, supported by flashcards such as this / these.
๐ค Cooperative Learning: Through cooperative learning, students had excellent opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and support one another.
๐ฃ๏ธ Oral Speaking Skills
We also focused on oral speaking skills, where students confidently answered questions such as:
"How many family members do you have?"
Family Vocabulary
Naming family members in Arabic
Gender Forms
Masculine and feminine usage
Speaking Confidence
Complete spoken sentences
โจ It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they used new vocabulary in complete spoken sentences! โจ
Calendar Events
Parent Workshop: English at KS3 and Beyond
Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The Great Aldenham Bake Off
Sunday | Join us for delicious fun!
Parent Workshop: From Methods to Mastery
Tuesday | Understanding Year 5-6 Maths Strategies
Parent Workshop: From Bonjour to Brilliance
Tuesday | Supporting French Success in KS3
Riyadh Marathon (ASPA) - 5KM
Saturday | School participation event
Parent Workshop: English KS2
Tuesday | Key Stage 2 English Support
Parent Workshop: From Scribbles to Skills
Monday | How Art Develops Across Year Groups
Parent Workshop: Supporting Pupils with SEND
Monday | Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
Announcements
๐ณ New Tuition Support Available
Aldenham Introduces New Tuition Support: Six-Month, Zero-Profit Payment Plan
After careful structuring and close collaboration with BSF (Banque Saudi Fransi), we are pleased to make this possible for Aldenham families: tuition can now be paid in up to six monthly instalments with no profit rate when using BSF Credit Cards.
This means families can now proceed with tuition even when full funds are not immediately available, ensuring their children's education continues without interruption.
๐ก What This Means for You
This instalment plan provides a practical and cost-free way to spread tuition payments over six months, ensuring full continuity in your child's education even when complete funds may not be immediately available.
โจ Key Features of the BSF Tuition Instalment Plan:
Up to Six Monthly Instalments
With zero profit charges
Quick and Efficient
Fast approval process
Secure Transactions
Powered by BSF
Uninterrupted Education
Continue learning without financial delays
This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting families with solutions that offer stability and ease in their financial planning and ensures that access to Aldenham's world-class British education remains within reach for more families.
๐ Learn More๐ BSF School Visit โ Parent Support Session
Date to Be Confirmed
Following the recent letter shared with parents regarding our new 0% interest tuition instalment option in partnership with Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), we are pleased to confirm that a BSF Manager will be visiting Aldenham Prep School Riyadh soon.
๐ฏ This visit will provide parents with the opportunity to:
Ask Questions Directly
Speak directly to a BSF representative and get your questions answered
Gain Clarity on the Plan
Understand exactly how the 0% profit instalment plan works
Registration Support
Receive support with BSF credit card registration if you wish to take advantage of this payment option
๐ง Great Aldenham Bake Off
We are delighted to announce our fourth Great Aldenham Bake Off, which will be held on Sunday 18th January.
๐ช Who Can Enter?
From Nursery to Year 8, pupils who wish to enter are invited to bake a treat using healthy ingredients. For example, instead of granulated sugar you could use honey or coconut sugar.
๐ Judging Criteria
Criteria for entry will have been emailed to all parents. The judges will be looking for:
Taste
Delicious flavors
Healthy Ingredients
Nutritious choices
Appearance
Visual appeal
Creativity
Unique ideas
We Value Your Feedback
Was this newsletter helpful?
Let us know what you think! Your feedback helps us improve our communication with you.
APSR Newsletter 15
Message from Headmaster
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Week 15! This week has been filled with remarkable achievements and wonderful learning experiences across all year groups.
Warm regards,
The Headmaster
EYFS
๐จ Nursery
Nursery pupils revised shapes, practising mark-making by tracing and colouring, before using shapes creatively on the carpet to build trains, castles and caterpillars.
They are learning more about Monster Phonics Land, meeting the friendly monsters who help them learn to read.
๐ Family Resources: Families can also enjoy meeting these characters via the "Meet the Monsters" e-book platform.
In Maths, pupils explored numbers through fun, hands-on games, counting objects using:
โจ Learning was fun, engaging and full of enthusiasm throughout the week! โจ
๐ Reception
๐ Term Topic: "Going Places"
Our welcome back to school began with our topic for the term, "Going Places." We have been exploring different types of transport that travel on land.
๐จ Creative Transport Activity
As part of our learning, the children took part in a painting activity using cars, trucks, trains and taxis.
The pupils created routes and patterns by rolling the wheels through paint and then onto paper. This hands-on activity encouraged creativity while also developing fine motor skills and an understanding of movement and direction.
Year 1 and Year 2
๐จ Year 1
Year 1 have been busy exploring shapes, materials and stories. They identified 2D and 3D shapes and continued patterns.
๐ Mysterious Visitor!
We have had a mysterious visitor from our new English book. The children got to work on what they think the book might be about based on the clues.
2D Shapes
Circles, squares, triangles
3D Shapes
Cubes, spheres, cylinders
Patterns
Continuing sequences
๐ฐ Year 2
Year 2 have started the new term with enthusiasm. Money in Maths has caught the attention of the children as Year 2 have enjoyed the challenge of discovering a range of coins and notes.
๐ต Money Maths Challenge
Pupils had to think carefully about the value of each coin and work out the different options.
๐ช Exciting News: They have also started having ideas about a classroom shop!
Coin Values
Identifying different coins
Notes & Options
Exploring different amounts
Classroom Shop
Planning and ideas
๐ก Learning about money brings maths to life and develops essential real-world skills!
Year 3 and Year 4
๐ชจ Year 3 - Rocks & Earth Science
Year 3 pupils have been learning about rocks as part of their Science Enquiry. The lesson began with careful observations using magnifying glasses, which allowed pupils to examine the wide range of rock types more closely.
๐ฌ Rock Properties Explored
They explored key properties such as shape, size and surface texture, while also discussing possible uses and origins.
Igneous Rocks
Formed from molten magma
Sedimentary Rocks
Formed from layers of sediment
Metamorphic Rocks
Changed by heat and pressure
๐ฌ Pupils developed a deeper understanding of how rocks are formed!
โ๏ธ Year 4 - States of Matter
Year 4 have started to study their new topic for Science this term. They looked at how to identify the differences between solids, liquids and gases.
๐จ Creative Learning Activity
To help them understand the difference between the three states of matter, the class created a collection of posters for their classroom displays.
๐ Scientific Investigation: Pupils used balloons to help them make scientific observations!
Solids
Fixed shape and volume
Liquids
Fixed volume, takes container shape
Gases
No fixed shape or volume
๐ฌ Hands-on experiments bring science concepts to life!
Year 5 and Year 6
๐ฌ Year 5 - Properties of Materials
Year 5 scientists returned from the winter break full of curiosity and enthusiasm as they stepped back into the exciting world of science. This term, they have begun a new Physics topic exploring the "properties of materials".
๐ This Week's Focus: Testing Materials
Pupils are learning how scientists compare and classify objects based on their properties through hands-on investigations exploring:
Hardness
Testing material strength
Transparency
How light passes through
Magnetism
Magnetic properties
โจ It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm, thoughtful questioning, and growing confidence as they develop key scientific skills through practical experiments and discussion. We are looking forward to many more exciting investigations this term! โจ
โค๏ธ Year 6 - The Circulatory System
Year 6 have started their journey into the circulatory system and have been learning how the heart, blood and blood vessels work together like a super efficient delivery network.
๐ฌ Blood Vessel Investigation
They have been spotting arteries, veins and capillaries and matching each one to its function, using brilliant scientific vocabulary as they build their understanding of how blood is transported around the body.
Heart
Pumps blood
Blood
Carries nutrients
Arteries
Carry blood away
Veins
Return blood
Capillaries
Exchange gases
โค๏ธ Understanding the circulatory system helps us appreciate how our bodies work to keep us healthy and active!
๐บ๏ธ Year 6 - Map Reading
We have started a new topic on map reading. Students have discussed examples of where, when and why we might use maps.
๐บ๏ธ Types of Maps We Explored
As classes we came up with a huge array of examples for the types of map that we use in our lives and where.
๐งญ Understanding maps helps us navigate our world and understand our place in it!
Year 7 and Year 8
๐ก๏ธ Year 7 - Diffusion & Temperature
Year 7 have been investigating diffusion and this week science got colourful!
๐จ Food Dye Experiment
They carried out an experiment using food dye in water at different temperatures to test how temperature affects the rate of diffusion.
๐ Key Finding: In warmer water, particles have more kinetic energy, move faster and spread out more quickly. A great example of using evidence to support a scientific conclusion!
Cold Water
Slower diffusion
Warm Water
Faster diffusion
๐ Year 7 - Asian History
In our brand new topic we have begun with looking at the Mongol Empire and thinking about why it was so successful.
๐ค Student Inquiry
Students have come up with some insightful questions that they would like to discover.
Empire Expansion
Largest land empire
Military Strategy
Innovative tactics
Cultural Impact
Lasting influence
๐ Exploring the fascinating history of Asia through inquiry-based learning!
โ๏ธ Year 8 - World War One: The Battle of Gallipoli
This week we began with Gallipoli. Using the facilities of the school grounds we reenacted the campaign, investigating where the likely pitfalls were that befell the entente forces.
๐ญ Historical Reenactment Activity
Students used the school grounds to recreate the Gallipoli campaign, bringing history to life through experiential learning.
๐ฏ Learning Objective: By physically experiencing the terrain challenges, students gained a deeper understanding of the strategic difficulties faced by the Allied forces during this historic campaign.
Terrain Challenges
Steep cliffs and difficult landing areas
Strategic Positioning
High ground advantages for defenders
Historical Analysis
Understanding tactical decisions
๐๏ธ Experiential learning brings history to life and helps students truly understand the challenges of the past!
Physical Education
๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ Welcome Back to PE!
We have had a fantastic first week back in PE and it has been wonderful to see all the students engaged and enthusiastic as we begin our new sports units.
๐ This Term's Sports Units
This term the classes have started short tennis, hockey, gymnastics, dodgeball, cricket and table tennis.
Short Tennis
Racket skills
Hockey
Team play
Gymnastics
Balance & coordination
Dodgeball
Speed & agility
Cricket
Batting & bowling
Table Tennis
Hand-eye coordination
๐ We are excited for the term ahead and look forward to supporting the students as they continue to develop their skills and confidence! ๐
Arabic as a Second Language
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Non-Native Speakers Programme
This week, students in the Non-Native Speakers Programme explored the Family Unit.
๐ Learning Objectives
Students learnt how to name family members and use masculine and feminine forms correctly in short sentences, supported by flashcards such as this / these.
๐ค Cooperative Learning: Through cooperative learning, students had excellent opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and support one another.
๐ฃ๏ธ Oral Speaking Skills
We also focused on oral speaking skills, where students confidently answered questions such as:
"How many family members do you have?"
Family Vocabulary
Naming family members in Arabic
Gender Forms
Masculine and feminine usage
Speaking Confidence
Complete spoken sentences
โจ It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they used new vocabulary in complete spoken sentences! โจ
Calendar Events
Parent Workshop: English at KS3 and Beyond
Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The Great Aldenham Bake Off
Sunday | Join us for delicious fun!
Parent Workshop: From Methods to Mastery
Tuesday | Understanding Year 5-6 Maths Strategies
Parent Workshop: From Bonjour to Brilliance
Tuesday | Supporting French Success in KS3
Riyadh Marathon (ASPA) - 5KM
Saturday | School participation event
Parent Workshop: English KS2
Tuesday | Key Stage 2 English Support
Parent Workshop: From Scribbles to Skills
Monday | How Art Develops Across Year Groups
Parent Workshop: Supporting Pupils with SEND
Monday | Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
Announcements
๐ณ New Tuition Support Available
Aldenham Introduces New Tuition Support: Six-Month, Zero-Profit Payment Plan
After careful structuring and close collaboration with BSF (Banque Saudi Fransi), we are pleased to make this possible for Aldenham families: tuition can now be paid in up to six monthly instalments with no profit rate when using BSF Credit Cards.
This means families can now proceed with tuition even when full funds are not immediately available, ensuring their children's education continues without interruption.
๐ก What This Means for You
This instalment plan provides a practical and cost-free way to spread tuition payments over six months, ensuring full continuity in your child's education even when complete funds may not be immediately available.
โจ Key Features of the BSF Tuition Instalment Plan:
Up to Six Monthly Instalments
With zero profit charges
Quick and Efficient
Fast approval process
Secure Transactions
Powered by BSF
Uninterrupted Education
Continue learning without financial delays
This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting families with solutions that offer stability and ease in their financial planning and ensures that access to Aldenham's world-class British education remains within reach for more families.
๐ Learn More๐ BSF School Visit โ Parent Support Session
Date to Be Confirmed
Following the recent letter shared with parents regarding our new 0% interest tuition instalment option in partnership with Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), we are pleased to confirm that a BSF Manager will be visiting Aldenham Prep School Riyadh soon.
๐ฏ This visit will provide parents with the opportunity to:
Ask Questions Directly
Speak directly to a BSF representative and get your questions answered
Gain Clarity on the Plan
Understand exactly how the 0% profit instalment plan works
Registration Support
Receive support with BSF credit card registration if you wish to take advantage of this payment option
๐ง Great Aldenham Bake Off
We are delighted to announce our fourth Great Aldenham Bake Off, which will be held on Sunday 18th January.
๐ช Who Can Enter?
From Nursery to Year 8, pupils who wish to enter are invited to bake a treat using healthy ingredients. For example, instead of granulated sugar you could use honey or coconut sugar.
๐ Judging Criteria
Criteria for entry will have been emailed to all parents. The judges will be looking for:
Taste
Delicious flavors
Healthy Ingredients
Nutritious choices
Appearance
Visual appeal
Creativity
Unique ideas
We Value Your Feedback
Was this newsletter helpful?
Let us know what you think! Your feedback helps us improve our communication with you.
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