To read October’s full newsletter, click here
What an incredible first half term we have had here at Kniveton! It has been a real pleasure welcoming our new Reception children and new staff members into the school community. From outdoor learning to exciting enrichment activities, pupils have shown fantastic enthusiasm and consistently demonstrated our school values.
Thank you to all families for your continued support this term, whether through helping with costumes, supporting home learning challenges, or getting involved in school life. It is hugely appreciated.
A brilliant start to the year with enrichment opportunities
This half term has been packed with enrichment activities, giving pupils the chance to try new things and build confidence through sport, role-play and teamwork. Pupils have taken part in a variety of activities hosted by the Rural Sports Partnership, including skateboarding, bikeability and multi-sport sessions.
A highlight for many was the sporting festival at Ashbourne Tennis Centre, where pupils developed new skills while showing excellent attitudes and behaviour throughout.
Year 6 residential adventure at Whitehall
Year 6 pupils enjoyed an exciting residential trip to the Whitehall Outdoor Activity Centre. It was wonderful to see pupils thriving outside of their usual school environment, taking on challenges and building strong teamwork and friendships.
The trip was a hugely rewarding experience and a brilliant example of pupils living out our school values in a new setting.
Creative curriculum learning and outdoor exploration
Across the school, learning this term has been full of creativity and adventure. Pupils have enjoyed countryside walks, using nature to create maps, and exploring exciting topics including Stone Age activities.
It has been a fun-packed start to the year, and staff are incredibly proud of how hard pupils have worked.
Harvest festival support for Ashbourne Food Bank
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our Harvest Festival. It was a special occasion and a wonderful opportunity to come together as a school community.
The church looked beautiful, and pupils thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the celebration. Thank you for your generous donations of produce in support of Ashbourne Food Bank.
Forest school progress and exciting plans ahead
We are delighted to share an update on Forest School at Kniveton. After time spent clearing and preparing the space, we are now awaiting the removal of some dangerous trees to ensure the area is safe.
We are hopeful that Forest School sessions will begin in the run up to Christmas, and pupils are already enjoying some forest-style activities within their curriculum.
Additional updates at a glance
- Autumn term attendance so far is 97.10%.
- Holiday absences during term time will not be authorised in line with local authority guidelines.
- There is currently a parent governor vacancy; please email kpopple@kniveton.derbyshire.sch.uk for more information.
- Families are asked to ensure they are signed up to My School App, which is now the school’s main communication platform.
- The school is exploring alternative options for music lessons, due to lack of availability through Derby Music Partnership.
- The school is supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, with poppy items available to purchase.
- Christmas card designs will be sent home after half term for families to order packs if they wish.
- Please follow the school on Facebook or visit the website for updates: https://knivetonprimaryschool.co.uk/
- FoKS welcomes any volunteers; contact Jo Burrows or Camilla Tosney if you can help.
- Key upcoming diary dates include:
- 3 November – back to school
- 7 November – Bonfire Bites
- 10 November – FoKS meeting (6pm)
- 12 November – FoKS Christmas photos
- 13 November – Open Day for new Reception starters (Sept 2026)
- 14 November – Children in Need (pyjamas day)
- 17 November – FoKS wreath making workshop (6:30pm)
- 28 November – whole school disco (3:30–5:00pm)
- 5 December – pantomime visit
- 8 December – Secret Santa
- 11 December – KS1 and Reception Christmas Festival at Anthony Gell (1:30–3:00pm)
- 15–18 December – nativity events, church service, Christmas dinner, class parties
- 18 December – break up for Christmas