Some of our Year 5 and Year 6 children had the wonderful opportunity to meet Jess French - who is an author, TV and Radio Presenter, Vet and wildlife expert - to hear about her new book: Beastlands.

More than 750 children from seven different schools across the city got to hear Jess French talk about her new book, Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain, as part of a visit organised by the National Literacy Trust in Peterborough on Thursday 25 January 2024.

Year 5 and 6 pupils were invited to two different talks from the author and television personality, the first at St John’s Church School in the morning and the second at Gladstone Park Community Centre in the afternoon.

Children heard an extract from the book, asked questions about Jess’s favourite adventures, life as an author and where inspiration comes from, and each school took copies of Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain for their school library spaces.

The 750 pupils came from seven schools in Peterborough: St John’s Church School, Winyates Primary, Braybrook Primary, Leighton Primary, Gladstone Academy, The Beeches Primary and Fulbridge Academy.

The children had a fantastic morning and were perfectly behaved while asking some very thoughtful questions of Jess

What Parents and Carers Need to Know about Persuasive Design Online

Apps and sites are all competing for our attention  Over the years, numerous strategies have been developed which are intended to influence users’ behaviour – making us more likely to remain on a site, game or platform for longer periods of time. These techniques are known as ‘persuasive design’ and can have a particularly profound effect on children and young people 

Despite these tactics’ evident effectiveness, there are still plenty of ways to help prevent yourself (and your child) from being psychologically swayed. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide breaks down the potential risks posed by persuasive design online – and offers some top tips for recognising and reducing its impact on young people’s decision making.

Dear Parents and Families,

A very Happy New Year! As we step into this promising new year, I hope you and your family had a restful and joyful Christmas break. It is certainly a time of fresh starts and new beginnings, and we are excited to welcome pupils back, energised and ready to learn. Let's embrace the opportunities this year brings, supporting each other to make it a fantastic year for our entire school community.

I am looking forward to working as Interim Headteacher for this next chapter at Leighton. We've got some exciting times ahead, and I'm here to ensure we all make the most of it.

Mr Daniel Saull

A lovely festive feeling in school today for Christmas Jumper Day. Thank you all for your donations

Last week we celebrated Talk Money Week. Children spent the week talking about money and thinking of one thing they could do to improve their understanding of money.

We held a competition to design a new coin to coincide with the new coin designs, overseen by King Charles, which are being released at the end of the year.

The first place winner was Subhan in Turtle class; second place was Aras in Lobster class; and third place was Archie in Barracuda class.

A huge 'Thank you' to all families who attended of book fayre last week. We were able to fundraise £271.58 for the school! We have put this towards new chapter books for our developing readers. Thank you!