On Friday, our Year 5 students took part in one of the most uplifting events in the school calendar – this term's Year 5 Praise Event. Rooted in our Creating Futures vision and the core values of Praise, the event offered pupils a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their learning and celebrate the progress they have made this term.

The concept is simple but powerful: each student brings along a piece of work they are especially proud of. This can be anything from a beautifully written story, an impressive maths investigation, a piece of artwork, a scientific discovery, or a project that shows resilience, creativity, or personal growth. The focus isn’t on perfection, but on pride, effort, and the journey behind the work they choose to showcase.

Throughout the event, pupils met with staff to discuss their chosen piece, explaining what it represents, why they are proud of it, and how it reflects their achievements so far. These conversations are an important part of developing confidence, communication skills, and self-belief. They also allow staff to better understand the moments that matter most to our students, strengthening the relationships at the heart of our school community.

As part of the event, every student received a small gift in exchange for sharing their work. This is not a reward in the conventional sense, but a symbol of recognition and a way of showing our young people that their efforts are valued, seen, and celebrated.

The Praise Event is an embodiment of what Praise stands for:

• Celebrating achievements, both big and small
• Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning
• Building confidence and resilience
• Highlighting personal strengths and individual progress

It also supports our Creating Futures commitment to nurturing motivated, reflective learners who are equipped to shape bright futures for themselves. By encouraging students to look back on what they have achieved, we help them look forward with ambition, hope, and a strong sense of possibility.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for the enthusiasm, maturity, and positivity they brought to this year’s event. Their chosen pieces of work reflected not only academic progress but also creativity, perseverance, and pride in themselves, qualities that are essential to their development both in and beyond the classroom.

A huge thank you to all staff involved in organising the event, and to our Year 5 pupils for making it such a joyful and meaningful occasion. Moments like these remind us why celebration and recognition are such important parts of school life.

Here’s to the achievements our students have already made – and the futures they’re creating every day.