Newsletters

This week at Cradley...

It has been wonderful welcoming the pupils back to school and we are so proud of their (and your) resilience to push through at the start of this week despite awful weather conditions.  We hope you have all managed to enjoy our Friday snow day too.

Across the school this week, learning has been full of curiosity, creativity and thoughtful reflection. Our Reception children have been investigating snow and ice, capturing their discoveries through beautiful winter-themed artwork. Year 1 have shared some wonderfully mature ideas as they explored what we can learn from Jesus’ parables, particularly the story of the Lost Son, while Year 2 have been inspired by London’s landmarks in their art work. In Year 3, pupils became reading detectives while enjoying The Mystery of the Straight Line Ice Cream, confidently mastering the use of inverted commas in direct speech. Year 4 impressed us with their lively debates about who might be the greatest Greek philosopher, and Year 5 have been stretching their scientific thinking by learning about the discovery of gravity and how it has shaped our understanding of the solar system. Meanwhile, Year 6 have been thoroughly captivated by Macbeth, making thoughtful predictions about how the story might end. Together, these rich learning experiences reflect our shared commitment to helping every child believe in themselves, feel they belong, and be happy as they make the most of every chance, every day.

Praise

Very well done to the following pupils who have been noted by staff for their achievements and progress this week:

Reception - Oliver and Aurelius

Year 1 - Syrus and Waka

Year 2 - Jamie and Ivy-Olivia 

Year 3 - Fraizer and Teddy

Year 4 - Harley and Samuel

Year 5 - Leo and Francesca

Year 6 - Ollie and Logan

Collective Worship

In this week's collective worship, we continued in the next stage of our journey through the Old Testament of the Bible, meeting Joshua.  Joshua was the next leader of the Israelite tribe, commissioned by Moses before his passing.  Joshua and Caleb remained faithful in their trust of God when the other Israelites became disillusioned during their 40 year wait in the wilderness.

Joshua is a wonderful example of a leader who had to show courage, stepping into the big shoes of Moses  to encourage and guide people into the best that God had for them - the promised land.Courage doesn't mean not being scared.  There are many times in our lives when we are scared but courage helps us to take a step into the unknown and into something new. 

Choose to try

Overcome worries

Use your strengths

Regroup when it's hard

Ask for help

Grow through challenge

Encourage others

As families, you could spend some time talking together about times and situations when each of you have been courageous while feeling scared, nervous or out of your depth.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1 v 9

Our Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for Joshua who was brave because you were with him.

Help us to be courageous, brave and full of hope, even when we feel scared, nervous and small.

Thank you that you never leave us,

Amen

Primary School Admissions Deadline

Please note you are able to apply online until the closing date (15 January 2026).

One of the advantages to applying online is that your decision will be emailed to you on the day the places are allocated. Please visit the website at www.dudley.gov.uk/admissions for further information.

Before completing this form or applying online, you should read all of the information contained within ‘A Parents’ Guide to School Admissions 2026/27’ booklet very carefully.

Please share this information with anyone you know for whom it may be relevant.

National Year of Reading - Go all in!

Everyone knows that reading expands words, sharpens minds, and fuels creativity. But fewer of us are making time for it.

It's time for the nation to go all in!

In 2026, the National Year of Reading is reconnecting reading with the things that already inspire us – from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s reading that fits how we live, not the other way around.

Visit the following website to explore how you can join the movement at home and look out for initiatives coming from school led by our English leads, Mrs Darby and Miss Lawrence in the coming weeks and months.

https://goallin.org.uk/