Our school hall was transformed into a metropolis, when the children took part in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) event that tasked them with designing and building their very own city.

The KAPLA STEM Workshop at Heacham Junior School saw pupils from Years 3 to 6 work together on the project, where they used small, wooden KAPLA blocks to construct a variety of giant structures within the city theme.

“We created a miniature city, complete with a ten-metre-long train track, two eight-foot giraffes, and two palaces,” said our Assistant Headteacher, Ashley Kirwan.

“The event was held by KAPLA, who deliver these workshops to children and adults alike across the country.”

The event was taking place for the first time at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, and was fully funded by a donation from the Heacham Poors Land Charity.

“Some of the highlights included working together as class teams to construct these wonderful creations,” added Mr Kirwan.

“I feel this event benefited the children by providing them with an opportunity to explore construction and balance. With thousands of blocks carefully placed to ensure these creations are stable, it was a great chance to practise skills outside the typical day in class at school.”

It is time to get snap happy, with amateur photographers at our school invited to showcase their talents in a photography contest.

Held in conjunction with the King’s Lynn and District Camera Club (KLDCC), the West Norfolk Academies Trust (WNAT) Photographic Competition is open to staff and pupils across the Trust’s member schools, as well as those within the Windmill Federation.

“It is open to all students from the Trust who are in Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5,” explained WNAT Confidential Administrator Emma Pearman. “It’s also open to school staff. There are five categories – each of the Key Stages, plus a Staff category.

“This year we will also be inviting students and staff from the Windmill Federation Schools to take part.”

The annual competition is taking place for the third year running, with past themes having included ‘Our Environment’ and ‘My Community’.

“There is an open theme this year, covering any subject the student or staff member thinks would make an interesting picture,” said Mrs Pearson.

WNAT high schools taking part include Marshland in West Walton, St Clement’s in Terrington St Clement, Smithdon in Hunstanton, and Springwood in Lynn; alongside Trust primaries Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn.

Initial judging will be carried out by the WNAT Senior Leadership Team, with ten entries chosen from each category to go through to the final at Springwood on 25 June, where winners will be chosen by a panel from KLDCC.

“There were 147 images submitted last year,” continued Mrs Pearman. “It is expected that there will be more this year, with it increasing in popularity year on year, and also with the fact that the Windmill Federation Schools are invited to take part this year.”

Each category winner will receive £20 of Amazon vouchers, while one overall winner will be awarded the Dave Ashfield Cup, which last year went to Year 13 Springwood Sixth Form student, Ava.

“The Trust places a huge importance on extra-curricular activity for all of our students, alongside excellent relationships with our community including the KLDCC,” added WNAT CEO Andy Johnson.

To enter, send a jpeg format photograph, no larger than A4, and a maximum of 3600 x 2400 pixels, to e.pearman@wnat.co.uk before the closing deadline 1 June.

The importance of reading for pleasure was just one of the topics under discussion, when pupils from our school joined others from primaries across the West Norfolk Academies Trust for a literary-themed, public-speaking event.

The WNAT Primary Literary Event is staged annually to coincide with World Book Day, and was taking place for the sixth time.

Held at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange on Wednesday 4 March, the celebration of reading featured teams of Year 5 children from primary schools which included Trust members Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn, along with Terrington St John, Tilney St Lawrence, Walpole Highway, and West Walton from the Windmill Primary Federation.

“Teams of three pupils are asked to speak for five minutes,” explained organiser Emma Hunt, who is Primary English Lead at WNAT. “The first pupil introduces the speaker to provide the audience with a little background; the main speaker then has approximately three minutes to deliver their views on the team’s chosen topic; the final team member then delivers the vote of thanks.”

Among this year’s topics were: whether children should be encouraged to reread favourite books or always try new ones; whether stories help children understand real-world issues better than facts alone; whether illustrations still matter in books for older children; whether it is important for children to see themselves represented in the books they read; and whether reading for pleasure improves creativity more than structured reading at school.

The audience included fellow pupils, teachers, and trustees, as well as the CEO and Deputy CEO of the Trust, while staff from across all schools supported the teams in writing their speeches and rehearsing for the event.

“Literary events that involve public speaking are so important, as they give children valuable opportunities to build confidence and communication skills,” continued Mrs Hunt.

“Preparing and delivering a presentation encourages pupils to organise their ideas clearly, structure their thoughts, and express them in a way that engages an audience. Through this, they learn how to communicate effectively and share their ideas with clarity and purpose.”

“Taking part in events beyond the school environment, alongside pupils from other schools in the Trust and Federation, also offers valuable social and personal benefits,” she added. “It allows children to meet new people, experience different perspectives, and learn from others.

“Engaging with a wider group of students can broaden their horizons, build resilience, and encourage a healthy sense of collaboration and friendly competition. Such experiences help pupils develop confidence in unfamiliar settings, and strengthen the interpersonal skills that will support them throughout their education and beyond.”

After guiding thousands of pupils through their first years of education during her 34-year career, our Executive Headteacher has decided it’s time to retire.

Louise Jackson became Executive Headteacher of Heacham Infants, Heacham Juniors, and Snettisham Primary in 2018. She is also Lead for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the West Norfolk Academies Trust, of which the three schools are part.

“The most rewarding part of working within these school communities is seeing so many children grow and go on to become great, young adults – succeeding in what they do and making their own steps in the world,” said Mrs Jackson, who will stand down in December.

“It has been a privilege to work across our Trust schools to support learners in EYFS and with additional needs.

“All our staff are amazing, and work so hard to develop the environment, classrooms, resources, and curriculum to make sure every child can shine. It has been wonderful to be involved.

Mrs Jackson started her teaching career in London in 1992, before moving to Norfolk in 2002 and started working at Snettisham Primary in 2003. She has worked for WNAT since 2016.

“There have been so many memorable moments over the years working across the schools, where we all come together to do something special, such as community PTA events, carol singing at the local churches, beach visits, trips to London, competitions, and celebration assemblies,” she continued.

“It’s also been about those little moments of success too – someone cutting out a carefully drawn picture or spending time balancing bricks as high as themselves. Those small steps are so memorable.

“I will miss the chatting, smiles, and kindness that our families, pupils, and staff bring to school each and every day. Working in our schools is such a rewarding experience, and I feel very grateful to have had opportunities to contribute.

“I’m now looking forward to enjoying our beautiful location, reading all the books I have piled up, walking my dog, and enjoying the garden.”

Colleagues were keen to pay tribute to Mrs Jackson, as she announced her retirement plans.

“Louise has been an exceptional leader and a true cornerstone of our Primary Education Team at the West Norfolk Academies Trust,” said Trust CEO Andy Johnson. “Her dedication to the children of Heacham and Snettisham, alongside her tireless advocacy as our Trust Lead for EYFS and SEND, has left an incredible legacy.

“She has consistently ensured that every child, regardless of their needs, is given the best possible start to their education.

“While we will miss her expertise, leadership, and warmth immensely when she retires in December, we are deeply grateful for everything she has done for our schools. We wish her a very happy and well deserved retirement.”

The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Roger Livesey, added: “On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to extend our profound thanks to Louise for her outstanding dedication to the Trust. Successfully guiding three schools as an executive headteacher requires immense skill, resilience, and compassion – qualities Louise has demonstrated every single day.

“Her hard work has significantly enriched the educational landscape of West Norfolk, and positively shaped the lives of countless young people in our local communities.

“We congratulate her on a fantastic career, and wish her the very best in her next chapter.”

Pupils at Heacham Junior enjoyed a visit from PC Smith, who delivered informative workshops and lessons on a variety of topics. 

The topics covered by PC Smith included: cyberbullying, hate crime and online safety with mobile phone use. 

As the pictures show, pupils (even some teachers) had the opportunity to dress up! Pupils across all year groups tried on uniform brought in by PC Smith after he delivered the workshops. 

  

This event hopes to inspire our pupils - both by informing them of the importance of the issues discussed but also the opportunities that come with a career in the police force. 

Our students and staff joined their peers across the West Norfolk Academies Trust in high-energy activities to raise money for the BBC Children in Need Appeal.

Classrooms and playgrounds across both schools were buzzing with fundraising efforts, seeing pupils and teachers trading their uniforms for costumes, baking treats, and participating in fun challenges.

The generosity shown by pupils, staff, and families at both schools has reinforced the Trust’s deep commitment to developing community responsibility among its pupils, ensuring a substantial donation is made to the annual appeal.

Across the West Norfolk Academies Trust, other schools like Gaywood Primary held a Dance-athon and West Lynn Primary focused on art and craft activities to raise money for the appeal.