Year 2: News items
Enrichment 2025-2026, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 11th Jul 2025 @ 3:18pm
Dear Parents / Guardian
Please find attached a list of Enrichment Activities we have provided this academic year.
Throughout the year there are curriculum related educational visits or school-based workshops so that Marus Bridge’s curriculum remains innovative and meets the needs of every learner by deepening children’s learning experiences. In addition, we give our pupils the opportunity to experience theatre, life education skills, an enormous variety of sports and activity clubs as well as contributing to the wider community through charitable support. We appreciate that financially what we offer can be challenging for some families and value the contributions that you make to ensure that the various opportunities can go ahead. Transport costs, insurance and visit/workshop charges soon mount up these days. So, thank you again for your support.
As a school, we subsidise every enrichment activity. This is to try to keep the costs to parents/carers to a minimum and we are grateful to the Friends Of Marus Bridge Association for their considerable financial support in paying towards a number of the enrichment opportunities yearly. If we cannot meet the cost of visits, workshops or experiences then they would not be able to proceed.
We believe that the children of Marus Bridge deserve the best primary school experience possible, and we strive to ensure that their lives are enriched why they are with us.
If you have any ideas on what activities, clubs, trips might further enhance our enrichment offer that we do not currently provide, please get in touch and we can look into this for the next academic year.
Thank you again for supporting our vision in providing outstanding opportunities for Marus Bridge Pupils.
Kind Regards Mrs A. Atkinson & Mrs A. Hurst
Summer Term House Point Champions, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 11th Jul 2025 @ 12:25pm
Well done to Dahl (Blue House) who have won this terms house points. All chidlren in Dahl can come to school next Thursday 17th July in their own clothes.
Writer of The Year Award, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 11th Jul 2025 @ 12:19pm
We were proud to welcome Mr Gaskill back today, to give out his annual 'Writer of The Year Award'. The recipient was Ben G in Y4 for imaginative writing and super progress over the year. Congratulations Ben! 👏👏👏
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Newsletter 04.07.2.25, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 4th Jul 2025 @ 2:37pm
Dear Parents/Carers,
As another busy week comes to an end, please say well done to your children for their wonderful work, effort and determination. It was great to see so many of you at the sports days and at the recent Y4 brass performance, which was sublime. Our Y6 have learned about road safety on their bikeability sessions and are preparing for their final two weeks of school – time is flying!
MP Visit
Friend of the school Josh Simons, MP for Makerfield, will be visiting us on Tuesday to meet our School Councillors. They have been in contact with him and Sainsbury’s in a bid to publicise the need for safe, accessible parking around school. Please see the letter attached he has written to us, following his meeting with Sainsbury’s, who affirmed their offer to parents to use their carpark in a bid to reduce congestion on the residential streets around school. Do please consider this as a preferred option for pick-up and drop-off.
Ice Cream Van/FOMBA AGM
Thank you to FOMBA who are treating our children to an ice cream on Tuesday 15th July – no cash needed. On the same day is their AGM at 6pm, where you can hear about the great work they have done this year and to have your say with ideas for the coming year.
Y6 Football Cup Final
The Y6 football team have made it to the WOWS cup final, taking place this Thursday (awaiting venue confirmation). They have been a superb team and are an absolute joy to watch – a much more entertaining alternative to the Club World Cup! Good luck team!
Classes next academic year
The children were excited to hear who their new teachers will be next year. Here is a reminder:
- Mrs Miller to Mrs Riley Y1
- Mrs Holden to Mrs Tolen Y1
- Mrs Riley to Miss Evans and Miss Ferro (half of the week each) Y2
- Mrs Tolen to Mrs Hurst Y2
- Miss Ferro to Miss Johnstone Y3
- Miss Woodward to Mrs Capstick Y3
- Miss Johnstone to Miss Woodward Y4
- Mrs Capstick to Mrs Carver Y4
- Mrs Hurst to Mrs Bower Y5
- Mrs Carver to Mrs Boffey Y5
- Mrs Bower to Mrs West Y6
- Mrs Boffey to Mrs Howsley Y6
School day Adjustment from September - Open 8.50am - Close 3.20pm
From September the school day will be adjusted slightly to accommodate a further 10 minutes in school for pupils each day. This ensures that all children are registered and in school for the stipulated 32.5 hours each week. The bell for close of registration (second bell in a morning) will ring at 8.50am. The doors will still open at 8.45am, but we will open the gates earlier to minimise congestion. As always, we will be there on the doors should adults need to speak to staff. Pick up time will move back to 3.20pm. We hope in this way we will minimise disruption or inconvenience to our families. Thank you for your understanding.
Water Safety
I will be reminding our children about water safety in assembly, especially because of the time of year. Here is a link to support that message should you wish to take a look.
Safety on our Waterways | Canal & River Trust
Final dates:
- 10/07/2025 - Y3 Trip to Chester
- 11/07/2025 - Y5 Visit to Dean Trust High School
- 14/07/2025 - Transition Morning (new class taster morning register in current classes first)
- - School Reports Sent Out
- 15/07/2025 - Reception Assembly - ( 9am)
- - Ice cream Van
- - FOMBA AGM 6pm
- 16/07/2025 - Y6 Leavers Disco (5pm-6.30pm in school hall)
- 18/07/2025 - Leavers Assembly (9am)
- End of Term - School closes at 1pm - followed by a guard of honour on the infant playground for our Y6 leavers.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mr Aldridge
Sports Day Champions, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 4th Jul 2025 @ 12:51pm
Well done to all the chidlren in Wilson, You are the overall house point champions for Sports Day 2025 across the school.
Parents Online digital safety Workshop, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 28th Jun 2025 @ 5:54pm
- Understand the latest apps and games your child may be using,
- Learn about harmful content children may be exposed to,
- Discover how to help your child safely navigate online risks,
- Access our FREE Online Safety Hub with tailored guidance for parents,
-
Get an introduction to a parental control app that helps you manage what your child sees online and alerts you to potential risks
-
- Understand the latest apps and games your child may be using,
- Learn about harmful content children may be exposed to,
- Discover how to help your child safely navigate online risks,
- Access our FREE Online Safety Hub with tailored guidance for parents,
-
Get an introduction to a parental control app that helps you manage what your child sees online and alerts you to potential risks
-
Newsletter 20.06.2025, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 22nd Jun 2025 @ 9:23pm
Dear Parents/Carers,
Thank you to FOMBA members, staff and volunteers for giving their time on Saturday for a supremely fun and well-organised day. A brief downpour at the start of the day didn't dampen spirits in any way! Thank you for coming along and helping raise funds for school. Look out for official amount raised via the FOMBA page and how we plan to invest the funds into our children and their school experiences.
School Day Adjustment from September - Open 8.50am - Close 3.20pm
From September the school day will be adjusted slightly to accommodate a further 10 minutes in school for pupils each day. This ensures that all children are registered and in school for the stipulated 32.5 hours each week. The bell for close of registration (second bell in a morning) will ring at 8.50am. The doors will still open at 8.45am, but we will open the gates earlier to minimise congestion. As always, we will be there on the doors should adults need to speak to staff. Pick up time will move back to 3.20pm. We hope in this way we will minimise disruption or inconvenience to our families. Thank you for your understanding.
Sports Day Event Schedule
Wednesday, 25th June
- Early Years: 9:30 – 10:30 (approx.)
- Key Stage 1 (Y1 & Y2): 1:30 – 3:00
Thursday, 26th June
- Upper Key Stage 2 (Y5 & Y6): 9:30 – 11:00
- Lower Key Stage 2 (Y3 & Y4): 1:30 – 3:00
I am hoping/obsessing that weather will hold, but if we have to make any changes we will be in touch asap.
No Outsiders
Well done to our team of Y6 pupils who visited Farington Primary School, one of our RLT partner schools, to immerse themselves in discussions and debate about equality and opportunity in our society. They presented their ideas to other children, had fun and made new friends too - well done.
Dates:
- 25/06/2025 - Sports Day Reception AM and KS1 PM
- 26/06/2025 - Sports Day UKS2 AM and LKS2 PM
- 30/06/2025 - Y4 Trip to Haigh Hall
- 03/07/3025 -Y4 Summer Brass Concert 10am
- - Y1 Trip To Gulliver's World
- 10/07/2025 - Y3 Trip to Chester
- 11/07/2025 - Y5 visit to Dean Trust High School
- 14/07/2025 - Transition Morning (new class taster morning register in current classes first)
- - School Reports Sent Out
- 15/07/2025 - Reception Assembly - ( 9am)
- 16/07/2025 - Y6 Leavers Disco (5pm-6.30pm in school hall)
- 18/07/2025 - Leavers Assembly (9am)
- End of Term - School closes at 1pm - followed by a guard of honour on the infant playground for our Y6 leavers.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mr Aldridge
Newsletter 13.6.25, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 16th Jun 2025 @ 9:08am
Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been a busy week in school, with our Y1 children completing their phonics screening, where children have to read real and alien words, they did a great job. Y4 children completed statutory times tables checks, so a thumbs up to them for working hard to learn their tables - all by the grand old age of 9 too!
FOMBA Fest - Tomorrow 12pm - 5pm
Final reminder (as if you need it!) that our summer fair is tomorrow and everyone is welcome. Please bear in mind there will be some weather-related adjustments which will be shared via the FOMBA Facebook page in the morning. Please keep your eye on it for updates.
If you were an engineer, what would you do?
Our entrants in Y2 and Y5 impressed the engineer judges with their inventions and ideas in this cross-country competition. All children passed with some gaining distinctions or even being shortlisted for a winning prize. In an ever developing technological landscape, it's good to know our future is in safe hands.
Swimming Gala
You will have seen the team on the socials who competed in the annual Helen Smart Swimming gala in Wigan. Well done to Matilda and Finn for getting into the finals, with Matilda getting a silver medal in the process!
Dyslexia Link
I am sharing a link to Edge Hill's planned dyslexia awareness courses for anyone interested. It is broadly aimed at educators, but is information and support for all, initiated following Jamie Oliver's campaign to raise awareness and better understanding/support for those who may require it.
Dates:
- 14/06/2025 - Marus Bridge Summer Fest
- 17/06/2025 - Y1 NHS Hearing Screening
- 20/06/2025 - Y6 Group Photograph
- 25/06/2025 - Sports Day Reception AM and KS1 PM
- 26/06/2025 - Sports Day UKS2 AM and LKS2 PM
- 30/06/2025 - Y4 Haigh Hall Trip
- 03/07/3025 - Y4 Summer Brass Concert 10am
- 10/07/2025 - Y3 Trip to Chester
- 14/07/2025 - Transition Morning (new class taster morning register in current classes first)
- - School Reports Sent Out
- 15/07/2025 - Reception Assembly - ( 9am)
- 16/07/2025 - Y6 Leavers Disco (5pm-6.30pm in school hall)
- 18/07/2025 - Leavers Assembly (9am) - End of Term - School closes at 1pm - followed by a guard of honour on the infant playground for our Y6 leavers.
Thank you.
Mr Aldridge
Newsletter 23.05.25, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 23rd May 2025 @ 3:03pm
Dear Parents/Carers,
Today, in our star of the week assembly, we celebrated a special award – The Unsworth Pride award. This award is dedicated to a former colleague, Mrs Unsworth, beloved and respected by the school community for her championing of kindness, courage and charity. This year’s winner was Lily in Y2, who has shown unbelievable courage and kindness when faced with such adversity. You are and always will be an inspiration to us all, Lily! See pics on our socials.
We are extremely proud of all our Y6 pupils of whom have worked so hard this year and are now coming towards their final term with us. They were amazing during sats week and I believe (from first hand accounts and photos!) that they had a blast at Boreatton Park. Thankyou to the staff for giving their time to make it happen. Next stop London with Y5!
Summer term has seen our football and netball teams in action, both playing with respect and enthusiasm. The netball team are currently unbeaten - hoping to finish the season as invincibles!
Finally, it turns out that the parents weren’t quite as smart as their Year 2 children…but it was close 🙂! Thanks to our Y2 families for attending and making yesterday such a fun afternoon.
Sports Day - (see info from Miss Johnstone)
Wednesday, 25th June
- Early Years: 9:30 – 10:30 (approx.)
- Key Stage 1 (Y1 & Y2): 1:30 – 3:00
Thursday, 26th June
- Upper Key Stage 2 (Y5 & Y6): 9:30 – 11:00
- Lower Key Stage 2 (Y3 & Y4): 1:30 – 3:00
Tiny Happy People
A website I have used and recommended by various professionals with a wealth of ideas and support for us parents. Please have a look if you are interested – loads of ideas and resources available.
FOMBA Summer Fest
Thank you for you donations today in support of our Summer Fest, which is just around the corner - Saturday 14th June from 12pm. We can't wait!
Online Safety Hub
As you know, pupil online safety has been in the spotlight recently. It's always worth having a look at our online safety hub for updates and practical advice.
Online Safety Hub - Marus Bridge Primary School
Not to bombard you with links but I am aware that some pupils do use social media. If you choose to allow your children onto social media platforms, this is another good site to peruse.
https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/apps-and-platforms/social-media/
Dates:
- 02/06/2025 - INSET Day – School closed
- 03/06/2025 - School opens for Summer 2
- - Y4 Times Table Check begins (2 week window)
- 05–06/06/25 - Y5 Trip to London
- 09/06/2025 - Graduation Photo’s Reception and Y6
- 09/06/2025 - Phonics Screening Week (Y2)
- 11/06/2025 - WOWS Swimming Gala
- 13/06/2025 - Reception Father’s Day Afternoon
- 14/06/2025 - Marus Bridge Summer Fest
- 17/06/2025 - Y1 NHS Hearing Screening
- 25/06/2025 - Sports Day Reception AM and KS1 PM
- 26/06/2025 - Sports Day UKS2 AM and LKS2 PM
- 30/06/2025 - Y4 Haigh Hall Trip
- 20/06/2025 - Y6 Group Photograph (**change of date)
- 03/07/3025 - Y4 Summer Brass Concert 10am
- 10/07/2025 - Y3 Trip to Chester
- 14/07/2025 - Transition Morning (new class taster morning)
- - EOY Reports Sent Out
- 15/07/2025 - Reception Assembly - (approx 9am)
- 16/07/2025 - Y6 Leavers Disco
- 18/07/2025 - Leavers Assembly (approx 9am)
- End of Term - School closes at 1pm
Thank you for your kindness and support this term,
Mr Aldridge
Unsworth Pride Award 2025, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 23rd May 2025 @ 10:18am
Newsletter 9.5.25, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 9th May 2025 @ 2:49pm
Wigan Institute of Teaching
Interested in a career in teaching with a localised training offer? Visit the WIE website below for further information or give Mrs Atkinson or Miss Johnstone a call in school.
School dates:
- 12–15/05/2025 - Y6 SATS week
- 19–21/05/2025 - Y6 Boreatton Park Residential
- 19/05/2025 - Y5 Parent Afternoon
- 20/05/2025 - Reception New Starter meeting (6pm)
- 22/05/2025 - Y2 Parent Afternoon
- 23/05/2025 - School closes for half term
- 02/06/2025 - INSET Day – School closed
- 03/06/2025 - School opens for Summer 2
- - Y4 Times Table Check begins (2 week window)
- 05–06/06/25 - Y5 Trip to London
-
09/06/2025 - Graduation Photo’s Reception and Y6
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11/06/2025 - WOWS Swimming Gala
- 13/06/2025 - Reception Father’s Day Afternoon
- 14/06/2025 - Marus Bridge Summer Fest
- 25/06/2025 - Sports Day Reception AM and KS1 PM
- 26/06/2025 - Sports Day UKS2 AM and LKS2 PM
- 20/06/2025 - Y6 Group Photograph (**change of date)
- 10/07/2025 - Y3 Trip to Chester
- 14/07/2025 - Transition Morning (new class taster morning)
- - Reports Sent Out
- 15/07/2025 - Reception Assembly - (approx 9am)
- 16/07/2025 - Y6 Leavers Disco
- 18/07/2025 - Leavers Assembly - End of Term
Have a lovely weekend,
Mr Aldridge
Get into Teaching!, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 29th Apr 2025 @ 11:50am
Get into Teaching
We offer a full Initial Teacher Training programme with the Wigan Institute of Education, in partnership with the University of Cumbria (accredited by the University of Warwick). Providing teacher training across all phases from primary through to secondary and post-16; the the opportunity for placements at special schools with an SEND focus.
For more information, please visit www.wiganinstitute.education
Newsletter 25.4.25, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 28th Apr 2025 @ 9:51am
Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been lovely welcoming the children back after the Easter break, catching up with them and seeing them get back into the school groove! Children will be encountering new topics and experiences, whilst hopefully enjoying some sunshine too!
VE Day
Thursday 8th May commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day. We have activities planned as well as a drink and snack donated kindly by FOMBA. Children are invited to wear red, white and blue for the day. (If it is PE day, please bear this in mind for outfits.)
Cyclists Dismount
A recurring request that children dismount their bikes on school grounds (including the path in front of the school office). This is for everyone's safety. If we can see this as a shared responsibility, hopefully it will become culture. If you can remind friends of this too, then that would be great. Following on from this, please encourage children to wear helmets, again for their safety. I will, of course, ask staff to support this message in school too.
Wigan Institute of Teaching
Interested in a career in teaching with a localised training offer? Visit the WIE website below for further information or give Mrs Atkinson or Miss Johnstone a call in school.
School dates:
- 28/04/2025 – Air Ambulance Assemblies
- 05/05/2025 - Bank holiday
- 08/05/2025 - VE Day Celebrations (see details above and on socials)
- 12–15/05/2025 - Y6 SATS week
- 19–21/05/2025 - Y6 Boreatton Park Residential
- 19/05/2025 - Y5 Parent Afternoon
- 20/05/2025 - Reception New Starter meeting (6pm)
- 22/05/2025 - Y2 Parent Afternoon
- 23/05/2025 - School closes for half term
- 02/06/2025 - INSET Day – School closed
- 03/06/2025 - School opens for Summer 2
- - Y4 Times Table Check begins (2 week window)
- 05–06/06/25 - Y5 Trip to London
- 09/06/2025 - Graduation Photo’s Reception and Y6
- 13/06/2025 - Reception Father’s Day Afternoon
- 14/06/2025 - Marus Bridge Summer Fest
- 25/06/2025 - Sports Day Reception AM and KS1 PM
- 26/06/2025 - Sports Day UKS2 AM and LKS2 PM
- 20/06/2025 - Y6 Group Photograph (**change of date)
- 10/07/2025 - Y3 Trip to Chester
- 14/07/2025 - Transition Morning (new class taster morning)
- - Reports Sent Out
- 15/07/2025 - Reception Assembly - (approx 9am)
- 16/07/2025 - Y6 Leavers Disco
- 18/07/2025 - Leavers Assembly - End of Term
Have a lovely weekend,
Mr Aldridge
Newsletter 28.3.25, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 31st Mar 2025 @ 12:35pm
- 22/04/2025 – School reopens for summer term 1
- 24/04/2025 – Y4 Trip to Tatton Park
- 28/04/2025 – Air Ambulance Assemblies
- 08/05/2025 – VE Day Celebrations (details to follow)
- 12–15/05/2025 – Y6 SATS
- 19–21/05/2025 – Y6 Boreatton Park Residential
- 19/05/2025 – Y5 Parent Afternoon
- 20/05/2025 - Reception New Starter meeting (6pm)
- 22/05/2025 – Y2 Parent Afternoon
- 23/05/2025 – School closes for half term
- 02/06/2025 – INSET Day – School closed
- 03/06/2025 – School opens for Summer 2
- – Y4 Times Table Check begins (2 week window)
- 05–06/06/25 – Y5 Trip to London
- 09/06/2025 – Graduation Photo’s Reception and Y6
- 13/06/2025 – Reception Father’s Day Afternoon
- 14/06/2025 - Marus Bridge Summer Fest
- 25/06/2025 – Sports Day Reception AM and KS1 PM
- 26/06/2025 – Sports Day UKS2 AM and LKS2 PM
- 27/06/2025 – Y6 Group Photograph
- 10/07/2025 - Y3 Trip to Chester
- 14/07/2025 - Transition Morning (new class taster morning)
- - Reports Sent Out
- 15/07/2025 - Reception Assembly - (approx 9am)
- 16/07/2025 - Y6 Leavers Disco
- 18/07/2025 - Leavers Assembly - End of Term
New Family HUb, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 28th Mar 2025 @ 11:40am
SAVE THE DATE!
Just 3 weeks to go until our Family Hub at Clifton Street Community Centre officially launches! 
This will be our fourth Family Hub!
Join us to celebrate! All families are welcome to come along to meet the team and our wide range of partners and to join in lots of fun, FREE activities.
Saturday 12th April
12.00-3.00pm
Family Hub at Clifton Street, Wigan, WN3 5HN
Walk and Wheel Week, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 27th Mar 2025 @ 12:48pm
We have some exciting news for you! Next week, we are taking part in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting challenge. Encourage your child(ren) to walk, use a wheelchair, scoot or cycle to school on as many days as possible during the week. Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is a great way to build physical activity in children’s daily routine which is important for their physical health and mental wellbeing.
Easter Competition, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 26th Mar 2025 @ 3:33pm
Newsletter 14.3.25, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 17th Mar 2025 @ 1:56pm
Dear Parents/Carers,
We were proud to welcome one of His Majesty's School Inspectors to Marus Bridge this week. She conducted an 'ungraded' school inspection, with the aim of ensuring standards of education for our children remain high. Although I cannot disclose the details until the report is published, I can say that we are pleased and immeasurably proud of our children and staff. In her debrief with myself, school and Rowan Learning Trust leaders, she highlighted how kind, responsible and determined our pupils are and how well supported they are by our staff.
Please can I say thank you for the positivity, kind words and treats that you shared over the past few days. We are also touched by some of the comments left on OFSTED Parent View, something that HMI made reference to. The report now needs to be quality assured, therefore it will be 3-4 weeks before publication, which could take us into next term. As soon as it is made available, I will share.
It is an absolute privilege to serve the children and families in this thriving community.
In Other News...
More to celebrate as we have been awarded the SMSC Silver Award. Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. This award is recognition of the work we have done on our curriculum and enrichment activities to improve pupil understanding and prepare them for citizenship and future life in a modern, diverse world. Thanks to Mrs Heaton for her dedication to this.
Young Carers
Please see attached information about and for young carers. We will share in school and endeavour to support any young people and families of whom this affects.
Midday Supervisor Role
If you are interested in the role of midday supervisor at Marus Bridge, please could you call or drop into the office to discuss further.
Wigan Institute of Teaching
Interested in a career in teaching with a localised training offer? Visit the WIE website below for further information or give Mrs Atkinson or Miss Johnstone a call in school.
I will share summer term dates (sports day etc) soon.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mr Aldridge
SMSC SILVER MARK AWARED TODAY, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 11th Mar 2025 @ 4:55pm
Young Carers, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 6th Mar 2025 @ 12:10pm
