In the news this week...

The children were excellent ambassadors for our school at the Cross Country event last week. All the children ran extremely well and for the year threes who were old enough to join in for the first time, it was a test of courage as well as resilience. Well done to everyone who raced.

Report by Orlaith, Darcey, Layla and Amy – Year 5

Toby and Sebastian – Year 6

Before we got on the coach to go to cross-country, we did the Launton Laps at school, to help us warm up. We had to have an early lunch and then the coach took us to The Cooper School in time for the races. Two teachers, Mrs Heath and Mrs Robbins, came with us.

To decide who was going to take part in the cross-country, we ran the Launton Laps at school in the weeks before. The top 4 fastest girls and top 4 fastest boys from each year group were selected to represent Launton Primary School.

We think there were about 80 people in each race, in the girls’ 1400 metres Erin was 2^nd! Amy came 11^th, Orlaith came 16^th, Darcey came 19^th and Layla came 23^rd. We ran against other year 5 and 6 girls from other local primary schools. We all got stitches when we were running, and one of us felt sick, but we kept going and are really pleased with our results.

In the boys’ 1400 metres Sebastian came 1^st and Toby came 12^th. There were also about 80 people in this race, so we all did really well overall. It was a chilly day, but perfect weather for running. Once the races were over our parents were able to come and pick us up.

Because we enjoyed the cross-country so much, we have decided to start a running club at school. Some of us already run Junior Parkrun at Whitelands’ sports ground and we have spoken to Mrs Paterson about how a club at school would work. We have decided that Key Stage 1 children will have a different club time to Key Stage 2 children, and the clubs will happen at break times. The first meeting of the running club was on Monday 13^th October, and about 30 people had signed up.

At the cross-country everyone did their best and the teachers will total up the scores and let us know if we have made it through to the next round. In the meantime, the running club will help us train for the next round, if we get there!

The update is that twenty -nine of our runners qualified for the next round: Launton School’s best ever result.

Parent -Teacher Meeting Challenge 

Beech class set an estimate-the-weight challenge for parents and pupils visiting school for parent-teacher meetings.

Thank you to everyone who took part. We have weighed all of the ‘snakes’ and looked at all of the estimates.

Well done to Fleur, Mr Ezra, Mr French, Mrs Brandham, Mr Young, Mrs Gilbert, Mr and Mrs Kinch and Miss McGuinness who all made the closest estimate of one of the snake gourds.

Harvest Service

Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to act as traffic marshalls on the walk to St Mary’s Church for the Harvest Festival Service tomorrow. If you feel able to send a contribution, the foods requested by the Bicester Food Bank are listed below and children should bring them into school in the morning. Parents and carers are very welcome to join us in the service which has been planned by Oak Class working with Rev’d Sarah.

Island Pond Wood

Towards the end of the summer term, children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 thoroughly enjoyed designing bug hotels in a project with Island Pond Wood. Island Pond Wood donated a wonderful bug hotel to school and this is in Ash Garden. The bug hotel designs were judged and Rebecca’s design has been chosen for construction at Island Pond Wood. Elijah, Beatrice E, Benjamin R and Olivia drew the winning designs for their classes.

Term 2 After School Activity Clubs

Booking will open Friday 17th October and will close Wednesday 26th October at 12noon. Bookings should be made via Scopay. Confirmations will be sent out before half term. Clubs will start the first week back after half term.

Mondays - Cricket for 6 weeks from 03.11.25 up to and including 08.12.25, for Key Stage 2 pupils with Mr Mawn

Tuesdays - Football for 6 weeks from 04.11.25 up to and including 09.12.25, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Wednesdays - Gymnastics and Dance for 6 weeks from 05.11.25 up to and including 10.12.25, for Year 2 - 6 pupils run by Ignite

Thursdays - Art Club (Boxes, bags and paper craft) for 6 weeks from 06.11.25 up to and including 11.12.25, for Key Stage 2 pupils with Ms Nightingale

Fridays - Netball/Basketball for 6 weeks from 07.11.25 up to and including 12.11.25, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Waddesdon Manor Christmas Project

As our children took part in Waddesdon Manor's Christmas Display project, Waddesdon have made avaliable a code for each child. 

Each code gives you a free child grounds ticket, and half price grounds entry for 2 accompanying adults and 2 extra children (there are ticket options for both members and non-members).  The code will not work when trying to book the house, as it is a grounds only offer. 

If you would like your child's single use code, please email the school office. 

The Department for Education has published leaflets about the different assessments that Primary age children complete; see below for links to these.

50 Things Before You’re Five – Supporting Early Language in Oxfordshire

We’re excited to continue promoting the free “50 Things Before You’re Five” app again this year! The app offers families and practitioners 50 fun, low-cost activities to enjoy with children under five, all designed to boost early language, communication, and learning through play.  

Key benefits:

• Encourages talking, playing, and learning together at home and in settings
• Supports children’s speech, language, and school readiness
• Inclusive activities for all abilities and interests
• Links to local Oxfordshire events and resources

 50 Things to Do | Oxfordshire website and app link.

Secondary School Applications - Secondary transfer applications are now open for children who will be transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 for the 2026/27 academic year.

To apply visit the Oxfordshire County Council secondary school webpages for all relevant information and to submit their applications online at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/secondaryadmissions. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 31 October 2025, and National Offer Day is 2 March 2026.

It's important to note that applications received after the deadline will be processed later in the year and are far less likely to secure a place at a preferred school. Therefore, timely submission is crucial.