Hitcham's Blog

Our Schools, Our World celebrate Sir David Attenborough

2026-05-10T11:34:00.000+01:00

As part of the Friday Enrichment, "Our Schools, Our World" group wrote a collaborative acrostic about Sir David Attenborough. We talked about his incredible life; the global impact his TV and films had in making us all aware - adults and children - about the need to help look after the planet. The discussion that we had amongst the group about the impact of climate change was a revelation sharing thoughts and concerns together.

David digs deeper into learning about nature

Always passionate about Antarctica

Very little bugs are still important to the world

Inspires us not put rubbish in the sea but to dispose of it correctly

David shows and inspires us to help save the planet

All habitats – giant deserts, rainforests, oceans and hills are studied

TV presenter showing us what a wonderful place the world is in nature

The rainforests shouldn’t be chopped down

Endangered animals around the world are being protected

Naturalist who has encouraged people to look after the world

‘Blue Planet’ made us aware of the plastic impact around the globe

Our world matters and we need to understand the world is important

Realising the truth of the impact of climate change on the world

Our ice-caps are melting, we need to take action

Undiscovered lands yet to be found

Global warming is affecting the habitats, the animals and plants

Humans are destroying our planet but he is trying to solve the problem

David Attenborough's tribute assembly

2026-05-08T15:51:00.002+01:00

Key stage 1 and Key stage 2 joined over one million other children from around the world in this special assembly to celebrate Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday. There were lots of new facts shared; he gave a short note of thanks for all the kind wishes and then Steve Backshall joined the assembly and gave a really interesting talk about how Sir David has inspired him himself to become the naturalist that he is today. Happy 100th Birthday Sir David!

Visitor assembly

2026-05-08T12:02:00.000+01:00

Major David Squirrel from the Salvation Army delivered a super assembly fitting in with our value for this half term - 'Truth'. He shared a story with the children about a shopkeeper searching for light and discovering the truth. After this he read a short extract from the bible.

Dressed in blue and green, we then recognised David Attenborough's 100th birthday and shared facts that we had learnt during the morning finding out about his life and his values. We discovered that he wants people around the whole world to know the 'truth' about what is happening to the animals and plants with regard to climate change.

Lego Last Supper

2026-05-06T13:57:00.004+01:00

As part of their RE unit on Eucharist, Year 6 recreated The Last Supper using Lego. The children were asked to think about the importance of the event, both at the time and to Christians in the modern day, in order to explore their unit question 'What is the great significance of the 'Eucharist' to Christians?' The children exhibited strong knowledge of the events and described why Christians take bread and wine as part of Eucharist.

We studied how the scene has been depicted in various famous works of art before settling on Da Vinci's for inspiration.

As well as recreating the scene using Lego brick and mini-figures, the children had to create thought and speech bubbles depicting what might have been said or thought by Jesus and his disciples during the revelations made by Jesus at the meal.

Truthful assembly

2026-05-01T11:46:00.003+01:00

Julia Rose led a very engaging assembly about truthfulness showing a video which the BBC aired about spaghetti trees. The children were very engaged in finding out and discussing this but it turned out it was shown on April Fools Day 1957 and was not true!

Harnessing the understanding of truth, Julia turned to the bible where we learnt about King David. Julia also shared references that Jesus made in the bible about truthfulness and Jesus saying "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6).

How Do You Eat an Elephant?

2026-04-29T17:41:00.006+01:00

Simon Roche, the headmaster from Framlingham College Prep School, visited us and inspired us with his personal story of his journey that he faced running the ‘Marathon des Sables’ covering 6 marathons over 250 kilometres over seven days in the Moroccan desert. It brings together over 1,000 runners from more than 42 countries. It is not just a race but truly was a lesson in resilience.

On day three alone, he ran the equivalent of two full marathons back-to-back across the desert with sandstorms, difficult terrain; dunes, rocky hills and steep climbs. He explained that it is a self‑sufficiency race ie every competitor carries their own food, clothing, medical supplies and sleeping equipment, sharing a simple canopy with up to eight others each night. There were scorpions and snakes too. The questions from the children at the end in the Q&A were brilliant and touched a lot on this element.

As the title of the talk suggests, "How do you eat an elephant?" helped Simon as he felt that when faced with a challenge, he could think of it as needing one small bite at a time! He explained about his fear of failure and letting others down and how this can be overwhelming. In life, when we are faced with problems and challenges that feel too big to solve alone, we must plan, adapt and ask for help.

His message was simple but profound. We will face challenges in life, like running across the desert for days at a time in the relentless heat and hard conditions but with preparation, courage, and a sense of friendship, you can face these challenges. Simon shared that he had to help his friend out during the race who was suffering from severe heatstroke. He could have been selfless and passed him by but he stopped and helped him sacrificing his own personal goal. Endurance is what truly matters and Simon reminded us: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

The day I floated over Framlingham

2026-04-24T12:21:00.000+01:00

We had a real treat in assembly today! As part of our literacy‑based curriculum, every class across the school has contributed a chapter to our very own school book, The Day I Floated Over Framlingham. We listened as each teacher proudly read their class’s chapter, and it was wonderful to see the excitement and joy on the children’s faces as they realised they had become authors themselves.

(PS - if anyone knows of anyone who could help us print an illustrated version - please get in touch - it would be so exciting for the children to see their work published).

Heart Stop Motion

2026-04-17T10:59:00.001+01:00

Whilst some were placing their hands on a heart, the remaining pupils in Year 5 and 6 put their photography and scientific skills to the test to create some stop motion videos showing the component parts of the heart as well as the crucial role it plays in our bodies.

The group were the first, with many more to come, to benefit from the use of our new school iPads purchased to help enhance our learning.

After taking countless photographs of their heart facts, Mr Snowden then compiled them into videos sped up to create the stop motion effect. Here are some of the finished videos.

Heart Dissection

2026-04-17T10:34:19.005+01:00

Today, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils took part in a lamb’s heart dissection as part of their science learning. This provided the children with a valuable hands-on opportunity to explore the structure and function of the heart. Before beginning, we discussed ethical considerations, emphasising respect for the animal and the importance of learning from real biological specimens.

The pupils identified key anatomical features and reviewed how the heart functions to pump blood around the body. During the dissection, appropriate PPE was worn at all times. The children carefully examined the internal structures, focusing on identifying the left and right sides of the heart by comparing the relative thickness of the ventricular walls. They successfully located the septum and were able to observe visceral fat on the surface of the heart, as well as identifying external features such as the aorta and the apex.

Overall, it was a fantastic and engaging learning experience that deepened our UKS2 pupils’ understanding of the circulatory system through practical, respectful, and scientifically meaningful investigation.

Year 5 and 6 swimming competition

2026-03-25T16:20:00.000+00:00

Yesterday Year 5 and 6 children took part in a swimming competition against seven other schools at Framlingham College. Two teams competed in the swimming gala with one team finishing 3^rd place. The children had lots of fun, swan brilliantly and should be very proud of themselves!

Year 5 and 6 Netball Tournament

2026-03-25T13:42:00.000+00:00

Last week Year 5 and 6 children took part in a netball tournament at Framlingham Prep School. All the children played brilliantly in all of their matches. Three teams represented our school with all teams placing towards the top of their group and one particular team finishing 2^nd. All the children showed great teamwork, sportsmanship and were proud to represent our school. Well done SRH children.

UKS2 Hockey Success

2026-03-24T08:24:00.002+00:00

Yesterday, SRH took a group of Year 5 and 6s to a hockey tournament in Harleston. Across the three teams they played a series of matches of Quick Sticks style hockey - 4 on a team with no goalkeepers on small pitches.

All three teams won the majority of their 8 matches played in their respective groups with one team winning all of their games. Having won their league, they then went on to play a final match which they drew to maintain their unbeaten status. The children showed great skill and determination in all of their matches.

As always, the children who participated were a credit to our school; playing the matches fairly, following the decisions of the referees and showing respect to their opponents regardless of the result. Well done to all those involved with another afternoon of sporting success for SRH students.

Thank you for the Music!

2026-03-20T16:58:00.005+00:00

Yesterday, our KS2 children took to the stage for the annual House Singing Competition.

This year’s theme was ABBA, and all houses performed “Thank You for the Music” and then they presented their own individual piece:

Bulstrode > Waterloo
Howard > Super Trouper
Hitcham > I Have a Dream / Medley version
Mills > Money, Money, Money

Each performance was filled with enthusiasm, energy, and pure delight.

We were incredibly impressed with the creativity and individuality each house brought to their performances. The children truly lifted the roof—and it was fantastic to see both pupils and staff savouring such a vibrant, joyful atmosphere.

We were joined by three judges who took on the unenviable task of selecting a winner. After much deliberation, Mills proudly lifted the House Singing trophy for 2026.

A huge thank you to all staff who supported the children with their performances and brought so much energy to the stage.

We are also grateful to Mrs Clare, Mrs Barclay, and Mr Lockyer from Thomas Mills for judging this exciting event.

At the end of the day, the children came together once more to perform “Thank You for the Music” for parents on the playground.

We have shared the audio recording of the contest with parents via a link through email from Arbor.

Online Safety

2026-02-05T17:55:00.000+00:00

Safer Internet Day (SID) is next week but as we all know, every day is a time to be vigilant about online safety and how to stay safe. In school we are having two weeks of activities about to how to stay safe online and the use of AI, linked to this year's national theme for SID 2026.

It started today with Michael Harman from Suffolk Police giving a very thorough and in depth online safety talk to the year 5 and year 6 pupils. There was a lot of information about the expectation of how to behave online; the use of social media; strategies to use to help stay safe and a discussion about AI. It was an excellent talk and the children gained a lot from it.

Sadly, the parent online safety session was only attended by 2 parents however, a lot of information was shared with them and we hope they found it useful.

Thank you to Michael for coming to talk at the school and sharing invaluable and useful information.

SRH House Swimming Gala

2026-02-04T21:26:00.003+00:00

This year’s House Swimming Gala was held at Framlingham College on Wednesday, with the whole of Years 5 and 6 attending.

This year, we introduced width races to support children who were new to swimming, ensuring everyone could take part with confidence. It was a fantastic morning, with pupils showing incredible resilience and determination throughout — staff were immensely proud of them all. A new format took a little longer to organise but it was fantastic to see so many children able to access the races.

Every race contributed points, and ultimately Hitcham were victorious, lifting the house cup.

A huge well done and thank you to all the children, to Framlingham College for the use of their wonderful facilities and excellent tuition, and to the staff and parents for their support.

Year 5 Engineers: Cuboid Drawing on Isometric Dots.

2026-01-20T15:25:00.005+00:00

Today in Class AL, Year 5 used multi-blocks to build cuboids before practising technical drawing on isometric dot paper. Using rulers, we carefully constructed accurate cuboids and calculated their volume.

Wonderful World of Music!

2026-01-09T11:41:00.000+00:00

We all enjoyed a fabulous concert yesterday courtesy of County Music Service (CMS).

A huge thank you to the four talented instrumental teachers who inspired, entertained and informed us about woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

It was fantastic, thank you County Music for this opportunity.

Friday enrichment afternoon - Eco awareness group

2025-12-10T11:51:00.001+00:00

The Eco awareness group have been busy finding out about different areas of sustainability including energy, food, saving water, biodiversity, renewable and non-renewable energy and how to reduce, reuse and recycle. This group finished this cycle by choosing to make either a board game linked to these topics or they could chose to make a sustainable Christmas decoration using sustainable materials.

In addition to this, the whole school helped make history by attending a special assembly from Union Glacier, Antarctica last Friday about sustainability. Robert Swan brought children from all around the world to learn why this is a special place and why we all need to help protect it.

Stars shine out in the church

2025-12-09T14:38:00.004+00:00

Every class contributed to the wonderful display of stars in the church. We all enjoyed making one and they look stunning.... do check them out when you visit the church to see our beautiful tree that our eco club decorated too.

KS2 Cross Country Success

2025-12-09T12:21:00.001+00:00

Yesterday, twenty-four KS2 children attending a cross country event at Hartismere having qualified at a previous event.

The children all exemplified our school value of perseverance as they ran a considerable distance and challenged themselves to keep going despite the terrain and weather conditions.

Of the twenty-four children competing, SRH had 15 children finish within the top 10, six within the top 5 with three placing in the top 3; one first place and two second place finishes. This shows the incredible effort put in by all amongst some tough competition from other schools.

The positive way the children approached their individual events, their determination during and the way they supported and celebrated each other was a credit to the school.

Year 5 and 6 Tag Rugby Competition

2025-11-27T14:51:00.003+00:00

Year 5 and 6 boys and girls played in a tag rugby competition at Thomas Mills High School. Both teams showed great teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship. The children played brilliantly in their matches with one team playing in the final and the other team winning many of their games too. Well done to all those SRH children who took part!

Children in need sale

2025-11-18T14:47:00.008+00:00

School council and Eco council did an amazing job with the toy and book sale in aid of Children in Need. We were grateful for the toys, books, jigsaws, boxed games, dressing up toys and soft toys which we received.

Thank you to everyone for your donations and for those of you bought toys and made donations to a very well worth cause. We raised £259.72.

Enrichment Afternoons - Robin Wood

2025-11-14T19:23:00.002+00:00

The weather didn’t stop us, we just brought the Robin Wood (Forest School's) outdoor activities indoors.

Using natural materials the Key Stage 2 children on this half term's rota for Robin Wood made a collage of Pudsey for Children in Need.

Wow...what a performance!

2025-11-07T12:45:00.001+00:00

We were given a wonderful treat by our musicians from all year groups in our music assembly. The children from across the school performed solos and in groups and it was so lovely to see some of the older children playing their instruments so eloquently and seeing how much progress they have made whilst they have been learning their instruments. Many children have continued with music lessons following the class music lessons and are playing their instruments fluently.

We listened to recorders, clarinet, piano, guitar, boom-wackers and violins. We also heard some lovely singing from the year 5 and 6 choir under the direction of Mrs Johnson; the year 4 who are off to Snape to sing soon, and some duets and solos from other KS2 children.

It truly was so wonderful to see the confidence shown and shared by all the performers.

Cross Country

2025-11-05T13:55:00.002+00:00

Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 children took part in cross country at Brandeston Prep School. The distance varied for each year group and 92 children represented our school. We are very proud of all the children who took part for their achievements. We also had many children who came in the top five and will be running at the County finals. Well done to all of our SRH children! It was lots of fun!