79 years ago today, the Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks.

On board were hundreds of people from across the Caribbean who answered Britain’s call for workers after the Second World War. They came as nurses, engineers, teachers, drivers, builders and public servants, helping to rebuild the country and shape the London we know today.

Recently, Year 2 have been learning about the Windrush generation and their extraordinary contribution to our city. Using collage, the children explored the journey of the Empire Windrush and reflected on the stories, cultures and experiences of the people who made Britain their home.

In assembly today, Year 2 shared their learning with the rest of the school. They spoke confidently about the importance of remembering the contributions of the Windrush generation and recognising the lasting impact they have had on our communities.

As well as celebrating these contributions, we also reflected on the discrimination and racism many members of the Windrush generation faced, and the importance of continuing to challenge prejudice wherever we encounter it.

By learning these stories and sharing them with others, our children are helping to ensure that these voices are heard and that this important part of our shared history is never forgotten.

#SpringfieldPrimary #HackneySchools #LoveOfLearning #PrimarySchoolLife #WindrushDay

History is not just about remembering dates.

It is about understanding how people, events and decisions connect across time.

Year 4 have just begun their Tudor history unit by exploring the Tudor monarchs and building a timeline of the dynasty. As they worked, children compared reigns, discussed succession and began to piece together the story of a period that shaped England for generations.

By physically constructing the timeline themselves, children could see patterns, ask questions and make connections that are much harder to spot when dates are simply written on a page.

At Springfield, we want children to think like historians: curious, analytical and able to place events within a wider story.

Because understanding the past starts with understanding how it fits together.

#SpringfieldPrimary #HackneySchools #LoveOfLearning #PrimarySchoolLife

Rain doesn’t stop play at Springfield.

In fact, sometimes it makes play even better.

Today brought puddles, reflections, raindrops and plenty of opportunities to explore the world a little differently.

At Springfield, we want children to spend time outdoors in every season. We know that running, building, climbing, noticing, investigating and imagining are all important parts of childhood.

That’s why we’ve invested in a full class set of waterproof jackets and dungarees for our Nursery children this year. It means that a rainy forecast doesn’t mean staying indoors. It means putting on the right clothing and heading outside.

Children learn a great deal from experiences that cannot be recreated in a classroom. The sound of rain on a hood. The patterns made by raindrops in a puddle. The excitement of discovering how the playground changes when the weather changes.

We want our children to develop confidence, resilience, curiosity and a connection to the natural world.

Sometimes that starts with something as simple as a puddle.

#SpringfieldPrimary #HackneySchools #OutdoorLearning #HappyChildrenLearn #forestschool

What does meaningful CPD actually look like?

This week, teachers headed into our very own forest.

Not for a lecture or a PowerPoint, but to explore risk, adventure, outdoor learning and curiosity through doing.

Staff learned to light fires using flint and steel, explored what makes effective kindling, brewed tea using a Kelly Kettle and foraged herbs from around the playground. They also explored games linked to stealth, sensory awareness, habitat and variation.

As a school, we are thinking seriously about the role outdoor education can play in developing independence, resilience, collaboration and deep engagement with learning.

Children remember the things they feel.

And increasingly, we want Springfield children to learn not just inside classrooms, but through challenge, exploration and the natural world around them.

Big things are coming next year. Watch this space.

#SpringfieldPrimary #HackneySchools #OutdoorLearning #LoveOfLearning #Forestschool

Learning about beliefs, traditions and storytelling through hands-on experiences.

In Reception, Cherry Class have been exploring the meaning of Easter through a range of creative and play-based activities.

Children have been writing Easter cards, strengthening early writing skills by forming letters, using phonics knowledge and applying new vocabulary linked to the topic. Craft activities such as cutting and assembling Easter bunnies are developing fine motor control, hand strength and precision.

At the small world table, pupils have been retelling the Easter story, building their understanding of key events while developing language, sequencing skills and confidence in speaking.

These experiences are directly linked to RE learning about beliefs and traditions, while also supporting early literacy, communication and physical development.

#SpringfieldPrimary #EarlyYears #ReceptionLearning #RE #LearningThroughPlay #FineMotorSkills #Oracy #PrimaryEducation

Learning beyond the classroom

Year 2 exploring the world around them at London Zoo.

Seeing animals up close brought their science learning to life — from observing habitats to understanding how animals are adapted to survive and thrive in different environments.

Moments like this matter.

Children aren’t just learning facts — they are asking questions, making connections and deepening their understanding through real experiences:
• Why do penguins live in cold environments?
• How does a tortoise survive in dry conditions?
• What makes each habitat suitable for different animals?

This is how we build curiosity, knowledge and lasting understanding.

At Springfield, we make learning real — because when children experience it, they remember it.

#OutdoorLearning #ScienceIEducation #Hackneyschools #STEM

📚 Books, choice and joy.
Last week our Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children took home books of their own from a wonderful free book giveaway.

A huge thank you to The @childrensbookproject for their generosity and for helping us put brilliant books directly into children’s hands. Moments like this matter — choice, excitement and shared stories are at the heart of building a lifelong love of reading at Springfield.

If you have children’s books in good condition at home, we’re always grateful for donations. Every book helps us run more events like this and reach more children. 💛

#SpringfieldCommunity #LoveLearning #EarlyYears #ReadingForPleasure #hackneyschools

Birch Team had a great trip to @walthamstowwetlands today! They learned how the river Lea flows into the reservoirs and creates habitats for animals and plants in the marshes. They used binoculars to spot wildlife including cormorants🦅🌿

Dont worry, be happy 😊🎶 Year 3 were blown away by their brass workshop last week!

Autumn 2 is underway! Year 1 have started off their writing this term by creating story maps for our new book `The Three Billy Goats Gruff` 🐐🐐🐐

@the_london.archives Thank you so much for our workshop today. We loved investigating the archives 🙂