The teaching team are busy putting key dates and events in the dairy today for the coming year: it promises to be another exciting year at Fordcombe Primary School.

Everyone at Fordcombe wishes you the best of luck Mrs Hughes as you start your new job today after thirteen years as part of the Fordcombe community. Lots of happy, musical memories and many, many more to be made for both you and us!

Beautiful early morning views across the River Medway this morning with the Fordcombe valley shrouded in mist: a very special time of the year.

Fordcombe's latest school newsletter: hot off the press!

Fordcombe's latest school newsletter: hot off the press!

Many thanks to the leaders at Sevenoaks Hockey Club for organising the Year 5 and 6 hockey competition for local primary schools yesterday. We won some, we lost some; we all enjoyed playing other schools at a cracking venue.

Elm Class had a STEM visit from 'Chris the rock man' today who brought in a selection of rocks and some amazing fossils for us to look at, analyse and handle. A great afternoon of science with a real geologist who could answer all our scientific questions!

Our first open morning of the year is scheduled for Thursday 12th October at 9.30am. Come and tour our village school, meet the Headteacher and talk to the children that benefit from an aspirational curriculum, high standards and a warm, nurturing school environment.

Great to be able to take two teams to the local tag rugby competition last week. Many thanks to Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club for hosting and organising: a super event.

Elm Class had a fab day out at Hever Castle on Friday, looking at both castles (Year 2s) and the Romans (Y3 + 4). A super day in the sunshine with loads of learning taking place about these two fascinating topics.

Many thanks Sevenoaks School for lending us a class set of balance bikes to improve our balance and hand-eye co-ordination. We will all be whizzing around the playground before you know it, on a pathway to becoming the next Lizzie Deignan or Tom Pidcock.

Oak Class are learning about the Mayans - with part of that culture reflected in chocolate. A great morning was had learning about, creating and eating chocolate: good times.

Great Y3 + 4 hockey competition yesterday: well done to all those that took part from Fordcombe. Many thanks Clare Strange and the team from Sevenoaks Hockey Club that made this super event happen.

It was great that all the pupils in Elm and Oak got to swim each afternoon last week. Many thanks Bennett Memorial Diocesan School for the use of the mini-bus that enabled us to get back and forth to the pool. A great week's activity for beginners up to club level swimmers.

Members of the Pupil Council have been on-hand to sell you poppies for Remembrance Day all week. They will be on the school gate each morning until Friday.

Pupils had a visit from Captain Wonderweb on Friday who flew in to talk to us about a healthy body and mind. The messages were simple: sleep well, eat well, use less tech, be active and speak your feelings. Many thanks to the local NHS Care Trust that funded this initiative.

The football team at Fordcombe is getting ready for their next match tomorrow, at home on a pitch that might be a little on the slippery side. Expect effort and endeavour to be very much at the fore!

Many thanks for the team at Mitre Farms in Fordcombe for the donation of two stunning Christmas trees. The centre of the Fordcombe village is currently graced with an amazingly beautiful tree.

Two teams from Fordcombe went to compete in the recent Chess Competition at Sevenoaks School: a great afternoon of drama, intrigue and competition with different local schools. Many thanks Sevenoaks Institute of Service & Partnerships Clare Strange for organising another super event.

A real sense of festivity and community at the Fordcombe Christmas Fair on Saturday afternoon. Many thanks to all those that helped organise and run stalls. An amazing event with the whole village invited.