On Sunday, 10th November, our School Captains played a key role at the Little Hadham Village Remembrance Service. They laid a poppy wreath on behalf of all at Little Hadham Primary School, joining the local community in an act of remembrance. It was incredibly moving to hear the names of those from our village who gave their lives during the Great War, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Then on Monday 11th November, we led a whole school Remembrance assembly. Our Captains had asked all children across the school to make a poppy to wear for this special assembly. In Willow Class, we made pinwheel poppies. How wonderful to see a sea of poppies of remembrance!

Our Captains shared information about the First World War and the signing of the peace agreement. They told us how at 11 o’clock on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the guns fell silent and the fighting stopped. Our Captains then shared information about the significance of the poppy and why people wear poppies. We held a two minute silence and watched a beautiful and evocative video that sees war as experienced by animals in a WWI battlefield.

A huge thank you to Mrs Tweedale for organising such a brilliant event! Today’s Poetry by Heart assembly was an absolute triumph, with our talented children amazing us all with their heartfelt performances. It was wonderful to witness the effort and passion each child brought to the stage.

As part of celebrating our love of poetry across the school, every class chose a poem to learn by heart. So this morning, we gathered to listen, share, and celebrate the beauty of language through our poems. The room was alive with rhythm, emotion, and the power of words.

Why Poetry Matters in Our Curriculum

Poetry is one of the most treasured forms of expression. It allows children to articulate their feelings and emotions, helping them develop a sense of empathy and understanding. Through poetry, children are introduced to new vocabulary, as well as diverse rhythms and patterns of language, which enriches their linguistic skills.

Beyond language, poetry nurtures creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Understanding a poem often requires careful thought and interpretation, and it’s not uncommon for children to read and reflect multiple times to truly grasp its meaning. This process helps them think critically and approach challenges with curiosity.

Learning to recite poems by heart also improves memory and retention of new words and phrases. As children progress through the years, they’ll build a collection of poems they’ve learned and performed, creating a personal anthology to carry with them when they leave our school.

If you are looking for a school for your child please phone the school office on 01279 771285 to arrange a visit. We would love the chance to show you around!

School Brochure