AI in Action across PolyMAT Schools - The PolyMAT Newsletter: Edition 3 out now!

Our Spring 2025 Newsletter is out now - and it’s a must-read for anyone passionate about innovation, learning, and the power of community.

This edition is themed around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it’s reshaping the way we teach, learn, and grow together. Here’s a glimpse of what’s inside:

• AI in Education - Discover how AI is being used across our schools to personalise learning, support teachers, and streamline school operations - from lesson planning to student feedback.
• Student creativity meets AI - See how students are using AI tools to create digital artwork, podcasts, and even 3D-printed navigation tools using Micro:bits and CAD software!
• Epic AI Reading Lists - From primary to adult readers, we’ve curated a list of top AI-themed books to spark curiosity and imagination.
• Top AI Films for All Ages - Explore a handpicked selection of AI-inspired films - from WALL-E to The Matrix - perfect for family movie nights or classroom discussions.
• Voices from Our Community - A message from our CEO, Tim Plumb, on the importance of ethical AI in education and insights from Trustee Jen King (Adobe, ex-Microsoft) on digital transformation.
• Reflections from staff and students on how AI is already making a difference in their learning journeys.

Spotlight on Our Schools:

• Bannockburn Primary’s cutting-edge tech curriculum
• Woolwich Polytechnic Girls’ AI CPD and strategy
• Woolwich Polytechnic Boys’ robotics and AI integration

🔗 Read the full newsletter here

Explore the future of education with PolyMAT! 

Dear parent/carer,

As the temperatures continue to rise, we kindly ask that you ensure your child/children bring a refillable water bottle to school each day. Staying hydrated is essential for your child's health and helps maintain focus and participation in class throughout the day.

We also recommend that all children have a nutritious breakfast before coming to school. If a full breakfast is not possible, even a piece of fruit can help provide the energy and nutrients needed to stay alert and engaged during lessons.

Finally, if your child experiences hay fever symptoms, we encourage you to consult your local pharmacy. Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as cetirizine or loratadine, may be helpful and can be taken in the morning before school to manage symptoms. Common signs of hay fever include sneezing, coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, and an itchy throat, mouth, nose, or ears.

Thank you for your support in keeping our students healthy and ready to learn.

Kind regards,
Miss Deja Ainsworth
School Nurse

To facilitate the Year 6 Interviews, all students will be dismissed early on Wednesday, 21st May 2025.

Please note the special schedule for the day. Thank you for your understanding and support.

🌍 Happy Earth Day! 🌍

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote actions to protect our planet. It was first celebrated in 1970 and has since grown into a global event, with millions of people participating in activities such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and educational programmes. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.

Today, we celebrate our beautiful planet and commit to protecting it for future generations. Let's take action to reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainability. Every small step counts! 🌱💚

Here are some ideas for some small, everyday actions you can take to contribute to a greener world

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Follow the three R's to minimise waste. Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal, and reuse items whenever possible.
• Conserve Water: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, and fix any leaks to save water.
• Save Energy: Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use. Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
• Use Public Transport: Walk, bike, or use public transportation where you can.
• Bring Your Own Bags: Use reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags.
• Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and containers instead of disposable ones.
• Plant Trees and Gardens: Plant trees, flowers, or a vegetable garden to improve air quality and support local wildlife.
• Eat Less Meat: Reduce meat consumption and opt for plant-based meals to lower your carbon footprint.
• Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about environmental issues and advocate for policies that protect the planet.

Every small action adds up to make a big difference. What steps are you most excited to start with? 🌿😊

• Earth Day 2025 | Activities & Resources for April 22 - Earth Day
• Earth Day | BBC Earth
• Earth Day is April 22, 2025 | Ideas to celebrate and take action
• National Geographic Kids
• Earth day | WWF
• Home | NASA Climate Kids

As hayfever season is upon us, students may exhibit symptoms such as swollen red eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing.

To help manage these symptoms, please ensure that students who suffer from hayfever take an antihistamine (cetirizine hydrochloride) each morning before coming to school.

If you haven't already, please use the MCAS (My Child At School) app to provide parental consent for over-the-counter medications, including antihistamines, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and strepsils.

For more information, please visit the following links:

Click here to view the NHS page for Hayfever

Click here to view our Medical & First Aid webpage which is updated regularly

Thank you for your cooperation.

Kickoff for a Cause!

Our Year 13 CTECH Sports students are excited to organise a football tournament for the Year 7s! The event is set for Tuesday, April 22nd, and will take place after school from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM. Each player can join for just £1.

This tournament is part of their Unit 8 coursework on organising a sporting event, and all proceeds will be donated to Children in Need. Let's come together for an afternoon of fun, sportsmanship, and charity!

BBC Children in Need #childreninneed #polymat #woolwichpolytechnic #woolwichpolytechnicsixthform #greenwich #footballtournament2025