Every Wednesday morning, our children at Lapal take part in Picture News, using current news stories and a weekly Big Question to encourage discussion, curiosity and deeper thinking about the world around them.

This half term, our children have explored a fascinating range of topical issues, including:

• New beginnings: What can help us feel hopeful about a new beginning? Children reflected on previous experiences, embracing new challenges and how they can make a positive difference.
• Helping others: Do we all have a part to play in helping those in need? Children considered homelessness, the importance of supporting others and speaking to a safe adult when they are worried about someone.
• School lunches: Who should decide what we have for school lunch? This prompted discussions about personal choice, shared responsibility and the different factors that schools need to consider.

• Artificial intelligence: Do we need AI wherever we go? Children considered both the potential and limitations of AI and discussed how much of a role technology should play in our everyday lives. 

These weekly discussions provide a valuable opportunity for children to express their opinions, listen respectfully to different viewpoints, ask questions and make connections between current affairs and their own lives.

Picture News for Parents

We are delighted to share the latest Picture News for Parents (October 2026) with our families. The newsletter provides an overview of this half term's learning and also includes information about allergy awareness, AI in schools and Picture News Pioneers. 

We hope families enjoy looking through the newsletter together. You might even revisit some of the Big Questions at home and ask your child what they thought. These conversations are a wonderful way of helping children recognise that their ideas, opinions and voices matter.

We look forward to continuing our Picture News discussions after half term and discovering what will get us all talking next!