It is safe to say that this year has been packed full of learning, growth, and lifelong memories at Chorister School. Whilst we could not possibly recount all the amazing things we get up to each and every day, here is a roundup of some key highlights.
- Year 4 started the year with a wonderful visit to the Discovery Museum at the beginning of the year. It was an engaging start to their “Time Detectives” topic, exploring the “steam to Green” exhibition, taking part in the “Big Five Inventors” hunt, and taking part in a “Rocket and Rainhill Trails” workshop.
- Year 3’s transition was supported by our lovely Year 6s who joined them for a guided reading session. The books were abandoned when Mrs Reader brought in some baby chicks to meet everyone!
- In October, pupils from EYFS to Year 6 took part in the International Maths Event, playing fun maths games with our partnership schools in Dubai and Nairobi.
- After reading fictional accounts of refugees fleeing their homes, Year 6 were joined by Mr and Mrs Pickles who shared their experience of helping a Ukrainian refugee family. Thank you, Mr and Mrs Pickles, for joining us for such an insightful talk.
- International Chorister Day – Sunday 6th October 2024. The day was a wonderful celebration of all the amazing opportunities that being a Chorister provides. The following day, the school was treated to a beautiful performance by the Choristers and Mrs Cook shared with us how Choristership can teach discipline, commitment, and teamwork.
- FS1 visited Wharton Park for “We are going on a leaf hunt”, learning about how autumn changes the colour of leaves, and identifying different species.
- Year 2 attended a Great Fire of London Workshop led by Durham University. They explored artefacts, investigated maps of London, and practised their water bucket passing skills.
- To celebrate the achievements of some outstanding pupils, SLT joined the students for a lovely lunch. It was a great opportunity to appreciate our pupils’ hard work and hear their thoughts.
- Black History Month – pupils learned about the meaning behind this important event and celebrated by creating artwork of Nelson Mandela, listening to music by Black artists, and talking about examples of inspirational people.
- We celebrated Harvest Festival!
- We celebrated Chinese New Year with lots of crafts, traditional dancing, and enjoying delicious Chinese food.
- We supported NSPCC Number Day by wearing our “Dress for Digits” outfits and raising just over £300! Pupils also took part in “Speak Out, Stay Safe” workshops.
- For Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we explored the theme “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself”. Our brilliant Wellbeing Ambassadors led an assembly with an interactive game show which explored key emotions that we experience. All children completed a “wellbeing mile” to learn the importance of exercise. They were also joined by some Sixth Formers to reflect on emotions and how we can deal with them in a healthy way.
- Our brilliant school council organised a Beach Party Disco complete with beach balls, flower leis, lots of dancing, and even a crocodile!
- Year 4 ended their “World and Beyond” topic with a Mexican Food Fiesta. They made and enjoyed their own guacamole and salsa.
- Pupils in 5A formed an Exploration Society and followed clues around Durham to find a stolen recipe!
- KS1 put on a fabulous performance for their loved ones in their Family Assembly, sharing their “Under the Sea” and “Wild Things” topics.
- FS1 enjoyed spring term with an exciting day meeting police dogs, a luxurious spa day, and building obstacle courses.
- The Swimming Galas at Freeman’s Quay were great opportunities for the children to come together in their Houses. Everyone put in brilliant efforts and made sure to cheer on their friends.
- The Dean’s Public Speaking competition was a brilliant demonstration of pupils’ confidence, knowledge, and perseverance.
- Year 3 and 4’s “Jack and the Beanstalk” production was wonderful to watch, with a beanstalk that really grew! Well done to all for their incredible singing, acting, and playing on their instruments. Thank you to all staff who brought this show to life.
- Year 5 celebrated the 2025 Express Yourself in Languages Festival with a Yoruba language and culture workshop. We were kindly joined by Success4All who taught us some basic Yoruba language, showed us traditional food, and brought traditional clothing which the pupils loved trying on!
- We held an amazing surprise assembly to say farewell and thank you to Mr Brown after his 42 years with us. The pupils sang a personalised song, held a Mr Brown-themed quiz, and of course shared some lovely gifts with him.
- Our Cathedral Choristers did an incredible job of performing at the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral! They were also lucky enough to speak to King Charles and Queen Camilla.
- We must also mention the incredible residential trips that students took part in this year. From paddle boarding to archery, the trips were packed full of excitement and made many lifelong memories.
- Our Science Fair was outstanding! Well done to the pupils for their brilliant projects including lots of curious creatures, rockets, and even robot dogs!
- Year 5 and 6’s “Jungle Book” production was a triumph! From drama to comedy, the pupils conveyed every scene with confidence and skill. Well done to all who took part and thank you to all who supported.
- House Cross Country and Sports Days were a brilliant reminder of just how supportive our students are to each other and how determined they are in achieving their goals.
- Our Farewell to Bow events appreciated all that the Bow Site has given us. It has been a beautiful place to learn and grow over many years. To celebrate, pupils discovered old uniforms, photos, and other artefacts from Bow and held a party. We also invited Old Bowites and current families for an evening in which we unearthed the Bow time capsule! Thank you to all who were able to attend and helped us celebrate Bow with a lovely evening.
- Speech Day was a perfect end to the year. Mrs Harrod gave a delightful speech, celebrating each person who makes our school community the warm and welcoming place that it is. We celebrated our pupils, staff, Choristers, families, and wished the best to our Year 6 leavers. A special thank you goes to Zoe Rutter (OD, 2010) for joining us.
Thank you to everyone who makes up our community for another incredible year. We look forward to seeing you again soon!