YEAR 4 TO DISCOVERY MUSEUM
From Miss Batty
Year 4 had a brilliant time at the Discovery Museum! We explored Newcastle’s history, found out about amazing local inventions which have shaped our lives today, and we were inspired by the ‘Steam to Green’ exhibition.
We also built our own model locomotives in the ‘George Stephenson Rocket Rainhill trials’ workshop – full steam ahead!
YEAR 2 GREAT FIRE OF LONDON
From Dr Wilson
Year 2 were thrilled to have Michael from Durham University Schools Outreach visit them and bring some interesting resources to help them be Historians for the afternoon. They have been learning about the Great Fire of London and took part in engaging and exciting activities such as passing leather buckets in a line from the ‘River Thames’ to put out a fire, finding landmarks on a 1666 map and writing with a quill. A great educational and interactive afternoon!
EYFS TO WHARTON PARK
From Mrs Edmundson
EYFS had lovely visits to Wharton Park this month. Following on from our topics, learning all about who we are, the children took part in a workshop called Me and My World. Through nature, they explored Autumn and their 5 senses with a nature hunt for nuts, leaves and seeds. As well as playing a senses game, rolling the dice to see what they could see, hear, smell and touch. They were also able to taste some delicious Elderflower cordial which was very sweet.
The children then thought about how they looked and explored their faces using clay and natural objects to recreate an image of themselves. This was followed by making outlines of their bodies by lying down in the leaves and building around themselves.
The workshop ended with a lovely story under the big tree of The Colour Monster. The children then had to hunt around the park to find each colour, collect a strand of wool each, and then twirl them around a stick to make their feelings wand. It was a great workshop that all the children thoroughly enjoyed and learnt lots from.
The trip was ended by a picnic lunch followed by a play in the play area where the children enjoyed all the outdoor equipment. It was a wonderful trip out.
Year 3
As part of their topic work, Year 3 took an exciting trip to Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend on Tuesday 7th October. The children stepped back in time to experience what life was really like for Roman soldiers — from weapons training and daily chores to defending the fort from a Celtic invasion! They also enjoyed panoramic views from the viewing tower, explored the fascinating museum, and topped it all off with a visit to the gift shop. It was a truly fort-tastic adventure!
A DAY AT THE MOVIES, School Council fundraiser for the NSPCC
From Miss Batty
On Friday 10th October, we had an unforgettable “Day at the Movies”. This was a special fundraising day organised by the School Council in support of the NSPCC. The day was a huge success and we raised an impressive £352.52 for the charity.
The day started with form photo shoots and nominations for the “best dressed”, followed by a host of fun activities including quizzes, drama games, and learning how to draw cartoon characters. Some children even made their own ‘Hollywood handprints’ in the style of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. For lunch, our movie stars were given a cinema style selection including hot dogs and ice cream.
After lunch, we all gathered for an award ceremony featuring a highly entertaining costume parade and prizegiving. The winners of the “best dressed” category received their own Oscar to take home. Finally, the afternoon was spent enjoying a film whilst munching on a popcorn snack.
Staff minions
We like to go all out for such occasions as this and the school was decorated to look the part, complete with a red carpet and an amazing lightbox. My thanks to Rachel (hireamagicmirror.com) and Emma (cocoluminaire.co.uk) for their help and generosity.
Now we look ahead to the festive season and planning is well underway to make this the best one yet!
FOREST SCHOOL
Highlights from Year 4; Forest School session on 19th September, when they collected natural objects to make Art. The children enjoyed making portraits and images from their surroundings and their own imagination.
FS1 PUMPKIN HUNT
FS1 children had a pumpkin hunt outside school and then the children decorated them with funny faces.
EXPLORING THE BRIDGES THAT CONNECT US
From Miss Brewster
This half term, our four house teams – Framwellgate, Prebends, Kingsgate and Elvet – stepped beyond the classroom to visit the iconic bridges that give their houses their names. These historic landmarks not only connect our beautiful city but also symbolise the unity, strength, and spirit we share across our school community. A fantastic journey of local discovery, team pride, and reflection on how we’re all linked together – just like the bridges themselves!
DURHAM SCHOOL DUBAI
From Mrs McNeill
We were delighted to receive news of Harvest Festival at Durham School Dubai, who also donated to their local communities. A wonderful way to share our MARK value of kindness across the world!
CHILDREN’S OUT OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS
Eldwin, Year 5, proudly showing his awards for Tennis (U12 and U10 Durham Archery Annual Championship) and Swimming (U9 50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke and 50m backstroke Durham City Aquatics Autumn Gala).
James, Year 6 has progressed his burgeoning acting career this half term by playing the part of Luke in a forthcoming drama “The Family Secret” in which he appears with several very well known actors. We look forward to the big release on Channel 5 next year.
CATHEDRAL CHORISTERS
From Miss Cook
On Thursday 25th September, probationers were treated to a tour of the Quire and Feretory at the Cathedral by Canon Hampel and Father Parkinson. They learned about some of the Latin words used (Decori and Cantoris), the High Altar and why clergy sit in certain seats. They also started to learn about Saint Cuthbert.
STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN ASSEMBLY, WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER
From Miss Brewster
On Wednesday, our FS2, Year 1 and Year 2 children enjoyed a very special assembly all about Road Safety, with a magical twist! The wonderful Alan captivated everyone with his amazing magic tricks whilst teaching the children the importance of staying safe near roads. Through fun, laughter and a touch of magic, the children learned key safety messages in an engaging and memorable way.
FOUNDATION EDI WEEK, 13th TO 17th OCTOBER
The Foundation celebrated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Week with a range of thoughtful and engaging activities across the school.
Children helped create a Wall of Respect, sharing ideas on how to be fair and kind to others, and added their promises to a Pledge Tree to show their commitment to inclusion.
Midweek, we held a vibrant Culture Showcase, where children proudly spoke about their heritage or brought in items that represented their culture.
Our Wellbeing Assembly focused on celebrating differences, and in LWE lessons, pupils learned about being a good ally.
We finished the week by wearing red to support Show Racism the Red Card, standing together against discrimination.
Well done everyone!
We have much more to look forward to next half term. Happy Holidays!