During careers week KS1 and KS2 had the opportunity to experience what it would be like to work in various job roles. We started the week with a careers week assembly where the children were asked, ‘Why is it important to have a job?’ The children had a very interesting discussion about earning money, paying bills, looking after your family, being part of a community and also talked about what happens if you don’t have a job? Throughout the week, the children had visitors into school and went on visits to local businesses. They learnt about the jobs and careers they could possibly aspire to in the future. We hope this week has inspired your child and remember- ‘Whatever I am, whatever I choose, I’ll always be just me!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlqi7gzetbg?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Easter Bonnet Fun

We had a great turn out for our Easter Bonnet craft afternoon and every child made an Easter inspired bonnet, hat or crown.The children wore their creations at the Easter service at St. Andrew’s Church on Thusday 6th April. It was a splendid spectacle to see the whole school walk to the church wearing bonnets in an Easter Parade.Thank you to everyone who came along to the Easter service; these events would not be special without your continued support.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIqTYf9uZfs?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Class 4 took a trip to the past last week in order to bring their history learning to life. To mark the end of their topic on World War II, they held a typical 1940’s street party in the school grounds, complete with rationed food, prepared by the children themselves, following original recipes from the era. They were also fortunate enough to welcome a parent into school who offered to demonstrate a substantive collection of Wartime memorabilia.The sun shone, the bunting fluttered and everybody wore their Sunday best to celebrate VE Day in spiffing style!

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzoRbwj3KdI?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Class 2 had a fantastic day out at Blue reef Aquarium in Tynemouth. They also visited the local beach and had loads of fun. Please watch this short video of our day out.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdb-c5l6j3Y?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

To celebrate World Book Day, the children and staff have come to school dressed as their favourite character. It was lovely to see so many children dressed up and I asked them to thanks you, the parents, for providing such an assortment of outfits.

I presented a book prize to one child from every year group for the most original and unique costume. The winners were Elliot (Rec) Scarlett (Y1) Emily (Y2) James (Y3) Maisie (Y4) Charlie (Y5) and Jacob (Y6). Congratulations and I hope you enjoy reading your book!

Those children who brought a book for the book swap will also bring a new book home and all children have been given a book voucher for a free book from Waterstones or WHSmith, so get down to the shops at the weekend.

Mrs James

Please click on the following link for a short video of the day

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rgIcb-cGQM?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

 

 

Helmets that save lives!
Today in assembly, I showed the children a television clip of “This Morning”, that featured Mark Smith, a man whose son was tragically hit by a van whilst riding his bike and ended up in a deep coma.
What was interesting about his son, Ryan, was that he didn’t want to wear a helmet because he didn’t want to spoil his hair and he didn’t think it was cool.
As a result of this tragic accident, Mark Smith has worked tirelessly to raise money to buy helmets for school children so that the same tragic outcome doesn’t happen to another family and we were lucky enough to receive 40 helmets this week. This meant we were able to, potentially, save the lives of all of the children in Class 4 and 5.
The children were thrilled to receive their helmets and they promised to wear them when on their bikes and scooters. But we need your commitment too. Please can we ask parents to encourage, in fact force, your children to wear their new helmets. It might just save their life.
Please watch the short video of Mark Smith (link below) and I’m sure you won’t think twice about letting your child out on their bike without a helmet ever again.
Safe cycling

Mrs James

Link to video: https://youtu.be/Qe7_yQORQBo
 

Our Children I n Need fundraising efforts have been the most impressive to date. After our visit from Pudsey Bear himself, on Thursday 17th November, the children and parents were raring to go. On Friday, everyone dressed in spots and parents and children took part in a spotty themed treasure hunt around the school grounds. Along with a tombola and sales of Pudsey bracelets we managed to raise a staggering £210!

So well done everyone, your efforts will certainly help Children in Need.

A special mention to Miss Pole and Miss Booth who organised the days events – you are superstars!

Please watch what happened when Pudsey Bear turned up during class 2’s assembly. What a brilliant end to a fantastic assembly!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQohd9QkWlY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Congratulations to the school football team who have won the Bishop Auckland Cluster Winter league. The games have been played at King James 1 Academy over the last few months involving teams from throughout the local area.

 

 

We are overwhelmed by the generosity and sense of community that came as a result of our “Dads and Sons Day.” We had an excellent turn out and the boys were thrilled to see their dads and granddads helping out at school. We cannot thank you all enough for the hard work you put into clearing our outdoor classrooms and know that the pupils of St. Andrew’s will benefit greatly from your efforts!

The areas have been cleared to create new spaces for our children to play and learn. We are looking to invest in some good quality resources to use in our lessons. In November, we will be receiving delivery of over 200 trees and shrubs to help develop our outdoor spaces further. Perhaps, we could enlist the help of our Superdads and Supergrandads to help plant them too!

Please watch this short video…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT2IgTBzFYo?rel=0&w=560&h=315]