During the two days of snow last week, some of the children were able to go outside and enjoy the snow before it very quickly melted away.
Please watch our short video.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W9CV-AfL0I?rel=0&w=853&h=480]
Class 4’s Anti-Bullying Video
On Monday 13th November it was the start of anti-bullying week. We had a lesson on anti-bullying. This sparked a lot of emotions. As the children really wanted to explore this further I decided to let them create a video. I found a fantastic anti-bullying video on line and explained what I wanted them to do. The whole class were really excited at this idea. I showed the video this inspired them as it really made them think.
This week class 4 became film producers for the week. We spent most of the week in literacy planning, discussing, organising and coordinating an anti-bullying video. The most important part of this was the discussion of feelings and emotions.
The children thought about:
- What is bullying?
- How often does something have to happen for it to be bullying?
- How it would make them feel if it happened to them?
- What would they do if it happened to them?
- How could they get help?
- Everyone is different what does this mean?
- Everyone is equal what does this mean?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBD-ofx7oIs?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Dance Assembly
This term we decided to try something new and invited parents to come and see some work PE work in class assemblies. Every class performed to parents and family members on two dates.
The theme for the dance had to be linked to SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) and the children did not disappoint. They covered themes such as; war, loneliness, family and friendship.
Mrs James said afterwards that, “to stir such a range of emotions within an audience, the way that our pupils did today, is something quite special and powerful.” Parents quickly took to Class Dojo with messages, such as;
“All the children’s performances were brilliant. The two that moved me were the bullying one and the loneliness one. Well done to all the children. Amazing,”
“I loved watching the children dance today. They all did fantastic and they all put so much effort into each of their performances. You can tell they all worked really hard to learn their routines. Well done St Andrew’s!”
Bulb Planting
With the help of Bishop Auckland Rotary Club, Durham County Council and Shildon In Bloom, the school council helped plant hundreds of bulbs very near the school grounds. When spring arrives we hope there will be a fantastic display for everyone to enjoy.
Skip2BFit
In September we had a skiptastic day with Dave Gibson with his Skip2BFit exercise sessions. All children had a go at keeping fit and testing their skipping skills with the special counting skipping ropes. The children had a great day and learnt that ‘practice does not make you perfect but it does make you better’.
After being inspired by the Skip2BFit day we have decided to introduce a daily skip, where every child will skip for 2 minutes, every morning in the school yard at 8.55am.
A special well done to Konniegrace, who beat Dave in the “Skip Off.” Dave said, “I’ve never been beaten by a girl before!” Girl power!
Class 5 visit Oriental museum
Class 5 visited The Oriental Museum in Durham as part of their studies into the Ancient Egyptians. Back at school they designed their own Egyptian Death Masks and created them from clay.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A3Q_hVdpY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]Careers Week At School
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 at school
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 VE Day Celebration
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 visit Tynemouth Sea life Centre
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]
