Following a recent audit visit we are delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded the Rainbow Flag. Well done everyone!
Year 5 visited Sandhaven beach in South Shields to conduct some Geography fieldwork. We have been studying Oceans, why they are important, how we use them, why they are in danger and how we can look after them. As part of our topic, we have looked at the impact that humans have on the oceans and we wanted to see how littered our local marine environment was. We drew a sketch map, selected 3 data collection points and then did a tally of the different types of litter that we found in each location. On the whole, the beach was very clean, and the litter was either in one place where some careless individuals hadn’t put their rubbish in the bin, or it was tangled in seaweed which means that it had been washed in by the sea. The second element of our trip linked to our Art study of landscapes. We sketched the beautiful coastal landscape using willow charcoal and chunky graphite pencils. When we returned to school we used the different techniques we’d been exploring to create a final landscape piece. Our end pieces were really impressive and they are going to be used to create a display in the corridor.
as part of our RE unit for this Spring term, ‘How and why is Easter celebrated by Christians?’
We were split into groups and we then visited different parts of a church hall which had been mapped out to tell us parts of the Easter story Christian’s believe. We found out about significant points of Jesus’ life leading up to his crucifixion. It was informative and allowed us to be reflective and ask questions linked to Christian beliefs. The church volunteers were extremely welcoming and even enabled us to plant our own sunflower seeds which they said was to represent new starts.
As part of our Design Technology unit of work, we have been designing and making playground structures. We began by sketching out each of the pieces of equipment and then decided how we could make them using the available materials. We developed a range of skills including measuring with accuracy and marking-out. Working in small groups, we used a variety of tools including saws, drills and glue-guns. It was important that each structure was sturdy, so we reinforced the corners to assist with this. Finally, we added cladding and other landscape features to ensure that our designs were aesthetically pleasing.
Father Thompson visited year 4 to talk about our unit question ‘Lent and why it is important to Christians’. We learnt that Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays), and ends on Good Friday. Lent is important to Christians as it is a time when Christians can prepare for the celebrations of Easter by reflecting on their behaviour over the last year and finding ways to live a life based on the teaching of Jesus. It was lovely to be able to ask Father Thompson questions and look at some of the artefacts that he brought with him.
As a year group we visited Dogger Bank which is North East England’s offshore wind cluster. We learned about how companies such as Equinor are working hard to revolutionise renewable energy with wind farms using the awesome power of the North Sea wind. It was very interesting and aspirational too with lots of children learning about a range of jobs and company benefits in this industry. This trip linked well to our Geography topic ‘Energy’ but also with STEM too.
The children across the school enjoyed collected recyclable materials to create an outfit for their classmate to wear. Mrs Collinson judged all costumes to the best and awarded a certificate to every class and every class enjoyed an extra 15 minutes playtime. Well done to all!
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The South Tyneside ‘Cost of Living Directory’ has links to support available in South Tyneside: Overview – South Tyneside Council This ranges from financial support, help with uniform costs, health related enquiries, support with fuel costs and many more services.
Search our A-Z directory of services – South Tyneside Council
Healthy Homes Project – schools can refer for a Home Visit and can help families with a whole range of issues from debt advice, energy, damp/mould and much more. Please see the leaflet attached and the case studies of the positive impact this has had in two schools.
South Tyneside Community Laundry – FREE collection and delivery. If you are, or know someone who struggles to do their laundry then the South Tyneside Community Laundry can help you.
South Tyneside Community Laundry – South Tyneside Council
0191 489 1701
Find them on Facebook too!
Childcare Choices Website provides accessible and up-to-date information.
Start for Life – In South Tyneside we are committed to giving every child a great start in life. The first 1001 days are critical in a baby’s life and our Start for Life offer ensures support is available from day one until the child turns 2 years old. You can check out the full offer by visiting the website https://bit.ly/40etbnb
Alternatively, you can pick up your very own Start for Life brochure at your local Family Hub.
Find your local Family Hub here: https://bit.ly/45TQc19
Healthier Together website and app – excellent resources to enable people to make informed decisions about accessing appropriate local healthcare services for their baby, child or young person. The website also contains a cost-of-living resources section to signpost vulnerable families to local sources of support in each area.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust have launched a platform of new Mental Health websites for patients living in South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead The websites aim to support people if they are struggling with their mental health and have been given a new look to launch 2025. The new websites act as a one stop page for residents of South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead with South Tyneside having its own designated section and can be accessed by visiting www.stsftmentalhealth.nhs.uk
Groundwork Shop – Groundwork – The shop sells a treasure trove of wonders, including hoovers, three-piece suites, TVs and a range of children’s toys such as electric cars and go karts. Donations are cleaned, small repairs made, and electrical goods are PAT tested, before being sold on at an affordable cost, making the goods accessible to residents who may find it difficult to purchase the same item full price.
Hospitality & Hope – uniform shop School Uniform Charity Shop hospitalityandhope.org.uk)
School Uniform Loans – Moneywise – cost effective loans to help support with uniform costs.
Events
The Energy Roadshows are back!
This provides free support around energy advice and many other offers of support too, including free benefit checks.
Hebburn Central, Glen Street, Hebburn, NE31 1AB – Tuesday 25th March 1pm-4pm
Haven Point, Pier Parade, South Shields NE33 2JS – Thursday 27th March 4pm-7pm
Key2life Community Bus
