Weekly Update
Today, we had assemblies led by Tim from Rocksteady, a group who provide tutoring to children, in school time, to play in a rock band. The children thoroughly enjoyed the taster session, and the children have brought home a flyer if you would like to find out more information about this.
Last week, we had great success in sporting events, being the runners up at the Tees Valley Sports Hall Finals, where children showed real dedication and commitment in their events and a great third place at the basketball tournament. Well done to everyone who took part and for Mr Jackson for supporting the children.
Have a lovely weekend.
Year 4
Last week, Year 4 enjoyed a fantastic visit to the Great North Museum: Hancock. We explored the Ancient Egypt galleries, where the children were fascinated by the artefacts and mummies, and took part in an engaging mummification workshop that really brought our history learning to life. We also had time to look around the wider museum, with many children particularly enjoying the natural history displays.
Back at school, the children have continued this inspiration through art. They have been creating some beautiful minibeast artwork, focusing on using light and shade to add detail, texture and depth. The finished pieces show great care and creativity, and it’s been lovely to see how confidently the children have applied these new artistic skills.
Year 1
This week in Year 1, we have been estimating on a number line to 20. We estimated the numbers halfway between 0 and 10, 0 and 20, 10 and 20. Then we placed the numbers up to 20 in order on the number line.
It was lovely being in the sunshine in the outdoor classroom. We had lots of fun being a human centipede and learning about being safe around an outdoor fire.
Year 2
Year 2 kicked off our new instructions topic with a fun (and very messy!) challenge — making our own pine cone bird feeders. Working in teams, the children mixed lard, seeds, and raisins, carefully following each step. Once they were finished, we hung the feeders outside for the birds to enjoy.
Next, we learned how to write clear instructions for crossing the road safely. Everyone worked brilliantly, and we’re so proud of the writing they produced.
To finish our unit, the children used their own instructions to film a road‑safety video. They’ve all worked incredibly hard over the last two weeks and should feel very proud of themselves.
Attendance Matters
It is so important that we see your children in school every day as any missed days means missed learning.
There are our attendance figures for this week:
Overall 94.9%
A big well done to Class 103 for winning the attendance trophy with 99.7%. Well done to Class 205, Class 206, Class 307, Class 511, Class 512, Class 613and Class 614 who all got over 96%.
Let’s keep this up and aim for even more children getting 100% this term.
Reminders
*Thank you to everyone who has named their child’s uniform; this really helps us to return any lost property to its rightful owner, and we would encourage all parents to make sure that uniform is named please.
Links to support our parents and children….
Headstart
Happy New Year, Everyone!
We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful festive season with family, friends, and loved ones.
We’re excited to bring you our first newsletter of the year—and it’s packed with updates! Here’s what’s inside:
- Staff Wellbeing Feature – easing into the new year with tips on being gentle and kind to yourself and others.
- Schools Update – fantastic feedback showcasing the positive impact of our service.
- Exciting New Project – our HeadStarters at Bydales are exploring ways to help Year 6 pupils feel confident as they transition to secondary school.
- Training Opportunities – plus a Mental Health Awareness Calendar to keep us informed and ready to promote key themes and events.
…and so much more!
Let’s make this year one of growth, wellbeing and positive change together.
Please follow the link to the latest HeadStart Newsletter:
HeadStart Newsletter 12th January 2026
Lunch Menu
Action for Happiness
Wellbeing is so important in our day-to-day life. Use the ideas on the Happier January calendar which encourages us to start the new year in a more positive way.
