Whickham Parochial School

For the last few weeks Year 5 children have been carefully planning, designing and making photograph frames. They had lots of fun and were really pleased with their finished products. Mrs Latham thought they showed real creativity!

Y5 visit to National Glass Centre

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:56:44 +0000

On Thursday Year 5 had a fantastic day at the National Glass Centre at Sunderland. In the morning we were led around the 'Facade' exhibition which explores the use of glass in building design. The children were given shapes which could be found in the exhibition and these became the inspiration for their mosaic glass tiles which were then made in the workshop.

Before lunch we watched a glass blowing demonstration - Jamie had a great go at it!

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:20:06 +0000

Friends Newsletter july 2011.pdf

Year 2 Wedding

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:22:36 +0000

IMG_0802[1]
Year 2 had a lovely wedding at St. Mary's Church.

Y3's A to Z

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:11:25 +0000

Y5 put on a spectacular show!

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:50:58 +0000

Year 5 presented their end of year class assembly today. It was an exciting production of drama and music telling the Legend of Callipateira. Mrs Latham was very proud of all the children.

The cast and hero, Peisirodus!

Read on...

Y5 become engineers!

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:20:11 +0000

During Bridge Week Year 5 were set the challenge of designing a model bridge for Farmer Giles. He had bought a new field on the other side of a river to his farm and needed a bridge to allow the sheep to get to the field to graze. The model had to be 20cm wide, 10cm high and be able to carry 500g ..... just using 10 sheets of sugar paper.

The design that fulfilled all the specifications.

Teamwork was required!

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:51:14 +0000

Friends Newsletter June 2011.doc

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:47:04 +0000

Newsletter 6 June 2011.doc

Y3 Bridges Week

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:46:46 +0000

We've been enjoying making strong bridges from a single piece of A4 paper, researching famous bridges from around the world and crossing a 'river' using planks, crates and blocks! Well done to the 'Secret Bridge Builders' team, captained by Harvey A, who managed to transfer all 10 team members safely across their bridge in the quickest times.

Sat, 14 May 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Friends Newsletter May 2011.doc

Parochial pupils run for Children's Cancer Charity

Mon, 09 May 2011 19:00:10 +0000

Congratulations and a big 'Thank you' to the children and parents who took part in the annual Children's Cancer Run sponsored by Greggs on Sunday 8th May at Gosforth Park. The rain held off for the younger children to complete the 1 mile run while the older children, parents and staff ran the 5 mile route which led us through some very sticky mud! Money raised goes to the North of England Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Check out this!

Year 2 Summer Term

Thu, 05 May 2011 13:12:11 +0000

Hope you all had a lovely Easter break. I can't believe it is the summer term already. This term we will be looking at 2 topics:
A sailor went to sea, sea, sea.
We will be looking at famous people from the past and how years ago sailors helped to discover new lands around the world.
The children will be exploring simple circuits and making a lighthouse with a working circuit.
They will also be comparing other places in the world to the U.K. We were going to be looking at Ecuador but having just come back from Sri Lanka I thought I could share this knowledge with the children and compare the U.K with Sri Lanka.
In literacy the children will be looking at the author Jill Tomlinson and writing extended stories.
Down at the bottom of the garden.
In the second half of the summer term the children will be finding out about different plants and animals in our local envirnoment. They will also identify similarities and differences between local environments and ways in which these affect animals and plants that are found there. In literacy children will be writing information texts on mini beasts.

Y3 Summer Term

Wed, 04 May 2011 10:39:12 +0000

Our new topics to enjoy this term include:
History - The Vikings
Science - Plants; Light and Shadows
Literacy/Art/Music - Horror theme (!)
RE - Miracles of Jesus; Early Christianity & the Saints
French - The Weather; Colours
PE - Track & Field Athletics
We will also have a summer trip and Class Assembly later in the term!
Mr B.

Summer term in Year 5

Tue, 03 May 2011 18:21:28 +0000

Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the Easter holiday with all that lovely weather. Here is some information for those who'd like to know what we will be learning in Y5 this term. In Literacy we identify the characteristic features of persuasive writing, we study The Ghost of Thomas Kempe as part of the unit 'Older Literature' and we explore narrative poetry. In Numeracy we use the chunking method to carry out division calculations, we learn about ratio and proportion and also how to use protractors to measure angles. The Science topic, Lifecycles, looks at how plants and animals reproduce and the importance of reproduction to the survival of the species. In D & T we examine photograph frames to find ways in which structures can be made stable, before making a free-standing photograph frame for a particular person. The lives of Victorian children is the focus of our History topic. We research changing attitudes towards children and the people who are remembered for their part in these changes. A visit to the National Glass Centre has been organised for Thursday 7th July where pupils can make a glass fused mosaic which they can take home.

Follow the link to find out more about life as a Victorian.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/victorian_britain/

Friends Easter Disco News

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:51:35 +0000

Easter Disco etc.rtf

Newsletter 8 April 2011

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:41:15 +0000

Newsletter 8 April 2011.doc

Y3 Tennis fun!

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:00:17 +0000

Our Y3 tennis team had another successful Spring tournament this year, finishing 3rd out of 6 teams. Well done to Jessica, Lucy, Georgina, Molly, Mathew, Josh, Harvey B and Jack, who all contributed to a fine overall performance. Some of the tennis they played was fantastic....watch out Andy Murray!
Mr B.

New experiences for Year 5

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:52:14 +0000

On Thursday Year 5 had a busy day out. In the morning we went to the Shipley Art Gallery to look at and create containers using recycled materials.

These containers are made from cereal boxes and supermarket carrier bags!

We cut a carrier bag into one long strip and wove it around the card from the cereal box.

Then we went to the ISKCON Hindu temple where we had dinner and learnt about aspects of Hindu culture.

We were surprised to find out that the temple was originally a bank.

Friends Newsletter 16 March 2011

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:07:27 +0000

Friends Newsletter 16 March 2011.doc

Parochial Post 18 March 2011

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:04:40 +0000

Newsletter 18 March 2011.doc

Cartridge appeal for Guide Dogs for the Blind

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:35:05 +0000

Thank you to everyone who has brought in used inkjet cartridges to help Guide Dogs with their fundraising. For every recyclable inkjet cartridge, Guide Dogs receive a donation of £1. Please keep bringing to school your used cartridges (Hewlett Packard, Lexmark and Canon) so that we can continue supporting this worthwhile cause.

Y3 Spring Term B

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:30:15 +0000

Loads of great topics to look forward to this half-term! Here's a taster:
History: Anglo-Saxon Invaders & Settlers (gods, archaeology, monks, riddles...)
Science: Rocks & Soils
RE: Lent & Holy Week
PE: Indoor Cricket
Music: The 'stories' pieces of music tell
French: Alphabet, Days of week, Numbers 13-20

Mr Belton.

Spring Term in Y5 (2nd half)

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:42:53 +0000

Thank you to all the children who took part in Year 5's Music and Dance Talent Show and congratulations to Abbie and Emily T who received most votes for their performance. In the half term leading up to Easter we continue to learn about the Ancient Greeks including The Battle of Marathon and the origins of the modern day Olympic Games. During our Literacy lessons we will be looking at myths and legends, including Pandora's Box. For our topic in Art, 'Containers', a visit to the Shipley Art Gallery on the morning of Thursday 24th March has been organised to allow children to experience for themselves containers of different designs*. They will have the opportunity to make their own container. The afternoon of that day is to be spent at the ISKCON Hindu Temple on Westgate Road. A traditional Indian meal will be served before looking around the temple. In Science Mrs Wallis is going to teach the class about the different states of water and the processes of melting, freezing, condensing and evaporating. The cycling proficiency scheme, which is free of charge, begins in the week before Easter and continues during the first half of the Summer term. Year 5 children need to bring their bicycles to school on Thursdays if they wish to take part in this scheme.

*Follow the link to play an interactive game exploring objects from different countries.
http://www.mylearning.org/intermediate-interactive.asp?type=4&journeyid=238

Parochial Post 18 February 2011

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:58:53 +0000

Newsletter 18 February 2011.doc

Music and Dance Week

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 13:06:30 +0000

We had a fantastic time last week when Fanuel spent two days with us. Originally from Zimbabwe, he knows lots about traditional African music and dance. On Wednesday each class in Key Stage 2 spent an hour with Fanuel learning how to play the djembe drum. He also showed us some other African instruments including a thumb piano and a xylophone with dried pumpkins for amplifiers!

Y5 learning how to 'boom' and 'cha'.

On Friday every class tried gumboot dancing with Fanuel. The gumboot dance is an African dance that is performed by dancers wearing wellies. (In South Africa wellies are called gumboots.) Dancing involves stamping rhythms on the ground. Originally miners in South Africa used this sound as a way of communicating because they were not allowed to talk while working.

Fanuel makes it look so easy!

Parochial Post 10 February 2011

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:03:36 +0000

Newsletter 10 February 2011.doc

Newsletter 1 February 2011

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:17:03 +0000

Newsletter 1 February 2011.doc

Delicious food from Expo Chef!

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:32:37 +0000

On Friday we spent a mouth watering day with Chef Abi from Expo Chef. With the children's help she demonstrated how to make delicious healthy recipes from around the world. We learnt how to make food tastier by adding herbs and spices rather than turning to the salt cellar!

Abi's assistant!

Scrumptious stir-fry!

Check out the Expo Chef website for more recipes.
http://www.expochef.co.uk

Year 6 Spring Term

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:05:39 +0000

Science- we will be consolidating and extending our understanding of what happens when a variety of solids dissolve.
Design and Technology- Roll up, roll up at the fair! We will be examining a variety of rotating fairground rides before designing and making our own.
PE- we are very lucky to have a hockey coach coming in to take 6 lessons to help us learn and improve our hockey skills.
Year 6 have also been given an exciting project this term by Northern Rock! We are to develop a range of exciting and healthy fruit smoothies that not only taste great but provide us with our '5 a day'. These will be then sold to children in our school.

Year 6 Spring Term

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:05:39 +0000

Year 6 Spring Term

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:05:39 +0000

Happy new Year! Spring term in year 1.

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:40:39 +0000

Welcome back after the Christmas break. I hope you all had a good Cristmas and new year.
In year 1 this term we will be covering 2 topics.
The first half term we will be looking at the topic of 'take it away'.
Through this we will look at:
*healthy eating
*Indian culture
*Indian cooking
*senses.
After half term our topic will be 'the land that time forgot;
This will be based around the topic of dinosaurs. The aim is to create a class museum in the role play area where the children will have labelled the exhibits and take on the role of curator.
Throughout this term the class will also be taking trips out to enhance the curriculum. One trip taken will be to Blagdon Hall. This trip is linked to our involvement in the forest school project.
Any questions just feel free to ask.
Ms Johnston.

Spring Term in Year 2

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:40:39 +0000

Happy New Year and welcome back to school.
I would just like to say a huge thank you to Year 2 for making the build up to my wedding so special and thank you for your cards and gifts.
This half term we will be studying the topic 'Splat- Take That.' The whole topic is based around the theme of the circus. We will be looking at:
* History of the circus
* To look at how everyday materials change when they are heated and cooled- custard pies!
*Where would be the best place to keep ice-lollies at a circus?
* Looking at the role of drugs as medicines to make a poorly clown better.
* To understand mechanisms by making a acrobat that winds up and down.
We will hopefully be ending the topic with a visit from someone who works in the and learning some circus tricks!
In the second half of this term we are looking at the topic 'In the dark, dark house.' We will be looking at what happens during the night:
*People who work at night.
*Nocturnal animals.
* Light and reflective clothing.

I look forward to an exciting new term with Year 2.
Mrs Jackson

Spring A for Y3

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:11:52 +0000

We have another packed half-term ahead, with some great new topics to study,including:
Science - forces, gravity, magnetism
ICT - powerpoint presentations & databases; also a full day at the CLC
Geography - weather & climate around the world
PE - hockey
D&T (Mrs Wallis) - packaging
RE - baptism & Jesus' parables
Music - singing in rounds

Mr Belton.

Spring Term in Y5 (1st half)

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:41:25 +0000

Happy New Year and welcome back! In the first half term of 2011, History lessons in Year 5 look at how people lived in the ancient Greek empire. Greek objects loaned from the Discovery Museum will be available to handle. Just as last term, Mrs Wallis will teach Science each Tuesday and this half term's unit of work develops the children's understanding of gases. They will discover that air is a material and is one of a range of gases which have important uses. In RE pupils learn about the rituals and artefacts used in Hindu worship and they make comparisons with how people worship in other religions. A netball teacher from Whickham School will teach the class once a week for a session each Monday. Trumpet lessons continue to be led by Mr Parnaby on Tuesday mornings. Children have the opportunity to use the specialist IT facilities at the CLCs with two visits scheduled for this half term. The first is at Heworth CLC on Thursday 27th January and the second is to the Watermark CLC on Thursday 10th February.

Follow this link to find out about Ancient Greece:
http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/

Animation Fun for Y3!

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 07:47:43 +0000

Year 3 enjoyed a fantastic morning at the CLC on Tuesday. Using Zu3D software, they learned how to create animated films! By the end of the session each group had films of up to 60 still-shots that appeared to make snowmen move around the 'set'.
Well done everyone - I wonder whether any of you may make the next 'Wallace & Gromit' film?
Mr B.

Y5 Visit to Adventurelands

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:14:21 +0000

Year 5 spent this morning at Adventurelands and what a fab time it was! Just as Year 3 did earlier this term, Year 5 took advantage of one of the free sessions which have been offered to schools to promote healthy lifestyles amongst children. The morning included taking part in a variety of fun exercise challenges, making and tasting a healthy snack, and of course using some of the play areas!

Guess which seasonal character this tasty snack looks like!

Many thanks from the School Council

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:07:20 +0000

The school councillors would like to thank all the parents of children who have sent unwanted games/ activity books to school for use during wet playtimes. They have been sorted and distributed to all classes and have proved very useful already!

St Mary's Appeal

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:44:27 +0000

St Mary's Appeal information

Parochial Post 9.11.10

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:36:06 +0000

Parochial Post 9.11.10

Year 6 Topics Autumn Term B

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:32:14 +0000

What a busy first half term for year 6! We are now one week into the second half of the Autumn term and have got to know our Reception partners very well. Year 6 have been making educational games for their partners and have also made an alphabet powerpoint for them too.
Our Science topic this half term is 'Interdependence and Adaptation' looking at a variety of plants and animals in a local habitat. We will be learning about food chains and how they begin with a 'producer'. We will be constructing food chains according to convention.
Our design and technology topic is 'Shelters' and we will be learning about structures- that they can fail when loaded and the use of techniques for reinforcing and strengthening structures. The main outcome will be the design and construction of a framework type shelter.
We are also quickly heading towards Christmas so we will be thinking about gifts to make for the Christmas Fair!

Reception Autumn term (2nd half)

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:19:35 +0000

Welcome back after our weeks half term break - I trust everyone had a good time.

This half term is really busy in school and very exciting for the children with the build up to Christmas, parties, performances and lots more besides.
Here is an overview of what the children will be learning about this half term.
Our theme is .....'Long, Long Ago...' with our role play area being a castle with knights and princess costumes, magic potions and lots more!!
Within this theme we will be looking at:
*Traditional tales - 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Snow White' 'Robin Hood' to name a few.
*Senses & body - exploring taste, smell, touch, sight, hearing and labelling body parts etc
*Friendship - linked to anti-bullying week 15th-19th November (more info to follow)
* Cooking - linked to fairy tales and numeracy eg weighing , measuring
* ICT - using Bee Bots to control and find treasure
* Designing and making castles
.....and much, much more.
We also have a planned event 'Share a Story' on Tuseday 23rd November at 2.30pm - please make a note of the date. (More info to follow)
And finally a visit to the Theatre Royal to see 'Robin Hood'

A fun packed half term and that's just the start.

Mrs Hall

Autumn Term in Y5 (2nd half)

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:24:17 +0000

The children in Year 5 have worked very hard so far. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there is lots more to do! Pupils will be working on their times tables for which there is a weekly test and each pupil should have received a schedule setting out what is to be tested and when. In Literacy the children look at instructional texts before writing their own instructions. After that they will read stories from other cultures and use these to help them create their own. Following on from last half-term's learning in Science about keeping healthy, an educational half-day visit to Adventurelands has been organised for the morning of Wednesday 24th November. For a limited period of time, schools are being offered free visits as part of the Government's Change4Life campaign. This half-term's unit of work in Science focuses on the Earth, Sun and Moon. In RE the children continue to learn about aspects of the Hindu religion, including the festival of Diwali which is celebrated on 5th November this year. Linked to this, in PE the class re-enact the story of Rama and Sita through dance. Our Art topic, Objects and Meanings, involves investigating how artists have used the theme of still life to convey ideas and feelings. The children will have the opportunity to produce their own still-life artwork.

Follow this link if you wish to practise your tables online!
Test your Multiplication - Times Tables From 2 to 15

Autumn Term, Second Half, in Year 4

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:00:57 +0000

Year Four will be working hard and covering some interesting topics in the run up to Christmas. Literacy lessons will involve studying and writing newspaper articles and later, playscripts. Science lessons will be about 'Habitats' and the children will identify local habitats, learn about food chains and adaptations of living things to their surroundings.The class will complete the fascinating topic of World War 2 in History, then study 'Village Settlers' in Geography. In ICT the class will use the wireless laptops and use the more advanced features of a word processor to help them match their work to their audience. Design and technology lessons will involve the class investigating mechanisms used to produce, for example, pop-ups and push-pull features in storybooks. PE will continue to be taught on Tuesday afternoons, along with swimming lessons on Thursday afternoons. What a busy time!
Mrs Dillon

This half term in Year 2.

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:25:52 +0000

We all really enjoyed our topic last half term 'Step Back in Time' and learnt lots about the 1950's. This half term we will be looking at the question 'Who was Mortimer Mouse?' Throughout the topic we will be looking at the development of moving pictures, flicker books and cartoons. We will also be looking at Walt Disney and the Disney Parks. We will end the topic by making our own puppets and acting out their favourite Disney scene using their puppets. In literacy we will be looking at traditional tales focusing on Disney stories based on traditional tales.
Looking forward to a fun packed half term.
Miss Hampton

Y3 Autumn Term 2

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:14:29 +0000

In the half-term leading up to Christmas, Year 3's topics will include:
Roman Invaders & Settlers;
Manipulating Sound in ICT;
Characteristics of Materials (Science);
Myths & Legends (Literacy);
Singing & Co-ordination games (Music)
....as well as Tennis coaching and more besides!
Mr B.

Year 5 take part in the Eco-Village Challenge

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 06:29:48 +0000

On Friday 22nd October, Year 5 took part in the Eco-Village Challenge at the Dryden Centre. The class was split into four teams, each with seven children, and there were 10 other teams from different schools. Each team had to imagine that they were a local construction company hoping to win a contract to build an eco-friendly housing estate in Gateshead. All morning the children worked collaboratively, planning, designing and building a model 'Eco-Village', while the judges, who were representatives from businesses, observed and asked questions. To Mrs Latham's and Mrs Hastie's delight, two of Parochial's four teams were announced the winners and the runners up!

Continue to see the other teams' designs.

Year 4 Evacuation to Beamish

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:04:26 +0000

Year 4 had an enjoyable day at Beamish Museum on Monday, where the children's behaviour was excellent. The class put a great deal of effort into dressing authentically as World War 2 evacuees. They were evacuated to Home Farm, where they tried out a range of tasks, such as making butter and cottage cheese, making straw mattresses and learning how to prepare for a blackout.

Parochial Post 12.10.10

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:41:10 +0000

Parochial Post 12.10.10

A new year in year 2.

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:43:07 +0000

Welcome back to a new term and a new class. In year 2 this term we will be studying our foundation subjects through the topic of 'step back in time.' This topic will have a particular focus on the 1950's. We will look at fashion, historical events, scientific developments and music. The children will also be building their very own time machines!!!
As part of the time travelling we will be visiting the Doctor Who exhibition at the Centre for Life.
Any resources you may have which you feel may help in the delivery of this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Miss Hampton

Welcome to Reception

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 19:42:31 +0000

A big welcome goes out to all our new children who started school last week. We had a fun week getting to know each other, enjoying our new classroom and making lots of new friends.
The theme this half term is ' The Teddy Bears Picnic'.
We will be learning about...
*Nursery rhymes
*Our new school environment - rules, routines
*This is me - getting to know each other.
We have also planned for later this half term a visit to Saltwell Park and the opportunity for parents to come into our Harvest Tea .
Here's looking froward to a fun packed half term.

Welcome to year 1

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:13:55 +0000

I hope you have all enjoyed the summer break and your child is settling well into their new class. In year 1 this term we will be taking a slightly different approach to the curriculm and all subjects where possible will be taught through a skills based topic approach. The first topic we will be looking at is 'knock knock, who's there?' Despite the strange title we will actually be looking at houses and homes. Through this the children will look at homes in this country as well as abroad. They will look at materials and choose suitable materials for a given purpose such as waterproof material for the roof of a house.
The children will also look at homes in the past and as an element of this we intend to visit Cragside.

Year 6 Autumn Topics

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:44:07 +0000

Year 6 have settled into their new class and will be having a very busy term.
Mrs. Wallis will be teaching the History topics. We will be finding out about the Indus Valley civilisation, focusing on the study of Aztecs.
Science is all about 'micro-organisms'. Through this topic, we will learn that there are many very small organisms called micro-organisms which feed, grow and reproduce and which may be harmful or beneficial. We will be visiting the Centre for Life in October to further our scientific study into micro-organisms through 2 amazing workshops!
Our art topic is all about 'People in action'. We will be looking at how the idea of movement is shown in different kinds of art, such as illustrations, cartoons, paintings and prints-we certainly enjoyed being models for each other last week!
PE will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays with the opportunity to be involved in golf lessons in the near future!

Autumn Term in Year Four

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 11:17:22 +0000

Year Four will be covering lots of interesting new topics this term! Science lessons will cover how the skeleton is related to movement and support, and what happens to the skeleton and muscles as they move. In History the class will find out about the effects of World War 2 on children, and will include a visit to Beamish Museum in October, where the children will experience some aspects of life as an evacuee. In French, the children will learn set phrases to talk about the family, and to count and understand numbers up to 30. In ICT the class will be able to use our new wireless laptops and will learn how to use a graphics program to develop an image using a variety of tools. Art lessons will involve the class investigating lines, shapes, colours and textures to produce work on the theme of journeys. PE will take place on Tuesday afternoon, along with a swimming lesson on Thursday afternoon.

School Term Dates 2010-2011

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:17:15 +0000

Holiday List 2010-2011.doc

School Lunch Menus

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:01:37 +0000

Here are some links to the school lunch menus for the Autumn Term.

Menu from 6 September 2010.doc

Spudbuster Menu from 6 September 2010.doc

Parochial Post 16.7.10

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:42:21 +0000

Newsletter_16_July_2010.doc

Y3's Autumn Topics

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:42:30 +0000

Y3 have some fantastic topics this term, including:
Science - Teeth & Healthy Eating
DT - Packed lunch-boxes
RE - Creation & green issues
Geography - Continents, flags & capital cities
We will also begin learning French!
Mr B.

Autumn in Year 5

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:07:56 +0000

Welcome back! Autumn term in Year 5 is an exciting time. In History the children learn about changes in Britain since 1948. A visit to the Discovery Museum has been organised on Monday 27th September to explore some of the major events from the last sixty years. In French pupils develop their vocabulary through reading the story of The Hungry Caterpillar and they begin to look at how adjectives change their spellings depending on the nouns they are describing. In DT the class evaluate a selection of biscuits before designing and making a new biscuit. Many children are looking forward to the trumpet lessons which Year 5 are so privileged to receive. These are whole class and take place on a weekly basis. Last year the children had lots of fun!

Sports Day Success

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:36:17 +0000

Thanks to all parents and friends who supported our Sports Day yesterday. After a late ground inspection we were able to enjoy a super morning. The outstanding memories for me were the comedy moments, particularly in the sack races and the good-natured determination of those who found themselves bringing up the rear in certain races. Well done to all competitors, with special congratulations to the winning Green Team!
Mr B.

Year Six visit to Whickham Thorns

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:13:47 +0000

Year 6 had an action packed day at Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre on Thursday 24th June, where they all 'had a go' at snow tubing, climbing, the assault course and fun problem solving activities.

Mini Olympics At Whickham School

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday 23rd June, Year Six pupils had a fun time in the heat at the Mini Olympics competition, representing Australia.

Year 5 visit to Cragside

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:28:04 +0000

Last week Year 5 visited Cragside, the Victorian home of Lord Armstrong and the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity.

How do you think Cragside got its name?

Victoria, Alessandro, Rachel and Harry volunteered to be dressed up in clothes that would have been worn by wealthy Victorians.

We made our own butter!

Continue reading to find out how we did it...

Year 5 Class Assembly

Sat, 29 May 2010 07:17:05 +0000

Congratulations Year 5! You sang, acted, danced and spoke your parts like professionals yesterday. Mrs Latham would like to thank everyone in Year 5 for the effort that was put in to learning and practising parts. The performance proved it was all worth it!

Daedalus is terrified by the skeletons in the Labyrinth

Icarus flew close to the sun, fell in the sea and drowned

Year Six Girls Football

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:07:50 +0000

Well done to seven of our Year 6 girls who represented the school in a mini tournament at Whickham School this afternoon.

Y6 golf winners

Thu, 27 May 2010 07:22:46 +0000

Well, Parochial have won again!
Our Y6 tri-golf team won their competition against Brandling, Bill Quay and White Mere schools at Heworth Grange.
Congratulations go to Adam Boyle (captain), Callum W, Lewis, Daniel, Rebecca, Faye, Alex, Emily & Ellie
Great chipping and putting guys!
Mr B.

Year 5 visit to Hindu Temple

Thu, 20 May 2010 19:38:19 +0000

On Wednesday 19th May Year 5 spent the morning at the ISKCON Hindu Temple on Westgate Road in Newcastle. We had a fantastic time extending our knowledge of Hinduism with Kirtida, a Hindu Priestess. The first thing we learnt which surprised us was that not all Hindus are Indian - Kirtida is from Finland!

We dressed up in traditional Indian clothes.

Parochial Post 13.5.10

Fri, 14 May 2010 13:59:49 +0000

Parochial Post 13.5.10

Parochial Post 5.5.10

Fri, 14 May 2010 13:55:07 +0000

Parochial Post 5.5.10

The Bogeyman - Year 4

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:46:40 +0000

Click here to watch The Bogeyman animation

Double Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist visits school!

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:13:47 +0000

On 1st April Chris Cook, the 2006 Double Commonwealth Champion (50m and 100m Breastroke) gave Year 5 an inspirational talk about what he had to do in order to succeed as a World Class Athlete.

Gold for Year 5 athletes!

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:38:27 +0000

On 25th March four children from Year 5 competed in the Gateshead Primary Schools Year 4/5 Athletics Finals at the Louisa Centre in Stanley. Olivia, Eleanor, Charlotte and Lauren had previously taken part in an athletics event at Whickham School and their performances led to them being selected to go on to the Finals.

At the Finals in Stanley they formed a team with children from Fellside Primary and Front Street Primary to represent Whickham Primary Schools. Competing against nine other teams of children from all over Gateshead, the Whickham team came first and won Gold. We are so proud of them!

Kim Inglis

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:46:30 +0000

Kim Inglis, a freelance journalist who you may recognise from local television news, visited Year Six class today and gave an inspirational talk about her life and career, motivating the children to take steps in their own lives to fulfil their future ambitions. Kim also answered questions from the children.

Our British Championship Gymnast

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:38:05 +0000

Congratulations go to Abbie in Year Six, who took part in the British Aerobatic Gymnastic Champsionships in Stoke. Abbie was part of a trio who were ranked a brilliant 7th in Britain! Well done Abbie!

Y3 tennis success!

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:49:16 +0000

Well done to Maddy, Hollie, Sara, Emilie, Jack, Calum, Jonathan and Grant for WINNING the Y3 Springs Tennis Challenge at Whickham School!
It was great seeing you play your tennis matches and competing in fun challenges.
This was our third success in this annual event...I wonder how we will do next year?
Mr B.

'Jonni Starr' at Heworth CLC

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:25:24 +0000

Year 6 visited Heworth CLC on Friday 5th March to create a soundtrack to the animation of 'Jonni Starr'. The tasks involved teamwork and the class made a great effort and impressed the specialist music teacher at the centre. The drumming group and singing group worked particularly well, while adding sound effects and writing and performing an effective theme song. Year 6 will return to the centre in June to learn about 'Garageband'. Exciting stuff!

Year 5 visit to Heworth CLC

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:19:10 +0000

Last week Year 5 spent a day at the Heworth CLC learning how to program robots. We even made them dance! Credits could be earned for completing tasks and by the end of the day, Sophie and Adam had earned the most. They were followed closely by Abi and Amy. Well done!

The robot has been programmed to follow the black line

Sophie and Adam completing another task!

Y3 fun on World Book Day!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:48:15 +0000

We enjoyed dressing as book characters...who would have thought Fantastic Mr Fox would be found teaching Little Red Riding Hood, Jasmine, Oliver Twist, James (plus giant peach), Mr Strong and Pingu, to name but a few!
We enjoyed swapping unwanted books, reading with Y1, designing new characters and reading about Beowulf!
See who you can spot in the photo!
Mr B

Swimming Gala Success!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:42:40 +0000

Some specific medal successes are listed below....
Mr B.
SWIM GALA.doc

Tesco Vouchers for Schools

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:54:03 +0000

We are currently collecting Tesco vouchers, which are available in store until Sunday 9th May 2010. Vouchers can be placed in the collection box outside Mrs Haswell's office. We are hoping to collect sufficient vouchers to purchase another Flip digital camcorder for school.
Thank you!

Parochial Post 12.2.10

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:39:34 +0000

Parochial Post 11th February 2010

Parochial Post 29.1.10

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:35:35 +0000

Parochial Post 29th January 2010

Social Club

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:59:23 +0000

Social Club starts again on Tuesday 23rd February, for Years 3 and 4.

Year 6 visit the Centre for Life

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:57:39 +0000

Year 6 had a great time at the Centre for Life on Thursday 11th February. The children had a lesson in the lab about 'How We See Things', which involved searching for clues using mirrors, torches and periscopes. The class also enjoyed screaming and squealing on the thrilling dinosaur themed 3D motion ride. This was followed by an 'Animals on Ice' theatre show, a trip to the Planetarium and, of course, eating sweets on the bus journey home!
Staff at the Centre for Life commented on how well-behaved the children were during their visit. Well done Year 6!

'How We See Things' Lifelab

Key Stage 2 Bitesize

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:49:31 +0000

Why not try some of these activities at home to practise your skills, Year 6?

Key Stage 2 Bitesize

Year 5 visit to the Shipley Art Gallery

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:14:26 +0000

On Thursday morning we visited the Shipley Art Gallery for our current Art topic, Containers. When we arrived we looked at the many different containers displayed in the Designs for Life gallery.

Then we went into the studio where we handled examples of different containers.

After that, Carolyn, a skilled ceramicist, demonstrated how to make a coil pot out of clay before we had a go at making our own.

Parochial altar cloth project

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:18:33 +0000

Our school is designing an altar cloth for the altar in the school hall which will be stitched by the Sewing group of St Mary's Church in Whickham. Each class is to create a picture to illustrate a verse from the hymn 'All things bright and beautiful'. Yesterday the school councillors visited St Mary's to meet the ladies who belong to the Sewing group to find out more about altar cloth designs.

Which design do you like most?

More designs...

New videos on our weblog

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:59:23 +0000

Check out the two new videos recently added to our weblog. Links are on the homepage to a School Tour (top of the page), and a very funny clip when Fab Flournoy visited our school (link on the left hand side of the page).
The School Tour video was created by a group of Year 5 and Year 6 children attending ICT social club, along with some other children in our current Year 6 class.
Enjoy!

Year 4 Spring A

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:24:50 +0000

History- This half term we have been learning about the life of Henry VIII and his 6 wives! We also be looking at the life of a 'poor' tudor.
Art/Design- We have been looking at different styles of CHAIRS! There are lots of weird and wonderful types of chairs and we are going to design our own. Each chair will be designed for a particular 'character'. There is a good selection of characters chosen from Homer Simpson to Kelly the Irish dancing teacher!
Science- We have been learning about temperature and how to keep things 'hot' or 'cold'. Is it an insulator? Is it a conductor?
Literacy- Our literacy topic is all about 'The features of a newspaper report/article'. The children have enjoyed getting into the swing of things by becoming reporters and creating a news article on the school closure a couple of weeks ago, due to the snow!

Spring term in Year 1

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:33:42 +0000

Welcome back to a new and busy term in Year 1.
Throughout this term the children will be looking at a range of topics including eat more fruit and veg in D.T, toys in history, sculpture in art, our local environment in geography and sound and hearing in science.
The children will also have the opportunity to visit the CLC centre to gain experience with a range of computer programmes.
This term Year 1 have been enjoying the story of Handa's surprise which they are beginning to use as inspiration to create animal dances in PE with Mrs Saint.

Year 2 Spring Term 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:33:24 +0000

In Year 2 we have just started to study the Great Fire of London and we will also create some art work linked to this. In Science we have found out about using electricity and will also investigate forces and movements. Throughout our work in ICT we will look at how we can use computers to find information and controlling a floor turtle!
In March Year 2 will visit the CLC centre to experience new ICT programmes.
Father John will be coming into Year 2 to talk about the different clothing worn in the church throught out the year.

Meet our School Council!

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:41:54 +0000

Here are the children who were elected as school councillors for the school year 2009 - 2010. An enthusiastic group of children, they care deeply about making sure our school is a place where all the children are happy. Our first meeting of 2010 took place today and there was lots to talk about!

Hi! Our names are Aiden and Erin and we are in Year 1. We wanted to be school councillors so that we could help people and make the school a better place.

Hi! We are Molly and Matthew and we are in Year 2. We wanted to be on the school council because we like helping other people.

Hi! We are called Hannah and Grant and we are in Year 3. We wanted to be school councillors so that we could help make school a better place.

Hi! Our names are Bethany and Aidan and we are in Year 4. We wanted to be school councillors because we want to make school a more fun place and we want to be able to improve things in school.

Hi! We are Olivia and Aaron and we are in Year 5. We want to be on the school council because we want to make the school even better and we like the thought of helping other people.

Hi! Our names are Faye, Lauren, Adam B and Adam W and we represent Year 6. We wanted to be school councillors so that we could make school a better and more enjoyable place to be.

Spring Term in Year 6

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:49:36 +0000

After a snowy start to 2010, Year 6 are settling in well to the new term. The children will be working very hard in Literacy and Numeracy lessons in particular as we move towards SATs in May. In Science, the topic is 'How we see things' and will hopefully involve a visit to the 'Lifelab' at the Centre for Life. The class will visit Gateshead CLC soon to gain some skills in computer aided design and manufacture. This will tie in with design and technology lessons in which the theme is 'Shelters'. In ICT, the children are learning how to include action buttons in 'Powerpoint' slideshows, and will move on to using spreadsheets to present and calculate data. The class are continuing to study the Aztecs in History, and Sikhism in RE lessons, with Mrs Wallis.

You might find this website helpful to practise mathematics skills:

Mathematics

Spring term in Year 5

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:51:34 +0000

Be prepared for another busy term in Year 5! We will be endeavouring to improve our quick recall of facts from the times tables for which there will be a weekly test. Other fun activities to look forward to include finding out about the way people lived in the ancient Greek empire and there will be the opportunity to handle Greek artefacts loaned from the Discovery Museum. Our topic in Art is Containers. Children can explore the tradition of making vessels and create their own containers. A visit to the Shipley Art Gallery on the morning of Thursday 4th February will allow the children to experience for themselves containers of different designs and functions. Just as last term, Mrs Wallis is teaching Year 5 Science. The topics for this term enable pupils to develop an understanding of gases as well as of the main processes associated with water when it changes state. Mr Parnaby continues to visit on Tuesday mornings. He was impressed by the speed at which the children progressed on their trumpets last term and he is looking forward to helping them achieve their silver award.

Where can this famous building be found?

Y3 Spring Topics

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:35:01 +0000

This Spring term the wonderful Year 3 will be learning about:
Nesting birds (Literacy)
Weather & Climate (Geography)
Food packaging (D.T.)
Databases (I.C.T.)
Magnets & Springs (Science)
...and a whole lot more besides!
robin.doc
Mr B.

Social Club

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:44:57 +0000

Social Club will be open to Year 5 and 6 pupils this half term, starting on Tuesday 19th January.

Anti-bullying policy

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:40:15 +0000

anti-bullying policy.doc

SCHOOL OPEN ON MONDAY 11TH JANUARY

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:56:24 +0000

The heating is working again therefore school will be open as normal on Monday 11th January.
Please take care on the approach roads and paths.

SCHOOL CLOSURE UPDATE

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:05:24 +0000

Please accept our apologies for today's closure. We had initially expected to open and posted a message to this effect, however our caretaker discovered at 7.15 am that we had no heating, therefore we had no other choice than to close. We appreciate the inconvenience this causes, especially to working parents. We will endeavour to open on Monday, however please keep checking the website for further information over the weekend.
P. Armstrong

LATEST UPDATE AT 7.25AM, SCHOOL CLOSED TODAY

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:26:00 +0000

Unfortunately we have had to reverse our decision to open as there is no heating at school.

THEREFORE SCHOOL IS CLOSED TODAY, FRIDAY 8th JANUARY.

We apologise for the late notice and for any inconvenience caused. Please pass the message on to other parents.

LATEST UPDATE

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:54:46 +0000

School will be open tomorrow, Friday 8th January.

However, in the event of further heavy snow tonight, this situation will be reviewed.
An update will appear on the website in the morning if further closure is necessary.

SCHOOL CLOSURE, THURSDAY 7TH JANUARY

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:24:53 +0000

Our school will remain closed on Thursday 7th January due to the heavy snow and freezing conditions.

Please continue to follow our website for updates on our situation.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your support and understanding.

SCHOOL CLOSURE, WEDNESDAY 6TH JANUARY

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:06:02 +0000

Our school will unfortunately be closed today due to the heavy snowfall, along with difficulties for staff travelling in from outlying areas.

More snow on the way?

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:17:52 +0000

Our school will be open tomorrow, Tuesday 5th January.

In the event of heavy snowfall overnight necessitating school closure, an updated message will be posted on this website early tomorrow morning.

Young Sports Achiever!

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:10 +0000

Abi T won the 'National Representation' Gateshead Young Sports Achiever trophy at a special awards evening.
Well done Abi, we're proud to celebrate your award with you!
Mr B

ExpoChef

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:22:41 +0000

Yesterday we welcomed the 'ExpoChef' , Jimmy, to our school. He showed the pupils how to create some tasty and healthy dishes, such as a delicious salad, beefburgers, a fruit smoothie and a tagine of vegetables. Jimmy also encouraged the children to be brave and try fruit and vegetables they had never tasted before, such as butternut squash.
Years One to Six thoroughly enjoyed the cooking demonstrations in the hall, and each child received a booklet of healthy recipes and a certificate. Thanks Jimmy!

Cameron was proud of his beefburgers!

Parochial Post 6.11.09

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:23:31 +0000

Parochial Post 6.11.09

A busy week in Year 5!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:14:03 +0000

Year 5 had a fun packed week before the Autumn half-term break. On Wednesday afternoon we went to the Discovery Museum where we looked at artefacts to find out about how life in Britain has changed since the 1950s. We were good at ordering events according to their decade!

The following afternoon we went to the CLC where we used Photostory to create a presentation about the Planets.

Finally, on Friday, we worked for the entire day with a professional actress, Lisa Moffat. We played theatre games before practising and performing 'Happy Birthday Grandpa' to the rest of the school. Mrs Latham was very impressed by the speed at which the children learnt their parts!

My trip to Robinwood

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:58:05 +0000

I really enjoyed my trip to Robinwood, my favourite activity there was the zip wire. The activity I think needed the most teamwork was the pirahna pool, we had to work together to find the clues and solve the puzzles and a lot of encourgement was needed. I volunteered to go last across the pool, but I made it across 2 seconds before the pirahnas were let out "Phew!" By Ethan C Year Six

Year Six visit to Robinwood Activity Centre

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:48:23 +0000

Year Six have just returned from three exciting, action-packed days at Robinwood Activity Centre, near Alston. The children had a fantastic time, experiencing activities including the Zip Wire, the Giant Swing and the infamous Piranha Pool! Mrs Saint and Mrs Stapleton reported that the behaviour of the class was excellent...well done!

There are more photos in the Photo Gallery.

Have a look at the website : www.robinwood.co.uk

KS2 Tuck Shop

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:36:30 +0000

A small group of dedicated children have formed an Ecoclub with the aim to get involved in practical activities that help to look after our planet and its people. In the first half term of the club's existence, the children have successfully set up a fairtrade tuck shop for Key Stage 2 pupils which runs every Friday during morning break. The foods for sale have been selected with healthy eating in mind, and are all purchased from Traidcraft.

Thank you to everyone who has made a purchase at the tuck shop - you are helping to fight poverty!

Parochial Post 16.10.09

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:55:29 +0000

Parochial Post 16.10.09

Eden Camp

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:03:37 +0000

Year 4 had a great time at Eden camp on Monday 5th October. The sun was shining and the children discovered a whole different world during the first and second world war. They sat inside an air raid shelter and walked along a London street during the blitz!

Fab visitor !

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:26:32 +0000

Newcastle Eagles' Fab(ulous) Flournoy visited our school again last week to promote forthcoming fixtures and a competition for Y5 and Y6.
Fab had us all laughing and Adam tried valiantly to match some of his skills.
Will YOU support the Eagles this season?

Mrs Boath

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:03:57 +0000

Mrs Boath is a classroom assistant at our school.

Mrs Ellis

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:51:18 +0000

Mrs Ellis helps some of our children in Key Stage One.

Our lunchtime staff

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:44:26 +0000

Auntie Judy, Auntie Liz, Auntie Ange and Auntie Ged help to look after our pupils at lunchtime.

School News Podcasts

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:01:27 +0000

Pupils from Years 5 and 6 in our ICT Club have been recording some podcasts with the latest news from our school:

Harvest Festival

Great North Run

News from Ellie

Holly and Molly's Gossip

Year 4 Topics

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:37:13 +0000

Year 4 have settled in well this term and have been working very hard.
We have been transported back to the second World War in our History topic. We have been looking at it through the eyes of an evacuee. The children have enjoyed bringing artefacts from their great grandparents, making the topic very real. Our trip to Eden Camp on Monday will enable the children to experience the sights and smells of the 1940s. Watch out for the photographs in a couple of weeks!
Bones, bones, bones! We have been learning about vertebrates and invertebrates and the functions of the skeleton.

Autumn term in Year 5

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:07:26 +0000

It's an exciting time to be in Year 5. In History the children are learning about how Britain has changed since 1948 for which they have created a fascinating 'museum' of artefacts. There will be the opportunity to take part in a workshop about Popular Culture at the Discovery Museum on Thursday 15th October. On Tuesday afternoons Mrs Wallis teaches the class Science. The current topic, Keeping Healthy, looks at the different aspects of a healthy lifestyle. In PE the children are refining their gymnastic movements and they are being taught basketball skills by a basketball coach, Billy. Our topic in DT is Biscuits during which the class will make and evaluate a new biscuit for a particular occasion. Year 5 children are very fortunate in having each been given a trumpet. They will receive a weekly lesson from Mr Parnaby. This takes place in the classroom every Tuesday morning and lasts one hour. Lessons are fun and the children have learnt a lot just in the two they've had so far!

Y3 topics!

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:25:31 +0000

Year 3 have some fab topics to learn about this half-term!
Continents, flags and capital cities in Geography.
Tennis in Games.
Teeth and Eating in Science.
Packed-lunch box design in Design Technology.

BUT.....not all at once!