Our U11's team started off this year's league games, in great form. The team had to battle with poor weather conditions as they played three league games. The first game, a very close encounter ended up in a 1-0 loss. However, the team showed great character and resilience winning the next two games 4-0 and 5-0! Some great individual performances but above all a great team effort.

We welcomed Ruth and her team into school for her annual  pruning and weaving of our KS2 willow tunnel. This was much needed after a warm and sunny summer, followed by a very wet autumn! The willow had grown very high and needed a lot of expert care. Luckily, the team were able to quickly get the structure looking great, again. Our year 3 pupils, learned about how to look after and maintain the willow as well as being able to work with Ruth, to create some willow shapes and structures. Have a look at what we were able to create , in the pictures below.

We welcomed Ross and the team from Durham University into school, for a special assembly. Children from years 4, 5 and 6 were able to find out about the historic University at Durham but also what studying at any university might be like. The children asked some fantastic questions about what it might be like to study for a degree. They were surprised at how many different options there are to study different subjects. The children were excited to find out that you can live at the university - at Durham you can even live in a castle! We were able to see what a lecture looks like, find out about the different jobs at universities as well as what careers a degree could lead to. Children commented: I loved the assembly, I didn't know there were so many subjects to study! It really made me want to go to university, it would be so exciting to study and live with others in the halls. I would love to go and study one subject so I become an expert. I think university would be amazing and I really hope to go and study when I am older. Our Year 6 pupils will soon take part in a visit to Durham University and work with the Education team - they will take part in a University experience day which has been specifically planned for our pupils. They will take part in a lecture, visit the halls of residence, the university library and even find out what happens at a graduation ceremony.

In our monthly school Mass, we welcomed Fr. Mariadass into the school Hall to celebrate Holy Mass. Pupils from KS2 and some parishioners joined together for a lovely mass where we remembered those who have passed away as well as all of the Holy Souls. We reflected upon the examples some of the saints had given us as well as loved ones in our own families who are no longer with us - but who have taught us many important lessons and have shaped our lives. There was some beautiful singing and our readers helped lead us in prayer and reflection.

Our Catholic social teaching theme this year is 'Young people demand change'. This Harvest Festival week we have supported CAFOD by joining other schools around the country to brighten up, dressing in bright colours and collecting food donations. We have collected food for Joe's place this year, a local charity who helps to feed the homeless. Over the week the children have focused on the key message that 'working together and starting small, we can make a difference and help create a world where everyone's rights are respected, and everyone can live life to the full. Once again, we would like to thank all of our families for your kindness, generosity and support.

At the end of October term 1A, some of our Year 6 pupils took part in an adventurous activity residential in the heart of the Lake District. Our pupils spent 2 nights at the YHA, in Borrowdale which was a fantastic base, surrounded by the beautiful views and nature of the Lake District. We worked with Live4Adventure who are experts in delivering adventurous activities for groups. Our pupils took part in rock climbing, Ghill Scrambling and Canoeing. They even all managed to climb Castle Crag which is one of the famous Wainwright hikes in the lake District. Pupils commented how amazing the experience was - trying new things, working together to complete challenges and feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment in what they had done. New friendships were formed and it was amazing to see how much support and encouragement was given to help each other achieve! We are sure that as well as some fantastic memories, there were so many experiences and skills learned that can be used and will stay with the pupils in the future.

Our Year 6 Girls were invited to attended a special event at the Nissan Skills Foundation. The Nissan Skills foundation aims to raise interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in schools. This was an opportunity for the girls to take part in the ‘Girl Powered’ workshop – The initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for all students within the robotics and engineering community. As well as raising the aspirations of local youngsters to show that social issues, economic background and gender are not barriers to a potential career in Engineering and Mathematics The workshop included: A hands-on robotics challenge 2 STEM team activities The chance to take the Girl Powered pledge Inspirational female keynote speaker The workshop was a great hands-on experience and a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and find out about a career in STEM.

The Britain get talking campaign has led to over 100 million new or meaningful conversations since its launch. However, it has been reported that mental health has declined for almost 40% of British school children. This is a worrying statistic. As part of our work, linking to World Mental Health day (October 10th), Mrs Dowling led us in very informative assembly to talk about the Britain Get Talking campaign and how we can help each other by offering to be there for each other, and not be afraid to speak up when things are not going well. This year, the campaign continues toto focus on young people, as simply asking a child what's on their mind can be key to them opening up and easing their worries. We were also joined, virtually by Ant and Dec who explained more about the importance of looking after our mental health and talking to others about our feelings. They set us a special homework task to get us all talking - even the adults! "Talking isn’t the whole solution, but it can help us feel more able to cope and encourage us to seek support if we need to. And we know that the earlier a person can get support for their mental health, the more effective it’s likely to be.” Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind For more information, go to https://www.itv.com/britaingettalking/

Year 6 produced a 'Play in a Day' based on Macbeth. The children all worked really hard throughout the day and were able share a short performance which was was dramatic, fun and contained every key plot point. "Double, double, toil and trouble, Fire burn and cauldron bubble…" A potted production of Shakespeare's tale of murder and the supernatural. Scotland is facing a rebellion which the King's greatest General, Macbeth, crushes. After the battle he meets three witches who predict his rise to the throne... but following their predictions leads to his own downfall.

German club takes place on a Thursday, after school. We have been learning some basic french phrases and words. Mrs Bridgewood and Miss Madsen lead our German club and teach us through lots of fun games, songs and activities. We have been making Christmas Cards for our friends in Germany. We will exchange cards with the pupils at Rainbow School - our link school in Gelsenkirchen. We unboxed a special delivery, all the way from Germany. Inside there were Models, made by the pupils at Rainbow School. The models were of local landmarks within the area of the school, in Gelsenkirchen. It was very exciting. We will be finding out more about our link school and the city, in the coming weeks as well as meeting our German friends through video conferencing, in the New Year.

Our KS2 Girls football team began this year's league games, under the floodlights. They played their first 3 league games showing great teamwork and determination. Although the results didn't go their way on the night - there were some fantastic performances and it was a great experience. We look forward to the next round of matches!

We welcomed Ali and Sayontani, from Sustrans into school for our Dr Bike event. The Sustrans team worked all morning to carry out free Bike checks and minor repairs, to ensure our pupils' bikes were ready for the summer! Repairs including brake replacement and adjustment, puncture repairs, gear alteration were all carried out as well as general maintenance such as blowing up tyres and oiling bike chains. Thank you to all parents who supported the event by bringing in their child's bike.