Y11 Visit To Derwentside College
Some of our Y11 students have had an amazing day visiting Derwentside College today for some college taster sessions. Many Thanks to Michelle, Claire, Patrick and all of the other staff who looked after us so well.
Sports Relief P7
Lets get physical with P7
During sports relief day P7 participated in the sports hall with a healthy competition against other classes, however they thought why stop there. P7 arranged other games in the classroom such as Ping Pong cups and table tennis to keep active throughout the whole day. At the end of each lesson the pupils were rewarded with a game of their choice. This allowed us to embed PESSPA (Physical Education School Sports Physical Activity) into our curriculum for the whole day and have fun at the same time and what a fun day we all had. A little saying in our class is “An active body equals and active mind” and that’s how we get our best learning.
PESSPA (PE)
Evening Everyone
We are introducing some changes starting next week to do with breaktimes and playtimes. This is part of developing emotional and physical well-being in schools across County Durham. PESSPSA stands for Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity and as such all pupils will be taking part in some form of physical activity during morning break and play time. On Monday in assemblies pupils will be asked to choose the activity that they want to take part in. If your son or daughter cannot take part could you please provide either a note or a phone call to school explaining why. I have attached a document to this blog with more information but if you still require any more information or have a question please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
Fairtrade Trip – P7
The marvellous class. P7, have been learning about fair trade and why learning about it opens up a fascinating world of discovery. The pupils have been learning where food comes from and who benefits from it to make it fair, is it the producers (farmers) or suppliers. The class walked to the local Tesco supermarket with their research sheets in hand to investigate. During the research they discovered that although the fair trade items were a little bit dearer they did get a good deal for their money. Whilst researching in the supermarket pupils discussed their views and opinions on why it was better or not. They reached the decision that it is beneficial for the fair terms trade for the farmers and the local sustainability but the bananas were wrapped in plastic wrapping. As one learner pointed out, they already have their own skin to protect them. Whilst the group were out they demonstrated excellent road safety skills and respect for others in their local community.
Year 11 Careers workshop
All year 11 pupils took part in the first part of their careers workshop today. Mrs Severs from the Department of Work and Pensions came into school to deliver a session on jobs today, past and future. Pupils discussed job roles and the importance of choosing a job that is right for you and makes you happy.
Computer walk & sandwich making
P3 went on a walk to Tesco this week. On the way we had to look out for different types of computers in the environment.
Once at Tesco’s we used our shopping lists to check we had all the ingredient needed for school.
The next day Miss Robson really wanted a ham sandwich for dinner but she had forgot how to make one. We took it in turns to give Miss Robson instructions on how to make a sandwich, this was a harder job than P3 first thought it would be.
We had to make sure our instructions were clear and precise or Miss Robson got it wrong.
“Put the ham in and the butter in” “pick the butter up”
“put the ham on the bread”
This has helped P3 to understand the importance of clear instruction especially when using computers and coding.
Miss Robson finally got herself a lovely ham sandwich.
Thank you P3!
P3’s Mindfulness March
P3 shared the story ‘The Princess and the Fog’ by Lloyd Jones.
We had a big discussion on what we thought the story was about and came to the decision that when the princess was talking about fog she meant she was feeling sad.
In the story the princesses friends and family tried different ways to cheer her up.
As a class we spoke about ways in which we could help each other feel better if we were feeling sad.
“talk to someone” “Play with lego”
“Play with a friend” “Sensory time”
We then thought about ways in which we could help others to be happy when they are feeling sad. P3 thought they could make a display for everyone to see that had strategies on we use as a class to feel happier.
We have also introduced ‘Action for Happiness’ each day we have a different mindfulness activity to think about and complete. This a also a good way to help us think positively. Today’s was to ‘get outside and notice five things that are beautiful’.
“I think the holly looks beautiful”
“Because the tree is nice and leaves and branches”
“I like the birds tweeting”
P3 had returned to class after a cold spring walk we decided to help with our well being, warm us up and make us all smile we would have a nice warm drink of juice or a hot chocolate with squirty cream and marshmallows.
As you can see from the photos below this made us all smile.
If anyone would like to join P3 in their mindfulness month of activities please visit www.actionforhappiness.com it has a different mindful calendar on for each month full of activities that could be completed at home or school.
BREAKING NEWS!
Fantastic work P3 and a HUGE thank you for everyone who bought treats at the bake sale.
Year 11 Taster College Trip to New College Durham
Yer 11 students visited New College Durham to look around the facilities, meet the staff and find out about the wonderful courses are available. Pupils looked at car maintenance, engineering courses, plumbing and electrical courses, sports, hair and beauty, ICT, Painting and decorating and learning support.
Changes this week
Evening Everyone
Changes this week are:
Miss Robson not available Monday
Girls football Wednesday
World Book Day Thursday costumes for Primary and Secondary/book swop/Adults reading with pupils.
Mrs Franklin not available Friday
Mrs Henderson not available due to Science exams
Science – P13 off timetable to complete practical science tests (2nd march)
Science P14 off timetable all day to complete science practical tests 3rd March
Science P15 off timetable all day to complete Practical test 5th March
If your child has science on these days they will be taught by P13/P14/P15 teachers
Mr Davies not available all week- lessons covered by Miss Davison(supply)