As part of our RE learning this term, children in Years 4 and 5 were very fortunate to visit the Sikh Gurdwara in Sunderland. We learned that the word ‘Sikh’ means learner and that ‘Guru’ is teacher. It was lovely to hear that the values of the Sikh faith are to hold God in your thoughts always, work hard and help others; values that are very similar to those we have in school. It was also lovely to hear that anyone is welcome in the temple, no matter their faith, it is just asked that each individual worships God in any way that they want to. Mrs McDonough was so impressed with how many facts year 4 and 5 had remembered and learned about Sikhism. What a super visit!

As part of our training as Ambulance Mini Medics, we are fortunate to get opportunities to represent North East Ambulance Service and our school at wider community events.

In October 2019, we were so privileged to be an integral part of NEAS annual awards’ evening at Ramside Hall Hotel. The event was in recognition of long service (up to 40 years in some cases!) and of employees who’d gone beyond the call of duty.

It was our job to welcome everyone to the event and give out the programme of events for the evening. It was great to be able to show off what we’ve learned so far; they were all so impressed with our knowledge of basic life support.

Thank you for asking us to be part of your special evening, and congratulations to all nominees.

We are so excited to be part of a unique opportunity as North East Ambulance Service launch a mini medics scheme in our primary school. This gives our Y6 pupils an insight into a crucial and rewarding career at the same time as teaching us potentially life-saving skills.

In our first session, we learnt CPR and how to use a defibrillator to perform basic life support. We will be teaching these skills to members of the public in Tesco, Durham, on restart a heart day.

Every September, we take part in West Rainton and Leamside’s annual village show. Every pupil from nursery to year 6 entered pieces of work (most pupils with two entries) totalling over 300 pieces. The work looked outstanding on display and the entire community were very proud to see the high standard of work of its village school.

We also entered the group category, making a character that would feature in a circus. Phineas, the lion, came second in his class!