Pupils in Year 6 were inspired by the Invictus Games participants in September 2017 when they adapted their volleyball PE unit to experience the game in a different format. After watching the events on TV at home, the children discussed how they could participate in seated volleyball. The pupils were surprised at the levels of energy it took to move in a different way and thoroughly enjoyed competing against each other.
Shakespeare Schools’ Festival 2017
Year 5 pupils have been working incredibly hard recently on their performance of Romeo and Juliet for the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival later in the term. At the drama workshop, the children got to work alongside friends from Tudhoe Colliery Primary School to show the work in progress so far. They also got a glimpse of the stage that they will be performing on in November.
‘But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?’
Visit from the Mayoral Bodyguard
We were very pleased to welcome the Right Worshipful Mayor of Durham, the Lady Mayoress and their bodyguard to school recently. We learnt a lot about how the bodyguard have protected the Mayor of Durham since the 1600’s, and the sorts of duties they perform now. Our guests also spent some time visiting our brand new facility in nursery’s outdoor area.
Nursery Graduates 2017
We were delighted to host our very own graduation ceremony for our fabulous nursery leavers in July. It was a very emotional event led by their year 5 special friends who spoke about the individual characteristics and strengths of each graduate. The ceremony was followed by a family party and was a great occasion to share with our families.
Karate grading July 2017
Well done to all of our karate club members who have worked incredibly hard this term to achieve their next grades. Many orange and red belt gradings were carried out by Sensei Steve Beresford of Junsui Shotokan Karate Do and he was so impressed with the attitudes and commitment of his students.
See you all in September for more karate fun!
West Rainton invitational 2017
We were delighted to welcome Pittington Primary netball team and Belmont CE Primary football team to play in an invitational at West Rainton this summer.
Although we came out on the wrong end of both results, we had a thoroughly enjoyable night and loved giving winners medal to our local neighbours. There were runners up medals for us too.
Sport is a great way to forge friendships- we can’t wait for our next event in the autumn.
90 years of West Rainton Primary School
In July 2017, the school celebrated its 90th birthday with a community party in the sunshine.
Current pupils were joined by generations of past pupils keen to look at the exhibition of memorabilia and to see the building that holds so many happy memories for our entire community.
At the picnic, local restaurants made food for us and our Year 5/6 entrepreneurs sold their goods to see who would become business of the year.
Guests of honour, The Right Worshipful Mayor of Durham and The Lady Mayoress of Durham, came along to cut the cake and join in the celebrations. What a fantastic day for a very special occasion!
West Rainton Primary Receives Inclusion Quality Mark
We were thrilled to receive the news that we have been successful in our bid to achieve Inclusion Quality Mark this summer. The award, which recognises how our school puts the children above everything else, is an incredibly rigorous process and is difficult to gain.
An assessor spent the whole day with us looking at all aspects of our inclusive practice from breakfast club at 7.45am right through to NRG club at 4pm. She was delighted with everything she saw and described the school as having ‘a welcome at every door’.
In her extensive report, the assessor spoke highly of the children, families, governors and staff saying that the family-feel of the school really came across. She talked about the uncompromising drive of the leaders within the school stating at one point that their attention to detail and rigorous practice was ‘not normal’.
Well done to Mrs Firth who led this process in her role as SENCo and who works tirelessly to make sure our children receive this inclusive provision every single day.
London 2017
On Saturday 1st July, 13 pupils and 8 adults had a fantastic trip to the capital for the day. After an early train from Durham, we managed to fit in a trip to the Palace, the London Duck Tour, lunch at TGI Friday’s, M&M World and a tour of Madam Tussaud’s. We had a fantastic time seeing the sights and experiencing life in one of the busiest cities in the world. One of our favourite experiences was travelling on the London underground; it was so much fun.
Relax Kids Club
In our school we promote positive mental wellbeing just as much as physical health. As part of this ethos, we have a fully trained Relax Kids coach on the team who delivers training for class teachers and runs a weekly Relax Kids club.
Relax Kids is a structured approach to teaching mindfulness, promoting positive affirmations and coping strategies. It is a multi-faceted programme that includes yoga, pilates, massage, meditation, laughter therapy and visualisations.
The benefits of positive mental health are clear to see, such as improved sleep, heightened concentration, reduced anxieties and positive self-image.
We love Relax Kids!