Stanhope Barrington CE Primary School
Westcroft, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland DL13 2NU
Last week we were delighted to welcome Ian Hepple from British Judo to our school.
Ian held Judo taster sessions across the whole school giving our children an experience of an entirely different sport. The sessions were funded by our Sports Premium grant and sought to provide a unique opportunity for our children. Many children were really engaged and asked about classes in the dale. More information is available from the British Judo website.
On Friday 22nd November 2019, Marty came into school to teach our children some juggling skills. We welcome Marty into school on a regular basis and he works across the whole age range from nursery to year 6. The skills he teaches our children help them to develop not only an interest in unusual circus skills but also helps them to develop their fine and gross motor skills.
This event was planned to link with the Gibbon Juggling workshop held at St. Thomas’ Church Hall on Saturday 23rd November 2019.
All of our children had a great time and hopefully a few managed to attend the free workshop over the weekend.
On Thursday 14th November 2019 the children were so excited! We had a very special visitor in school – Pudsey Bear!
Pudsey gave out lots of hugs and high-fives as he visited every classroom to say hello and to thank everyone for their support for Children in Need.
On Monday 11th November 2019 our whole school community attended our annual Remembrance Service in St. Thomas’ Church.
Each class described what they had learnt and shared with parents examples of their work. This included art, lanterns, poetry and letters.
Two children from each class carried their class wreath down the aisle to lay beside our amazing tower of poppies – a sculpture created by our after school art club members (supported by Ms Ingwersen and Mrs Peoples).
Amina sang a very poignant song. This was a solo and showed real confidence from such a young child to sing in front of a huge audience. A prayer of remembrance was read out by Alice and the service closed with our school prayer.
Thank you to everyone who came to support the service and for your kind donations to The British Legion.
On Friday, 25 October 2019 the children of Stanhope Barrington C of E Primary School conducted a very special Harvest Festival at St. Thomas’ Church, Stanhope. The school children processed down to the church, accompanied by teachers, staff, volunteer parents and governors under a grey, drizzling sky. Parents, families and members of the local community filed in to the warm and welcoming church; filling the pews. The children sang classics such as ‘Five a Day’ and ‘Big Red Combine Harvester’ and everyone sang the old hymn ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’. The children spoke about what Harvest means to them.
The children of our Early Years Unit carried donations of food and toiletries down the aisle and placed the bounty on a table set up at the front of the church. There were so many that all of the donations did not fit. The items were donated from members of our school community to support our local food bank.
This special service was an opportunity for our school community to give thanks for the Harvest.
Special thanks from the organisers of our local food bank go to everyone who contributed food or toiletries at the Harvest Festival.
KS2 were very engaged in our NSPCC assembly. The children were very enthusiastic and asked lots of sensible questions. We are looking forward to participating in a future NSPCC workshop.
Our school celebrated World Mental Health Day on Thursday 10th October 2019. Each class did a range of different activities linked to mental health. Our theme for the day was the colour yellow.
Class 5 made yellow friendship bracelets and gave them to someone to let them know that they cared. The children had a whole school assembly based on ‘What is Mental Health?’ and in the afternoon every class took part in yoga and mindfulness activities.
It is essential that we talk about mental health and where better to begin than with our own school.
“I really enjoyed Kingswood, it was really fun. I liked the 3G swing best and seeing Miss Scott and Dean get wet! I enjoyed the disco when everyone was dressed up. I would definitely go again. Every activity was so much fun and I LOVED IT!”– Lucy
“At Kingswood I loved how all of the team leaders encouraged you to conquer you fears even when you were so nervous. They helped you to persevere and keep going. Kingswood is a great place to be brave!” -Esther
“At Kingswood I had a very fun experience and unfortunately, it was my last time and this was the best! Personally, the 3G swing was my favourite and I went to the top for my friend who left last year who I went on the 3G swing with the last time I went on.” – Alice
“At Kingswood we had an amazing time! The activities were so much fun (especially the food which was tasty). We were at Kingswood for four days and there were ten beds in each room. The 3G swing was by far the scariest. IT LOOKED LIKE I WAS GOING TO HIT THE FLOOR! Overall, Kingswood was amazing and super fun.” – Alex
“When I went to Kingswood it was amazing. I loved all of it, especially the disco! I also got to share a room with all my best friends. It was awesome!” – Jasmine
“I loved Kingswood. Even though I went last year, I was still scared to do the 3G swing and the Nightline because Dean always rubs mud in our faces and our hair!” – Tyla
“Kingswood was so fun. I loved the Zipwire, 3G swing and High Ropes. I liked the dinners and I loved who I was in a room with.” – Harry
“At Kingswood I did things that I never thought I would do before like balancing or seesawing really high up in the air or doing Jacobs Ladder with my friend. It was an amazing experience and I really want to go again.” – Lily
“Wow! Words can’t even describe how amazing Kingswood was, I had the absolute time of my life! I even had a good time in our room. Me and my friends loved going on the high activities. I love how you can just wear anything and don’t have to wear uniform. The food is amazing and I wish I got it every day. All of the instructors are really kind and will help you to get through your fears. The activities are super safe.” – Grace
“Kingswood was amazing this year, actually it was so good that I wish I lived there! It was my last year as I am in Year 6. The last time I went it was fun but this year it was exquisite. I can’t even begin to describe how good it is. The beds are comfy and I was happy with the people I shared my room with. I wish I could have the opportunity to go again.” – Chloe
Everyone enjoyed their adventures at Kingswood this year. Friendships were forged and memories were made while trying out a range of new adventures. Here are some photos from this year:
Thank you so much to everyone for participating in Stanhope Barrington’s MacMillan Cancer Coffee Morning event on Friday, 27 September 2019. The event was very well attended and, together, we raised an amazing £288.60 for this fantastic charity. Once again, our school community pulled together with parents/carers making an extraordinary variety of baked goodies, Governors serving coffee and tea, members of our Charities Team (Pupil Voice) group selling cakes (numeracy in action!) alongside staff, and, of course, our local community who attended the event. Well done and thank you!
