Anyone who works in school has the privilege of hearing children say the most wonderful things and this section is dedicated to sharing some of these little gems with you. We also receive a vast amount of positive comments about our school and our fantastic team from our parents and wider community so we have included a selection of this feedback in this section, too. We hope you enjoy these quotes and if there is something you would like to add yourself, please email it to admin@stanhopebarrington.org.uk
2021-2022
From our children…
At the beginning of a phonics lesson in the Amethyst Learning Zone a child commented on the Biblical quote on the front of her book: “Do not fear I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10…She said: I went home and looked up the book of Isaiah with my mum in our Bible…and WE FOUND IT!”
A comment from the Ruby Learning Zone in an R.E. lesson linked to the Ukraine situation : “My symbol of sadness is Ukraine and Russia hugging each other because there are lots of people in Russia who don’t want to fight so the war is affecting both.” Jake
A child receiving Thrive giving feedback to their parent: “I’m just going to tell her everything now, because I trust her completely.”
During Collective Worship in the Sapphire Learning Zone, we were discussing families and Sophie said: “If my mam and dad didn’t have any money I’d give them all of mine.” What a thoughtful little girl.
During an RE lesson in Sapphire a child commented that: “Babies need love.” Mrs Howes-Jones asked the children to identify how much love costs.
Olly: “It’s free.”
Mikey: “You can love anyone.”
Alexander: “ You can love people in different ways.”
During an R.E. lesson looking at the Big Frieze, Polly said: “It’s like they’re painting the world with love and kindness.”
While talking about safe places and where we feel safe in the Sapphire Learning Zone last week, Emily said: “I feel safe at school”; Sophie said: “I feel safe at school too” and Mikey said: “I feel safe under a tree”. It is great to hear that children feel safe in our school.
From our parents…
“I just want to say thank you so much for the wonderful events recently organised by school. Firstly, the summer fair was such a joy to be part of. A great school community and fun accessible event for local families. Secondly, the Pride colour run today was amazing! Fun for all ages throughout the school, including the teachers and parents and raising awareness of Pride month. I feel lucky my children attend this school and particularly that Xavier has had an excellent last year for his time in Primary school! They look forward to the Bikeability and Feeding families festival! Thanks.” Rebecca Gillow (Parent)
“I just want to say what a wonderful day we had on Saturday at the school fair, the day was fantastic. It was just so nice to be back doing things as a school and a community.” Karen (Parent)
From our school community…
“Thank you Stanhope Barrington school for inviting me into your school to empower the children on how they can be champions for Feeding Families and raise food donations for people of the North East who are in need of support.
I was blown away by the maturity and caring nature of each child and showed empathy beyond their years. The sessions flew by and I really cannot wait to hear how your Community Fundraising events go in the near future.” Gavin Salmond, Feeding Families
“I just wanted to say a massive well done to Joey, Olivia and Danielle, who all did brilliantly at the opening of Spain’s Field Farm on Saturday. They stood up in front of a large crowd of strangers and read their poems out beautifully. They showed confidence and composure and deserve a big pat on the back for representing themselves and the school so well.” Cath Rice, Learning Co-ordinator, Beamish Museum
“The children are incredibly well behaved when they enter the hall, which they do calmly and without a fuss. They are really attentive during assemblies and if they are asked to participate there are always willing volunteers. Children can share their ideas confidently and freely and don’t seem anxious about getting the ‘right’ answer. They are appreciative and enthusiastic about Open the Book and it is lovely that individual staff members say thank you to the team as they leave the hall… good for the children to see that. Open the Book is a highlight of my week and it is a joy to be part of the team.” Rev. Claire McClelland
“The children at Stanhope Barrington were extremely excited to see Jet & Ben this morning, giving them lots of attention. The children were really patient and well-behaved whist asking some lovely questions about the dogs!” CSR Jamie Clarkson – Durham Police
2020-2021
From our children…
During a Character Development lesson about Kindness one of our boys in the Sapphire Learning Zone said: “God fills up a jug with love and kindness. You can then pour it out to other people.” What a lovely comment which shows how well our core values of KFC (Kindness, Fellowship and Confidence) are embedded even for younger children.
During a history lesson in the Sapphire Learning Zone about Martin Luther King and his ‘I have a dream’ speech Archie said: “My dream is to be happy and for everyone to be kind to each other.”
During a discussion about Christian Aid, George told us: “I am getting a new bed so I can give my bed to someone who needs one.”
From an RE lesson in our Sapphire Learning Zone, in response to the question: “Why do we build beautiful churches?” Tommie replied, “To remember Jesus.” Daniel replied: “To have time to pray to God.” The children were then asked to write a prayer: Rory: “Thank you for bringing us friends.” Zach: “Thank you for the weather forecast because God controls the weather.” Ruby: “I will look after the world everyday and I will help my mam get better. Thank you for the world.” Jake: “Thank you for peace whenever we need it.” The teacher then asked: “What is peace?” Willow replied, “Peace is a quiet world.” What a fantastic RE lesson with some very thoughtful responses from some of our youngest children.
During a literacy lesson in the Sapphire Learning Zone, the children were finding adjectives to describe ‘A Cloudy Day’ and Arran said: “God created the clouds.”
During an RE lesson in Class 1 the teacher asked what they thought the word ‘saviour’ meant. Alexander replied: “It means protecting the whole world”.
During a Bible story discussion following Collective Worship, Joey in Class 4 said: “The sheep in The Good Shepherd parable are a metaphor for children like us who God protects. The shepherd is God.”
Whilst playing outside one of our EYFS children asked: “Who is that?” as she pointed to a baby in a crib in the outdoor Nativity area. Sophie replied: “It’s the Royal baby Jesus!”
Alexander came into school and announced: “My dad’s broken the law of the school.” When asked why he replied, “He has taken his mask off!” We thought this was hilarious and Dad will be given extra homework!!
During an RE lesson in Year 2 Oscar said: “I wish God would come into our classroom so I could say thank you for making our world beautiful.”
During an RE lesson in Class 2 the children were talking about taking care of God’s world and they spoke about kindness and unkindness. “It’s like when God said: ‘do not trespass against us’” replied Wesley.
After discussing how to look after God’s world the children made a poster to give others advice and Ella said: “Can I laminate mine and put them in the streets so people can look after God’s creation?”
“My two favourite people in the world are Santa and God. Santa because he brings presents and God because he makes everything alright.” What a beautiful comment from Emma in Nursery!
“Kindness is the key which opens the smallest doors.” A very thoughtful comment by Laila in Year 5.
From our parents…
“Just a note to say thank you so much for the trip to the Weardale Outdoor Centre. Jack has not stopped talking about it. It was an amazing day for him to experience and he learnt to love the outdoors again. He especially enjoyed the canoeing. It was a fantastic opportunity to re-connect with his classmates and friends and build his confidence as well as improving his mental health. Please pass on my thanks to the Outdoor Centre for making his day one to remember and to feel he could achieve anything.” Angela Johnson (Parent)
“Amina was extremely enthusiastic about the trip out on Monday to the Weardale Outdoor Education Centre. Excited for days before, there was no disappointment and she loved every minute. Great job! Thank you for the work guys!” Simon (Parent)
“I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff involved in the after school childcare provision over the last few months – it has been very much appreciated and Arran has loved attending (I think he was rather disappointed that we didn’t need it this term). The fact that this has been done voluntarily is just amazing – THANK YOU! I think we have been very fortunate to have had the staff doing this at the school as I work with other parents and their schools have not offered any after school activities/childcare and it’s obviously been really difficult for them.” Liz Johns (Parent and Academy Councillor)
“Taking this opportunity to repeat our great respect and gratitude for all you and your staff do to continue the immensely successful and happy careers our children experience at Stanhope B. We have the greatest confidence in this excellent school, so thank you for that. In this difficult Covid time you have all stepped up and done even more to help educate and protect our children and I admire that beyond words.“ Simon Gillow (Parent)
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for this morning. It has really lifted my spirits seeing other parents and yourself and having a good catch up.” A parent’s comment following our Keeping Connected Coffee Morning.
“I wanted to say how much we appreciate all of the extra work we know that Mr. Storey is doing to provide us with the home learning. The work set has high expectations with positive feedback and suggestions to extend where appropriate for specific children. The pre-recorded lessons are exactly what Edward needs as he can see all of the EYFS staff and does talk to the computer to answer their questions! Please pass on my gratitude.” Beth (EYFS Parent)
“I just wanted to say thank you for the coffee morning today. It was lovely to see some other faces & have a relaxed chat. It was very good of you to give up so much time as I know you’ll have a million things to do. I hope you found it supportive too. Thanks for all the hard work that you are putting in at the moment in the most difficult of circumstances – you and the team are doing a fantastic job and we are lucky to have you guiding our children’s education.” Cath (Year 5 parent)
“I just wanted to say how amazing the online Tapestry journal is, what a great way for us to see what our little one is put to and share their achievements! Thank you for this, it really is awesome.” From Hayley – Nursery Parent
“I have to say you and your staff are amazing and have done everything to make the school a safe but great learning environment.” Angela Johnson
“Your letter was intuitive, reassuring and very supportive during such a difficult and stressful period. Thank you for all that you and the whole team are doing at this difficult time.” Karen & Matt Spawton
“I just to say how fantastic I think the home school learning is. Seesaw is really easy to use and teachers are setting excellent work. From a parents point of view I think it’s great as I feel I am actually doing something that is making a difference. So thank you to you and your staff for all the hard work you are putting in and for all of the positive comments and support offered.” Karen Turnbull
“Thanks for all the information and the evident hard work that’s gone into it all. I hope that you and the staff are proud of the way you’ve responded to this latest development.” Cath Robson
“We just wanted to say we understand how difficult it has been for teachers and thank you for how you are responding to all children’s needs all of which are very different.” Michelle Bowman
“Thank you very much, we really appreciate the work going into setting this all up. The boys are really enjoying using the app and from a parents’ point of view really appreciate that the tasks can be completed within 48 hours.” Sarah Ramshaw
“I’d like to thank you and the team for your hard work setting all of this up I can imagine it’s caused a lot of stress and sleepless nights! Please pass on my gratitude to all involved in this very unusual and challenging process and know that it is appreciated.” Claire Lyons
“No wonder kids like going to school these days – I don’t recall anything like disco dough when I was at school, Jessica, Daniel and I all joined in tonight, it’s great fun. I would really struggle to manage work and home schooling, but I suppose what you’re all doing is teaching the children still at school and providing resources for those being home-schooled so you’re the ones doubling your workload – I am really grateful!! Well done to you all – great job!!! 🙂 I was really impressed with how well everything had been put together on seesaw, especially given how quickly it’s all had to have been set up.” Donna Peadon
From our school community…
“I am a visiting music teacher to Stanhope Barrington Primary School, and I can honestly say it’s a school I love visiting each week! The atmosphere in the school is a really special one, very supportive and friendly, which draws the best out of everyone in that environment. Value is placed on giving musical opportunities (which is recognised to support all types of learning) and is key to personal development in those that have instrumental lessons. They gain confidence through performing and develop resilience in overcoming the tough times in learning an instrument. The staff team are absolutely brilliant. The care for every single child is absolutely evident at Stanhope Barrington Primary School. Lovely School.” Fiona Casewell, Brass Teacher – Durham Music Service
“The children at Stanhope Barrington are so well behaved from Nursery through to Year 6. They have an enthusiasm for learning which is second to none. They asked great, unusual and challenging questions. It is always a pleasure to teach in this school. Many schools I have visited I have noticed a difference in behaviour since the children have returned from lockdown. There has been a distinct deterioration in respect and manners but here at Stanhope Barrington you wouldn’t know that the children had missed any school time as their behaviour was fantastic.” Rob from Zoo Lab
“I have just spent 2 days at Stanhope Barrington Primary School delivering Science Enrichment workshops to every child in the school and I would like to let you know what a pleasure it has been to work with you and your pupils. We visit over 350 primary schools a year to engage and inspire children so we see the whole spectrum of schools. Every interaction I had during my visit with teachers, support staff and children was positive, constructive, polite and respectful. Behaviour in class was excellently managed which enabled us to teach much more than we can normally fit into each session as the children were all engaged and enthusiastic but could come quickly back on task and focus when we needed them too. You encourage and challenge your more able children but also work hard to support the less able. I have never seen a school take as much care to put in place the arrangements to support the Year 3 child with autism as you do.” Mark Walton from Hands on Science
“Thank you very much for making me feel so welcome in the school. It is such a warm and friendly environment, with pupils and staff engaging with me throughout the weeks I was in.” Philippa Thorogood, Outreach Coordinator
“I think you are doing an amazing job at this school.” From a total stranger walking past the gates.
“In some schools at the moment I feel like they are a bit wary of me but I love coming to Stanhope Barrington because I’m always made to feel welcome.” Peripatetic Music Teacher.
Having read Lily’s poem, Sarah Haynes our Chair of the Academy Council said: “It’s amazing that we are getting such profound responses from children at such a time as this.” To read Lily’s poem please visit the RE curriculum area.
“You are obviously working hard and creatively to deliver the very best you can for the children.” From Bishop Paul – Bishop of Durham
