We took advantage of the warm weather this week as Year 1 took their science lessons outside. We talked about what flowers need to grow then planted seeds and placed them in four different areas of the school to see which one will grow the best. 

Year 5 children were on target at a multiskills event on Wednesday afternoon at Hirst Welfare where they enjoyed different sports including dodgeball, boccia, archery and tennis.  

2TM rolled into action to design and build a taxi to help Ted out. Using their vehicle knowledge they had to measure and cut their materials to make sure their taxi could move.

2RM enjoyed making a large class map when learning about the continents and oceans of the world. 

Children in The Hub have been thoroughly enjoying sensory dance this term. There were smiles all round as they explored movement, music and sensory experiences together.

On Monday we will be launching our final attendance challenge of the academic year. This time, it’s MINION MADNESS! All children attending school every day from Monday June 29 to Friday July 17 will receive a 100% attendance certificates and a prize, plus an entry for the big prize draw. Every day in school matters and we want to finish the year as strongly as we started it.

• Year 1 have been discovering how significant explorers such as Neil Armstrong and Christopher Columbus changed the world. 

• Year 2 have stepped back into the 17th century to investigate the dramatic events of the Great Fire of London, while also making local connections to how fires shaped the history of Newcastle. 

• In Year 3, pupils have been discovering how the River Nile sustained the magnificent Ancient Egyptian empire. 

• Year 4 are exploring the incredible achievements of the ancient Maya civilization, from their complex calendar systems to their brilliant architecture. 

• Year 5 are steaming ahead into the Industrial Revolution, learning how the birth of the first railways transformed travel, trade, and daily life across the country. 

• Year 6 are analysing how the power of the British monarchy has shifted over centuries, tracing the journey from absolute royal rule to the constitutional monarchy we know today.

History isn't just found in textbooks—it is all around us! You can help bring your child's learning to life by asking open-ended questions about their topics, visiting local museums, or exploring historical sites together. 

Here are some fantastic, child-friendly websites packed with games, videos, and articles to explore at home: 

• BBC Bitesize (Primary) - an excellent resource with dedicated sections, videos, and quizzes for KS1 and KS2 history topics: bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary 

• Historical Association - offers wonderful resources and ideas for family history activities: history.org.uk

Mr Muckle has been inspiring and teaching young musicians in our schools for nearly 30 years and will be taking new applications for September soon. 

Children can learn a variety of instruments, including piano/keyboard, drum kit, djembe, guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar. Lessons are designed to be fun, engaging, and suitable for all abilities. Learning an instrument helps to build confidence, creativity, concentration and emotional wellbeing. Music can help children relax, express themselves and experience the joy and sense of achievement that comes from making music.

Lessons take place once a week in small groups and last for 30 minutes, providing a supportive and enjoyable environment for students to develop their musical skills. The cost is £62.50 per term, with payment offered in instalments. Application forms will be shared in next week’s newsletter.

Help us to fundraise for the development of our school Frog Shops by wearing non-school uniform, including something green, next Friday July 3. You can voluntarily donate to our fundraiser by bringing loose change into school. During the day, each class will take part in a ‘loose change challenge’ to create a line, using the donated loose change, to see which class can build the longest line. All donations will go towards developing our school Frog Shops. We will be having outdoor break times as normal so please ensure that your child wears a coat, sensible footwear and no jewellery or earrings. Happy Fundraising!

The Metrocentre is being transformed into a series of themed fan zones celebrating some of the world’s most popular film, television and comic book franchises this weekend at its free Fan Fest (Sat and Sun).

Visitors to Town Square will encounter characters from the Star Wars universe, including Jedi, Bounty Hunters, Imperials, The Mandalorian and Grogu. Fans can also explore an impressive collection of replica vehicles, including a towering 5-metre AT-ST walker, a Snowspeeder and a Scout Trooper Speeder Bike. There will also be opportunities to pose for photos with Jabba the Hutt in his legendary Throne Room.

In Green Mall, Masters of the Universe enthusiasts can step into the world of Castle Grayskull and elsewhere visitors will find characters from Marvel, DC Comics, Transformers and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Cosplayers are encouraged to attend in costume and take part in a competition judged by popular TikTok creator Chris Saunders, with the best costume on each day winning a £250 Metrocentre gift card.

A free event of poetry and music as part of the What a Wonderful World Festival is being held at Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre tomorrow morning (Sat) from 10.30am to 12.30pm. 

Join published poets Paul Mein, Catherine Ayres and young poets plus guest musician Alistair Anderson to enjoy poems about nature. All ages welcome but dogs are not allowed. 

Book your place on the festival website at www.whataww.org. 

Location: Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, Low Hauxley, NE65 0JR.

Following our move to WISE Academies, the new main email address for parents is central@wiseacademies.co.uk.