Christ at the centre, Children at the heart
Welcome
It has been an honour and a privilege to work within Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust. Having been in Catholic Education since 1988 and within Trust Schools since 1992 I have seen many changes to education. Being part of the Trust since the start in 2013 has been an honour. Shaping up our vision to work in solidarity for the common good whilst each school retains subsidiarity has been a very special part of my career. I am confident that it is only through working together will we be able to provide catholic education for the region of the highest quality. Every one of our children deserves the very best we can give them collectively.
Our Trust Virtues have been very close to my heart, through shaping the virtues by systematically providing schools and our Trust with wide opportunities, the young lives in our care will improve for the better. In addition to what each school offers, our Trust have provided ample opportunities and events such as Pupil Parliament, Debate Mate, athletics competition, art and photography exhibitions and the social innovation competition. These opportunities are the tip of the iceberg of what we do at BHCET, as pupils continue to develop their confidence, resilience and self-belief through participating in such events.
I have worked with some fantastic Trust Directors, Governors, school leaders, teachers and support staff throughout my career and I am confident and pleased to be able to say our Trust is in safe hands with Stuart McGhee taking over my role as CEO. I wish everyone at Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust a bright and exciting future.
Mike Shorten Chief Executive Officer
It is an honour to be taking on the role of Chief Executive at Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust and lead a community that is not only dedicated to academic excellence but also to nurturing the spiritual growth and moral development of our students.
I have been in education for 25 years holding a number of leadership positions. I joined the Trust in 2022 as Director of School Improvement and Deputy CEO. Prior to that, I was Headteacher of an Oftsed ‘Outstanding’ Catholic secondary school, that was consistently amongst the highest achieving schools nationally.
As a parent of children who attend schools in the Trust, what I want for all our children is what I want for my own: to receive the best start in life that a great education can give, and to be given every opportunity to fulfil their God-given talents.
I have seen first-hand the dedication of our staff across the Trust, and I am confident that by working together with parents and our parishes, we can continue to foster an environment where every child can thrive - guided by the values of compassion and justice and ready to serve the world with their unique gifts.
Stuart McGhee Chief Executive Officer Designate
Trustwide Events
Athletics Championship 2024
Reigning Champs return!
Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust held its second annual Athletics Competition at the Middlesbrough Sports Village, bringing together students from our five secondary schools for a day of exhilarating athletic events. The competition saw students showcasing exceptional sportsmanship, determination, and confidence as they competed in various track and field events. The atmosphere was electric, with a fantastic buzz that resonated throughout the venue. Students, staff, and spectators alike were thoroughly engaged and enjoyed the spirited competition.
Participants demonstrated their athletic skills and team spirit, making the event a resounding success. The enthusiasm and camaraderie among students was truly inspiring, highlighting the core values of our Trust. The day was filled with memorable moments, with students cheering on their peers and celebrating each other’s achievements. The competition provided an excellent platform for students to challenge themselves, set new records, and build lasting friendships.
Trustwide Events
Year 11 & 13 Prom 2024
A highlight of our summer term is our Year 11 Proms. Our school proms are a wonderful celebration of our students’ hard work and resilience during their GCSE exams. These events offer a chance for students to unwind and celebrate their achievements with friends and teachers, whilst dressing to impress! We are incredibly proud of their dedication and perseverance throughout the last year. As they enjoy a well-deserved summer break, we wish them all the best and look forward to welcoming them back in September. With renewed energy and excitement, they will commence their A-level studies and continue their journey toward academic and personal success.
Inspection Spotlight
St. John’s, Bishop Auckland
We are so pleased to announce that St. John’s in Bishop Auckland have been rated GOOD by Ofsted once again!
Ofsted stated “St John’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College’s clear vision is underpinned by its distinct Catholic ethos. The school is committed to serving its pupils, to provide them with a high-quality and well-rounded education. This vision is lived out. Many pupils and parents told inspectors how grateful they are for the staff, who go ‘above and beyond’ to help them. This is a school where pupils are safe and cared for well.”
St. Charles, Spennymoor
We are so proud of St. Charles in Spennymoor that they have been rated GOOD by Ofsted!
Ofsted stated “St Charles’ Catholic Primary School has a strong sense of community. Pupils are proud to attend this school. The Catholic ethos of the school is important to staff and pupils. Monday morning assemblies share a weekly scripture reading, as well as providing opportunities for pupils to discuss and reflect on current events in the news. This contributes to how thoughtful pupils are.”
We are so proud of our primary schools for their amazing inspection results achieved this term. With a handful of our schools currently undergoing inspection, we look forward to sharing their results with you in the Summer 2024 edition of the newsletter.
We
wish all of our schools the best of luck!
Inspection Spotlight
St. Joseph’s, Billingham
We are delighted to announce that St. Joseph’s in Billingham have been rated GOOD by Ofsted once again!
Ofsted stated “Pupils at St Joseph’s know the school’s three magic words well: ready, respect, safe. They know how to apply them to their lives. For example, pupils are ready to learn. They focus and follow instructions swiftly. Pupils show respect to visitors in school. They are polite and well-mannered. Pupils are safe. They know they can talk to adults who work at the school if they have a problem and they will help to sort it out.”
St. William’s, Trimdon
We are delighted to share that St. William’s Catholic Academy in Trimdon have been rated GOOD by Ofsted!
Ofsted stated “St William’s is a small school at the heart of a small community, where everyone is made to feel valued and special. Pupils are happy and safe here. They enjoy attending school enormously. They explain that people treat each other with respect and everyone is unique. Pupils’ spirituality develops alongside their understanding of their school’s virtues. The compassion of the school’s virtues can be seen in the warm relationships between staff and pupils. A number of parents and pupils describe the school community as being like ‘one big family’. Staff, parents, governors and pupils alike explain their pride at being part of something special.”
We are so proud of our primary schools for their amazing inspection results achieved this term. With a handful of our schools currently undergoing inspection, we look forward to sharing their results with you in the Summer 2024 edition of the newsletter.
We wish all of our schools the best of luck!
Fame! Summer Show 2024
Carmel College recently showcased an extraordinary performance of “Fame,” capturing the hearts of audiences over three electrifying nights. The production featured over 70 talented students from all year groups, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. With the assistance of alumni and retired staff, the show truly became a multi-generational effort. The student stage manager ensured seamless transitions and impeccable timing, while the choreography transported the audience back to the energetic 80s, complete with iconic dance moves and music. Each night concluded with standing ovations, reflecting the hard work, dedication, and creativity of everyone involved. The performance not only highlighted the incredible talent within our community but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among students, staff, and supporters. This remarkable production of “Fame” has set a high standard for future college performances and will be remembered as a testament to the power of collaboration and artistic expression at Carmel College.
“I Am Called” Week: Exploring Vocation
During our “I Am Called” week, Carmel College students delved into the concept of vocation within the Catholic faith and other major world religions. We were honored to host inspiring speakers such as Revd. Lisa Opala, who shared her journey from being a Carmelite nun to an Anglican curate, and Brother John and Sr. Josepha, who spoke about their lifelong dedication to service and mercy. Dr. Emma Morrison, a Carmel alumnus, provided a powerful testimony about her path to becoming a Consecrated Virgin.
Project Peru
Carmel College’s Project Peru has been a transformative experience, blending service, learning, and cultural immersion. Our students worked diligently to complete four new classrooms, decorate leisure areas, and establish an eco-friendly garden in the Punchana barrio of Iquitos. Their efforts culminated in a memorable flypast by the Peruvian navy, celebrating the project’s success. Highlights included exploring the vibrant Belen market, celebrating Mr. Holt’s 60th birthday with traditional dances at La Reino Unida School, and engaging in meaningful interactions at the girls’ home. The team also enjoyed an adventurous jungle trip, encountering sloths, monkeys, and dolphins, and even fishing for piranhas.
These experiences enriched the students’ understanding of global issues and fostered a spirit of compassion and service. The visit to the La Casa De Las Niñas De Loreto, where they were warmly welcomed by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, was particularly inspiring. Throughout their journey, the students embodied our mission of “Life to the Full,” making a lasting impact on the community in Iquitos and gaining invaluable life lessons.
The English Martyrs Catholic School & Sixth
Form College
National Champions
Our Year 10 boys’ footballers completed a season quadruple after sealing a win in the National Finals held in West Brom. The boys became the first ever football team from EMS to achieve National honours. The Elite Schools Cup completed a perfect season of wins to accompany the Town Cup and two County Cups won earlier in the season. The lads returned to a champions breakfast and a guard of honour from other students. Beyond proud.
Liz Million Visit
We were lucky enough to have author and illustrator Liz Million visit EMS to deliver a ‘Mythical Beasts Masterclass’ to some of our Year 7 students. A fantastic event which is always enjoyed by the students. We thank Liz for a wonderful session.
BHCET Netball Competition
It was an absolute privilege today to host the first BHCET Netball Event. Many Year 7 and 8 students from across our five trust secondary schools played with enthusiasm, team spirit and respect. The Year 8 competition was won by St. Johns with EMS finishing a close second, however, the EMS Year 7 team brought home the silverware.
Key Stage 3 Awards Evening
We held our Key Stage 3 Awards evening. A fantastic evening celebrating the achievement of students in Year 7, 8 and 9 along with some significant sporting achievements.
Wimbledon 2024
Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Twenty-four remarkable students took part in our first-ever Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition, where they braved the elements and conquered the wilderness! Amidst temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius, our brave adventurers pitched tents, navigated trails, and faced challenges head-on, showcasing unwavering resilience and teamwork every step of the way!
We took eight students to Wimbledon to watch the 2024 Championships! Students had an amazing time exploring the grounds and watching Coco Guaff, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu on Court 1. The excitement and enthusiasm was contagious, making it an unforgettable experience for all and we hope to inspire the next generation of tennis stars!
Incredible Artwork
Mrs Wilkinson presented Francesca in 7ST with a certificate and lots of goodies for winning the diocesan World Children’s Day Art Competition. Francesca came first from hundreds of entries, and we couldn’t be prouder!
School choir success
Fourteen talented girls from our school choir, spanning from Year 7 to Year 11, had the privilege to sing live on BBC Look North. Their voices rang out beautifully alongside The Young’uns as they welcomed Andy, Mike, and Tim, affectionately known as the 3 Dads Walking, to Palace Green in Durham City Centre.
Together, they performed a heartfelt song specially crafted for the 3 Dads, shedding light on their poignant journey to raise awareness for mental health. It was a powerful moment filled with hope and solidarity. Our choir’s performance was nothing short of amazing, and they truly made our school proud.
Our Adventures
Our students have been all over the globe this term! They have been visiting places such as South Carolina, London, Canada and Disneyland Paris! We love being able to show our students the world with the fantastic trips we offer.
Virtue Awards
We held our very first Virtue Awards, a new annual event which strives to reward students for the amazing young people they are, rather than just their academic success. Heads of Year had nominated students for each of the 8 Virtues of Compassion, Confidence, Honesty, Justice, Resilience, Respect, Responsibilty and Self-Belief and it was wonderful to hear such lovely things said about our students, and their parents and carers were bursting with pride.
As well as our Virtue awards, we also had five special awards. The Leo Robinson Award for Literacy was awarded to Isabelle P in Year 9 for her amazing contributions to the LRC. The Bishop Kevin Dunn Award for Catholic Life was given to Eleanor T for her embodiment of the Gospel Values. The Community Angel Award was presented to Evan M by Clair from Angel Trust for his selfless contributions to the community. We had a special video message from Sara Davies, star of Dragon’s Den and Strictly and former student, to introduce our Sara Davies Award for Creativity and Innovation, won by Thomas S. And our final award of the evening, the brand-new Eagle Award, was awarded to April G for being the epitome of all our Virtues and a fantastic example of what it means to be a St. John’s Eagle.
Les Miserables
We hosted an incredible two evenings with the most incredibly talented students, and the standing ovations said it all! There’s been tears, laughter and a whole lot of teamwork, but now the curtain falls on another St. John’s production. A huge well done to our amazing students who showed such talent, commitment and emotion, and a big thank you to all who made it happen.
Happy Retirement Father Butters!
All at St. Michael’s would like to wish Father Butters a happy retirement. At the end of May, Father Butters had his last Mass at St. Michael’s. We would like to thank Father Butters for his service to school and the community.
Trip to Barcelona
Our Year 10 Art and MFL students travelled to Barcelona in the summer term. Here they are practicing their Spanish speaking and listening skills. The trip saw students explore La Ramblas, the Basilica de la Sagrada Família and have lots of fun at a waterpark. Students had a great time exploring Spanish culture.
Year 8 Cricket Champions
Well done to our Year 8 students who represented St. Michael’s in a Stockton District Cricket Finals. The boys were champions of the tournament following wins against 5 local schools. The PE Department were thrilled with the teamwork and dedication of the boys. Also, our Year 10 Sports Leaders supported at the event developing their confidence and leadership skills.
St. Michael’s Got Talent
Well done to our all students who performed in the annual ‘St. Michael’s Got Talent’ competition. The competition involved solving a Rubix cube, rapping, musical theatre and singing. Well done to Sonny E (Year 11) who won the competition with an original piece on the piano!
Marian Procession
Our school community celebrated one of the most important dates in our calendar, the Marian procession. This day is an expression of our devotion to Our Lady and our proud Catholic identity. Year 7 students attending mass at Holy Rosary. They were fantastic in providing a prayerful and reflective atmosphere in the church. A huge well done to all our students who took part, including the readers and the Year 10s who carried the carriage of Our Lady.
Blessed John Duckett
At BJD, we have had a very busy Summer Term. Here are a few of the events that have taken place...
Beamish
Despite the torrential rain all the children from BJD had a great time at Beamish. EYFS and Years 1 and 2 visited the pit cottages where they helped out with some jobs around the house. Years 3-6 turned detective and carried out an investigation into the death of a boy down the mine. They all had a fantastic time exploring and great fun even if though they came home soaked to the skin!
Caterpillars & Butterflies
During summer term, Class 1 had some very special guests in their classroom. They came as caterpillars and the children watched them grow into chrysalides. They were so excited to see them emerge as beautiful butterflies.
Sports Day
In July our annual Sports Day took place. It was lovely to see the children having fun and cheering each other on. It was a fantastic turn out of parents and family too.
Primary Festival at YMT
Year 6 had a great day at the Primary Festival at YMT. They celebrated the theme ‘Right here, Right now’ with lots of other children from other primary schools. They had a fantastic day.
Platinum School Games Award!
We are delighted to announce that Holy Family Catholic Primary School have achieved the School Games PLATINUM Mark Award for the 2023/24 academic year. The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community, and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success.
This award is something Holy Family have been working towards for the past 7 years, by achieving consecutive Gold Awards to be eligible to apply for Platinum. This is a fantastic achievement for Holy Family, and so very well deserved for the hard work of all the staff and children and especially Miss Dove, who has led PE throughout this journey.
BLESSED JOHN DUCKETT
Our Lady of the most Holy Rosary
New Library!
We are delighted to announce the grand opening of our brand-new library, an inspiring and relaxing space designed to encourage a love of reading and allow all pupils to explore a wide range of genres which will appeal to all. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of parents and the local community who have donated brand-new books to fill the new space.
Colour Run
Our sponsored colour run was a huge success. It was lovely to see so many happy faces from children, parents and staff. Everyone involved had an amazing afternoon, and our field is still a rainbow of colours from all of the enjoyment!
Careers Week
Our Lady & St. Thomas
Royal Shakespeare Company
OLST children have had the wonderful experience of working with the RSC on a performance of Hamlet. Two of our pupils performed this in Stratford, the birthplace of Shakespeare, at the magnificent Swan Theatre. We are so proud of theman experience of a lifetime!
Careers week at OLST was a roaring success where we found out about all sorts of exciting careers to inspire our futures. Special thanks to the many parents who gave up their time to give our children a wonderful experience. The NHS will be in safe hands with all our budding new doctors and nurses from Class 4!
Bishop Stephen Visit
Choral Lessons
Our Year 4 and Year 5 pupils have been having choral lessons from the Choir master at Durham Cathedral. They performed magnificently for their parents and dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant to the King.
We welcomed Bishop Stephen to OLST. He celebrated Mass with our school community and the children performed for him. Our children all loved meeting him and they got to ask him all sorts of questions. Thank you to Bishop Stephen for visiting us. We enjoyed our time with you!
Sacred Heart
Sports Day
This term we held our annual Sacred Heart’s Sports Day, and it was a fantastic celebration of athleticism and school spirit. Our pupils participated in a variety of events, showcasing their skills and talents. From thrilling races to exciting field events, every pupil had a chance to shine. Our successful sports provision continues to create a love for physical activity and healthy competition. Congratulations to all the children for their dedication and enthusiasm!
St.
Augustine’s
Sports Day
We have been lucky to have such a talented group of athletes in Year 6 this year, especially our girls’ football team. The team of Athina, Ava, Bethany, Chizara, Darcey, Jemima, Lilly and Poppy have won three Darlington-based competitions and their league, a Teesside competition and a Tees Valley competition. The girls have one event left to play in which, if they win, they will become the first ever team to win all Primary Darlington based football competitions. The team have been a joy to watch play and are an inspiration to the rest of our school, demonstrating true determination to achieve what you set out to.
St. Bede’s (Darlington)
Springfield Care Home
Children from St. Bede’s have enjoyed lots of visits to their friends at Springfield Care Home as part of their Laudato Si promise. We have enjoyed sharing lots of different activities with the residents, from singing songs, colouring, doing puzzles and reading to our friends. We can’t wait to continue our visits in September.
Prayer Garden
St. Bede’s (Stockton)
One of the highlights of the term is the near completion of the school’s prayer garden, providing a beautiful space for children to share and express their faith. Many children also had their First Holy Communion, followed by a whole school Mass and a celebration with families.
Wellbeing Ambassadors
Wellbeing ambassadors have been trained and are now leading on pupil wellbeing across the school. The Power of Women ambassadors are heading to Cambridge University this term, advocating for the importance of having a voice and equality for all. They have visited many businesses across Teesside that have shown them the careers opportunities that exist once they leave education.
School Trips & Opportunities
Educational visits have been a key part of the term, with all classes exploring places such as Beamish, Tynemouth Aquarium, Newham Grange Farm, Captain Cook Museum, and The Globe Theatre. Year 3 and 4 students enjoyed a spiritual retreat at Osmotherly, while Durham University delivered exciting history workshops at the school.
Year 6 students are participating in the Youth Festival at the Emmaus village, visiting Durham University, and competing in the trust-wide debate competition. All our children continue to benefit from a diverse extended curriculum, ensuring they experience a wide range of activities beyond the academic curriculum.
Primaries
St. Bega’s
Sound of Music
Children in Key Stage 2 have enjoyed music lessons with TVMS. Classes have learnt and ukelele and trumpet.
Debate Mate
Children took part in the Trust wide debating event organised with ‘Debate Mate’. Our team from St Bega’s enjoyed the challenge of debating; should we fear the rise of robots ? and should all workers have equal pay? Children learnt the rules of debating, considering the opinions of others and then challenging their given points. Well Done St Bega’s.
Freshen up Friday
Children organised a campaign called ‘Freshen up Friday’ to support the local charity Lily Anne’s, who work with the homeless and vulnerable members of the community. Children collected much needed toiletries each week and donated them in a whole school assembly.
St. Chad’s
We have had a very busy Summer Term. Here are a few of the events that have taken place...
Year 5 St. John’s Visit
Year 5 visited St. John’s Catholic School & Sixth Form College for the day. They had the opportunity to take part in a variety of lessons. They played kick rounders in PE, learnt about chromatography in Science and after a lovely lunch they created a coat of arms in History.
Primary Festival at YMT
Year 6 had a great day at the Primary Festival at YMT. They celebrated the theme ‘Right here, Right now’ with lots of other children from other primary schools. They had a fantastic day.
‘If you care, share’ Foundation
The whole school took part in classroom based workshops run by the ‘If you care, share Foundation’. Each class watched videos and discussed the importance of understanding mental health and how our emotions play a big part in helping us regulate ourselves. They learnt how facial expressions do not always portray our true emotions and it is important to ask before assuming. It was lots of fun and they all enjoyed placing their ‘treasure’ into their class chests.
St. Bega’s
Cura Custodia
St.
Charles
Debate Mate
Last month a group of Year 4 and Year 5 children took part in the Debate Mate competition against other schools within BHCET. The children had a great day at Middlesborough Football Club where participated in a variety of debates based on different very important topics. Their favourite debate topic was ‘should everyone get paid the same?’ They enjoyed spending time as a team discussing reasons for and against equal pay and then engaged in a debate with their thoughts and opinions. They were very confident and showed resilience if the other teams disagreed with the points they made. Overall, they came third in the competition.
Primary Festival 2024
The theme this at this year’s Youth Festival year was ‘Right Here, Right Now’, our Year 6 children thoroughly enjoyed their visit saying ‘it was the best day ever!’ They spent time with other Year 6 children across the Diocese to reflect on their time in primary school and think about how they can be present, despite the challenges of our fast-moving world. They listened to some very inspirational stories, thought about how they can self-reflect and recognise their own gifts and talents. They engaged in prayer before ending the day dancing to a live band.
St. Cuthbert’s (Crook)
Community Action Club
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Our fantastic community action club helped at St. Cuthbert’s Hospice Charity Shop in Crook. We were very happy to help as the shop is an amazing resource to all in our community. Thank you so much to the lovely staff for having us in as helpers.
“Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do to me” Matthew 25:40
Early Years Adventures
Early Years children spent time in our local community exploring their surroundings, enjoying the local park and made maps to help them on their journey. We also visited a local nursing home to spend time with the residents.
Debate Mate
Pupils from Year 5 represented our school in the BHCET Debate Mate program. Our pupils took part in many debates, winning 2 out of 3 debates.
LETTHELIGHT OFCHRIST
SHINE IN USALL
St. Cuthbert’s (Hartlepool)
St. Cuthbert’s Year 6 children have been enjoying a week of taking risks and trying something new. Firstly, they took part in the swim safe project at Seaton Carew beach where they learnt how to stay safe when swimming in the sea and what to do if they get into difficulties. Next, they visited Tees Barrage and worked as a team to build and race rafts followed by testing out their resilience and courage on the high trail course. They had a great week. Well done Year 6!
St. Cuthbert’s (Stockton)
Year 6 Adventures
Year 6 children have had a busy term of enrichment opportunities at St. Cuthbert’s embarking upon an adventure to Kingswood Dukeshouse, attending the Primary Festival at the Emmaus Youth village, and participating in many sports festivals
Olympics week
Ahead of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, children have enjoyed an Olympics themed week. They have learned about the history of the Olympics as well as experiencing a range of Paralympic sports.
Enrichment Opportunities
The choir have worked hard preparing for their performance at the Armed Forces Day as well as an end of term concert for parents. Our musical theatre group have worked incredibly hard on their production of Alice in Wonderland, which has been performed for pupils, parents and other members of our school community.
St. Gregory’s
Football Values Festival
A group of Key Stage 2 children attended a ‘Football Values Festival’ this half term. During the tournament they showed great support, teamwork and focus. Their efforts and fabulous sportsmanship did not go unnoticed and were recognised when they were awarded a trophy for the Value - Respect.
Learning About Bees
Year 2 worked with Biffa Polymers to learn why bees are so important in our environment and how we can help to save them. They had the responsibility of planting seeds and taking care of them before placing them around school to help keep bees alive.
St. John the Evangelist
On the 6th and 7th June, some of our Key Stage 2 children travelled to London from Billingham. The very excited children (and staff) set off from St. John’s at 8:30am and enjoyed a fun-filled journey to the capital. Once there, they enjoyed a meal, they took in the sights of London by bus, and they were blown away by ‘Matilda the Musical’!
The next day they were up and out (after receiving some compliments for amazing behaviour in the hotel) and headed to Harry Potter Studios where they were immersed in the world of Harry Potter before raiding the gift shop! We arrived back at school at 10:30pm ready to spend a weekend resting. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
St. John Vianney
With the calling of the Election on 22nd May, Year 6 decided they would like to undertake a mock campaign and election in school. Having divided into political parties, they selected candidates, including some of their friends in Year 5, to ensure there was someone from their party to stand in each of our constituencies.
Campaigns were duly organised, manifestos were written, and candidates nominated and like the real thing, there was changes of leadership, defecting members and even the appearance of an independent candidate. Debates followed, posters appeared everywhere, canvassing was relentless, and Mr Hardy was even offered the bribery of a cake!
The polling station opened at 7:00 am on 4th July with a queue of staff already waiting to cast their votes. There was a steady stream of voters running the gauntlet of electioneers and pollsters trying to complete an exit poll right until polls closed.
Conversations outside our polling station suggested a tighter race than the national polling indicated and as polls closed at 10:00pm we revealed our exit poll indicating that our Liberal Democrats had received the greatest share of the vote.
Our children and staff have really enjoyed this Mock Election and even though we do not reflect the nation, our children are now well aware of the demands placed upon the politicians and we wish Sir Keir Starmer and his Government well.
Year 6 have been working hard to complete their Faith in Action Pin Award. They have shared prayer bags with other children to help them on their journey of faith, made and sold cakes to raise money for Cancer Research, and spent time with members of their school community.
Most recently, they organised a fundraising event to raise money for Children’s Cancer North by planning and delivering their ideas for a fundraising stall. They made their presentations to Mrs Waugh (our Chair of Governors) who moderated their work throughout the year.
They have worked incredibly hard to achieve their Pin Award this year and are excited to receive this award at their Leavers Assembly at the end of the academic year. St. Joseph’s (Billingham)
St. Joseph’s (Coundon)
What an incredible day we had with author and illustrator Liz Million.
We gave Liz the task of working with the children to create some illustrations linked to their class novels: The enormous Turnip, Giant, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and Rooftoppers. The day began with a whole school assembly delivered by Liz where illustrations were the order of the day. A buzz of excitement swept across the school; the children couldn’t wait to go back to class to begin drawing.
Liz taught the children how to draw some cool and crazy characters: the children excelled, and their final illustrations were amazing.
A fantastic day was had by all!
St. Joseph’s (Hartlepool)
Sports Day
St. Joseph’s was blessed by some lovely weather at the end of June and the school community, pupils, and parents came together for a family picnic followed by Sports Day. We have some athletes of the future in the making.
Sporting Success
One of our Year 6 girls beat off national competition to be awarded player of the tournament in the England under 11 netball finals. She has also been selected by Newcastle Ladies Football Academy to take part in their goalkeeping program. We know she will continue to work hard in both sports as she moves onto EMS in September. She one to watch for the future!
St. Joseph’s Opportunities:
All our classes have been busy this term, a trip to the beach, the YMT festival, a Year 4 festival, a Debate Mate Competition, class guitar lessons and children excelling themselves in their swimming lessons.
We will end the year with our celebration assembly, guitar recital, Leaver’s Mass and Leaver’s assembly and the Year 6 Panto Cinderella Rockerfella - Oh yes we will!
St. Joseph’s (Newton Aycliffe)
World Children’s Day
Last July, a 9-year-old boy called Alessandro suggested the idea of a big celebration of children in the Catholic Church. “I like it very much,” replied Pope Francis. He decided to make Allessandro’s idea come to life!
The first ever ‘World Children’s Day’ took place in Rome on 25th and 26th May 2024. Although the main event took place in Italy, Pope Francis invited us all to join in with the celebrations so St. Joseph’s celebrated ‘World Children’s Day’ on Friday 24th May.
The children arrived at school on Friday in clothes that expressed them for a day filled with fun and laughter. Across the day, the children took part in a range of activities from painting and biscuit decorating to ultimate frisbee.
Mrs Evans, Headteacher of St. Joseph’s said, “It was wonderful to see the children smiling and laughing together without a care in the world.”
St. Joseph’s wins gold!
St. Joseph’s has been awarded a gold award by the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities. The Green Tree Schools initiative offers the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom. The pupils have planted new trees in their school grounds, visited Hamsterley Forest, written poems about the importance of forests and created pieces of artwork to show the beauty of forests.
Mrs Evans, Headteacher said, “‘It is so important that children get the time to appreciate wild spaces and learn about the importance of them. Our pupils love being out in nature; they learn so much about the world around them by being immersed in it.”
“We are thrilled to have won gold and we are excited about now working towards achieving platinum. We want to do all we can to help wildlife and plants as they are important,” said one of the pupils.
St. Joseph’s (Norton)
Enterprise Club
Over the past year at St. Joseph’s, we established our very own Enterprise Club. The children were given the goal of designing, creating, and selling products to make a profit.
The Enterprise Team worked together to develop a business plan, deciding what products they could make at school and which products would be popular with the pupils and local community. Items made included badges, bracelets, keyrings, chocolate lollies, bags, cards, bookmarks, headbands, and decorative pebbles. Additionally, children designed and made suitable packaging for the items and posters to advertise the sale.
The children calculated how to produce products the cheapest way and decided how much to sell their items for to make a profit.
There have been two Enterprise Fairs over the year, our families and local community were invited to buy the products. Both fairs were a huge success, profits exceeding £200. We are so proud of the children involved in the Club, they showed a great passion for enterprise, demonstrating innovation skills and commitment to their project.
BARNARD CASTLE
St. Mary’s (Barnard Castle)
Pupils, staff and governors at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School were delighted to welcome Bishop Stephen into their school to celebrate the school’s passion for looking after our environment, which coincided with World Environment Day. The morning commenced with a warm welcome from Headteacher, Mrs Box, before the school’s climate change champions set the scene for the day, outlining the hard work that St. Mary’s pupils and staff have dedicated towards achieving the Live Simply Award over the past several months.
Their journey towards this achievement started in September 2023, when it was decided that the three points of focus would be to live simply, to live sustainably and to live in solidarity. These three pledges stem from the wider school community action plan, which aims to ensure that actions are small but effective, manageable and sustainable. The school hopes to achieve the Live Simply Award this Summer and were excited to share their progress to date with Bishop Stephen and Father Thomas, their local parish priest.
St. Mary’s (Newton Aycliffe)
Our parents were treated to a little bit of west end magic as the children of St. Mary’s performed hits from the musicals to a capacity crowd. Songs from Matilda, Annie, the Lion King, Oliver, The Wizard of Oz, The Greatest Showman and Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat were all given the St. Mary’s treatment. This event was attended by the Mayor of Great Aycliffe - a former pupil of our school, who commended the children for their talent and confidence.
St. Patricks
On the week beginning 17th June, our Year 6 children took part in a week’s worth of fun and adventurous activities across the North East.
They went paddleboarding and canoeing in a lake, rock climbing near Lordstones and jumped off waterfalls near Low Force.
They all had a brilliant time and pushed themselves to try new and challenging activities.
STEM Day
Year 5 and 6 pupils had an inspiring and educational experience at Yarm Prep, where they participated in a STEM Day organised by the North East STEM Foundation. The event was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to delve into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through a series of engaging activities and workshops. They learned about various STEM careers and the impact these fields have on the world, sparking their interest and curiosity about future career paths.
Several prominent local companies contributed to the day’s success, including Filtronic, Tekmar, Tracerco, Esh Group, Hitachi, Andrew Stogdale, Jacobs, WSP, and AESC. Representatives from these companies provided hands-on demonstrations and insightful talks, giving students a glimpse into the practical applications of STEM in the industry. This collaborative effort not only broadened the students’ understanding of STEM but also highlighted the diverse career opportunities available within these fields, inspiring many of our pupils to consider STEM careers in their future endeavours.
LiveSimply Award
We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the LiveSimply Award from CAFOD! Our Stewards of Creation group, alongside Mrs Peacock and Mrs Craft, have led the award in school demonstrating the principles of living simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities. Our faith inspired actions were recognised by CAFOD and show that we are having a positive impact throughout the school, our local community and globally.
St. Paul’s
St. Teresa’s (Darlington)
At St. Teresa’s we consider ourselves very lucky to have a unique partnership with Sunderland University – working together to bring aspirational opportunities to our children. Our year six students graduated from the programme wearing gowns and mortarboards to receive their certificates from Sunderland University staff. They had great fun with a traditional ‘mortarboard throw’ at the end of the photo shoot! Our partnership with Sunderland University helps our children to gain a personal insight into Higher Education and the avenues that are open to them in the future.
In June, the Year 5 children from St. Teresa’s Catholic Primary School attended a trip to Sunderland University as part of GRT Awareness Month. They were lucky enough to be given a guided tour around the campus to get a glimpse of what life is like at university (including seeing a gaming area, a gym and a huge library). They then took part in a ‘Speed Song Writing’ creative writing workshop with Richard O’Neill and George Hoyle. The topic of their song was none other than ‘football!’ “I really enjoyed the whole experience. The best bit was when we got to add our lyrics to the song and then we got to perform it!” Darcey, Class 8.
St. Teresa’s (Hartlepool)
Fire service visit
Reception children were lucky enough to have a visit from the fire service thanks to one of our parents! They loved learning all about what they do and were very excited to spray the hose.
Teesside Princess trip
Our Year 3 & 4 pupils had a great day sailing on the Teesside Princess and exploring the river Tees.
Fundraising Day
We held a penalty shootout for our fundraising day in school and were generously supported by our families. Thank you!
St. Wilfrid’s
General Election
The whole school has been learning about Democracy and the General Election. We held our own election and two classes put together their own manifestos and the children voted. They had some great ideas on how to improve our school and local area. The winning party was the OIP (Outdoor Improvement Party) we’ll keep the children’s ideas and see if we can implement some of them in the coming year.
Beamish trip
Year 2 thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Beamish. When they arrived, they travelled on an old bus and headed to the 1950s town for the day. They went to visit a replica of Norman Cornish’s house and took part in a lovely art workshop, inspired by Norman Cornish’s paintings. After that, they enjoyed exploring some of the shops in the 1950’s town. They looked in the bank, the chemist, the car garage, the stables, the sweet shop and lots of other places. They finished the day by enjoying a tram ride, taking in the views of Beamish and sampling some lovely sweets.
Grab a Grown Up Session
Thank you to everyone who came along, to ‘Grab a Grown Up’ it was a great success. First Steps parents came to an activity session with Michael from Education Enterprise, everyone had fun and we got our heart rates up!
St. William’s
Learn with the Lords
Class 5 had a unique opportunity to ‘Learn with the Lords’ where they quizzed Baroness Finlay of Llandaff about her role in the House of Lords.
This was an amazing opportunity for the children to reinforce their understanding of how our democracy works and of fundamental British values.
Athletics competition
Year 5 & 6 children attended a primary school athletics competition. They competed against 17 other schools in a range of track and field events. They came away with 11 medals and 2nd place overall!
Boys relay - 1st Place | Girls relay - 3rd Place
Boys 60m - 1st Place | Girls 60m - 2nd Place
Girls Triple Jump - 1st Place
One of our pupils even set a competition record for the longest triple jump with an amazing 6.26 metres!
