Christ at the centre, Children at the heart
Welcome
As the term draws to a close, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a truly rewarding start to my role as CEO for BHCET. It has been a pleasure to witness the incredible work happening across our schools and to meet so many dedicated staff, inspiring students, and supportive families.
This term has been filled with highlights, from schools achieving outstanding Ofsted ratings to students and staff coming together to raise money for charities and make a positive impact in their communities. These achievements are a testament to the hard work, passion, and commitment of everyone in our Trust family.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the rest of the academic year and all the wonderful events and activities that are planned. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and provide the very best for our students.
As we approach Christmas, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our students, staff, and families for their incredible efforts this term. You have made me immensely proud to be part of our Trust.
I wish you all a restful, joyful, and well-deserved Christmas break. Here’s to a bright and successful new year ahead!
Stuart McGhee CEO, Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust
Central Team Spotlight
Health, Safety and Estates Team
Scott Robson
Trust Health, Safety & Estates Manager
As the Trust Health, Safety & Estates Manager, I have overall responsibility for the H&S, physical condition of our buildings/estate and compliance across our 35 schools.
My background and experience comes from a 25-year career in the Army as a Royal Engineer followed by 2 years in construction and civil engineering. As a soldier, I was a physical training instructor, Army Diving Supervisor (underwater engineering, demolitions and construction down to depths of 50m), construction site safety supervisor, welder and high-risk search qualified (searching for Improvised Explosive Device(IEDs)). I have also spent time at sea as a commercial fisherman. So, what does this mean? It means that I have an abundance of experience in identifying, reducing and controlling risk in the most dangerous environments.
The Trust is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all its staff, students and visitors. We aim to provide a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment to provide equity across the board. We went through a huge period of growth over the period 2018, when we consisted of 8 schools, to May 2022, when we took over responsibility of our 35th and final school. We inherited a lot of old and tired schools and have spent millions of pounds on our buildings and estates to make good schools into great schools.
A sample of work conducted so far:
Full rewires (also replace old lights with more energy efficient LED’s).
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) removal from all affected sites.
Replacing single pane widows with double glazing to reduce our carbon footprint and increase efficiency.
Replacing old leaking roofs.
Asbestos removal.
Improving security by replacing fencing, improving/replacing/installing CCTV, fitting access control. 4 4 4 4 4 4
Central Team Spotlight
Health, Safety and Estates Team
Resurfacing carparks and walkways to remove potential trip hazards.
Replacing old fire doors with new doors that meet current fire regulations and provide compartmentation.
Replacing old inefficient boilers and heating systems with modern and efficient ones.
There is still work to be done, but we are moving in the right direction at a great pace. We appreciate the patience of our school site teams who enable contractors to be on site during holiday periods to get this vital work done!
Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility and working with a great group professionals helps me to achieve this. Our school leaders, teaching staff, site safety and maintenance team, business managers and office staff are fantastic. Also, our Trust Shared Services are all excellent and play a vital part in all I do, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, you make my job a pleasure rather than a chore.
I genuinely care about every single person that attends our schools and it is my personal mission to ensure all of our staff, students and visitors leave our sites in the same physical state as when they arrived. How do I achieve this?
This is very simple, I aim to provide the following: 4 4 4 4 4 4
A SAFE PLACE - Make sure our buildings and estates are free from hazards (slips/trips/ falls), fire routes are maintained and kept free from obstruction, and all compliance is in date and maintained. This is achieved this by conducting a thorough site inspection.
SAFE PEOPLE - Provide our staff, students and visitors with the correct information (policies, inductions), instruction (guidance & risk assessments), training (specific to their role) & supervision to be able to carry out their role to the best of their abilities in a safe and confident manner.
SAFE EQUIPMENT - Ensure all of our equipment is serviced and maintained at the correct intervals and that there is a robust reporting system in place to quarantine any defective equipment until it can be repaired or replaced. All aspects of compliance and maintenance is checked annually to make sure nothing is missed.
I would be naive to think that we could ever be at a point where we have no accidents, as accidents do happen, especially as we have over 12,000 students and over 1,600 staff across our 35 sites. But I am confident that when an accident does happen, an investigation is now conducted, and recommendations made to ensure we learn from them and can put steps in place to prevent a reoccurrence in the future. We are moving in the right direction and the number of accidents are going down every term, this is due to the hard work and implemented changes made by the staff.
I am here to help and if anyone ever has any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch.
Scott Robson (CertIOSH)
CPD Day 2024
Collaborating to Close the Gap
On Friday 25th October, leaders and colleagues from all 35 schools in the Trust, alongside our dedicated Shared Services team, came together for an inspiring and impactful CPD day. Held across six venues within our Trust, the focus was on addressing the challenges of closing the gap for children identified as disadvantaged or vulnerable.
The day provided an invaluable opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and develop strategies to ensure every child reaches their full potential. The energy and commitment from all attendees were evident, with rich discussions and creative ideas flowing across the sessions.
This CPD day highlighted the power of our united community as we work together to ensure no child is left behind. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important and inspiring event!
Catering Across Our Trust Delicious, Nutritious, and Affordable
At BHCET, we’re committed to providing children with a positive food experience that is not only healthy but also focused on sustainability. From primary to secondary school, our unbeatable prices ensure every child enjoys quality meals without breaking the bank. For just £2.20, your child gets a two-course meal with two sides, access to the salad bar, freshly baked bread, and a drink of chilled water or milk — a deal that’s packed with value!
What’s New for Autumn/Winter 2024?
We’ve listened to your feedback and updated our menu to include exciting new dishes such as:
4 Mac and cheese with garlic bread
4 Tuna pasta bake
4 Pork sausages in gravy
4 Mince and dumplings
4 Roast turkey dinner
4 Crispy chicken wrap
4 Rice pudding and jam, apple crumble, marble cake and more!
We hope your child enjoys the variety and flavour in our new menu, designed to nourish and delight.
Carmel Teacher Training Partnership
Carmel Teacher Training Partnership Shape Your Future in Education
Are you ready to inspire the next generation and make a lasting impact? The Carmel Teacher Training Partnership (CTTP), an ‘outstanding’ Initial Teacher Training provider, is here to guide you on your journey to becoming an exceptional educator. With over 20 years of experience, we’re proud to offer school-based training in urban, semi-rural, and rural settings across the North East, from Alnwick to Middlesbrough and beyond.
Why Choose CTTP?
4 Proven Success: Over 90% of our trainees secure teaching posts, often in the very schools they trained in or within our partnership.
4 Outstanding Training: Train with CTTP and St. Mary’s — both ‘outstanding’ providers.
4 Personalised Support: Our tailored programmes and dedicated mentors ensure every trainee achieves their full potential.
4 Local Placements: Train in schools close to home across our supportive North East network.
4 Exceptional Qualifications: Earn a PGCE qualification through Leeds Trinity University while learning on the job from inspiring professionals.
We don’t just stop at Initial Teacher Training (ITT). As a Professional Training Centre, we’ll support you from your Early Career Teacher (ECT) phase through to leadership roles like headship and beyond. Join CTTP today and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career in education!
Importance of Our Staff
Our Staff
Every one of our schools are filled with amazingly dedicated staff, and we could not function without you all. Our Trust recognises the importance of achieving a balance between work and home life. After all, we should be working to live, not living to work. Our commitment to you doesn’t end when you leave work at the end of each day, and we are always looking for new ways we can support and improve your life. For more information on current initiatives, please visit the Wellbeing channel, within the BHCET All Staff Team.
Inspection Spotlight
Carmel College
Carmel College is celebrating an Outstanding Ofsted rating across all categories during its centenary year. Inspectors praised the college’s strong community spirit, inclusive ethos, and commitment to valuing every student. They highlighted the school’s ambitious curriculum, excellent teaching, and exemplary behaviour, noting pupils’ focus, kindness, and care for one another.
The report commended the impressive enrichment opportunities, inclusive sixth form, and exceptional support for pupils with special educational needs. Inspectors also celebrated the school’s personal development programme, which builds character, teaches life skills, and ensures safety.
St. John Vianney Catholic Primary School
St. John Vianney Catholic Primary School achieved Outstanding in all categories in their recent Ofsted inspection! This incredible achievement reflects the school’s dedication to creating an exceptional learning environment for pupils and staff alike. The Ofsted report highlighted that “The school has a positive impact on the lives and futures of everyone. Pupils are proud to be part of this family. Pupils and staff show fairness and respect, welcoming everyone warmly.” It also praised the school’s high expectations, noting that “Pupils rise to meet them. Pupils show excellent behaviour and have an exemplary attitude towards learning.”
Congratulations to Carmel College and St. John Vianney Catholic Primary School! The entire BHCET community is immensely proud of your achievements. We wish all of our schools the best of luck!
Inspection Spotlight
St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary School
St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary School is celebrating a remarkable transformation.Inspectors praised the dedication of staff and leadership, highlighting the school’s significant progress and renewed confidence among parents, who described it as “transformed.” The report commended the pupils’ excellent behaviour, strong focus on early reading, and the positive atmosphere created by motivated staff. This milestone reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a respectful, supportive learning environment and its determination to continue raising standards and building on this success.
St. Bega’s Catholic Primary School
St. Bega’s Catholic Primary School achieved Good in all categories in their recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) inspection! The Ofsted report highlighted that “The headteacher is inspirational in her ambition to create a school community that lives out the Church’s mission. Leaders ensure that the school‘s mission is a core responsibility and there is a clear plan for continuous improvement.” It also noted that “St. Bega’s Catholic Primary School is a welcoming community with a strong family ethos.”
Congratulations to St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary School and St. Bega’s Catholic Primary School! The entire BHCET community is immensely proud of your achievements. We wish all of our schools the best of luck!
Remembrance Day
Our entire community gathered in the atrium and via livestream to mark Armistice Day with a heartfelt service of remembrance and prayer. Fr Kevin led us in a beautiful celebration of the word, where we listened to the Gospel of John: “Peace I leave with you; my own peace I give you,” praying for peace and for the souls of all who have lost their lives due to conflict. We were honoured to welcome Mr Wheeler and Mr Harrison to join us at this year’s service. The respect shown by our young people was truly exceptional, with our ever-growing group of student cadets leading the service with maturity and dignity. Our cadets also spent the first hour of the day selling poppies around school to raise funds in honour of Remembrance Day.
Football star selected for England Squad
After his superb performances against Latvia and Sweden, Anton has once again been selected for the England Under-17 squad! We’re absolutely delighted for him and couldn’t be prouder! This is an unbelievable achievement and a true testament to his dedication and hard work.
Team Carmel Cross Country at the Regional Finals
Our fantastic Year 7 and 8 boys’ and girls’ teams competed in the regional finals of the English Schools Teams Cross Country at Stewart Park, facing top schools from Leeds to Newcastle after qualifying from the county round. The team showed excellent performances, but the highlight of the day was Ollie’s superb victory in the junior boys race!
Articulation Discovery Day at the Laing Gallery
Our Sixth Form students explored the world of art, sharpened their public speaking skills, and collaborated with other students from across the North East. It was an inspiring day filled with learning, creativity, and personal growth!
Year 7 Ethos Day
All of our Year 7 students took part in an inspiring Ethos Day, centred on the pastoral theme of Pilgrims of Hope, held at St. Augustine’s Parish Centre in the final week of September. This special day was designed to welcome our new students into the Carmel community and help them reflect on the values that will guide them throughout their journey at the college.
Our wonderful sixth formers stepped up as retreat facilitators, leading a variety of engaging workshops. These included creative sessions such as dance, artwork, and crafts, as well as thought-provoking explorations of different saints. In a unique activity, each form group voted on their class saint, choosing a special patron who will guide and inspire them during their time at Carmel.
The day culminated in a beautiful Mass of Welcome, celebrated at St. Augustine’s Church by Monsignor John, on the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. This was a meaningful way to mark the start of the Year 7’s Carmel journey, and it brought the entire year group together in prayer and reflection.
The English Martyrs Catholic School & Sixth Form College
Town Champions
This super talented group of students have been crowned Town Champions at the recent Hartlepool Schools Cross Country competition. In a closely run contest these students won 4 out of 6 age categories and were runners up in 2 out of 6.
Well done everybody!
Wicked Workshop
A group of Year 8-10 students attended a ‘Wicked’ workshop with former student, and professional actress, Charlotte Coggin, who is currently touring with the production. We thank her for coming back to see us and giving our students an unforgettable experience.
Staff Masked Singer
Emmaus Youth Village
Students had a fantastic time on the Year 7 and 8 retreat at the Emmaus Youth Village! The students behaved brilliantly and had a fantastic time. The student planted and prayed around a tree that has been placed in memory of Sarah Cain, a student who sadly passed away over the summer.
Mr Blobby, The Knightmares, Penguin, Shark & Dustbin took to the stage in our very first Staff Masked Singer with over 300 students in the audience to raise money for Alice House Hospice. We are overjoyed to have raised £538.35 for the wonderful charity. Well done to our singers and thank you to the students who supported the event.
Macmillan Bake Sale
We are thrilled to announce that our MacMillan Bake Sale raised an amazing £438.82!
A huge THANK YOU to all our wonderful students for bringing in delicious cakes and to everyone who bought and enjoyed them. Your generosity will make a difference, as every penny raised goes directly to MacMillan to support their vital work. Together, we continue to live out our Catholic values of service and care for those in need.
Personal Development Event
Thanks to the wonderful Year 10 and 11 students, parents and carers for attending our Personal Development EPRA event last night. We transformed Hall B into a careers fair to help support our students and their parents/carers with their next steps of colleges, universities, apprenticeships, careers advisors and more.
SVP Garden
Our SVP group began preparing the prayer garden for Half Term 2, when Year 7 students will visit during form time for prayer. They teamed up with the Social Justice and Empowerment Clubs to present their exciting plans for completing the CAFOD Live Simply Award to staff during staff briefing.
Truly inspiring teamwork and dedication!
Anti-Bullying Week & Interfaith Week
Our school community has come together to celebrate unity, respect, and the power of kindness. Heads of Year have led inspiring assemblies focused on our Anti-Bullying message, reminding us all of the importance of standing up for one another and creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone. At the same time, Interfaith Week has given us the chance to learn about Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam, building our understanding of different cultures and faiths.
We are focused on providing opportunities for our students to frequently explore themes of tolerance, respect, and fairness, in order to foster a stronger sense of belonging for all.
Year 8 Retreat
Our Year 8 students had a wonderful two-day Retreat at the Emmaus Youth Village, exploring the theme of Pilgrims of Hope. They took part in group and outdoor activities exploring different pilgrimage sites across the world including Rome, Lourdes, and Holy Island. Their activities also included some autumn walks exploring the local nature, craft activities, affirmations for each other, an Escape Room and Mass.
Remembrance Day and Poppy Display
St. John’s honoured Remembrance Day by creating an extra special poppy display which takes pride of place in the main foyer. Over 1000 poppies have been combined to create this beautiful display as a poignant reminder of the soldiers who gave their lives, along with the horses who were also lost at war (purple poppies) and the peace we pray for (white poppies). St. John’s were overwhelmed with knitted and crocheted poppy contributions from the school and wider community. As part of Remembrance Day, a service was held in the Chapel and attended by Liturgy Leaders, CAFOD Young Leaders, musicians and student scouts, guides and cadets and was streamed across the school for all students to watch and participate in the two-minute silence.
Frozen the Musical - Cast Assembled!
There is an icy buzz around school as this year’s summer production of Frozen the Musical has officially launched. Over 70 students auditioned showing exceptional talent and self-belief, and the cast list has been announced with rehearsals underway for a special sneak peek performance at the Christmas Celebration concert. The show will take place in July and, following the enormous success of last year’s Les Misérables, it promises to be another fantastic show and one to not “let go”!
Year 7 Give Back to the Community
A group of ten Year 7 students were privileged to spend the day working with staff and volunteers at a local charity and Food Bank, Angel Trust. First, they used their maths skills in Asda, where they had a wonderful time buying £150 worth of essential items that the school donated to the local charity. After hearing from Clair, CEO of Angel Trust, about the amazing work the charity is doing to support the local community, they learnt new transferable skills in a cookery workshop, where they made a tasty shepherd’s pie with vegetables to take home to enjoy with their families. They enjoyed a look in the Food Pantry, which is available to everyone, and learnt about the important work of the Food Bank. After helping to pack some presents and some reindeer dust, the day ended with a sneak peak at the charity’s exciting new venture and a look inside the amazing new shop - Angel Trust Emporium.
Walk for Henry
In support of a much-loved member of staff, students and staff have taken part in charity walks and raised over £3000. Year 12 took part in a charity walk as part of their retreat day back in October, and staff then walked 20 miles in aid of Henry Barber, Mr. Barber’s son, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in September 2023. St. John’s are continuing to send their love and support to the Barber family and thank the school community and families for their kind donations and support.
A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values
Trip to Rome
In October, 24 of our Year 10 and Year 11 students embarked on a memorable pilgrimage to Rome. On the first day, they began with a fascinating walking tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. The following day, students were captivated by a breathtaking tour of the Vatican Gardens, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, before attending Mass at the Venerable English College in Rome. On the final day, they explored the Colosseum, St. John Lateran Basilica, and the historic San Clemente Church before returning home.
Boxing Gold!
Congratulations to Sonny H on his outstanding performance at the 2024 BOXAM International Tournament in Spain, where he claimed the gold medal in the under 60kg category with a unanimous decision victory! Sonny, your dedication, and hard work have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of your remarkable achievement. Well done!
Skills for Success Programme
This half term marked the launch of our Skills for Success programme with Year 8 students. Throughout the term, they have engaged in a variety of exciting and practical activities, including team-building challenges at Ninja Warrior, learning sign language, and gaining valuable skills in CPR. Additionally, students participated in Health and Social Care courses at Stockton Riverside College, further expanding their knowledge and skillset for the future.
Wear Yellow for Mental Health Awareness Day
On Thursday, 10th October 2024, staff, and students at the academy came together to show their support for mental health by wearing yellow in aid of YoungMinds. This initiative was part of World Mental Health Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness, promoting mental health education, and advocating against social stigma.
BBC ‘Make a Difference’ Award
Miss Matthews was honoured as the winner of The Carer Award at the BBC Tees Make a Difference Awards. She was nominated for this prestigious recognition in appreciation of the exceptional care and compassion she demonstrated when a student fell seriously ill while at school. Her quick thinking and unwavering support made a profound difference, highlighting her dedication to the well-being of her students.
Congratulations Miss Matthews!
Blessed John Duckett
A Welcome to Sam Rushworth
On Friday 8th November, BJD welcomed Sam Rushworth, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland. The children along with The Building Self Belief Project, have been working hard to improve the local area and were keen to ask Mr Rushworth how he could help us. They thought of lots of questions ranging from improving local parks and wildlife areas to road crossing patrol and current issues with farming and inheritance tax! The children were fantastic ambassadors for our school and we look forward to seeing some progress with the issues that were raised.
Class 4 Inspired through Reading
As part of our PSHE curriculum, Class 4 read the book, ‘In Our Hands’, by Lucy Farfort. They were inspired by the text to make other people happy and care for everyone in the world so they went to visit the residents of Castlebank
Residential Care Home. The children took games and books to share. They were made to feel very welcome and it was lovely to see how much the children cared about sharing with the residents.
Key Stage 2 Visit Ushaw College
Key Stage 2 thoroughly enjoyed a visit to Ushaw College this term. They participated in workshops based on the art of Henri Matisse, a French visual artist who created movement and colour using a pair of scissors and some coloured paper.
HOLY FAMILY
Competition Finalists
During the summer, Cockerton Community and Business Group held a competition for children to create a design for a special book bench. We are incredibly proud to share that designs created by some of our exceptionally talented pupils have been chosen as finalists in a book bench competition for Cockerton Library in Darlington. Each finalist has been awarded a certificate and a backpack filled with prizes. All the winning designs are now being recreated by a local artist onto the new bench for the library.
Mayor’s Song Contest
Earlier this year, Holy Family Choir won the annual Mayor’s Song Contest, and it is tradition that the winners of the last contest host the song choosing for the next event. Members of our winning choir helped with the selection process. The songs and school names were added to two boxes, the Mayor and Mayoress picked the school, then the children picked the song title. The children had a wonderful afternoon and were very honoured to be part of the process.
Anti-Bullying Week
Our Lady of the most Holy Rosary
Last week was Anti-Bullying awareness week, and what a day we had wearing our odd socks! Wearing our odd socks shows others that we accept each other’s differences and promotes kindness and respect. This year’s theme is ‘Choose Respect’ which we talked about in assembly with Mrs. Flaherty, we also listened to Andy and the Odd Socks sing their new song for this year!
Timetables Rockstars
We had so much fun celebrating the launch of Times Tables Rock Stars. So much effort had gone into costumes, and everyone looked like a true rock star! The children all had an opportunity to get logged on and make a start working their way up through the rankings. We are looking forward to seeing how the children progress using this scheme.
Remembrance
As part of our Remembrance celebrations, our wonderful Year 6 children led us into a beautiful assembly respecting and remembering those lost in the wars of the past. We took the time to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for us across the world. We honour those who continue to protect us, and we wish for peace for all.
Some of our Key Stage 2 children also attended the Children’s Remembrance Service. They marched in the parade alongside our veterans and took part in a physical act of Remembrance, laying poppies and wreaths alongside the Mayor and Mayoress. They represented our school wonderfully and we are extremely proud of them.
Wicked Trip
All our pupils from Year 2 to Year 6 recently made a trip up to the Sunderland Empire Theatre to watch the West End production of WICKED and what an afternoon it was! The children were spellbound and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. We were so happy to receive compliments from other patrons of the show about the children’s fantastic behaviour and enthusiasm. It was an amazing experience that we are sure they will not forget.
Our Lady & St. Thomas
OLST Mini Vinnies
Our Catholic Social Teaching this term has focused on the ‘Preferential Option for the Poor’. We have been thinking about the needs of those who are the most vulnerable, especially in our local community. Our faith is all about putting people in most need first.
Our school’s community has been outstanding in their contributions to our Harvest collection. The Mini Vinnies held a non-uniform day for a donation of a packet or a tin. Our Mini Vinnies then walked down to Willington Open Door Methodist Church to deliver the biggest amount of food we have ever collected to the Food Bank! The food donated will go to those in our local community who need it the most.
Roman History at Binchester
Year 3, 4 and 5 pupils had firsthand experience at being true historians as they stepped back in time to discover what life was like for the Romans in County Durham. The curriculum was brought to life as they looked in detail at local history at Binchester Roman Fort. They explored the exceptionally well-preserved remains of not just one but two bathhouses. One has one of the most intact hypocausts (underfloor) heating systems in the whole of Britain.
Space Explorers of the Future!
OLST has been lucky enough to work with the Life Centre inspiring budding space explorers of the future. They visited the Space exhibition in Newcastle and a planetarium came to OLST so we could learn all about the night sky and our solar system. Watch out NASA!
Sacred Heart
Anti Bullying Week
As part of Anti Bullying Week we invited the pupils to come to school in odd socks. It’s a week to celebrate uniqueness and stand up against bullying and discrimination. The pupils loved seeing everyone’s different socks!
Remembrance Service
Our Key Stage 2 children were involved in a beautiful Remembrance Service this week. We received a wonderful message from Stephen (ex-soldier and grandfather to children in the school) who attended: “I just wanted to say thank you to all children and staff involved in this morning’s service. It was by far the most moving, poignant, and respectful tribute to the fallen that I have ever attended: the powerful message amplified by such lovely, young voices. A most fitting tribute.”
St. Augustine’s
Year 1 Visit Hopetown
Year 1 thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Hopetown in Darlington this term. The children enjoyed learning all about the history of trains and the links to Darlington.
Celebrating our New Mini Vinnies
We participated in a commissioning liturgy where members of the St. Augustine’s Parish SVP attended to celebrate and acknowledge our new Mini Vinnies at St. Augustine’s.
Year 1 Visit Hopetown
This term we took part in “Brighten Up for Harvest” with everyone dressing in brightly coloured clothes along with a donation for CAFOD. Our Mini Vinnies also collected food items for our local community food bank. The Mini Vinnies managed to fill two cars and delivered to both Kings Food bank and St. Columbus Church.
Year 5 Visit Springfield Care Home
Year 5 had a truly heartwarming and memorable visit to Springfield Care Home in November. The students enjoyed spending quality time with the residents, engaging in creative coloring activities, meaningful conversations and eating some delicious cakes! It was wonderful to see smiles all around as different generations connected and shared these special moments together. We are so grateful to the residents and staff of Springfield Care Home for welcoming us so warmly—it was a visit we’ll cherish!
Key Stage 2 Learn about Diabetes
In November, Key Stage 2 learnt all about diabetes—its impact on the lives of children, and the steps we can take to make a difference. We were so fortunate to hear from Casey and Willow, who shared their personal experiences. We’re all walking away with a greater understanding and commitment to helping one another.
St. Bede’s (Stockton)
Our First Music Lesson
We had a fantastic first music lesson back at the beginning of term! The pupils got to explore a variety of instruments, creating beautiful sounds together. Arlo took on the role of our musical conductor, confidently leading the group. With his guidance, we learned when to make our instruments loud and when to play softly, adding dynamics to our music. It was such a joy to see everyone so engaged and having fun expressing themselves through sound!
Middlesbrough Women’s Match
In November a few of our pupils had an absolutely fantastic afternoon at the Middlesbrough Women’s match! A huge well done to all the incredible girls and grown-ups who showed such dedication by braving the chilly weather. Your enthusiasm and support made the day even more special. Thank you for being part of this amazing experience —what a team effort!
St.
Bega’s
We have had an amazing autumn term at St Bega’s.
Our Year 2 students have been busy with their green thumbs, planting bulbs around the school grounds. We can’t wait to see the vibrant flowers bloom in spring!
This term, we also celebrated the European Day of Languages with The English Martyrs School. Our Year 6 children showcased their language skills and won the Translation Bee. Well done to everyone who took part!
Our Year 5 and 6 pupils have stepped up as Sports Leaders, taking on new responsibilities and supporting their peers during sports activities. It’s wonderful to see their leadership skills developing as they encourage teamwork and active play across the school.
This term, our EYFS children enjoyed a delightful autumn walkto explore the beautiful seasonal changes in nature. They collected leaves, spotted signs of wildlife and explored the local area.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our Harvest Festival led by our Mini Vinnies! The donations were incredibly generous, and our children loved learning about the importance of giving back and helping those in need. It’s always inspiring to see our community come together to support one another.
St. Bega’s
Cura
Custodia
St. Chad’s
Steel Fabrication Insight
Chris from Finley Structures came and talked to the children about working in steel fabrication. Lots of links were made to their learning about states of matter. The children were amazed that the steel sections are joined together by melting and cooling metal (welding) at 5,000 degrees Celsius!
Class 4 Visit the Locomation Museum
As part of the 200 years celebration of the Stockton to Darlington Railway Line, Class 4 visited the Locomotion Museum in Shildon to take part in a STEM day. They worked with a range of companies including TynCan Learning, Weardale Railway, Hazan Bowskill a STEM Ambassador and York Railway Museum. The children took part in lots of activities to develop their engineering habits of mind! I’m confident we will have some budding engineers for the future!
A Welcome to Fr. David
EYFS and Key Stage 1 welcomed Fr. David, our local parish Priest, into school to tell us about Baptism. He explained the important signs and symbols that are used during the Sacrament.
The Feast Day of St. Charles of Borromeo
This term the pupils and teachers celebrated the Feast Day of St. Charles of Borromeo. The children enjoyed learning lots of facts about St. Charles, he was a special and important person. He was born in 1538 to a noble Italian family with a great deal of wealth but devoted his time to the Church. At the age of 25 he was ordained and became a priest where he made many changes and setting a good example to all. He forbade himself of all luxury including giving his income to the sick and poor. The children and adults discussed and made reflection about what it must have been like for St. Charles to give up his wealth and as well as learning lots of facts about St. Charles, the children celebrate our special Feast Day with delicious ice-creams donated by the Friends of St. Charles.
St. Charles
Year 1 Visit Beamish
The children and adults of Year 1 visited Beamish as part of their ‘Toys through time’ history topic. They had a wonderful day visiting the museum including participating in a toy workshop. There was a lot of excitement about the toys from when their grandparents were their age; the children could talk about the differences between toys of the past and the toys they have now. The children and adults had a brilliant day with lots of inspiration for their history writing!
PRIMARY SCHOOL
St. Cuthbert’s children ASPIRE to be the best that they can be!
The start of a new academic year has seen the introduction of our ASPIRE curriculum and mission statement.
Our ASPIRE days are an opportunity for us to welcome our school family into school to learn beside us. During our Autumn Term ASPIRE Day, Class 1 shared their light by sharing all of their new resources with their grown ups. Class 2 inspired each other and were visited by the Fire and Rescue Team to consolidate their learning about the Great Fire of London. Classes 3 and 4 showed perseverance to complete their D&T cookery learning, and followed live instructions from a chef to make delicious cheesecakes and cakes! Class 5 showed how they can rise together by working with our local PCSO’s to complete their Crime and Punishment unit of learning.
We all had a great day together as St. Cuthbert’s family and are looking forward to our next ASPIRE day!
St. Cuthbert’s
St. Cuthbert’s (Hartlepool)
Rememberance
Pupils of St. Cuthbert’s attended the remembrance service at Stranton Cemetery to stand alongside the veterans and cadets to remember those fallen in battle.
The choir sang ‘Eagles Wings’ as a beautiful tribute to those fallen and the children laid crosses and poppies followed by a reading of poems. It was a very poignant service attended by the Hartlepool MP, Mayor and ward councillors.
St. Cuthbert’s (Stockton)
Remembrance
To mark Remembrance this year, St. Cuthbert’s led a special service in school attended by parents and our Chair of Governors, Mrs. Dowson. Children paid their respects to service men and women and all those who have lost their lives or been injured at war. Year 6 children also attended a special Service of Remembrance at the Stockton Garden of Remembrance when they each laid a poppy symbol in the garden to pay their respects.
Anti-Bullying
To mark Anti-Bullying week here at St. Cuthbert’s, children enjoyed taking part in ‘Odd Socks Day’. We celebrated our diverse school community, valuing what it is that makes us unique. Some children planned their own class Celebration of the Word focussing on what the bible teaches us about showing respect to each other in light of this year’s theme ‘Choose Respect’.
Prayer Leaders
Our Prayer Leaders, here at St. Cuthbert’s, are very excited to have further developed our prayer space this year. Our dedicated prayer room is now being used by pupils across school for a range of creative prayer opportunities, games, sharing scripture and for personal reflection. Prayer leaders organise and deliver special sessions each week and one of our parishioners will soon be running a rosary club with pupils.
Reading
We are extremely excited about reading here at St. Cuthbert’s and recently welcomed a local author, Jane Cook, to share some of her books with us. Children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 enjoyed listening to her stories and looking at the illustrations.
St. Gregory’s
Pyjamarama Fundraising Event
The community of St. Gregory’s teamed up with ‘Children with Cancer UK’ to take part in their Pyjamarama fundraising event.
Cancer affects many families within our school community. Alongside our continued prayers for those touched with cancer, we decided to dedicate our Autumn term fundraising to a charity for children. We invited children and staff to come to school wearing pyjamas for the day - welcoming a donation to this worthwhile cause. On the afternoon, staff donated sweet treats for families to share together with a cuppa.
During the event and throughout the week we sold raffle tickets for a range of amazing prizes. These were very generously donated by local businesses, staff and parents. Thank you all for your very kind donations!
In total, we raised a staggering £1,200.00 and this was gratefully received by the charity. Amazing work again by our events team and all the staff!
St. John the Evangelist
Remembrance
To commemorate Remembrance Day, the pupils at St. John the Evangelist crafted handmade wreaths, which were beautifully displayed in our school reception. Our year 5 and 6 students also visited St. Michael’s for a special remembrance service. This heartfelt gesture provided a meaningful opportunity to honor the occasion and reflect on the importance of remembrance.
Dress Down Friday
Also this term, in support of Blood Cancer UK, the whole school participated in a “Dress Down Friday”, raising an impressive £206.86. Red ribbons were offered as a symbol of solidarity, allowing everyone to show their support for those affected by blood cancer.
Thank you for the amazing generosity and heartfelt contributions!
St. John Vianney
Adventure at St. John Vianney School
Some might describe every moment at St. John Vianney School as an adventure, but I guess, it depends how you look at life. . . We try to make an adventure of the mundane for our children. This term Year 6 reached the summit with their outdoor and adventurous residential in Weardale. They were terrified on the high-ropes, rocked by the ghyll-scramble and ravenous at every meal. However, our ‘canvas classroom’ programme had prepared them over years to appreciate rock-climbing, rambling, being in nature, while ‘others’ provided for their basic needs.
It all starts with a sleepover in school in Year 1, when the children themselves work together to make their own tea, before watching the sunset and going to sleep in their classroom, being woken before sunrise and sharing breakfast. Then during Autumn, Year 3, build improvised shelters and put-up sleeping tents, and experience outdoor ‘living’ with a full teaching day under canvas, recognising their basic need for shelter and food. During this term, Year 4 have begun to contemplate cooking meals outdoors, building a fire to heat water and to toast crumpets.
Challenges, both individually and within a team extend further in Year 5, where our children construct shelters and cook meals at an overnight camp in the Spring, soon realising that providing for their own basic needs takes all their time. This ensures that when they finally are away at the Year 6 Residential, they value every moment of the activities they have never had time for before.
Visiting the Construction Site of our New School
This term, the members of our school’s student council had the opportunity to visit the construction site of our new school building. Prioritising health and safety, the children wore hard hats, reflective vests, protective glasses, and gloves as they entered the bustling site.
Guided by our project manager, the children carefully examined the architects’ designs and learned about the planning and construction process. This visit sparked lively discussions among the student council members about how the new building and its state-of-the-art facilities will enrich both the educational and extracurricular experiences for all students at St. Joseph’s.
The children observed the workers operating the heavy machinery and laying the foundations of what will soon become our state-of-the-art learning space. Despite the noise and dust, the council members felt a surge of excitement and responsibility, realising they were witnessing the beginning of a new chapter for our school community.
St. Joseph’s (Coundon)
A Visit from the Bishop Auckland Labour MP
To mark the beginning of Parliament Week, the Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, Sam Rushworth, visited us and held an engaging Q&A session with the pupils. He shared insights into his role in Parliament, his personal inspirations, and his interests outside of politics.
We were incredibly impressed by the depth and maturity of the pupils’ questions on topics such as policing, national finances, industrial strategy, and climate change.
A big thank you to Sam for taking the time to visit, and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.
St. Joseph’s (Hartlepool)
St. Joseph’s Opportunities
As part of Black History Month, the sound of traditional African drumbeats filled the school as the children took part in a range of workshops including African Drumming and dance. The pupils learnt the significance of the sounds/beats and an opportunity for children in the school with African heritage to share their own experiences.
Children across the school have developed their leadership skills, Year 6 children interviewed for various young leadership roles including head students. Our head students choose the recipients of our weekly Trust Virtue Awards. Our pupils also qualified for the County Cross-country finals, qualifying for the Hartlepool finals of the sports hall athletics final.
Our Mini Vinnies arranged for collection of our harvest donation by the foodbank and our Head students presented £100 to CAFOD which was part of our ongoing ‘pennies for CAFOD’ collection.
Our aim now is to see how quickly we can collect 20,000 pennies – that’s pennies not larger denominations!
St. Joseph’s (Newton
Aycliffe)
St. Joseph’s Opportunities
From Monday 14th October to Friday 18th October, St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School celebrated Recycle Week. This year’s theme was ‘Rescue Me’. The school’s eco warriors kicked off the week by leading a whole school assembly on the three Rs of managing waste- reduce, reuse, and recycle. The group then completed an audit of the school, checking each classroom and office had two bins (one for non-recyclable waste and another for recycling). The week ended with a visit from Katie and Stuart (Durham County Council) who led a talk for the whole school on what can and cannot be recycled and what happens to our recycling. One of the eco warriors said, “We all need to do our bit to reduce waste to help save our planet. It also helps the animals as they can get hurt.”
Space Day
From Monday 11th to Friday 15th November 2024, St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School celebrated ‘Space Week’. The biggest highlight of the week was a visit from Kielder Observatory. Every pupil (from nursery to Key Stage 2) entered an inflatable planetarium and took part in an immersive show. The pupils looked at the different star constellations and how they got their names. They also investigated a range of different planets and watched a film deciding if aliens really exist! In addition to this, pupils in Key Stage 2 took part in a workshop where they watched clips from a real meteorite falling to Earth. They also had the opportunity to touch rock from Mars! Pupils in Key Stage 1 investigated light and experimented with infrared light. We would like to thank Adam and Dan, the astronomers, from Kielder Observatory for coming in and inspiring the pupils.
Guinness World Record Attempt
On Thursday 3rd October, pupils in Year 1 to Year 6 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School took part in a Guinness World Record Attempt! In a rare opportunity, to mark National Poetry Day, the pupils joined published poet Laura Mucha and thousands of other children across the world to attempt to break the record for the largest poetry lesson (multi- venue) ever. In order to comply with the strict Guinness World Records criteria, every pupil had to be counted as they entered the hall for the poetry lesson. An official from the Guinness Book of Records told the pupils about the record attempt and the important rules they had to follow. A Year 5 pupil stated, “I never imagined I would ever be part of something like this- I really hope we break the record!” The official from Guinness World Records promised to give a result once all the schools have sent in their video evidence.
The pupils can’t wait to find out the result!
St. Joseph’s (Norton)
It has been an exciting and enriching term at St. Joseph’s, with many memorable moments that have brought our school community together and inspired our pupils to shine. Here are just a few of the highlights so far:
Climate Action Day
Our Climate Action Day saw pupils in Years 3 and 4 dive deep into critical environmental issues, exploring how even small changes can have a significant impact. Through hands-on projects, thought-provoking discussions, and creative activities, our pupils learned about sustainability and began their journeys as ambassadors for positive change. The day concluded with a spirited football tournament, where every child participated and supported one another enthusiastically. It was a brilliant demonstration of teamwork and school spirit!
Year 6 Parliment Day
Pupils from Year 6 experienced a trip to Parliament and London, where they had the opportunity to learn about democracy and rule of law in the UK.
The Kindness Coach Visit
We welcomed the Kindness Coach to St Joseph’s this half term. Pupils reflected on the importance of kindness, especially during challenging times worldwide. Together, we explored how acts of kindness can create ripple effects, inspiring everyone to become changemakers in their communities.
Faith and Community Celebrations
Our faith remains at the heart of our school life, and this term, we have celebrated feast days, key stages, and wholeschool Masses with joy and reverence. It has been a privilege to come together as a school and local community to celebrate these occasions. Special recognition goes to our Mini Vinnies, who are busily planning a year of events, and our school chaplains. Three of our chaplains recently represented us beautifully at Ushaw, with Thea reading a bidding prayer with great poise during the service.
Creative Opportunities with Arc Stockton
Class 5 had a fantastic opportunity to work with Arc Stockton and Roustabout Theatre on their Little Red Who Could production. Through drama and music workshops, the children explored themes of resilience, individuality, and forging their paths in life. Their creativity and enthusiasm shone brightly, and we are excited about further collaborations with Arc in the future.
Transition Activities with St. Michael’s
Our Year 5 pupils had an exciting glimpse into secondary school life with a visit to St. Michael’s. They eagerly participated in lessons, returned with newfound enthusiasm, and began imagining their transitions to secondary school.
It’s been an incredible term, full of learning, growth, and community spirit.
BARNARD CASTLE St. Mary’s Banard Castle
The King’s Handkerchief
Our Year 1 children had a fantastic day trading at Barnard Castle Market! Not only are they little authors but they are wonderful sellers too!
As always, it was lovely to see so many of our parents and grandparents, as well as our local community coming along to support the children. What a wonderful achievement and celebration of their hard work and love of reading. You can find ‘The King’s Handkerchief’ story book in Barnard Castle library and a copy will be saved and sent to the King himself!
St. Mary’s (Newton Aycliffe)
A Special Donation from Tesco
In October our School Council had the pleasure of accepting a generous donation of £740, raised through the book shop at Tesco! A huge thank you to our local Tesco for their incredible support and dedication to helping our school thrive. Your generosity is a true testament to the power of community spirit, and we are so fortunate to have you as partners in making a positive impact. Together, we’re building something special!
Cosmo’s Journey to Outer Space
To add to the excitement one of our team had a very exciting adventure! Cosmo the bear had an incredible journey into space. The excitement was palpable as the children gathered in assembly to watch the footage of this remarkable adventure (and safe return). Their enthusiasm turned into spontaneous applause as they witnessed this unforgettable moment.
St. Patricks
Harvest Celebrations
At St. Patrick’s, we held a scarecrow competition where each entry was brilliant, making it incredibly difficult to choose winners. We also collected food donations which were sent to our local food bank. Following this, the children finished off the term with a Harvest Disco which was enjoyed by all.
St. Paul’s
Family Maths Problem-Solving Event
St. Paul’s School was abuzz with excitement on the 13th November, as families gathered for a lively Family ProblemSolving Maths Event. Designed to bring families together to solve mathematical problems, the evening offered a handson exploration of mathematics in a fun and engaging environment.
The event featured a wide variety of interactive challenges. Families roamed between stations, collaborating on problems, and celebrating mathematical curiosity. At the 3D shape puzzle station, families tested their spatial reasoning by constructing and identifying various geometric forms. One of the most popular activities was the timed math’s challenges, where families competed head-to-head to solve problems against the clock, sparking both friendly competition and plenty of laughter.
The event also served as an opportunity for parents to witness first-hand the creative ways in which their children approach mathematical problems. For many, it was a chance to rediscover the joy of learning and working together. The Family Problem-Solving Maths Event was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and eager for more.
St. Teresa’s (Darlington)
Raising Money for Charity
St. Teresa’s have been living out their mission statement by ‘reaching out to others’. This term, children wore a variation of hats, crowns, giant hair bows and deely boppers to raise money for a charity very close to their heart. ‘Headlines’ supports all those affected by craniosynostosis.
Harvest Celebration
Later on this term, the Mini Vinnie Squad led a wonderful Harvest Festival Celebration of the Word. Their mission to ‘reach out to others’ led them to ensuring that their neighbours did not go hungry. Firthmoor Community Centre Food Bank were overwhelmed by the mini bus full of donations that arrived after the celebration.
A very big well done and thank you to all who supported both of these charity events!
St. Teresa’s (Hartlepool)
The Giving Tree
At St. Teresa’s, we are proud to continue our tradition of generosity and kindness with our very own “Giving Tree”, now in its third year. This initiative has become a cherished part of our school community during the festive season. The Giving Tree is a beautiful way for our families to come together and make a real difference in the lives of children who might otherwise go without a gift this Christmas. We’re so grateful to our families for their continued support in making this initiative a success year after year.
Together, we’re bringing smiles to children’s faces and making their Christmas a little brighter.
St. Wilfrid’s
A Day of History
This half term Year 3 had a full day of history, with John from Durham University. We handled and learnt about the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age artefacts. We learnt about prehistoric people, using a skeleton and even made prehistoric pottery.
Superheroes Day
Year 1 had a great morning as Superheroes! They arrived in the most incredible costumes showcasing their favourite superheroes. The children enjoyed many exciting activities throughout the morning, from obstacle courses to team challenges, all under the lovely sunny sky!
St. William’s
Remembrance
Children from St. William’s participated in a Remembrance Day service at Trimdon Grange war memorial to remember all those from Trimdon who sacrificed their life in conflicts throughout the twentieth century. The children involved in the service all had family connections to those who lost their lives. Children presented poppy plaques with the names of the deceased on them and spoke to local residents who shared their own personal stories about family members lost to conflict.
Cross Country Festival
Children from across Key Stage 2 participated in the county cross country festival with two of our pupils excelling enough to be invited back to the county finals. Well done to Jackson who finished 21st and Flourish who finished 3rd in their races.
