DOMESTIC CHURCH– FAMILY: BEGINNINGS     In the topic of ‘Beginnings’, Year 2 children learnt that each day presents us with different opportunities for starting our day. We can be better people, work harder, be a good role model to others or a good Samaritan. We can do this by starting our day with a prayer that helps us to thank God for all he has created then ensure we follow in the footsteps of Jesus by helping and loving others. The children read the Scripture of Creation, Gensis 1:31. They then discussed the associated Catholic Social Teaching that connected to this topic. 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person Since God declared creation “very good,” this includes humanity, created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). 2. Care for God’s Creation Genesis 1:31 affirms the goodness of all creation — not just humans, but the earth, animals, and ecosystems. The Year 2 children showed this by helping to tidy our school Prayer Garden and being good stewards of our Earth. 3. The Common Good If creation is “very good,” it is meant for the benefit of all, not just a few. Year 2 children discussed how important it is to help and share our resources with each other. Using iPads, the children retold the story of Creation. They then visited the school Prayer Garden to reflect and offer their own prayers of thanks. Afterwards, they helped tidy the area to show respect and live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

As part of our new science topic Rocks, Fossils and Soils, year 3 took part in an enquiry based lesson investigating whether all rocks look the same. The children were able to categorise the rocks using suitable words that they had chosen.

Year 3 have been working hard over the past few weeks to write a diary entry based on our whole school novel ‘The Journey’. This book was based on illustrations where by the children had to use their imagination and their inference skills to determine a characters thoughts and feelings.

Year 4 took part in a mini first aid course. They are fantastic first aiders!

As part of our Science topic on Earth and Space, Year 5 pupils took their learning outdoors to investigate how the sun’s position in the sky affects shadows throughout the day. The children observed and recorded the length and direction of their shadows at three key times: morning, midday, and afternoon. This hands-on investigation helped pupils understand how the Earth's rotation causes day and night, and how the Sun appears to move across the sky. By comparing their shadow data, they discovered that shadows are longest in the morning and afternoon, and shortest at midday when the Sun is highest overhead. The activity sparked curiosity and discussion and gave pupils a real-world context for scientific concepts. It was a fantastic opportunity to combine observation, measurement, and teamwork in a meaningful and memorable way.

Our Year 1 children have been busy sorting objects and buttons to deepen their understanding of place value — a fun and hands-on start to our maths curriculum.

Eden Camp is a modern history museum in North Yorkshire. Year Six stepped back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of wartime Britain. Set in the original buildings and grounds of a Prisoner of war camp, each reconstructed scene revealed the realities of day-to-day life during World War Two. It was a fantastic experience!

Year 2 investigated and compared the suitability of materials of man-made skeps built as wasp hives and how wasps naturally make their own hives. The children then used key vocabulary in order to describe the materials. They found out that the skeps were too rigid and hard . They were made from straw or wicker then bound together. The dried straw or wicker was then reinforced  and made waterproof. The children identified this by touching and observing the materials. The children found out that wasps build nests from a papier-mâché-like material created by chewing dead wood and mixing it with their saliva, a process that forms a durable  and waterproof paper. This pulp is used to construct hexagonal cells and a protective outer shell, forming a sturdy structure. The children found that the natural wasp nests were much softer , strong,   flexible, stretchy  and felt more c omfortable .

Mr Rudkin is very impressed with Year 4 at the start of their Pocket Trumpet journey. Well done Year 4!

Year 4 are enjoying their PE lessons. They are focusing on hockey this term and they have displayed great partner work.

Year 4 enjoyed their visit to the Laing Art Gallery. They took part in a drawing workshop and created their own abstract art!

On Sunday 7 September, Blessed Carlo Acutis was canonised and become the Catholic Church's first millennium saint.   Year 2 celebrated this in class by having time to reflect on his life during a Celebration of the Word. They thanked God for Carlo and added their own prayer intensions.   The children listened and learned about the short but wonderful life of Carlo Acuti. They learnt that Carlo was a very kind boy who helped many people. He loved video games, animals, and technology but was also a devout Catholic. His favourite time was with Jesus. He said, ‘I love to talk with Jesus about everything I am doing and feeling.’ Most of all, Carlo loved meeting Jesus in Holy Communion and said, ‘It is the highway to heaven.’ He used his computer skills to share his faith and promote devotion to the Eucharist. He taught himself to code and created a website to document Eucharistic miracles, hoping to inspire others to connect with God. Carlo died at the young age of  15 years having lived a life centred on Jesus.    We thank God for all the goodness Carlo Acuti brought into the lives of others.