Year 6 students have taken part in a field trip to St Mary’s Lighthouse as part of their current Science work on habitats, feeding relationships and adaptation. During their visits the students learnt about the local geology, undertook a rock pool study and climbed the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse tower.
Lara in 6S said “I enjoyed by visit to the lighthouse, especially the rock pooling and learning about the adaptations of the different animals”.
Alfie in 6S added “it was good getting a chance to climb the lighthouse. The view from the top was quite scary, but I’m pleased I got up that far”.
A big thank you to parents Mr Wilkinson, Mr Chappell, Mrs Weakford, Mrs Williams, Mrs Adams and Mrs Ricalton for coming along to the lighthouse to help supervise the children.
Thanks also to St Mary’s Lighthouse wardens Adam and Sam for making the day so interesting and enjoyable.
We are delighted to be able to tell you that Chantry and Newminster Middle Schools have been 2 of the 4 schools in Northumberland to be awarded the prestigious Platinum Arts Mark, accredited by Arts Council England. A huge thank you to Ms Jones and all the staff who have worked so hard to provide the opportunities for our students. It goes without saying that the engagement, enthusiasm and commitment of the students is what allows all of the Creative Arts events to be such a success and continue to go from strength to strength.
This what Artsmark said about Chantry:
Your school’s Artsmark Case Study presents evidence of a pre-existing strong arts offer, with excellent practice around curriculum planning and a good circulation of skills and knowledge among staff with regard to arts pedagogies. The panel recognised how your school has used your Artsmark journey to strengthen your collaboration with other schools, the degree of focus on understanding impact and effect, and the willingness to share and debate that knowledge with a range of local schools.
Future development might focus on developing your CPD offer more widely, sharing and disseminating best practice further afield and using pupils as ambassadors for CPD. The panel look forward to seeing how you continue to develop your leadership role and advocacy for arts and culture with other schools.
As a Platinum Artsmark school Arts Council England celebrates your commitment to arts and cultural education at a governing body level, the opportunities established across your provision and the leadership you are demonstrating in this area. Your children and young people are offered equal opportunity to influence, lead, experience and evaluate a diverse range of high-quality arts and cultural activities across a broad range of media and you are able to contribute to development opportunities in these areas for both your own staff and others. You have strong partnerships with arts and cultural organisations and can evidence the positive impact of this collaboration. Your children and young people have an opportunity to continually develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of arts and culture and you are working to further develop the leadership role you have established.
We were invited by Northumberland County Council to participate in Local Democracy Week (9 – 15 October) this year. The children took part in one of two workshops which involved making posters, banners and leaflets either about a campaign they are passionate about or about Emily Davidson and her work as a suffragette. Posters included: the number of houses being built in Morpeth, litter, parking, Morpeth’s skatepark, Brexit and more.
The day also included a panel of county and town councillors which pupils were able to fire questions at.
Some quesions included:
- What is the difference between a town councillor, county councillor and MP?
- What interested you in the first instance to become a councillor?
- Could you give us any helpful tips and advice on how we can run our student parliament successfully?
- What is the hardest decision within your job you’ve ever had to make?
- What are the future plans for empty local shops and why are so many businesses struggling in the area?
- What is your best memory or proudest moment as a councillor?
Lee, Cameron, Alfie and Lewis handed over a hand written letter to County Councillor D. Bawn about their concerns with Morpeth’s skatepark. He said he would take this to the next town council meeting. Well done boys! At the end of the session, our School Parliament representatives received a certificate to recognise the school’s participation in Local Democracy Week. *see photo in folder*
