Dear Families
At the start of last week we spoke to all students about the need to uphold our character traits in light of the multiple challenging situations that our society faces, where young people – often through social media – are more likely to be exposed to views which promote violence or discrimination.
Teaching through expeditions and having Crew at the centre of our work affords us the opportunity to go beyond the National Curriculum with our students and in addition pay close attention to making a stand for social justice, cultivating diversity and belonging and protecting our planet – key issues of our time and ones that we need the next generation of young people to continue to address.
Whilst the solutions to these issues are difficult, we know that as individuals, as families and as a community the way to face them is with respect, courage, integrity, craftsmanship & quality and above all…. Compassion.
As we have said many times before, our character traits are not just words on a wall. We expect each other to model them and support and challenge each other to do so – that goes for all members of our community: students, staff and families alike.
Celebrating the development of character through beautiful work in the community
Every week our students demonstrate our character traits in spades, and every week we celebrate these and honour them through our community meetings and share updates here.
We also take great joy in receiving messages from families about development of character and successes outside of school. Below are some recent achievements of our students, going above and beyond in beautiful work and developing their chacrater!
Will in Year 11 and his brother smashed their target to raise £500 for Crew Franks Charity Sir Bobby Robson thanks to some amazing support!
Harry in Year 10 gained a sliver in Teams Kumite and a bronze in Pairs Kata when competing in the Northern Open Classic International Karate Championship.
Brooke in Year 8 has achieved her maiden first place, and after stepping up to grade 3. This is a brilliant achievement.
Sylvia in Year 8 recently competed in a relay meet representing Gateshead Harriers, running in the 4 x 100m U13 relay team placing 3rd and then 2nd. Gateshead Harriers won the overall competition and secured the ‘cup’!
Hector and Josh in Year 7 also completed the Junior Great North Run, and Hector was awarded club member of the year for his trampolining club as well as receiving an award to recognise his success at national competitions throughout the season with his syncro partner.
Mia in Year 7 has been volunteering with Richmond Exotics, a local reptile rescue and education centre, for over a year. She’s raised almost £300 so far by making and selling homemade bracelets, crochet animals, keyrings, and sweets at stalls and events.
European Day of Languages – Friday 26th September
On Friday this week we will celebrate the European Day of Languages, focussing on the importance of valuing other cultures as well as where the study of language can take you in life, and the doors that a language opens.
Students are invited to come to school in Spanish themed dress on Friday, which could be as simple as a red or yellow item of clothing. We think Miss Fielding might well come dressed in full flamenco!
We will also mark the occasion with a range of events in school, many of which also have a Spanish focus, that being our taught language at KS3 and KS4:
- Spanish dancing before school
- A community meeting to discuss the importance of experiencing and valuing other cultures and languages
- An online workshop with the British Council for Year 9 and GCSE Spanish students.
- This workshop will feature young adults speaking about their own study of languages and the opportunities this has given them in life.
- A Spanish themed menu at lunchtime.
- A game of ‘El Classico’ football at lunchtime.
- Competitions in school.
Our week ahead
G30 Class 2 – Fieldwork to the Farrell Centre
Students in G30 Class 2 will be travelling to the Farrell Centre on Newcastle University Campus tomorrow morning – Tuesday 23rd September – to learn more about their brief for their final project and to see the exhibits at the national centre for architecture. More details here. Class 1 will be doing the same fieldwork next week.
G28 LOOL – Geography Fieldwork to Seaham
Students in G28 Geography will be carrying out fieldwork on Thursday 25th September to look at the impact of coastal erosion on Seaham’s beach. They will be travelling on foot and by rail. Students will need to be prepared for the weather and will need a packed lunch. We will return to school by 3.30pm. More details to follow.
G28 LOOL – Religious Studies Fieldwork to a local Mosque
Provisionally we are also close to finalising fieldwork on Thursday 25th September for GCSE RS students to visit a mosque, connected to their study of Islam for their final examination. This will be confirmed as soon as possible.
Crew Darling – Fieldwork to Northumberland and the Farne Islands.
Last year Crew Darling carried out sponsored work on a Crew day to be able to fund a visit to the Farne Islands and the coast where their Crew’s namesake Grace Darling carried out her incredible rescue. Crew Darling will be travelling to Northumberland via minibus and then weather permitting using Billy Shiels boats to tour the Farne Islands on Friday 26th September during the school day. More details have been shared with families in an email from Mrs Ross.
Breakfast Club supported by Magic Breakfast
Breakfast club continues each morning from 7.45am.
Extended Study
Our supervised extended study will run again this week after school from 3.30pm until 4.30pm. We will be starting tasters for clubs soon. More info to come in a separate post.
PE sessions this week
Please can parents make sure that their child has a PE kit for PE sessions. We expect students to change into their appropriate PE kit, and not wear the same clothes they wear in school. Similarly, students must change out of PE kit afterwards, into their normal school clothes. For safety, jewellery must be removed and hair must be tied back.
G32 students (Year 7) have PE on Wednesday.
G31 students (Year 8) have PE on Tuesday.
G30 students (Year 9) have PE on Thursday.
Due to our staff day on Monday, there is no PE for Year 10 or 11 this week.
As usual if you have any questions about your son or daughter please get in touch with your child’s Crew Leader in the first instance or email general enquiries to [email protected].
Thank you as always for your ongoing support. Together we are stronger #WeAreCrew.
Julie Mosley