The Durham Dales Federation is a federation of small rural primary schools, which was formed in September 2023. Staff from all schools work together to share expertise and to plan and deliver the curriculum. Our subject leaders co-ordinate their subjects across all the schools within our federation, which ensures that we can offer the same high-quality experiences to all pupils in our schools.
The Upper Dales schools of Wearhead and St John’s Chapel work together on a regular basis each week. At the start of the week, each school works in their own building and on Thursdays and Fridays, the schools come together on the St John’s Chapel Primary School site. On Federation days, we take advantage of the opportunities to work in larger groups with other children of the same age, and we often arrange visits and visitors for these days so that everyone can participate.
Today was a fantastic end of year celebration for all of the children at Wearhead Primary School with many certificates being presented and celebrating their work this year. The Year 6 children's leavers' service was an emotional roller coaster, as you can imagine! We are very proud of all of our children and wish the Year 6 children all the best as they move on to the next step on their journey.
View this PostCongratulations to some of our pupils who have completed their taekwondo KUP grading this weekend with Chungdokwan TKD! What a brilliant achievement! We're hoping to be able to continue our taekwondo after-school club in the autumn term
View this PostSt. John's Chapel, Rookhope and Wearhead Primary Schools We have enjoyed competing in Sports Day this afternoon. It was lovely to see so many parents, grandparents and carers supporting the children in their track and field events. Thank you to everyone who came along.
View this PostHamsterley Primary School The year 2 children settled into class 2 perfectly for their taster morning today! We had lots of fun decorating paper plates for the Hamsterley Hoppings. The KS2 children also went on a walk around the village taking photographs to enter into the Hoppings.
View this PostHamsterley Primary School What a fantastic, fun morning our new starters have had for their taster session! We have enjoyed playing in our construction area, dressed up and played in the water tray. We have also had fun decorating our plate and stone entries for the Hamsterley Hoppings. We can't wait for you to join us in September
View this PostYesterday, the children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 from the whole federation met to visit Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey as part of our RE curriculum. We found out how to meditate, what happens in the worship hall and about the Buddhist ways of life. We even practised how to eat in silence as if we were monks (even if it was only for a short amount of our lunch break!)
View this PostPlease see this week's Wake Up Wednesday. This week is all about sharing intimate images.
View this PostWearhead Primary School EYFS children had fun making some play dough this morning.
View this PostWearhead Primary School In forest school today, the children have been creating artwork by hammering nails into wood and weaving wool around them. Some children used the saw to cut wood slices. We managed to smoke a few midges away with the fire and toasted chocolate chip brioches.
View this PostSt John's Chapel & Rookhope This afternoon, Class 2 went for a walk in the local area as part of our Forest School session. We walked along the Weardale Way identifying human and physical features.
View this PostSt John's Chapel & Rookhope In Maths, some of the children have been learning to divide by 10 and 100. They rolled a number (using a 0-9 dice) and used a place value slider to work out the answer.
View this PostRookhope, St John's Chapel & Wearhead Primary Schools The Class 1 children had a super time at Tynemouth Aquarium and Long Sands Beach with their friends from Hamsterley Primary! They saw lots of different fish , learned about what sea creatures live in a rockpool and saw the Seals at the 'Seal Show' Before coming home, they played in the sea and got very wet!
View this PostHamsterley Primary We have had a fantastic time on our trip to the Tynemouth Aquarium. We got to see lots of different sea creatures as well as take part in activities and a workshop. After the workshop we headed to the beach where those that wanted to got the chance to jump in the sea.
View this PostPlease see this week's Wake Up Wednesday. This week is all about online trolling.
View this PostSt John's Chapel & Rookhope This morning, the children took part in the Big Olympic Assembly by Picture News HQ. They learnt about resilience, overcoming difficulties and dreams and goals. They listened to a Paralympian talk about her experiences.
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