It feels just yesterday when we returned to school after the long six weeks'  holiday yet, already, half term is within touching distance. The October half term is the ideal time for families to take a walk to discover the wonderful changes happening in the natural world. As children as young as 5 years old are now expected to identify, flowers, trees, birds and insects, why not wrap up and spend an afternoon out in the "wild". Look for berries, the biggest leaf, conkers, acorns, how seeds travel and all those amazing things we take for granted.

The Evening Chronicle has an article about 17 things for children to do at Half term. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/17-things-kids-around-newcastle-11954880 and Durham University are running free children's events, activities and workshops celebrating science. The main hub will be the "Celebrate Science" marquee on Palace Green which is right in front of the cathedral.

POETRY COMPETITIONS

Congratulations to all the entrants-it was a fabulous National Poetry Day at Seaburn Dene Primary School. If you would like to read about the day and see photographs please click here.

BRILLIANTLY BRITISH INSTALLATION

During the transition month, prior to the Summer holidays, we all had a Brilliantly British time with Morris dancing and  learning about aspects British society. Inspired by Pascale Martine Tayou, an artist from the Cameroon, every child contributed to a class panel  created out of red, white and blue chalk which, as a whole, is now a living history timeline. The artefacts represent events and people from a given period of history and can be added to. We sent a couple of photos to Pascale Mathine Tayou and received an immediate reply from his office. Here it is:

Pascale Marthine Tayou thanks you very much for your message and your work!  It’s wonderful and touching.

 He wishes you a good continuation!