Thank you for your patience as we have compiled the photographs from the recent Year 5 and 6 residential visit to Thurston. I am pleased to share these images with you, as they capture what was a truly memorable experience for all the children involved.

The visit provided an exceptional opportunity for our children to engage in a range of challenging outdoor activities within a supportive and well-structured environment. Over the course of their time at Thurston, the children participated in canoeing, abseiling, and climbing the Old Man of Coniston—each activity carefully designed to extend their capabilities and foster personal development. What was particularly striking throughout the visit was the manner in which the children demonstrated considerable resilience when faced with activities that pushed them beyond their comfort zones, and the way in which they worked collaboratively with their peers to support one another. Beyond the physical achievements, however, what perhaps stood out most was the evident enjoyment the children derived from the experience; their enthusiasm and good humour were infectious and reflected the positive ethos that characterised the entire visit.

These residential experiences form an integral part of our broader curriculum offer at Hedworth Lane Primary School. They provide children with opportunities to develop independence, build confidence, and strengthen the relationships within their year groups—all of which contribute meaningfully to their personal development and well-being.

The attached photographs serve as a visual record of these moments and, we hope, will provide you with insight into what your child has experienced and achieved during this time away from school.

Reception children took part in a sponsored walk around the school field to raise money for our Early Years. It was lovely to see so many families joining in!

This morning, our children had a fantastic time getting hands-on in the kitchen as part of our Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable DT topic

Class 1 were busy making a delicious pea and mint soup, while Class 2 prepared a warming carrot and ginger soup, and Class 3 created a classic leek and potato.

The classroom was full of excitement (and some amazing smells!) as the children practised important cooking skills such as peeling, chopping and grating. They worked brilliantly together, showing great care and enthusiasm throughout.

The best part… tasting time! The children had the opportunity to try all three soups, evaluating the look and taste of each one and even suggesting their own ideas for improvements.

A wonderful morning of learning, teamwork and creativity – and some budding chefs in the making!

KS1 did an amazing job yesterday performing their Easter Service to their grown-ups! They also had great fun afterwards creating lots of Easter crafts and enjoying a little treat!

Today we were joined by Christine, from Art Room.

She helped our various Pupil Councils and our Year 5 and 6 pupils dig, plant and create a Willow Shelter and a Willow Tunnel as part of the ongoing OPAL developments.

Thank you to all of the families who have donated to the various fundraising events we have had recently – it is lovely to be able to provide the children with opportunities like this that will leave a legacy!

Thanks as well to Mrs Ainsworth for coordinating the day (and huge apologies to everyone, including Mr Frazer, for the mud!)

Seasonal Outdoor Sessions

Class 3 went outside this afternoon to do some work in our outdoor area. It linked nicely to our topic ‘Eat the seasons’ so we decided to do some seasonal planting. Some of us went into our brand new polytunnel to plant the seeds and place them into a sunny position to germinate whilst we are busy in school (we will check back over the next few weeks to see how they’re getting on). Others started the job of digging over the soil in one of our planters. A few children took up the role of rubbish collector and another carried wheelbarrows full of garden waste over to the compost area. After digging over the area, we decided to plant some peas directly into the soil. We found out that peas like to climb so we built mini structures to help them once they appear. We even identified some unusual looking plants using a plant identifier app. Overall, a great outdoor session which ended up with a group photo for our Class page.  Amazing effort everyone !

What a fantastic time we had during Careers Week!

Each phase heard from different professionals about what their job entails. We found out what it was like to be a highway engineer, accountant, social worker, air traffic controller and how to run your own businesses! 

The children ended the week dressed as their future career selves. School was filled with DJs, dog walkers, teachers, vets, hair and beauty therapists, artists…the creativity was exceptional! 

Thank you to Miss Wilson for coordinating another impactful week here at Hedworth Lane.

Some of our Year 6 pupils had an incredible time taking part in a range of exciting outdoor education activities! The children challenged themselves through rock climbing, canoeing, archery, mini medics and problem solving activities, showing fantastic teamwork, resilience, and determination throughout the day.

We were especially proud to see so many pupils push themselves beyond their comfort zones. Several children bravely overcame fears, particularly during the rock climbing and canoeing sessions, supporting and encouraging one another every step of the way.

The behaviour of all pupils was exceptional, and they represented Hedworth Lane brilliantly. Staff were extremely impressed with their positive attitudes, willingness to try new things, and the way they worked together as a team.

A huge well done to all of our Year 6 pupils for making the week such a success — you should be very proud of yourselves!

We celebrated World Book Day in comfort this year, wearing our favourite, comfy pjs to school. Children completed lots of different activities linked to a love of reading and even shared stories with other year groups!