July 6, 2010

School Council

Junior Network Meeting

Did you know that it was 175 years ago when Gateshead first had an election!

Some of the children on the School Council had the opportunity to attend the Gateshead School Council Junior Network Meeting. Lots of other children from other schools were there.

Children discussed what democracy is and they worked as a team to record answers and ideas down.

Here are some of the questions the school council had to think about and discuss;

- Why did you want to be on your School Council?

- Who decided that you could be on it?

- What would your school be like if you didn't have a School Council?

- What sorts of things would not have happened?

- What does Gateshead Council do?

- Who makes decisions in the Council?

- How can you let Gateshead Council know what you like and do not like about what they do?

The children really enjoyed themselves and had lots of things to talk about.

The next meeting will be later in the year.

Posted by Teaching Assistants at 10:05 AM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

June 28, 2010

Sports Day

Don't forget Sports Day - Tuesday 6th July

9.30am - Reception and Year One - (New arrangements to follow)

1.15pm - Year 2 - 6 - Re-arranged for Tuesday 6th July

Please ensure children have PE kits and wearing footwear they can run in, at school this week for Sports and Healthy week..

Posted by A Inkster at 7:01 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

June 9, 2010

DIG DEEP FOR OMAR

As usual, the children, parents and carers of Roman Road do not let us down with their fundraising efforts. We are pleased to announce that we have raised £276 for Omar, a 9 year old boy who lives in Senegal.

With the help of Action Aid, we are now his proud sponsors and await our opportunity to write to him and send him small gifts. Many, many thanks on his behalf. We are sure he will appreciate it, more than we will ever know. (Photo to follow soon).

Posted by A Inkster at 10:11 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

June 5, 2010

Lawrence

There are not enough words in the dictionary that would express our many thanks to Lawrence Nyanzi from Teeside University and Uganda, for the wonderful opportunities he has given to the children, parents and staff of Roman Road. We will miss you very much Lawrence and we hope you know - you are welcome to visit us anytime!

Many, many thanks.

Posted by A Inkster at 5:06 PM | Discuss/Ask? (1)

We will, we will rock you!

Parents, governors, carers, grannies and children had the opportunity to share the experience of Djembe drumming during our African showcase.

Visitors recognised early on that the children of Roman Road were 'naturals' as they seemed to have each rythmn perfectly sychrnoised, but with a little help from Roman Road pupils they soon got into the swing of things.

A great time was had by all!

Posted by A Inkster at 4:58 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

African Showcase - Outstanding Achievement

The whole school have worked tirelessly over two weeks to provide a showcase for the parents, carers, the local community and children from other schools the opportunity to share our learning and expertise on the continent Africa.

Visitors waited patiently in the sunshine as they heard the drums begin to play in the school hall. There was a great surge of people as the doors opened and they were enthralled by the sight of ten African flags and a hall jam packed with outstanding work.

Each class had set up their own showcase area and visitors were invited to walk around and view each challenge. Each class had nominated children to be in charge of their challenge and were on hand to answer any questions or queries that may arise.

Nursery and Reception bedazzled guests with their amazing artwork inspired by Africa.

Year One had created a magnificent safari role play area that the toddlers and some parents (you know who you are!), thoroughly enjoyed playing in.

Year Two amazed everyone with their work on elephants and so much more.

Year Three made some of the most delicious treats, using original African recipes and Fair Trade ingredients. Many of the guests took home the recipes to make them for the rest of their family as they were so impressed.

Year Four produced some outstanding power point presentations which demonstrated their excellent ICTskills and research abilities. They were able to provide visitors with accurate information on Fair Trade.

Year Five had made an outstanding range of footwear, artwork and a leaflet promoting anti-racism.

And finally, guests stood in awe at Year 6's DVD regarding racism. Could it possibly have been produced by 10-11 year olds - YES!

94% of visitors rated our African showcase Outstanding

5% of visitors rated it Very Good

1% of visitors rated it as Good.

High praise for the huge effort of everyone at Roman Road Primary School.

Many thanks to the children and staff for all of their hard work and dedication to this project.

Posted by A Inkster at 4:48 PM | Discuss/Ask? (7)

Fanuel - djembe drums

We all had a fantastic day with Fanuel and his djembe drums. Djembe drums are a very popular drum in Africa. Fanuel also brought with him a range of other instruments from a thum piano to a xylophone with dried pumpkins!

During our morning assembly Fanuel had us playing rythmns and jiving and we were all hyped, eager and ready for our own drums.

Fanuel taught us how to play the drums with "Booms" and "Cha Cha's"

No idea what we are talking about, just ask us and we will let you know. You never know we may even play a rythmn for you.

Thanks for two great days Fanuel, you were amazing.

Posted by A Inkster at 4:05 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

Colour Carnival Day

As our African project came to an end the school celebrated with a Colour Carnival Day. We all came dressed to school in one bright colour. We looked so bright and cheerful. During Colour Carnival Day we also used the opportunity to raise money for Omar, an African child from Senegal. We are hoping to sponsor Omar for at least one year.

During Colour Carnival Day we were also able to sample some African food. Mrs Slator (our school cook) researched African stews and cleverly made some for each of us to have a taste. They were delicious. Well done Mrs Slator!!!

Posted by A Inkster at 3:54 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

May 19, 2010

WOW!!! INCREDIBLE!!! AMAZING!!!! OUTSTANDING!!!

Roman Road has just had the MOST amazing day today. This was a day that we will never forget and will remember even when we are old and wrinkly!

The Lions of Zululand were unbelievable.

What did you think? Please leave a comment.

Mdu and the Lions arrived early this morning and the hall quickly filled up with children eager to find out why all of the teachers had been so excited! - We were not disappointed.

We heard the singing and the a drum beat before the Lions suddenly burst up the stairs with their shields and knobsticks at the ready.

They began singing, dancing, entertaining and making us laugh for the next 45 minutes. Words and pictures cannot describe the amazing vibe in our school hall. We were left speechless and eager to work with the Lions of Zululand.

Throughout the day we all had the opportunity to learn how to sing and dance like the Zulus. Many of us also had the opportunity to learn about their culture and to draw some of their costumes, shields and spears. The teachers also got the opportunity to purchase African jewellery.

The day came to an end with the whole school showing what they had learned for the whole school. Even the staff demonstrated the dance we had all been taught. What a cheer they got.

Many, many thanks to Mdu and the Lions of Zululand you truly are AMAZING!

What did you think? Please leave a comment.

Posted by A Inkster at 8:05 PM | Discuss/Ask? (10)

Amazing Africa

We have all begun our African challenges this week and we are lucky enough to be getting lots of help from our good friend Lawrence Nnyanzi from Uganda. He will be working with every class across the two weeks.

Lawrence has a wide range of activities for all the children to share in, from African weddings to weaving, dancing to poetry.

We are honoured that Lawrence is giving so much of his time freely to help support our fantastic project. In the photo you can see Year 1 learning all about the continent of Africa.

Posted by A Inkster at 7:50 PM | Discuss/Ask? (1)

Our Very Own Indiana Jones

We were all very suprised todayin assembly to find out Mrs Jones is related to the very famous archaeologist Indiana Jones.

He had sent her an African story of the Greedy Zebra that helped us learn all about grabbing opportunities and making the most of them.

Make sure you make the most of all of the opportunties that come your way.

Posted by A Inkster at 7:43 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

May 12, 2010

AFRICA COMES TO ROMAN ROAD

From Monday 17th May, our school will be focusing all of our attention to Africa, the home of 2010’s World Cup, as part of a whole school project.

Over the course of the two weeks, each class will be set a challenge to complete relating to Africa. Their task must be complete by Friday 28th May when it will go on display in KS2 Hall for our African Showcase.

Throughout the theme our children will also have the opportunity to work alongside artists, musicians, professional sports people and chefs. We are also incredibly lucky, to have made an amazing contact with the Buganda Cultural Society, based in London, who will be giving their time freely to support each class, in learning about some of the traditions, cultures and arts of Africa.

Despite how fantastic this project is going to be, it is important to remember that Africa also faces many issues. We are hoping we can help with one of these issues.

In Africa many children are unable to attend school as they simply cannot afford it or because there is a limit to education. Only four children per family can attend school. This is despite many families having six to eight children. Many children have to walk many, many miles to schools that do not always have teachers or even pencils for them to learn. Yet they value education above everything.

Roman Road would like to help one of these children. Omar is nine. He is one of six children. He lives in a mud hut and helps his father farm. With the help of Action Aid, we would like to raise enough money to sponsor Omar this year. We need to raise £180 and we know you can help make this possible.

Here’s how...

On Thursday 27th May we will be holding a Colour Carnival Day. Children can attend school dressed head to foot in one bright colour. This can include face paint. Instead of asking for an amount for this day, we would like you to offer a donation towards educating Omar. Please dig deep, we have the chance of making a difference. The more money raised – the longer we can sponsor Omar.

Also, on Friday 28th May, we would like to invite you to our African Showcase from 1.15pm in Key Stage 2 Hall. Come and share your children’s amazing work and accomplishments, whilst also having the opportunity to try out some African drumming or even taste Fair Trade food. It is an event not to be missed! Many schools, councillors and advisors from Gateshead will also be attending, to share in the talents of Roman Road’s children. This is the biggest event Roman Road have ever held and we want you to be part of it...do not miss it.

Please keep checking our school website www.romanroadprimary.org for regular updates and photographs of all the events happening in school.

Key Dates to Remember
Colour Carnival Day Thursday 27th May All Day Donation
African Showcase Friday 28th May 1.15pm Donations Welcome

We know the children of Roman Road will talk about this event for years to come. We look forward to sharing this opportunity with you and meeting you on Friday 28th May, where we know you will be astounded!!!

Many thanks for your continued support in all we do.

Posted by A Inkster at 9:21 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

May 5, 2010

Your School Needs You! - Creativity Council

Have you noticed that the way you are being taught has changed in recent years?

Wondering why and want to be a part of that decision making... read on!

Education expert Sir Jim Rose conducted the most significant review of the primary school curriculum in a decade.

His task was to propose a curriculum which would inspire primary children to become life-long learners and give teachers greater flexibility as well as to develop children’s personal skills.

Sir Jim also recommended organising the primary curriculum into six new areas of learning. These would be:

•understanding English, communication and languages

•mathematical understanding

•understanding the arts

•historical, geographical and social understanding

•understanding physical development, health and wellbeing

•scientific and technological understanding

In a nutshell this means we have been given the opportunity to provide a curriculum to meet the needs of Roman Road's children.

As a staff we have been working hard to deliver lessons that are exciting, fun and challenging. We are inspired by the opportunity to meet lots of exciting visitors or visit amazing places and to create new and exciting experiences for you all.

However you are IMPORTANT! We want your views, ideas and suggestions to help make our curriculum outstanding and one that everyone can't wait to share in.

So, how can you go about this?

In the next two weeks you will be asked to choose 2 candidates in your class to become Creativity Councillors. They will meet once a term as part of the Creativity Council where they will be given the opportunity to represent what you want.

Do you think your up for the challenge? Get ready to put yourself forward to be part of Roman Road's Creativity Council.

Posted by A Inkster at 3:17 PM | Discuss/Ask? (1)

March 31, 2010

EGG COMPETITION

Well done to everyone who entered the egg competition. They were all 'egg'cellent'!!!

Well done to the winners and runners up.

Nursery - Hannah Marshall
- Jennifer Callighan

Reception - Ryan Pearson
- Elliott Loews

Year 1 - Alex Gore
- Dylan Callighan

Year 2 - Kyle Mclean
- Daniel Hick

Year 3 - William Fair
- Brooke Champney

Year 4 - Kirsty Lacey
- Chloe Percy

Year 5 - Nathan Nelson
- Jake Archibald

Year 6 - Caitlin Stewart
- Liam Thompson

MSB - Kieran Smailes
- Jake Reed

Best solo effort - Aimee-Lee Brooks
- Sophie Platts

More pictures can be seen in our Gallery by clicking on this link:

http://www.romanroadprimary.org/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1488

Posted by Teaching Assistants at 1:16 PM | Discuss/Ask? (2)

February 25, 2010

Parents Evening

Parents Evening is next week. Please check you have made an appointment with your child's class teacher.

Research consistently shows that where parents are involved with their children’s education and learning both at home and in partnership with the school, their children do better and achieve more.

Help us, to help your child be the best they can be.

We look forward to seeing you next week.

Posted by A Inkster at 9:40 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

February 16, 2010

The countdown begins for Book Week!!!

10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1

It's the week you've all looked forward to...
Book Week is Monday 8th - Friday 12th March!
The theme this year is 'Wrapped up in Reading' - an Egyptian theme...

Keep working on your parent/child competition entries and pass them to Miss Allen as soon as you can. There will be loads of competitions and activities to get involved in during the week:

*Every night from Mon - Thurs the Bookfair will be in the Junior Hall from 3.30pm!
*Wednesday is the Year 6 Enterprise Project where they run a sale in school ...bring your money as there will be loads of fab games, food and prizes as well as books to buy!
*Friday is the BIG competition day. All prizes will be given out on this day. This is also when you can get dressed up...Egyptian style!
(For other information about Book Week, please check the letters sent home before half term)

REMEMBER...Book Week is when we choose our Gold Writer in KS1 and KS2. It could be anyone, so work hard!

If anyone reads this entry and you find information about Ancient Egypt using the internet/researching in the library...Miss Allen will give you a Frogget!!!!!!!!!!!!! Roll on March 8th!

Posted by B Allen at 10:00 PM | Discuss/Ask? (1)

February 10, 2010

Frogget Shop Opens for Business

Froggets are part of our FROG Factor. Frog stands for:

F = Feelings
R = Relationships
O = Ownership
G = Giving

We think about these important things every day in school.

Each day we can earn 8 Frogget points, if we work really hard. We can also get froggets for brilliant behaviour and good manners. At the end of the week we convert our points into Froggets. It's just like money! We have been saving them up over the last few weeks and now we have been able to spend what we have saved.

There was so much to choose from!!! Many of us chose bouncy balls, pencils and even cars. The more Froggets you have, the more you can buy.

Remember if we are absent from school, we lose 8 Frogget points for each day, so it's really important to have good attendance.

We are looking forward to our next visit to the Frogget Shop. What will we buy...?

Posted by A Inkster at 7:44 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

January 18, 2010

INTER FAITH WEEK

At Roman Road this week we will be celebrating Inter Faith Week. Our focus this week will be to meet people who will talk about their religion and to learn about others' faith traditions.

On Monday we will be having an assembly with Michael Glickman based on Judaism.

Tuesday we have a visit from Sheila who is going to talk to us about Christianity.

Classes will also be studying a specific religion

Nursery / Reception / Year One

Christianity

Year 2 / Year 3

Judaism

Year 4 / Year 6

Hinduism

Year 5 / MSB

Islam

We look forward to sharing all our work in a whole school display.

Posted by A Inkster at 12:25 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

December 16, 2009

Carol Service

Due to expected snow on Friday, our Carol Service will now take place in school at 2pm.

Posted by A Inkster at 8:26 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

December 14, 2009

Congratulations - Model School!

Last week Roman Road was awarded Model School Status for Read Write Inc. This is a tremendous achievement for our children and staff.

Roman Road has been using the Read Write Inc phonics scheme from Reception to Year 4 over the last two years. Staff have worked tirelessly to ensure every child learns to read and FAST!

The progress all children have made has been incredible and over the last two years Roman Road has been visited by over 20 different schools, to see how to implement Read Write Inc.

All of our hard work was rewarded last week when we were awarded Model School Status. This is a tremendous achievement as we are the only Model school north of Bradford.

This means that other schools can continue to come and observe our teaching and learning as well as share our expertise.

Congratulations to all of the children who work so hard during these lessons and to the teachers who deliver an exciting, fast paced reading programme.

Yee Hah!!!

Click on the link below to learn more about Read Write Inc.

http://www.oup.com/oxed/primary/rwi/

Posted by A Inkster at 8:45 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

December 13, 2009

Festive Fun

Need a Christmas activity...look no further. Click on the link below and enjoy lots of christmas activities.

http://www.claus.com/village.php.htm

Posted by A Inkster at 8:35 AM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

December 10, 2009

INSET Day - Monday 4th January 2010

School will be closed on Monday 4th January for INSET day.

Children return to school on Tuesday 5th January.

Posted by A Inkster at 6:42 PM | Discuss/Ask? (0)

December 9, 2009

Bling, Bling and More Bling!

Ben and Danny returned to Roman Road on our Bling Day. They astounded us again with their brilliant skills and reminded us how important bike safety was.

Everyone had a great time despite the cold weather. Ben and Danny also helped with the bike raffle. Our lucky winners were:

Nursery - Jamie Greener
Reception - Ruby Robson
Year 1 - Brooke Widdrington
Year 2- Melissa Quinn
Year 3 - Leah Burnham
Year 4 - Callum Robinson
Year 5 - Lucas Turnbull
Year 6 - Craig Sutton
MSB - Jake Reed

Our lucky winners should receive their bikes in the next week or so. Well done to all those who rode their bikes to school. You were amazing.

Above is a picture of some of Key Stage One's bikes and scooters on our Bling Day.

Posted by A Inkster at 9:12 PM | Discuss/Ask? (1)