We started the Key Group British Pride because we wanted to have a go at organising a trip. We had the idea of helping Jesmond Dene Rangers because we wanted to help the community and wildlife. We thought that this community would be good to support as it provided good activities as well as helping the wildlife. We are helping the wildlife because some are endangered and some animals are dying because of pollution or eating things which are bad for them.

The first step in our project was when we met Sarah (a Jesmond Dene Ranger) and we discussed all the ideas we had. We used our skills of compromise as we organised what we were going to do for the trip to Jesmond Dene. Some activities were: making bird feeders, building new insect houses and even seed planting.

The next step was when we had to talk to some members of the Key, tell them our plans for the trip, and convince them that out project was worth sponsoring with their money. This was a tricky task as it tested our ability to speak for ourselves and convey our ideas to others. Overall it helped us and improved our skills for the future.

Lots of people took part in the trip. We encouraged as many people as we could by speaking at the assembly and asking them to sign up in the resource area at KS2. To choose who was coming to the trip, we decided to pick names out of a hat because there were too many people to take. We had worked out our  budget so we knew  we had enough money for the things that we would do at Jesmond Dene.

We travelled on a minibus all the way to Jesmond Dene and we met other rangers like Cath, who helped us with seed planting, and Ken, who helped at pets’ corner. Everyone had lots of fun (especially when they were feeding  animals.

by Jeffrey and Josh

There was more squash success for the boys this time. After having beaten Gosforth Junior High and a team from Manchester Grammar School the under 13s team was through to the finals that took place in Nottingham. Each of our boys played two games in the final. Unfortunately they were drawn against the favourites  who went on to win the competition a team from Kings College Cambridge. Our team came a very creditable third and were each awarded a medal.

On the 9th March, a group of girls from Year 5 and 8, had a great time at Concordia Leisure Centre.  While they were travelling to Concordia, they went to Nando’s to eat before they went on an eventful trip to Concordia.  They had a great opportunity because of a generous charity called ‘the Key’.  The key is a charity, which encourages children to independently come up with a project and then to create a presentation, figure out the time, cost and how many people they need for a trip. This lets the children develop a range of skills while working together.  We did our presentation and the Key representatives thought that our trip would be good so decided to give us the grant of £500 to go on the trip.

Following World Book Day, a reading challenge was set. Pupils had to do 20 tasks, such as read to a pet, read somewhere different, read someplace where you wouldn’t normally read, listen to an audiobook, read in the bath (careful!), and many more. Those who completed all of the challenges would be put in a prize draw. The school winners were Olivia 5SL and Mina 5SL (me!). We each won a Maltesers chocolate egg and bag of Maltesers (yummy)!

The colour run event, organised by Mrs Cheape, took place on Friday the 23 of March. It was a 30 minute run where other people throw powder at you. The run was organised to raise money for Sport Relief. Lesson 4, the Year 5s ran and Year 6 threw powder at them, then they swapped round. Lesson 5, Year 7s ran and Year 8s threw then switched. The powder colours used were: yellow, pink, blue, green and purple.

In  mid February on  Wednesday  there was a Valentine’s disco. There was a DJ and live bands by year 5, 6, 7 and 8- some of our talented students were playing their own music.  It was AMAZING there were stalls with food, drinks and sweets. Everyone was dressed to impress and everyone danced the night away … there were some sore feet the next morning.   The hall was decked out with hearts and Chinese new year decorations to put everyone in the mood for love!