Projects

Schools International Partnership – China

St Aidan’s is currently leading a cluster of local schools researching how Shanghai Kindergartens structure their curriculum in EYFS with an emphasis on gross and fine motor skills leading to early writing. The group are looking at the impact a structured gross motor programme then fine motor skills would have on writing throughout the school.

During October we offer our children the opportunity to visit China on a residential trip. This involves experiencing Chinese culture and traditions, taking in sights such as the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army. Our children are also invited to visit our link school of Zhongshan where they take part in a range of lessons and learn the Traditional Tea Ceremony. October 2019 will celebrate a 10 year anniversary of the two schools working closely together.

We are also fortunate to invite two Chinese teachers over to England to work in St Aidan’s for several months. During this time they educate the children in Chinese traditions, language and dance.

Furthermore, staff are given the opportunity to travel to Zhongshan School in Shanghai to teach children during English week. This is a fantastic experience where teachers learn about Chinese teaching strategies as well as how to teach children with a different language to them.

Schools International Partnership – Italy

Over the past four years, St. Aidan’s have created an international partnership with San Giovanni Bosco School (Thiene Italy). The partnership allows children to develop lasting friendships with their Italian counterparts, as well as studying similar topics throughout the year and perfecting their MFL with native speakers.

For the past three years, our school has travelled with parents, children and a number of teachers to Italy, visiting not only San Giovanni, but other locations of historical and cultural importance in Italy. Sites such as Venice, Verona, Lake Garda and Bassano Del Grappa each have brought rich history and cultural differences to the eyes and minds of our children.

We are very proud of the links we hold with Italy, often communicating via skype, emails, our school website and even sending over letters to pen pal friends. The opportunity to speak to children from a different country and share friendships has only blossomed over the last four years and we aim for this to continue as we prepare our future trips.

Green Schools Project

As part of the Green Schools Project, children are working closely together with representatives from Newcastle University to make St Aidan’s more eco-friendly. After seeing how humans are damaging the world we live in, they are making an effort to tackle climate crisis, starting at school and in the local community.

Teaching School

St Aidan’s enjoys developing the teachers of the future by working as an Initial Teacher Trainer provider for School Direct, SCITT and Northumbria University, providing a solid foundation for shaping future careers in primary education. Furthermore, we also host a number of subject specific training sessions where teachers pass on their knowledge and skills to the trainees.

360 Degree Safe Accredited School

In the growing climate of technology and use of the internet, St Aidan’s understands the importance of educating our children and community in keeping safe online. Through work in classes, drop ins and messages shared with parents via the school website and Twitter, we aim to keep the St Aidan’s family up to date with how to keep everyone safe.

Artsmark – Gold

As recognition for the curriculum we provide to all of our children, we received the Artsmark. This Artsmark is awarded to schools who develop and celebrate their commitment to arts and cultural education.

International Award

For commitment to embedding international awareness and understanding across the school, we received the International Award. St Aidan’s is an inclusive school and we celebrate the diversity of our children and families. Parents are invited in to talk to year groups about their culture and religion, giving our children a greater understanding of the world we live in.

PSHE plays an important role in the daily life of everyone. We have worked with the Anna Freud National Centre in educating our Key Stage 2 children about mental health and understanding that it is okay to feel different. The NSPCC are regular visitors sharing assemblies and workshops on PANTS (the underwear rule), keeping safe online and Childline. Parents are also invited into these sessions and break out groups which follow.

Side by Side Arts Partnership

We work in partnership with Side by Side Arts to offer music tuition throughout school in piano. guitar and violin. Over 40 pupils throughout school receive individual or paired tuition on a weekly basis. Children in Key Stage 2 receive weekly music lessons from specialist music teachers from Side by Side Arts, including whole class ukulele and guitar lessons in Years 5 and 6.

The Big Lottery Fund

We have worked with the big lottery fund and a local historian to build a memorial to those who died in WW1 in our forest school area. We have also received funding to build a multi gym behind our Multi Use Games Arena (MUGA).