In Book Club, Children from Nursery to Key Stage 2, parents and Grandparents share their favourite books together.

Here are just a few of our favourite stories...

Dear Parents/carers/grandparents and children,

At West Lane, you might have noticed developments on the school field. This is our exciting 'Forest School' Area.

We have used willow and logs to weave a beautiful fence, archway, fire pit area and Dome shelter so far. These will continue to grow and become denser, turning this area into a fascinating wilderness for pupils and (grown ups!) of West Lane to explore and enjoy.

Calling all girls and boys!

Would you like to be part of a team?
Do you want to play a sport that is fun and exciting?

If the answer is YES and you are aged 12 or under, then RUGBY LEAGUE might be just what you are looking for!

Training takes place on Tuesday evenings from 6pm - 7.30pm at Winlaton Vulcans RFC.

Check out the website link below or telephone Dean Barnes for further information:
Tel: -07963556009

http://www.little-warriors-rugby.co.uk/contact.html

The Year 5/6 Winlaton West Lane Tag Rugby Team had a fantastic afternoon playing a "friendly" tournament against another local school Parkhead Primary School!

Our sincere thanks to all the parents and staff who supported the pupils at this event and to Winlaton RFC for allowing us to use their club facilities.
Also, a huge thankyou to the referees / coaches and The "Little Warriors" ARLFC club

Please check out our REALLY FUNNY photostory of the event - you may recognise some familiar faces!

Click on the link below to continue!

finished photostory to upload to website and ready for viewing.wmv

Key Stage 2 were delighted to welcome one of our music workshop teams today. The theme was Music and the Movies, with songs and music played from a variety of children's and adult films. The children learned about rhythm, dynamics, timbre, pitch, structure and mood and were also treated to another rendition of These Boots Were Made For Walking by the KS2 teachers.

Film.pdf

Year 5/6 treated parents, carers and relatives to a musical extravaganza this week. Everyone was a star as they sang and danced their hearts out. Their performances have apparently attracted the attentions of Simon Cowell, who is to take time out from his busy schedule to view a video of the performance. How many of our children will he launch into stardom?

However, rumours that he would headhunt Miss Hamill and Mr Gormley to choreograph and direct the next series of X Factor have disappointingly been proven false.

View some photos from the performance by clicking below.

Primary School Christmas Musical.wmv

On Monday 22nd November, a group of Eco Warriors from West Lane visited Gateshead CLC to design their very own Eco friendly school, in a competition hosted by Open City, the architecture education organisation.

The children were given a series of tasks to complete, using a wide range of computer programs, using designing, drawing and writing skills. So busy and engaged were they, they didn't even ask for a morning break!

Eco comp.wmv

The children were given a series of advice sheets to help them with their designs.

C5 - Light.pdf

D1 - Energy.pdf

D4 - Water.pdf

D3 - Waste.pdf

Children and staff were delighted to welcome Gillian Cross, the acclaimed children's author, to our school on Monday. Best known for the Demon Headmaster series which was also televised, Gillian held workshops with many of the children from Key Stage 2.

Using role play and simple props, like a scarf or a pair of glasses, Gillian stimulated discussion and some excellent writing. Examples of the children's writing will be added to the website over the next few days, so keep your eye out for them appearing.

Check out some other photos of the day:

Cross.wmv

On Friday 12th November, as part of our book celebrations, we had a fancy dress day, when children were encouraged to come dressed as a book character. How many can you recognise?

Fancy dress.wmv

Our latest book activity was to pair up classes across the school, with older children reading to younger children. This has always been a favourite activity of the children and this year was no exception. Everyone in the school took part, from Nursery to Year 6.

See some more images here:

Reading exchange 2010.wp3

All age groups met this morning to take part in the great West Lane book quiz.

Tensions were high as the competitive spirit of children (and staff) became apparent.

As the excitement rose, the quizmasters, Mr Gormley and Mrs Exley, made an excellent job of keeping the team captains under control.

Scores were close all the way through until, with the answer to the very last question, we had a winner - Alnwick!

Final scores were: Alnwick 34, Bamburgh 32, Chillingham 31, Durham 31

Thanks to everyone for a magnificent quiz.

Now have a try yourself.

Quiz questions.doc

To kick off our fortnight of book activities, children brought in a range of books to swap, which proved to be a popular idea for all age groups. There was a lot of serious haggling before those swaps were made! We will be sure to repeat this enjoyable activity.

On a dark and stormy night, a group of art club members ventured out on a visit to the Shipley Art Gallery.

34 children from across Key Stage 2 took part in this year's pilgrimage to Robinwood, near Alston. The weather was very kind this year, allowing the children to take part in the full range of activities available, although there were still plenty of opportunities to get muddy! Children and staff learned new skills and challenged their fears over the 3 days. The staff even learned how to cope without heating on the first night and Miss Hamill discovered the joys of the local wildlife!

Thanks to all the staff at Robinwood, particularly the night staff, for all their hard work, helping make the event a really enjoyable one for everyone involved.

Robinwood2010.wmv

As a treat for our regular cycle users in Key Stage 2, Mr Innerdale and Mr Gormley took a group of children for a spin along the Derwent Walk. 21 children cycled the route at various speeds but all had a great time.

A big thanks to Gaz Evans for helping us out on the day.

Bike Club will be starting again in spring 2011. In the meantime, remember to wear lots of bright clothing when cycling. And get those brakes checked!

BikeRideOct2010.wmv

See the document below for details of a free summer fun day taking place at Gateshead Stadium during the summer holidays.

fun day.pdf

On Saturday 10th July, the school cycle club went on a cycle ride from Newburn to Wylam, the second of our cycle rides this term. A total of 16 children from Key Stage 2 turned up for the ride, along with a number of brave parents. We stopped at Wylam for a picnic. The weather was great, not that anyone needed any excuse to enjoy an ice cream from the local shop.

Mr Innerdale and Mr Gormley would like to thank all those parents who attended as well as those who helped with lifts. They would also like to thank Alan Barlow from Bike It for his assistance and his vast toolkit!

Bike clubs for Year 5/6 and Year 3/4 will start again in September and, following the success of this term's bike rides, another bike ride will be arranged for all our club members.

Enjoy riding your bike this summer and remember to always wear your helmet.

Key Stage 2 children enjoyed a week of cycling activities last week. 35 children showed off their skills. There was a time trial event, also mountain biking, sprint and team races. There was also a cycling event during KS2 Sports Day. Here the children were able to demonstrate how they had tested their abilities and their bikes!

After the team races, times for the various events were added up. Following independent verification, Ryan Jones was declared the winner in the Y5/6 classification, with his brother Sam also proving the victor in Y3/4.

All times are posted up on the Tour de France noticeboard outside Room 9.

More photos can be found on the noticeboard.

It has been a busy time for celebrations at West Lane. We recently celebrated being 'green' by wering green clothes! We thought about how to save energy, turning off electrical appliances and lights, recycling and protecting the environment.

And of course we had to celebrate that very important day of the England game! We all came to school in our England colours to support the team. Some children even stayed late after school to watch the game. Mrs. Whitfield said the atmosphere in the school hall was even better than at the pub!

Take a look at the next group of trampolinists who would like their skills displayed for all to see. If you're in Year 5 or 6 and would like a go we have 2 spaces left in our Friday afternoon club.

For more pictures see extended entry

Studying at university isn't like studying at school or college, but do you know what it's really like? Well Year 6 got that opportunity today when they became apprentice students at Newcastle University as part of the ASC (Apprentice Students on Campus) event.

Well done kS1 and KS2 children who performed on stage at the sage. The dance festival was a huge success and the children were fantsatic!!!

The new National Family Week 2010 website is now LIVE at www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk. Here you will find even more updates, information and resources to help you plan and prepare for The Week.

Make your Family Week Picnic a GIGANTIC occasion!

The National Family Week headquarters have come up with ideas to make your picnic even more fun. Why not produce a giant form of some type of picnic food? This will add a fun, quirky angle to your event and draw families along and could be a fundraising exercise with the money going to a local charity.

More Record-Breaking Fun in 2010
Join this year's Guinness World Record attempt for the largest three-legged race as part of the Family Week Sports Day.

Family Week Story Time

Following its success in 2009, the Wednesday of National Family Week (2nd June 2010) will once again be the Family Week Story Time. We are encouraging storytelling in all its forms - any story, any time, anywhere!

New supporting partners

Monday 31st May
Family Week Picnic
On the Bank Holiday Monday families across the country will be enjoying fresh air and good food. There will be 9 flagship Family Week Picnics and up to a thousand smaller events run by not-for-profit partners.

Tuesday 1st June
Family Week Film Day
A national celebration of film, encouraging families to watch a film together either at the cinema or at home. Why not host a screening of your own?

Wednesday 2nd June
Family Week Story Time
We'll be encouraging families to share a story, anytime, any place, anyhow! It's a great opportunity to showcase storytelling events in a variety of formats, throughout the day.

Thursday 3rd June
Family Week Road Trip
Families will be encouraged to get out and see the UK. To explore and experience just some of the things that makes this country so special. Tourist attractions and beauty spots can open up their doors offering free entry and a range of activities to create a fun day out for all the family.

Friday 4th June
Family Week House Party
Thousands of families will be holding a house party on the Friday of National Family Week. As an organisation why not organise a party too? It can be as big or as small as you like. The theme could tie in with a celebration that is already happening or just be used as an excuse to have a party.

Saturday 5th June
Family Week Sports Day
There will be 9 flagship Family Week Sports Days as well as thousands of smaller sports days happening across the country, encouraging families to get out and active. Why not host a sports day of your own?

Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile
Sunday 21 March, Saltwell Park from 10.30 hours

The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile is taking place in Gateshead's Saltwell Park on Sunday 21st March 2010 and is set to be another huge event.

Milers from both sides of the Tyne will be able to come together and rise to the challenge whilst taking in the surroundings of this beautiful Victorian park.
How far you go at the Gateshead Mile is up to you. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just fancy a fun day out, there's a challenge to suit you.
Choose between 1, 3 or 6 Miles, and bring your friends and family along to join in the fun.
Don't miss out, enter the Gateshead Mile now at www.sportrelief.com or call 0300 123 5070!
www.sportrelief.com

For further information please contact Sport Relief 0300 123 5070

Miss Reid is really enjoying working with some dedicated Year 3 and 4 pupils who attend Artist's club on Wednesdays. They have been exploring the techniques and styles of various artists and art movements, using paint, chalk, oil, pastels, watercolour pencils and ICT. Miss Reid wonders if there might be some pieces good enough to display in the Tate or Louvre!

A great opporunity for Super Dads to be involved in activities with their children for seven weeks on a Saturday morning in Gateshead. The start date is Saturday, 13th February 2010. Please see the attached document for further details.

Superdad Flyer actual.doc

If you as a family enjoy drama activities you might be interested in this family drama learning opportunity at Beamish during February half term.

family drama a5.doc

Christmas cards are not just for Christmas thanks to recycling boxes at all libraries, the Civic Centre main reception plus receptions at Shearlegs Road and Park Road. Cards can be recycled until end of January and will be donated to the Woodlands Trust. As well as cards the Civic Centre (only) will also take batteries. Marks and Spencer's, WH Smiths and TK Maxx will all have recycling points in store across Gateshead and the North East.
Keep on recycling.
Thank you

There is a forthcoming Kids n Cash course beginning at the Blaydon Winlaton Children's Centre. Please would you contact the Cetnre directly to book yourself a place on the course. Thank you for your help with this matter.

On Monday 23rd November West Lane put 2 teams into the local basketball tournament at Hookergate School. Both teams played 4 league games each with the B team winning 1, drawing 1 and losing 2 and the A team winning all their matches and coming top of their league [scoring a record 39 baskets in the process].The A team therefore got through to the final where they played a very exciting and high quality match which unfortunately they lost 2-1 in extra time. Nevertheless everyone had a wonderful afternoon representing the school very well as usual. For a list of the players, results and scorers see extended entry.
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On Saturday 14th November 2009, 6 children from Winlaton West Lane took part in the prestigious Gateshead Cross Country event at Gateshead International Stadium. Our team of Josh Elliott, Ryan Jones, Jack Fothergill, Natasha Johnstone, Megan Hutchinson and Abbie Thornton, showed their stamina and "never give up" attitude as they ploughed through the mud to the finish of the 2 kilometre cross country course .For a more detailed report and final results see extended entry.

On Monday 19th October West Lane played a rugby tournament at Winlaton Vulcans Rugby Club.We had a very successful afternoon winning all our league games scoring 16 tries on the way and getting through to the final.This was a very close encounter which we lost to St Mary and St Thomas Acquinas 3-2. However we were very proud of our silver medals and can't wait for the finals night at Blaydon Rugby Club on Wednesday 11th November. For a full list of results, try scorers, members of whole squad a report by the team see extended entry.

Breakfast and biking seem to go well together!

Bike it breakfast.wmv

Between 14th-16th October, Winlaton West Lane made their annual trip to Robinwood Activity Centre, just outside Alston in Cumbria. The children were very excited, since they had heard such wonderful reports about it from previous year groups, and they were not disappointed.

Robinwood photostory.wmv

Last Wednesday, 6th October, parents and children from West Lane cycled to school to take part in the the "bling your bike and have a breakfast" initiative. Over 20 children came to school with their bikes decorated in a variety of imaginative ways to make them more visible now the nights are drawing in.They then had a delicious breakfast provided by Alan Barlow our "Bike it" representative. Alan then had the difficult task of choosing the most brilliantly blinged bike. He eventually chose Liam Jobling and Connor McDonald. So congratulations boys, but also well done to everyone who turned up .

French Club enjoyed meeting their French Friends from Baho, South of France. I'm glad they brought the weather with them as we visited the coast!

Since the start of summer term, Miss Taylor has been running a Website Club for KS2 children.

In the first session we designed logos for our club using paint, word or powerpoint.

Every Tuesday lunchtime, for the past half term, a number of Year 6 girls have been meeting up to take part in the Computer Club 4 Girls (CC4G).

The Website Club is an exciting new venture for myself and children in Key Stage 2.

The girls swimming team almost completed a clean sweep of the gold medals at the Blaydon Schools swimming gala held at Felling Pool on Tuesday 11th March. The boys team swam well too but without medal success.

More details and comments from the swimmers to follow. Keep checking for updates!

Last month our school Tag Rugby team had a trip of a lifetime. We were fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to visit Twickenham ,the home of English Rugby ,where we demonstrated our skills at tag rugby[we are unbeaten this season!];formed the guard of honour as the players came out of the tunnel ,and obviously watched the match.

Download childrens views on the day

This link will take you to a jazzy website which shows you how to create your own animation. Post a comment if you think it was worth a look!

http://www.cartoonster.com/

16th June 2005

The school team continued its fine run of form with a convincing win over a depleted Wardley team.

On Friday 24th June a team of 24 boys and girls from Years 3 to 6 will be representing our school in the annual Gateshead Primary Schools Athletics Festival at Gateshead International Stadium. The children will take part in events ranging from running to skipping and even throwing the javelin! I'm sure everyone will enjoy representing the school at this fantastic event.