Transpennine Express Trip to York

19th July 2023Lee Wilkinson

Classes from Ashlade and Blythdale went on a fantastic journey to York. The classes were B12, A6 and A7.

We would like to say a big thank you to Nicola Buckley, Lisa Yemm, Gary Braddock, JJ Fletcher and Stephen O’doherty for the complementary train tickets and for making us feel very safe and comfortable on the train.  We all had an amazing day.

We started our journey at Newcastle central station and we met Gary Braddock from Transpennine. Gary took us over to the Transpennine train and showed us to our seats. We had a very comfortable journey to York. The train was very fast.

At York we met Lisa Yemm. Lisa had a surprise for us, it was a Trenspennine goody bag, it was like a party bag, but even better.

We then walked over to the railway museum. We sat on the real bullet train and looked under a steam engine. Bradley even spotted a Dr.Who Tardis on the model railway layout.

 

We then got the train back to Newcastle and we were able to stand next to the train for a photo.

A1 Fantastic Journey

12th May 2023Lee Wilkinson

This week Oak class (A1) have been watching ‘Up’ for their next fantastic journey! We practised our regulation breathing skills using feathers, balls and balloons during different games. We did lots of moving and stretching to paint out giant house and explored how to mix different colours. We printed then stuck shapes onto our box house, blew up our balloons then did some lovely role play and sharing in it!

B13 Trip

3rd May 2023Lee Wilkinson

Children from class B13 enjoyed a trip to the Angel of the North and Newbiggin Beach as part of their fantastic journeys around the North East.

Harrison Centre for Social Mobility

28th March 2023Lee Wilkinson

On the 17th March we had a visit from Daniel and Peter from the Harrison Foundation and our local MP Ian Levy.

The STEM/Railway Safety carriage has been funded by the Harrison Foundation and is now part of their social mobility centres. The Dales School is very excited to be part of such a fantastic organisation. A huge thank you to Daniel and Peter!

Ian helped the school make contact with the Harrison Foundation and has been helping to support our fantastic train project. We would like to thank Ian for all his support.

The STEM carriage will be used to help children develop early career aspirations and develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as well as helping to deliver Railway safety using a real train.

https://harrisoncentre.org/mp-welcomes-new-harrison-centre-in-blyth/

VIP Guests

6th March 2023Lee Wilkinson

We had a visit from some very important guests. We had the pleasure of welcoming Glen Sanderson – leader of NCC, Richard Wearmouth – Dep leader of NCC, Neil Blagburn – Northumberland Line project delivery director and Kim Waugh – NCC comms, on board the train.

We first met Glen, Richard and Neil at the Ashington hoardings event where students were pictured with members of Northumberland County council and Morgan Sindall. Maddison even made it to the front page of the journal and Bradley, Archie, Millie and Ellie May were seen proudly standing next to their picture.

Copyright Journal Newspaper

Our guests all had a great time visiting the Dales school train and even had a go at using the Train driving simulator

Northumberland County Council Leader, Glen Sanderson, said:

I’m so impressed by this fantastic educational tool providing such an interesting way for children to learn.  The dedication from the school and the local community and everyone involved is very inspiring.

This is such a unique environment which will help children learn vital rail safety in a really engaging way while at the same time allowing a space for them to learn life skills together with teachers, parents and carers alike. I am very proud that The Dales School are so supportive of this rail scheme as their enthusiasm shines through.

I want to say a huge well done to all involved for thinking outside of the box to help our future generations thrive.

Click here to view an article on The Dales School by the Northumberland Line.

World book Day at The Dales School

3rd March 2023Lee Wilkinson

The Dales School World Book Day

 

B4 (Forest) World Book Day Slideshow:

https://www.facebook.com/100057277276782/videos/886854472572033

 

 

The Harrison Foundation kick starts the STEM train carriage transformation

9th February 2023Lee Wilkinson

We have received some amazing news this week. Funding from The Harrison Foundation has made it possible to turn our second train carriage into a STEM hub. The Stem hub will be part of the Harrison Foundations Social mobility centres.

The Harrison Foundation partnership will have a major impact helping to target various issues including giving disadvantaged children life skills and opportunities aiming to break the cycle of poverty, using the train as an inspirational setting to learn.

The Dales School in Blyth recently appealed for additional support to transform the second train carriage into a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) room to target early career aspirations with local businesses in ICT, mechanics, architecture and science.

After hearing about the project from Blyth MP Ian Levy, the North-East based Harrison Foundation has stepped in to provide additional funding for the STEM room, which will also be used to teach practical railway safety and independent travel skills for children with special educational needs.

Dr Sue Fisher, headteacher at The Dales School, commented: “The Dales School is extremely proud to be working with the Harrison Foundation, particularly as they have helped so many individuals to gain life experiences, this is something we are passionate about at The Dales School. Their community work aligns within our vision for the STEM carriage. With the Harrison Foundation as our partner, we will be able to achieve our vision and aspirations to benefit and inspire the next generation.”

Harrison Foundation trustee, Daniel Harrison, added: “I’m delighted that the Harrison Foundation is supporting The Dales School and the next phase of this great idea. Our projects come in all shapes and sizes and which school children would not be excited to have a real train in their playground, where they can read and learn? It’s a great idea and one that we’re delighted to support.”

“I’d like to also thank local MP Ian Levy who played a vital role in connecting us with the Dales school and paving the way for the support we’re able to offer this amazing project.”

Blyth Valley MP, Ian Levy, said: “I’ve been really impressed with the ambition of this project and am happy to have been able to help in some small way. The school, and James Groundwater in particular, deserve huge credit for their persistence in making it happen and I’d like to thank all of the organisations and companies who contributed including the Harrison Foundation. It’s great to have such a wonderful facility in Blyth Valley and to see it on the television.”