Junior Great North Run

4th October 2008

At 10:30 am on what was rainy Saturday morning

, 120 staff, students and parents set off from Eskdale School for Newcastle's Junior Great North Run 2008. They ejoyed the fun and games in the Metro Radio Arena and the pre-race pasta party before making their way down to Newcastle's quayside for the start of the races. The first race was for 9-11 year olds and covered 3km. First runner home for Eskdale was 11 year old Joe Dowson in 102nd place out of 655 (an excellent time of 20:40 mins). The majority of our runners were in the second race for 12-16 year olds. All students ran superbley over the longer 5km distance. Nathan Blacklock was our first runner home in a ceditable 79th place our ot 812 (14:20 mins).

As the Red Arrows flew over the Tyne Bridge, students dressed as St Trinnians, Pirates, Crocodiles, Bumble Bees, Luminous Ballet dancers and Minnie Mouse passed by.

Cross Country At Scalby School

27th September 2008

On a bright and breezy Saturday morning Eskdale School’s cross country runners from years 7, 8 and 9 travelled to Scalby School.

In near perfect conditions Year 8 and 9 boys were the first to take on the challenge of two laps of the playing fields and one loop of the steep hilly climb. First home was yr 9 Michael Thompson (4), with Adam Entwistle also yr 9 (5) barely a whisker behind. The year 8 boys followed suit with some excellent timed finishes from Matthew Morvan (10) and Robert Stanley (18). With the sun now shining the year 7 girl’s attempted one full lap of the course. Eloise Wright made a strong start, which she maintained coming in at number 7. A close battle between the next twenty girls allowed Ashleigh Young (14), Sarah Thompson (25) and Lauren Thompson (29) to round of a top thirty finish for the year 7 girls team. The year 7 boys kept up the good work also securing four team positions in the top thirty. Sam Fussey (9) running an outstanding race, with Hamish Adamski (13), Toby Price-Coates (14) and Tom Clarkson (16) rounding of an excellent first attempt for the team. To finish of a good all round performance by all of Eskdales teams, the year 8 girls also managed four team placings in the top thirty. Pick of the bunch being Georgina Estill (2) and Maria Mastrolonardo (5).

Mr Raw added,“The boys and girls have been training hard in cross country lessons. Their hard work and commitment have paid off. Well done to everyone who represented Eskdale on the day”.

Success at the Regional Final of the U.K.M.T Team Maths Challenge

Brigitte Phillips, Laura Thompson (Yr9), David Norman (Yr8), Ben Lewis (Yr7) accompanied teacher Mrs Christine Landers to take part in the Regional Final of the UKMT Team Maths Challenge held at Newlands School for Girls, Hull on Wednesday 23rd April. After competing against 19 other schools in 4 rounds - a group competition, a head to head, a cross number and a mathematical relay they gained 3rd Place, only beaten by Horncastle Grammar( a selective Grammar School) and Beverley Grammar.

Teacher Mrs Landers commented that "all 4 were absolute stars" and Brigitte Phillips added " I didn't expect it to be this much fun!"

Smiles Despite Rain!! Bewerley Park Visit

This year’s trip to Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre was another success, despite terrible weather!! Our students rose to the challenge of being wet and muddy, and still managed to smile through it all!  This was a joint visit with Caedmon School, the second year we have done this. 31 year 8 students went on the trip from 14-18th January 2008.

Staff involved were Mr Ian Bloor and Miss Carolyn Neatby. Teaching assistant Mrs Diane Wood from Caedmon also assisted.

The students were divided into 3 groups for the activities and shared dormitories together.Activities included:

• Rock climbing
• Abseiling
• Ghyll scrambling
• Bushcraft
• Jungle Gym assault course
• High and low ropes
• Orienteering
• Team building initiatives
• Walking and map reading
• Canoeing

The evenings were spent doing lots of fun activities also, including

• Night walk
• Quiz/ treasure hunt
• Beatle drive
• Newspaper fashion show

All students also completed diaries during the evenings so that they had a record of their stay.

The students got a huge amount out of the weekandenjoyed the experience immensely.

Sarah Tindall said ” I really enjoyed the Leap of Faith. It was scary when I got to the top” Sally somerville-Woodiwis said "I really liked all the activities but some things were really scary. I enjoyed sharing a dormitory with my friends"

Will Backhouse said " The zip wire was fun. It was great to make friends with pupils from Caedmon"

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