News
Please check this page regularly to view the latest information regarding what is happening at Ravensmead.
Staffordshire Cricket Coaching Session
Y3/4 took part in Staffordshire Cricket coaching session on Monday. They all really enjoyed it and we all learnt a lot about the skills needed to play cricket. We had some real stars who already play for local cricket clubs. Well done!
Forest School Club
At Forest School club the nursery children enjoyed making wishes when blowing the dandelion seeds and making crowns using natural resources.
What a fabulous job you all did!
Walk to School Week
What are the benefits of walking to school?
Walking to school helps children feel happier and healthier and even do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn. And more families walking means less cars on the road during the school run, helping to reduce congestion and pollution at the school gates. Switching to walking rather than driving can save huge amounts of CO2 and NOx, helping prevent climate change and reducing levels of air pollution, which are a major cause of ASTHMA in children.
What if you can’t walk to school?
If you live too far away or don’t have time to walk the whole way to school, you can Park and Stride at the Community Centre or get off the bus 1 stop earlier!
Each pupil will receive a WOW badge if they walk to school 3 times during the week. (W/C Monday 15th May )
Bikeability
Year 4 have had a fabulous time this week in Bikeability.
Baby shower
The children in Reception enjoyed celebrating Mrs Coates’ baby shower. They took part in lots of different baby themed activities, including guess the baby teachers and pin the dummy on the baby. What fun we had! We are now looking forward to Mrs Coates’ last week before she goes on her maternity leave.
Scootability
Year 3/4 had a fantastic time completing their scootability training. We were so lucky with the weather and the children worked really hard on their scooters. There were lots of happy, tired children at the end of the day!
Down on the Farm
The Eco Group and the ‘Science Selfie Winners’ had a lovely afternoon at the farm. We saw the piglets, farm machinery, pig arc and lambs that had literally just been born! It helped that the sun was shining, which made it even more fun.
We learnt about farming methods and how this compares to a long time ago and we talked about different farming methods. The children loved asking questions and we will definitely be visiting again soon!
Image by Freepik
Coronation Fair
The sun was shining for our Coronation Fair on Wednesday 3rd May. Thank you to everyone who came to support our fundraising event. We are pleased to announce that we raised over £1,300!
King Charles III would be proud to wear any of the crowns that were designed for our competition. Congratulations to the winners Poppy, Heidi, Isla and Sophie.
Fun at the farm
Our Nursery children had a fantastic visit to Lower Drayton Farm. They had a tractor and trailer ride around the farm to see the animals. We planted sun flower and pumpkin seeds too. We named a new born lamb, fed animals and learnt how to care for them. What a brilliant day we had!
Year 4 at Laches Wood
Year 4 had a wonderful time on their residential at Laches Wood. They had the opportunity to try some super activities including: axe throwing, archery, caving, climbing, bushcraft and shelter building.
We are so proud of the children for showing resilience and facing their fears.
They slept for two nights in the dormitories with their friends and had the responsibility of making their beds and keeping their areas nice and tidy, all great life skills that I am sure that they will never forget!
Easter service
KS2 children visited church for their Easter Service. Year 5/6 children read out the poems they've written.
Science Week
The Y3/4 staff and pupils would like to thank Sir Thomas Boughey Academy for coming to school today to run a science workshop.
The children really enjoyed using scientific equipment that they have never used before and they learned a lot from the fabulous pupils that ran the activities.
Occupational Therapist talk
We were so lucky to have Amy come in to school to talk about what an Occupational Therapist does. She told us how science is used in her job and showed us some of the equipment that she uses.
Super Science Ambassadors
Ravensmead Science Ambassadors did a fantastic job of leading a workshop for the Y1 children. It was a pleasure to watch their confidence grow and they really enjoyed sharing their knowledge and skills with the younger pupils. The Year 1 children were so enthusiastic and asked lots of questions.
Biology Talk
Y3 would like to say a huge thank you to Vicky from BOX12 Newcastle under Lyme, who came in to talk to us about the importance of science in her job. We learned so many interesting facts about our muscles and the importance of biology in this career.
Congratulations to our World Book Day cover design winners!
Isla, Hailey, Jackson, Seth, Fajar, Teddy, Maggie, Freya, Ellie-May, Daiisie, Coral, Lottie & Grace
An adventure in London
We were delighted to take another group of Year 6 children to London for an overnight visit. We had a tour and workshop in the Houses of Parliament, and a cold, wet but interesting walk to see Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
We stayed overnight at YHA London Central and had dinner at TGI Fridays in Leicester Square. On the second day we visited the Natural History Museum.
Weekly achievements
Take a look at our Weekly Achievements page to find out who won an award in our Celebration Assembly on Friday.
World Book Day
The whole school took part in World Book Day on Thursday 2nd March to celebrate the importance of reading.
Everyone was invited to come to school dressed up as their favourite book character or word and we were delighted to see lots of wonderful homemade costumes.
The children enjoyed showing off their costumes, guessing the characters and sharing stories in class. They also had the opportunity to take part in a book swap where they were able to bring in a book from home and swap it for another one.
Volcanoes and Earthquakes workshop
What are earthquakes and volcanoes? What causes them to happen? How do humans protect themselves? Year 5/6 have been learning all about it during their wonderful Earthquakes & Volcanoes workshop!
Thanks to www.onedaycreative.com
Mini Medics
Year 5 are now trained in first aid since completing their Mini Medics course which helps them to learn how to take care of their mental and physical health, as well as looking out for the people around them.
Visiting teachers
Year 5 have had a series of lessons taught by visiting staff from STB. They've enjoyed Maths, Science, Drama and here are some photos of their French lesson.
Many thanks to Sir Thomas Boughey Academy.
Y3 visit the Wolseley Centre
Our Year 3/4 children had a great time on their trips to The Wolseley Centre. They learned a lot about the river Trent and the differences between a river and a lake. Some were lucky enough to spot kingfishers and herons! The weather was lovely and there was a wide variety of creatures to find and observe during the pond dipping sessions.
Books & Biscuits
Year 3/4 thoroughly enjoyed their books and biscuits sessions. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us and spend time sharing a book with our children.
The Importance of Water
On February 6th, we had a visit from Lucy, who works for Severn Trent Water. She delivered an assembly about the importance of water and staying hydrated. Then Y3/4 took part in a workshop, where they investigated whether families were ‘water savers’ or ‘water wasters’. This all fit in nicely with Y3/4’s topic on rivers and was great fun too!
Powerleague
The Year 5/6 football team competed in the Powerleague tournament this week. They played very well and made Mr Heppell and Miss McNairn very proud.
Young Voices
Our school choir travelled up to Manchester Arena on 31st January and had a wonderful experience at Young Voices. They enjoyed the afternoon rehearsals and then performed with thousands of other children to a large audience in the evening. Well done everyone!
Forest school
The children in Reception enjoyed their forest school session today. They played hide and seek, explored the den and created a person, using natural resources.
Haircuts for Charity
We are very proud to announce that Dottie and Poppy raised an impressive £1170 to help a local family. They each donated 12 inches of hair to The Little Princess Trust to make wigs for little ladies, who due to health conditions, have lost their hair.
Thank you to everyone who supported the girls!
Fun in
the snow
the snow
The children loved the opportuity to play in the snow with their friends.
Year 3 even used the experience to inspire their writing, describing snowy settings.
Fundraising news
Mrs Darlington and the school council would like to say a huge thank you for all of your help and support in raising money for our chosen charities.
Dougie Mac
We have received a letter from Dougie Mac regarding our fundraising from the cake sales back in October 2022 and October 2021. Our school has been awarded a silver leaf of recognition which will be engraved with the school name and amount raised. It will be displayed in the Dougie Mac base in Bentilee for 12 months before it is passed on to us to display at school.
CRY
We have also received a certificate from CRY following our spotty day in November. Thank you once again for all of your support with our charity fundraising events.
A Magical Experience
Key Stage 2 had a wonderful time watching Aladdin at Crewe Lyceum on 6th January.
A few days later, Year 3/4 had a very special surprise! A mysterious arrival of Aladdin’s lamps were discovered in the hall! The children decorated them and discussed what they would do if they had three wishes which led to some super writing. The children did some super writing from this. (We hope their wishes do come true!)
Helping our local community
Thank you for your support in our collection for the local foodbank. Newcastle-Staffs foodbank were incredibly grateful and have sent us this message to thank everyone who donated.

An adventure in London
We were delighted to take a group of Year 6 children to London for an overnight visit. We had a tour and workshop in the Houses of Parliament, a lovely walk to see Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. We stayed overnight at YHA Earl’s Court then visited the Natural History Museum.