Schools raise thousands for this year’s Children in Need appeal

Children across five primary schools have raised thousands of pounds for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

​The Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust schools took part in various fundraising activities last week to boost this year’s Children in Need fundraising campaign.

There was a sporting flavour to the fundraising when St John Vianney Catholic Primary School in West Denton took part in this year’s Children in Need.
Children from Reception to Year 6 tested their skills at ‘Pudsey Bear Pong’ to raise money for the annual appeal.

“Pudsey Bear Pong is a game using ten cups and three ping-pong balls,” said Judith Black, Year 6 Teacher at the school. “Each child in turn was given three balls. They then threw or bounced the balls one at a time towards the cups. 

"The cups were set up in a triangle formation. Each cup had an allocated number of points to be won. The top of the triangle had higher points to win. Any balls missing the cups counted as zero points.”

Every class at the school held its own competition, with Year 6 pupils assisting the younger players. Scores for the individual contests were displayed on classroom leaderboards, with each top-scoring boy and girl winning a Pudsey Bear Pong medal.

“The Year 6 children, working in small groups, gave their time to help the younger children play the game and enjoy the fun,” continued Mrs Black. “The Year 6 children gave demonstrations, set up the cups, helped count the scores, retrieved the ping-pong balls, and helped create the leader board.”

There was also a closing assembly, where staff members took their turn at the Pudsey ping-pong challenge, and the children learnt more about the charity.

Mrs Black added: “For Key Stage 2, the day ended with a Celebration Assembly which focused on the reason we support Children in Need. Using the Children in Need website, we shared with the children stories and reports of how Children in Need supports events and projects in our local area.

“It is important for us to show our children that their actions can make a difference, and they are changing lives for the better. Children helping children!”

Meanwhile, the fundraising fun started early when children at St Charles’ Catholic Primary School in Gosforth took part in this year’s Children in Need appeal.

Pupils from Nursery to Year 6 kicked off the event in style last Tuesday (November 12), arriving at the school gates with their choice of fancy dress prop – and their dancing shoes.

“Every child brought a prop in, such as sunglasses or a funky hat,” said Megan Cranney, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, who organised the fundraiser with the help of the School Council. 

“These props remained under the children’s chairs for the week. Throughout the day, random dance breaks happened, where the teacher played music and you had to quickly put your prop on and dance until the music stopped.”
The dancing continued through to Children in Need Day on Friday (November 15), where the week culminated in a whole-school dance off.

Miss Cranney continued: “On Friday, our big event happened, where the whole school wore their props, had glitter face paint and glow sticks, and where we all danced together in our school yard.

“Every class had prepared a dance routine, ready for a dance battle to commence. All the teachers were involved as well – at the end they had their own dance battle!”

Children in Need is an annual fixture on the calendar at St Charles’, and in previous years, the Gosforth school has raised over £1,000 for the charity.

“This year, the school hopes to have raised even more money than last year,” added Miss Cranney. “These events are so important at our school. 

"We are so thankful for the talents and gifts that God has given each member of our community, and we all work hard to support and make sure we make our school, our local community, and the world a better place.”

Meanwhile children at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in North Shields got creative and crafty when it came to raising money for Children in Need this year.
The pupils curated their own costumes for the annual fundraiser, sporting an array of distinctive and colourful outfits on Friday 15 November in aid of the appeal.

“All children – over 220 from Nursery to Year 6 – took part in events at school to celebrate and support Children in Need,” said Headteacher Shaun Dillon. “Children were invited to come into school wearing something spotty, something bright, or pyjamas. 

"We ask that everyone live out our mission of ‘Caring for our Common Home’ from Pope Francis’ letter Laudato Si by not spending money on new clothes or costumes.

“What families at St Cuthbert’s do is upcycle some old clothes to make their own costumes, so our school is full of original and unique fashions and creations.”

Banners made by the children were on display around the building to promote Children in Need, while collections took place at the school gate at the start and end of the day.

St Cuthbert’s is a Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School, and the pupils are no strangers to campaigning and fundraising.

Kerry Cottiss, who is Assistant Headteacher at the school, continued: “St Cuthbert’s children are fantastic ambassadors for our school and community, and they have successfully campaigned for positive changes in our local community and linked these to rights.

“St Cuthbert’s school community raises about £250 each year. Whilst the money raised is important, the most important thing for our children and staff is highlighting that children have a right to be children, to play, to be protected and safe, and to be happy.

“Our children know they can speak out and be heard, and that they can make a big, positive difference to the world.”

And pupils at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Bedlington were ‘all ears’ when it came to this year’s Children in Need fundraising appeal.
Children across all year groups arrived at the school gates on Friday 15 November sporting yellow or brown, furry, teddy-bear ears in aid of the charity.

“On Friday, we spread the message of what Children in Need supports in our Celebration Assembly,” said Samantha Fairbairn, Assistant Head at the school. “The children were invited to come in wearing Pudsey or Blush ears to support this message.”

Children at St Aidan's Catholic Primary School in Ashington welcomed a very special visitor when they took part in this year’s Children in Need appeal.

The charity’s famous teddy bear mascot, Pudsey, spent time at the school on Tuesday last week before the school sold Pudsey bracelets and keyrings from Wednesday to Friday.

The school also held a non-uniform day to fundraise for Children In Need on Friday which also saw kitchen staff make Pudsey Bear Cupcakes for children to enjoy at lunchtime. The school hopes to raise at least £300.