The Durham Dales Federation is a federation of small rural primary schools, which was formed in September 2023. Staff from all schools work together to share expertise and to plan and deliver the curriculum. Our subject leaders co-ordinate their subjects across all the schools within our federation, which ensures that we can offer the same high-quality experiences to all pupils in our schools.
The Upper Dales schools of Wearhead and St John’s Chapel work together on a regular basis each week. At the start of the week, each school works in their own building and on Thursdays and Fridays, the schools come together on the St John’s Chapel Primary School site. On Federation days, we take advantage of the opportunities to work in larger groups with other children of the same age, and we often arrange visits and visitors for these days so that everyone can participate.
St. John's Chapel & Wearhead Primary School Today we said goodbye to a much-loved and highly valued member of staff. Mrs Fenton has been a dedicated part of St. John's Chapel Primary School for over 20 years and will be greatly missed by staff, pupils, and parents alike. We wish her all the very best in her future adventures thank you for everything, Mrs Fenton!
View this PostWhat a brilliant day of adventure for the children of St John's Chapel and Wearhead! Today's Forest School session was all about teamwork, confidence, and getting stuck into nature. The children showed fantastic skills using real tools safely and sensibly and exploring all the wonders of the wild around them. The highlight? Toasties cooked on the open fireoozing cheese, crispy bread, and proud little chefs! There's something truly magical about sharing stories around the flames and watching young minds grow in the outdoors.
View this PostSplashtastic Fun at St John's Chapel and Wearhead! Yesterday, our amazing children from St John's Chapel and Wearhead Primary Schools celebrated all their hard work with a well-deserved afternoon of water games and a brilliant water fight! There were squeals of laughter, soaked socks, and lots of smiles as the children cooled off and let loose in the sunshine. It was the perfect way to reward their fantastic efforts this term and a reminder that learning and fun go hand in hand!
View this PostHamsterley Primary School Class 2 have been busy snapping their entries for the Hamsterley Hoppings. I'm sure you'll agree we have some talented photographers in our school.
View this PostSt John's Chapel and Wearhead Primary Schools The countdown to the Weardale Show is onand our amazing pupils have been busy preparing their entries! Every child has created two fantastic pieces to showcase, and the variety is truly inspiring. Our youngest artists have wowed us with vibrant hand and finger paintings and imaginative collages, while KS1 and KS2 have impressed with beautiful handwriting pieces and stunning artwork. Expect to see: Striking paintings of birds of prey Serene Weardale landscapes Intricate still life pencil drawings of food The children have poured so much effort and creativity into their work, and we couldn't be prouder. Come and see their masterpieces on display at the Weardale Show on Saturday 30th August 2025you won't want to miss it!
View this PostSt John's Chapel and Wearhead Primary Schools Over the past half term, our talented KS1 pupils have been busy designing and crafting their very own bag tags! With creativity and care, they've explored techniques like appliqué and added eye-catching embellishments to make each tag truly unique. Their hard work and artistic flair shine throughevery bag tag looks absolutely fantastic!
View this PostHamsterley Primary School Celebration Assembly Yesterday, we celebrated another amazing year of learning, laughter, and friendship and gave our incredible Year 6 pupils the heartfelt send-off they truly deserve. Thank you to everyone who was able to come!
View this PostSt John's Chapel and Wearhead Primary Schools Classroom Calm: Celebrating a Year of Hard Work! As we wrap up a fantastic school year, it's time to slow down and celebrate all the effort, growth, and resilience our pupils have shown. Today children from Y3-Y6 have chosen various activities which help them to relax including Coding, Hama beads and drawing.
View this PostHamsterley Primary School We had an amazing time with our new Reception children. They had lots of fun exploring our classroom and getting to know each other. We even got to study the class mealworms, checking to see if any had turned into pupas. We are all looking forward to starting the new year in September.
View this PostWearhead Primary School Celebration Assembly Highlights! On Monday parents and carers of Wearhead Primary pupils met in St John's Chapel school hall which was soon filled with smiles, applause, and proud moments as we came together for our end of year Celebration Assembly! Awards were handed out to our amazing pupils for their kindness, creativity, and hard work. Our talented children gave a heartwarming performance of the songs they have been learning this year and we shared photos and videos of our memories. A huge well done to all our superstars you make our school shine brighter every day! Thank you to all the parents and carers who joined us your support means the world
View this PostFun Times in Class 1! Children from St. John's Chapel Primary School and Wearhead Primary School had a quacking good time today with Donald Duck!
View this PostExploring Shadows in Class 2! Pupils from St. John's Chapel Primary School and Wearhead Primary School have been busy scientists today, investigating how shadows change throughout the day. A brilliant hands-on way to explore light, movement, and time!
View this PostHere is this week's Wake Up Wednesday. This week is all about water safety.
View this PostSt John's Chapel End of Year Celebration! What an incredible year it's been! Today we wrapped up with a joyful celebration assembly, reflecting on all the achievements, growth, and unforgettable memories made throughout the school year. From classroom milestones to creative projects, sports days to school trips every student has contributed something special to our community. Good luck to all the pupils leaving us at the end of the week!
View this PostHamsterley Primary School The torrential rain only made this afternoon's water fight more enjoyable! The children had a fantastic time and made school memories that will last a lifetime. What a brilliant start to the last week!
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