Heading – Art Bytes Vote

20th March 2026Sarah Hall

Art Bytes is a national competition celebrating young people’s creativity. This year, all of Year 5 have had a piece of art entered into the competition. Around 30 pieces were then chosen to be part of the Art Bytes virtual gallery. Selected students from our school have had their artwork shortlisted, and we now invite you to vote for your favourite from our top three entries. Well done to Ted, Ruby and Laura!

You are also able to view other art pieces from the Newminster entries in the virtual gallery.

Voting is open from Friday 20th March to Sunday 19th April:
https://artbytes.co.uk/schools/newminster-middle-school-525/

The winning artwork from each school will be featured in the Art Bytes Virtual Gallery, and the school with the most overall votes will receive the Community Engagement Award. Every vote helps support our students and celebrates their creativity.

For more information, please visit:
https://artbytes.co.uk/how-to-vote/

Morpeth Schools Rock Stars for Comic Relief

13th March 2026Sarah Hall

On Thursday 12th March, ten Morpeth schools united for a spectacular fundraising event in support of Comic Relief. The event, titled “Morpeth Schools Rock Stars for Comic Relief,” saw staff and pupils transform into rock stars for the day, arriving in a dazzling array

of creative costumes and ready to perform.

The event was organised by the Morpeth Partnership and led by Charlotte Jones, Curriculum Leader of Creative Arts at Newminster Middle School. Planning for the celebration began almost a year ago, when Bronze Arts Award pupils at Newminster started choreographing a fun, child-friendly dance alongside school dance teacher and choreographer Miss Kelly. Together they produced a tuition video, enabling schools across Morpeth to learn the routine in advance.

To ensure everyone felt confident and performance-ready, Miss Kelly also visited each participating school to deliver free dance workshops, helping pupils build excitement ahead of the big day.

Originally planned as an outdoor event, the weather had other ideas. With strong winds and rain forecast, the performances were moved indoors and held in sessions at Chantry Middle School, with enormous organisational support from Miss Hughes. Schools performed in groups throughout the day: the first schools opened the event, followed by Newminster, with Chantry bringing the celebration to a close. The performances were filmed and covered by Objectiv Pictures.

Pupils raised money through sponsorship via a JustGi

ving page, showing how creativity, community and the arts can come together to make a real difference.

Charlotte Jones praised the incredible teamwork behind the event:

“This event has been about bringing our community together through creativity. Seeing so many pupils from different schools dancing, performing and having fun for such an important cause has been wonderful.”

Pupils also shared their excitement about taking part.

A Year 6 pupil from Newminster Middle School said:

“Everyone danced and looked like rock stars! We had lots of fun and raised money for Comic Relief at the same time.”

Ella, Year 4 from Morpeth All Saints, added:

“I really liked the dance that was created by the choreographers. It was so good to go with the other schools and see everyone having fun.”

The organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who helped make the event such a success and, of course, to the pupils across Morpeth for their energy and enthusiasm.

Schools involved

  • Stobhillgate First School
  • St Robert’s First School
  • Abbeyfields First School
  • Stannington First School
  • Cambo First School
  • Tritlington C of E First School
  • Morpeth All Saints
  • Newminster Middle School
  • Chantry Middle School
  • Collingwood School (joined online)

Those wishing to support the fundraiser can donate via the JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/morpeth-schools-comic-relief-2

The Morpeth Schools Rock Stars for Comic Relief event proved that when schools collaborate through the arts, they can create something truly special.

Shrek the Musical

2nd March 2026Sarah Hall

Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools are once again joining forces to bring a spectacular stage production to the community – this year presenting Shrek the Musical.

Following the success of previous collaborations, pupils from both schools have been working hard behind the scenes and in rehearsals to bring the much-loved story to life. With colourful characters, lively songs and plenty of humour, this year’s show promises to be Shrektastic!

Evening performances will take place at Chantry Hall, starting at 6:30pm, on:

Tuesday 16th June 2026
Wednesday 17th June 2026
Thursday 18th June 2026

Tickets will be made available via the MyChild app. Families whose children do not attend either middle school can purchase tickets from the school offices from the beginning of May (cash payments only).

Ticket prices are:
Adults: £10
Children: £8

Ticket sales play an essential role in covering production costs, including licensing, set design, lighting, sound equipment and transport. Any surplus funds raised will be directed to the NMS and CMS Creative Arts Fund, supporting future creative opportunities and projects across both schools.

With months of preparation underway, Shrek the Musical is set to be a highlight of the school year!

Newminster’s Got Talent

2nd March 2026Sarah Hall

Excitement filled the school on Friday 27th February as Newminster came together for the much-anticipated Newminster’s Got Talent show.

In the weeks leading up to the big event, hopeful performers had taken part in a series of auditions, all competing for one of just 12 coveted places in the final. The standard was incredibly high, making it no easy task for judges to narrow the field. From the very beginning, it was clear that Newminster is home to an impressive range of talents.

The performance was live streamed to classrooms across the school, allowing every pupil and member of staff to enjoy the spectacle and cheer on their peers. One by one, the finalists took to the stage, each bringing something unique and entertaining to the event.

The audience was treated to an exciting mix of dancing routines, jaw-dropping acrobatics, powerful vocal performances and skilful instrumentalists. There were laugh-out-loud moments

from budding comedians, as well as energetic performances from a student band that had the virtual crowd clapping along. Every act demonstrated confidence, creativity and hours of hard work behind the scenes.

Once all 12 acts had performed, it was over to the pupils to decide the winner. Votes were cast across the school, building suspense as everyone waited for the final announcement. After much anticipation, the winning act was revealed: the unforgettable Alvin and the Chipmunks dance. The high-energy routine wowed the audience with its sharp choreography, characterisation and infectious enthusiasm, earning huge applause and well-deserved recognition.

Newminster’s Got Talent was more than just a competition – it was a celebration of creativity, courage and school spirit. The event showcased the incredible abilities of pupils and highlighted the supportive community that makes Newminster such a special place.

Rockstars for Comic Relief

2nd March 2026Sarah Hall

On 12th March 2026, pupils and staff from across Morpeth will unite for a lively and inspiring fundraiser, Morpeth Schools Rockstars for Comic Relief, taking place at Chantry Middle School.

Organised by the Morpeth Schools Collaboration, the event builds on the success of last year’s activities in support of Comic Relief and is expected to bring together around 1,500 pupils from 10 local schools in a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration and community spirit.

This year’s theme encourages children and colleagues to embrace their inner rockstars. Pupils and staff are invited to arrive in bold, colourful costumes that reflect their personalities, from eye-catching outfits to rock-inspired accessories, helping to create an energetic and uplifting atmosphere throughout the morning.

A major highlight will be a specially choreographed dance performance to a mash-up of two well-known Comic Relief songs, “Word Up” and “Walk This Way.” The routine has been created by talented Year 8 pupils alongside choreographer Miss Kelly, who have shared a tuition video with participating schools to support rehearsals ahead of the event. Pupils from across the schools will perform the routine together, showcasing fantastic teamwork, enthusiasm and confidence.

In addition to the on-site celebrations, other schools will be able to join via a live weblink, enabling even more young people across the community to take part in the fundraising activity and share in the experience.

The event aims to raise valuable funds in support of Comic Relief, reinforcing the positive impact that schools can make when they work together with a shared purpose. It promises to be a memorable and uplifting occasion, giving pupils the opportunity to showcase their creativity, build confidence and contribute to a truly worthwhile cause.

Those wishing to support the fundraiser can donate via the event’s page on JustGiving:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/morpeth-schools-comic-relief-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Watch out for the release of the filmed performance after 12th March! There is also a chance we might appear on the Comic Relief programme on the BBC!

Artsmark Celebration Week 2025 Monday 10th November – Friday 14th November

10th November 2025Sarah Hall

This week, we’re thrilled to be celebrating Artsmark Week – a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible creativity and artistic talent that thrives here at Newminster. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting the brilliant work taking place across the school. Every image you see on our social media platforms with the tag #CelebrateArtsmark will have been captured during this week, offering a real-time glimpse into the rich and vibrant creative experiences that make Newminster such a special place to learn and work.