Windy Nook: a school and community at War
1914-1918
WW1 Project and its Legacy
At Windy Nook Primary we have always valued the history of our locality, so we are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund First World War; then and now grant to help us investigate Windy Nook: A School and Community at War 1914-18.
In 1914 the village was a still a distinct Edwardian community, ‘occupying’, according to Whellan’s 1894 Directory, ‘an elevated and exposed position’ within Felling Parish. The largest employers were local mines and quarries. Our school opened in 1883 and played a prominent part in local life. During the summer term 2018 our Year 6 children, led by Mr Hawdon and Mr Brown explored the impact of that terrible conflict on local people.
This project had a profound and lasting effect on everyone at Windy Nook Primary School; therefore, and quite rightly so, we have decided to continue to contribute to this page. It is our tribute to the fallen men and women who sacrificed theirs lives to give us the British values that we cherish: democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths.
Explore & Research
Learning through…
Field Trips
We have field trips planned to Heugh Battery, Hartlepool, Newcastle University and St Alban’s Church.
Local Archives
We’ll be looking at the old school log books and using military service records, CWGC resources, newspapers, maps and census materials.
Expert Visitors
Artist Kate Hancock, ICT expert Martin Bailey and WW1 re-enactor Sgt Chapman will be visiting school to help our Y6 children.
Project Resources
Trade
Directories
Windy Nook
Hero
Finding John
Brown King
Leading Up
To WW1
School Log
Books
WW1 Links
September’s Newsletter
Please click on the document below for a copy of September's newsletter. Should you require a paper version then please ask at reception. Windy Nook Primary Newsletter Sept 2026 Article 13: You have the right to find out things and share what you think with others, by...
Welcome Back, Snowdrops!
What a fantastic start to the new school year! I have been so impressed with how brilliantly the Snowdrops have settled back into school and how much enthusiasm they have shown for their learning. In English, we have begun reading The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The...
Welcome back to school!
Hi everyone, I can’t believe that’s Week 1 complete already! The children have all worked incredibly hard and have settled into the new school year brilliantly. This week in English, we have been exploring the use of capital letters and full stops, as well as learning...
School closed Tuesday 1st September
Just a reminder to all parents and pupils that school is closed Tuesday 1st September for staff training. We look forward to welcoming back pupils on Wednesday 2nd September.
Another Fantastic Year at Windy Nook!
As another school year comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful children, families and staff for making this such a fantastic year at Windy Nook. Our children have impressed us every day with their hard work, resilience,...
Mr Gibson going for gold
Thank You and Good Luck, Mr Gibson! At the end of this academic year, we will be saying goodbye to Mr Gibson as he leaves Windy Nook Primary School to pursue his teaching qualification and take the next exciting step in his career. Over the past four years, Mr Gibson...
Mrs Ferry – School’s out forever
After 22 remarkable years at Windy Nook Primary School, we are saying a fond farewell to Mrs Ferry as she begins her well-earned retirement. Throughout her time with us, Mrs Ferry has been a valued and dedicated member of staff, making a lasting impact on countless...
Goodbye Mr Brown
Thank You and Good Luck, Mr Brown! There are some people who leave a mark on a school, and then there are people like Mr Brown, whose influence will be heard echoing through the corridors for years to come, probably in perfect harmony and with a few actions thrown in...
Anne hangs up her mop!
After years of keeping Windy Nook sparkling, shining and looking its very best, Anne has decided it is finally time to hang up her mop, park the vacuum and retire! Anne has spent her time at Windy Nook tackling more than her fair share of spills, splashes and muddy...
Sunflowers, Sandcastles and Summer Fun in Nursery
During our final week of the academic year, we have had a wonderful time completing the last sessions of our summer topic. The children were very excited to reflect on all the fun learning experiences they have enjoyed and to take part in some fantastic summer-themed...
Gateshead SSP sports Awards Night!
Last night, a number of our pupils were invited to attend the School Sport Partnership (SSP) Awards Night at The Fed, celebrating the outstanding achievements, dedication and commitment of young people in sport across Gateshead. we are incredibly proud to announce...
A Fantastic Final Week in Reception!
Reception have had a fantastic final week, making the most of the warm weather by enjoying time outdoors to cool down with water play and ice lollies. The children absolutely loved paddling their feet in the little pools, creating lots of smiles and special memories....
Image credits
Banner image: Imperial War Museum Photograph Archive Collection
Response Memorial: Photograph by Jacqueline Banerjee from the Victorian Web
Inside Heugh Battery: Paul Buckingham [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons