Living and Learning: I recognise mental health is important
Over the last few weeks, Years 5 and 6 have been reflecting on our mental health and how to look after ourselves.
Mental health is about our feelings, our thinking, our emotions and our moods – things you can’t see, but that affect our lives in lots of ways.
In our Living and Learning sessions, we have discussed the types of things that might fall under the mental health category. Here’s what we came up with:
- feelings
- inside feelings
- anxieties
- emotions
- actions
- how our brain feels
- what’s going on in our mind
- mood swings
We also came up with a list of ways to help if we, or someone we know, is struggling from poor mental health:
- Talk to someone you trust. This could be a parent/carer, teacher, friends, other family members, a therapist or Childline (0800 11 11)
- Go to a safe space. This can help take your mind off things that are worrying you. Take some time in a place you feel safe/comfortable to reflect and relax.
- Write in your journal/diary. Sometimes, it’s difficult to express our feelings/concerns by talking. If you prefer, you could write down what you want to say.
- Go outside and exercise. As we all experienced lockdowns due to Covid over the last few years, we all agreed that physical activity outdoors is a great way to make yourself feel better. This can distract you from your mind for a while and give you chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Help at home:
Give your child regular opportunities to talk about their feelings/worries. In our circle times, children have really benefitted from speaking out and asking others for help. Even if the worries seem small, it’s important that the children know we are all here to help, both at home and at school.
A Fantastic Football Experience!
Some pupils in Year 5 and 6 recently took part in the Leeds United football foundation competition, held at John Smeaton Leisure Centre.
Although it was an extremely cold morning, the children had a fantastic time playing against other local schools in a mini competition. There were some extremely talented youngsters on show, including some of our own!
We didn’t manage to win, but that didn’t stop us from celebrating like crazy after scoring two goals!
Thanks to all pupils that participated – you were a pleasure to take, and you represented the school extremely well.
Here’s a picture of the team with the World Cup Trophy (they flew it all the way back from Qatar for us!).
Christmas events
It’s a busy time of year with so many things happening. Here is a reminder of the Christmas events taking place over the next two weeks:
Wednesday 7th December, 2pm: Christingle Service at St James’ Church
Thursday 8th December, 2.15pm: Early Years and KS1 Christmas play
Friday 9th December, 9.30am: Early Years and KS1 Christmas play
Tuesday 13th December: Christmas dinner
Wednesday 14th December: Early Years and KS1 parties (non-uniform)
Thursday 15th December: Ks2 parties (non-uniform)
During our productions, we will be raising money for our new school charity voted for by the Junior Leadership Team. This year we will be supporting Cancer Research UK.
Pro Printers!
Year 5 and 6 have been putting our knowledge to the test by practising our very own printing process! So far, we have learnt about two designers:
- William Morris
- Orla Kiely
After looking at their design and printing work, we were inspired to have a go at creating some of our own. The children absolutely loved the process and we will definitely be practising again soon! Here are some images of our work so far – we are really proud of it!
St James’ does Tempo FM!
Today, some children did a fab job of representing St James’ on Wetherby’s very own local radio station – Tempo FM!
Maybe you tuned in and heard Dexter deliver the weather or Aubree tell us about local events or perhaps you heard Mrs Bald explaining why our school were visiting Tempo FM…
As part of community week, we joined up with the community radio station. All week, we’ve been thinking about what community means and what it’s like to be a part of a community.
Check us out in action…
Community Week: The Mayor of Wetherby
To kick start our community themed week, we welcomed the Mayor of Wetherby into school. Councillor Neil O’Byrne was elected as Mayor and he’s is in his third term of office.
The children listened to the Mayor as he explained his role in the community. Following this, the classes were able to ask questions.
Do you get paid?
Who voted for you and was it fair?
Do the people of Wetherby vote?
Why do you wear the chains around your neck?
Have you made a difference to the people and town of Wetherby?
Was there an election?
Don’t forget, the Mayor will be lighting the Wetherby bonfire on Saturday!
Happy Half Term!
Thanks to all Year 5/6 pupils for their hard work and positive attitudes during the first half term – everyone has started off really well! Thanks also to all parents that came to the parent/teacher appointments – you were all extremely supportive and I am very grateful for that.
Moving into the next half term, I am hoping to continue the progress Year 5 and 6 have already made – well done, everyone!
Mr Freeman
Living and Learning: Protected Characteristics
Our Living and Learning statement last week was…
I respect others
Year 5 and 6 have been learning about equality and discrimination. We have looked at many scenarios where an individual (or group) was being discriminated against. We discussed what these reasons might be and what we would do to change the world if we could.
Then, we had a look at the Equality Act (2010) and our protected characteristics that we can’t be discriminated against. Pupils were mature, engaged and active in this learning, which resulted in some fantastic discussions and advice for others.
Here are the nine protected characteristics:
- sex
- sexual orientation
- gender reassignment
- disability
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- religion or belief
- race
- age
We will continue to focus and test ourselves on these characteristics throughout the year.
What’s in the Box?
This week, Year 5 and 6 are writing our first piece of short, descriptive narrative. This writing is based around our class novel (Secrets of a Sun King) where Lilian, our main character, finds a mysterious package on her grandpa’s front door step.
Our aim is to engage the reader by showing them Lilian’s thoughts and feelings, instead of just telling them everything that’s happening. We can do this by leaving little clues for the reader to pick up on – this allows the reader to paint a better picture of the story in their minds.
I am so impressed with the amount of perseverance all pupils have shown with this writing – some children even started all over again because they were determined to improve!
Here are some examples of our work so far – well done, everyone!
British History Experts!
Year 5 and 6 are on a chronological learning journey through Britain!
For the last few weeks, we have learnt all about life in Britain during the New Stone Age (4,000 BC – 2,500 BC) and the Bronze Age (2,500 BC – 800 BC). Here is some of the information we’ve learnt so far!
So, what’s comes after the Bronze Age? Well, this week we’ll be adding to our timelines and learning all about the Iron Age!