Robin Wood Day 1
What a first day we’ve had today at Robin Wood. The children have been AMAZING and given everything a go with a smile on their faces. We have been very proud of them.
Our first activity today was the Knight’s Quest – a fantastic way to start our trip with lots of communication and teamwork.
Next, it was time for archery. This was a firm favourite amongst the children (and myself).
Crate Stack was next. This was hilarious – we all thoroughly enjoyed this and it brought out the best in our children.
Finally, we took part in the trapeze. This really challenged us but we succeeded.
All in all, a happy and healthy day. We even found time to reflect and connect when treated with a double rainbow.
What is a drug?
Continuing with our Keeping Safe week, we had a visit from D:side Dave today.
To start our session, Dave asked the children what drugs they knew – he then put them into categories (medical, non-medical, legal, illegal). One interesting point of conversation was around caffeine. Whilst caffeine has an age limit of 0+, some energy drinks do have an age limit of 16+ (here some establishments may refuse to sell them to under 16s). Drinks that fall into this category include Red Bull, Monster, Prime and Relentless. This is due to the huge amount of sugar and caffeine in these drinks. Here, Dave is showing the children how much sugar is in one can of energy drink:
Following this, Dave highlighted what we should do if a medical drug brings someone out in a rash, for example. Should this happen, we should stop talking the medication immediately and seek medical help. We also learnt that we should never give a drug to someone that is prescribed for someone else.
We spoke about illegal drugs and that if anyone is caught using or supplying them then they could face time in prison and be banned from working in some place. Certain drugs are illegal as they are so dangerous and can seriously affect people’s bodies and mental health. They can also affect the people around them. A shocking fact is that nicotine kills more people in the UK than any other drug.
Finally, Dave showed the class images of people before and after drug use. The purpose was to highlight the effects drug taking can have on someone’s appearance in such a short space of time.
Help at home – Speak to your child about what they have learned today. Is there any key facts they remember. What would they do should someone try to peer pressure them into taking a drug?
Water Safety: Canal and River Trust
As part of our Staying Safe week here at St James’, we had an online meeting with Claire from The Canal and River Trust. The focus of the meeting was to educate us all about how to spot dangers around canals and rivers. The children enjoyed spotting dangers and explaining their reasons.
Claire ensured all the children know what to do should they see anyone in trouble at a river or canal. We should always call 999 in these situations. The emergency services will then aim to be there within 8 minutes!
Help at home – Can they speak about anything new they have learnt today? Visit the canal and river trust website – https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/.
PC Louise
Today, KS2 had a visit from PC Louise from West Yorkshire Police. She came in to talk to us about how to stay safe when we are out and about in our local community.
The first thing Louise spoke about was the importance of telling our parents or a trusted adult about where we are going and what time we will back home. This is crucial as it helps us to stay safe.
The next thing Louise spoke about was the importance of observing signs when we are out and about. Signs linked to roadworks, railway tracks, water and building sites were spoken about. She also mentioned that we MUST NOT enter sites that are abandoned for many reasons.
PC Louise spoke to us about what to do if we see someone acting suspiciously at the park or if there is someone who makes us feel uneasy. We should take ourselves away from that situation and make sure we speak to a trusted adult. If something doesn’t feel right – take yourself out of that situation.
Finally, PC Louise spoke to use about the importance of ALWAYS wearing a seatbelt when travelling in a car. It doesn’t matter if the trip only takes 10 seconds or if we are travelling at 5mph, ALWAYS WEAR A SEATBELT.
Help at home – speak to your child about how they can keep themselves when out in our local community.
Red Cross first aid
This afternoon, Year 6 had a visit from Graham from the Red Cross.
During this informative session, children learnt about some of the main injuries experienced by people (broken bones, heavy bleeding, head injuries and burns). We learnt how to deal with these injuries and how we can best look after a patient.
We also learned what to do if we suspect if someone is having a heart attack or a stroke. If someone is experiencing a stroke, we think FACE (Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999).
One of the key pieces of information Graham taught us was to act fast and call 999.
Help at home – speak to your children about what they learnt today. Do you have a first aid kit at home? Ask them what to do if someone suffers a burn or a broken bone. What items can we use to help someone if we don’t have a first aid kit?
Fire safety
As part of our school ‘staying safe‘ week this week, Year 5 and 6 had a visit from firefighters from Wetherby Fire Station. We were taught about what the firefighters do and the various jobs they are called to.
We learnt about prevention and the steps we can take to ensure that we reduce the risks of a fire breaking out in our homes – this includes not leaving devices with lithium-ion batteries plugged in.
Ensuring we have a bedtime routine is important too – ensuring ovens are off, devices unplugged, stairs clear and doors shut. The children were encouraged to speak to parents about an escape route should a fire break out, like what we do here at school.
The over-riding message from the visit was: GET OUT, STAY OUT, CALL 999.
Help at home – Ask your child:
- What jobs do the firefighters do?
- What are some of the common causes of fires in the home?
- How often should we check fire alarms at home?
- How many smoke alarms should we have in our homes?
- Which devices have lithium-ion batteries?
- What should you do if there is a fire in your home?
SATS week
We have made it to the end of a very long yet very positive week.
I am so proud of how the children have arrived each day, focussed and ready to do their best. They have been keen to show off their knowledge and showcase the progress they have made this year.
Today, we have enjoyed a more relaxed day with each other. We have played games and shared snacks; celebrating the end of SATS week.
I would like to say a huge ‘well done’ to all the children. I would also like to thank all the parents who have continued to support and who have sent their child in with some treats today.
I hope you all have a happy and healthy weekend.
Update
What a week of revision we have had this week. The children have been amazing ensuring they are ready for their SATS next week; I have been so impressed with their maturity.
Just a reminder that Year 6 children are invited into school at 8.15am next week for breakfast club (Monday-Thursday).
This weekend, please try to have a relaxing time. Perhaps you could play at the park, go on a bike ride, have a movie day or go on a nature hunt. Children have done the hard work and deserve a weekend of whatever makes them happy.
Next Friday, we will be having a celebration day in Year 6 to mark the end of SATS. Children can bring in some games of their choice (please nothing expensive) and some snacks to share (please no nuts).
Have a happy and healthy weekend everyone.
Living and Learning
Being safe
This week we took part in the NSPCC Speak out Stay Safe online assembly.
The assembly highlighted children’s rights. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out the rights of every child in the world to:
- survive
- grow
- participate
- fulfil their potential.
You can find out more here:
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/children-the-law
The clear message throughout the assembly was for children to ‘Speak out, Stay safe’. As with all our Living and Learning lessons, children were able to talk about who their trusted adult is. We use this every week to remind children and use as a discussion point:
Help at home: Who is/are your child’s trusted adults? Do they feel confident talking to them about any worries or concerns they have? Visit the Childline website where there is age-appropriate advice, games and other interactive tools.
Topic – Geography
This half term, we are geographers who study the land (the physical features of the
Earth) and the people who live within it (the human features).
During the last few weeks, the children have been busy exploring the characteristics of different biomes from around the world. We’ve discovered that biomes are large areas of the Earth that share similar climates, plants and animals; we were amazed at just how different these environments can be.
Then, we focussed on the Amazon Rainforest and Dalby Forest, making comparisons between the two. We have also been learning about the various layers of the rainforest and what creatures make this area their home. We have learned about how important the rainforests of our planet are and what a vital resource they are to all of us on earth.
We’re really looking forward to diving deeper into this topic over the coming weeks. Next week, we will be finding out what resources come from Brazil. Are their any items in your kitchen that originate in Brazil (i.e. sugar, coffee)?
Help at home – ask your child about the various biomes. Can they remember the four main biomes and describe each one. What animals live there? What are the different layers of the rainforest?