Wake up Shake up!
Today, Wake up Shake up happened indoors! Check us out in action…
Living and Learning: I know that some drugs can be harmful.
Years 5 and 6 have taken part in some fantastic discussions this week about our living and learning statement: I know that some drugs can be harmful.
We looked more specifically on managing risks in social situations, and how media influence can blur our opinions on drugs, alcohol and smoking.
Firstly, we discussed where we might see or hear about drugs in the media. Here’s what we came up with:
- TV adverts
- radio adverts
- posters
- shop flyers and signs
- advertising on items, for example birthday cards
- TV programmes and soaps
- newspapers and magazines
We then looked further into some examples (below) and reflected on what the mixed messages were.
Here were some responses from the children:
“The picture in the middle suggests that relaxing, fun and partying all happen because of alcohol.” Harley
“The last one makes me think that men might not feel good if they don’t want to drink beer.” Kara
“The colours in the word ‘vape’ make it seem appealing, but the black and white smoke suggests that it’s not good for our bodies.” Jacob
These three pictures hold mixed messages about drugs and alcohol, which can be difficult to see without talking about them.
Towards the end of the week, we combined this learning with our current writing skill (direct speech) to create a short conversation between two people. We had to goals for this learning: to punctuate our direct speech correctly; to react appropriately/safely in a tricky social situation.
Here’s an example of how someone in our class would react to a situation they were uncomfortable in.
Science: Physics (Earth and Space)
This half-term, Years 5 and 6 are going to learn as physicists, as we are learning about Earth and Space.
Our goal is to learn as much as possible around the following areas:
Planets and the Sun
- What are the planets in our Solar System?
- Can we order them from closest to furthest away from the Sun?
- How long does it take each planet to orbit the Sun – why is this?
- Can we give some knowledge about each planet?
- Are the sizes of the planets/distances between the planets the same?
- How many stars are in our Solar System?
Earth and the Moon
- How does the Earth move in relation to the Sun and the Moon?
- How and why do we experience day-time and night-time?
- Where do months come from? Why are they this long?
- What is the moon and why can we only see it during night-time?
- How do time-zones in different countries link to the movement of the Earth?
Famous physicians/theories
- Who was Nicolaus Copernicus and what theory did he believe about our Solar System?
- How did Galileo Galilei support the same theory?
- Why did people previously believe the Earth was flat? How was this disproven?
- Which is the correct, scientifically proven model of our Solar System: the geocentric or the heliocentric model?
Help at Home
Below is our vocabulary for this half-term. Take time to read and aid understanding of each concept with your child.
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