Living and Learning
I know some drugs can be harmful
Our Living and Learning lesson this week, focused on media messages and influences in relation to tobacco, vaping and alcohol. We assessed the reliability of sources and learned how to access reliable and accurate advice and information about alcohol, tobacco and vaping (e-cigarettes). In pairs and as a class, we discussed what the media messages might make a young person think, feel or do (or want to do).
During our lesson, we also talked about what children can do if they feel worried. We shared this resource with them and it is displayed in our classroom:
Help at home – Ask your child where they can go should they have any worries.
PE
A very warm welcome back after the Christmas break.
We have got straight to it in Year 5 and 6 – the children making a very positive start to 2025!
We have begun our new PE topic of yoga and the children have really impressed with their control, balance and strength.
Yoga is a practice that connects the body, breath, and mind. It uses physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health.
We have revisited and learnt yoga poses and stretches – warrior 1, warrior 2, down dog, river, cobra and twisted dragon. At the end of each session, we take part in a guided meditation allowing children to think deeply, relax and reflect. The children particularly enjoy this calm experience and said they felt relaxed, energised and refreshed at the end of the lessons.
Help at home – ask your child to share some yoga poses with you.
Merry Christmas
Just a short message to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We have had such a wonderful Autumn term and we are grateful for all the support you show.
Enjoy a deserved rest and see you all in 2025!
Special visit
Print calendars
As you know, our topic work this half term has been focussed on the work of William Morris and Orla Kiely. We have also created our own print stamps and designs based on their repeated pattern and symmetrical work.
As a result, we have been inspired to create our very own prints for our 2025 calendars. Take a look at our fabulous work!
Trip to Wetherby High School
Today, we were invited to watch a talent show at Wetherby High School. Our class walked across beautiful and represented St James really well. We watched some superb performances and a few of our children knew the high school children performing. Here’s what we had to say…
There was a huge mix of talents, and everyone felt included. James
I really enjoyed seeing the children singing and playing the piano. I feel inspired to do something similar. Aubree
I loved seeing the performances and it made me feel like I want to do something similar in the future. Chloe
It was very entertaining. Seeing the children not get embarrassed displayed courage. Honey
The performances demonstrated good oracy skills. Tommy
School history trip
What a fantastic day we had today visiting Leeds Discovery Centre and The Royal Armouries.
We began the day with an Ancient Egyptian workshop, consolidating our prior learning and showcasing all the amazing things we have learnt during the Autumn 1 half term. We were then lucky enough to visit the historical store at Leeds Discovery Centre. Inside, we saw many ancient artefacts from animals to meteorites.
In the afternoon, we had a self -led tour of The Royal Armouries. Here we enjoyed viewing many historical artefacts. The children were extremely enthusiastic about some of the artefacts and could tell me so much without even reading the notes around each display.
Here are some of the things children had to share about the day:
- I enjoyed seeing the different types of animals at the Leeds Discovery Centre. They were so interesting to look at. Valerie.
- Holding the Egyptian artefacts was fun, particularly the lucky charm. It was like holding hands with the past. Willow.
- It was amazing and a dream to see the animals up close. The Armouries was great because I saw things that I had never seen before. It wowed me. Evie.
- It was fun because the Armouries has weapons which interested me. The bow and arrow target activity was great. Freddie.
- I liked it because I have never seen real-life guns from the war before. It was amazing and cool to see them up close. Umar.
- I was cool to see the armour they used on horses and even elephants and the armour they used to protect themselves. Christian.
- At the Royal Armouries there were loads of facts about the past. I also enjoyed the Egyptian workshops. Lily W.
National Santa Dash
On Friday, all children took part in the National Santa Dash. This event was all about having some fun whilst being active.
We’ve decided to extend this event: we’ll be holding an Easter and Summer Dash, too! Our goal is to allow pupils to set some targets and improve on their personal bests through the year.
Here are some photos – enjoy!
Reading records
Just a reminder to hear your child read throughout the week – ideally 3 times a week for 10 minutes.
Please also encourage your child to complete activities set in their reading records on a weekly basis. I will collect reading records in on a Friday to read, mark and enjoy the work the children have produced.
As you know, there are so many benefits to reading so let’s have a big push as we head into the new year!
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/impact-and-research/Research/the-benefits-of-reading/
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for all continued support,
Mr Kilner
PE – Gymnastics
We have been working hard in Year 5 and Year 6 developing our gymnastic skills. We have been performing many jumps and balances and putting together short routines – all whilst maintaing control.
Today we used more of our gymnastic equipment and transferred our skills. We explored, experimented and created ways of moving around the space available.
Help at home – We have some amazing gymnasts in our class. If your child is keen to join a club outside of school, we have many gymnastic clubs in and around Wetherby. Why not give them a go?