Our new sensory space; The Den
Over the summer, Mrs Freeman has been busy creating a sensory themed room in school.
The Den is a safe space which aims to provide any child with the individualised sensory input they need to self-regulate so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others.
The Den offers a safe space for relaxation, exploration, independence, and social sessions. The resources in The Den can be used to stimulate, soothe, entertain and distract, depending on the child’s requirements.
We would like to say thank you to the school PTA for the contributions towards resources for this room.
We hope users of The Den benefit from the stimulating visual and tactile activities.
Welcome back!
We’ve had a positive first week in Year 5/6. The children have already been fantastic role models to the rest of the school; always being respectful, ready and safe.
We have met our Reception buddies and we have enjoyed helping the younger children settle in to St James’ – it has been wonderful to see how responsible and caring the children are.
Here are a few things to note:
- Mr Kilner – class teacher
- Mrs Bald and Mr Smith – teaching assistants
- Miss Gledhill – classroom support and interventions (Monday and Friday)
- PE – Tuesday and Wednesday (please dress your child in their PE clothes on these days)
- Library – Monday
Please ensure your child brings a water bottle to school every day and healthy snacks for playtime (if required).
During PE, the children are not permitted to wear earrings. Please can you ensure these have been removed prior to attending school on PE days. Long hair needs to be tied back also.
Children have been provided with a reading record book. Please hear your child read through the week and encourage them to complete one of the activities listed in their reading record.
If you have any concerns or questions, please either speak to me at the end of the school day or make an appointment via the school office.
Mr Kilner
Living and Learning
At the start of our new academic year, it is important we refresh our school rules. Year 5 and Year 6 understand why we have school rules and can say why they are important. We discussed why we have rules (not just in school).
Our school rules:
- We’re ready
- We’re respectful
- We’re safe
Children spoke about and gave examples of what our school would look like if everyone followed the school rules. Our children were also keen to share with their new Reception Buddies. Well done everyone!
Living and learning: RSE, boundaries and consent.
Over the past few weeks, years 5 and 6 have been learning about relationships and sex education. The pupils have taken to this unit incredibly well, offering up a variety of questions and ensuring the classroom is a safe space, comfortable space for all children to feel happy, healthy and safe. Children have left these sessions feeling much more aware and informed of how their bodies may change as they grow older, particularly through puberty. We have used an ‘Ask-it Basket’ to allow children to write anonymous questions at any point, so that they feel comfortable knowing all the answers they need as they grow.
We have also touched on relationships in other lessons, too. Our reading fluency focussed on boundaries and consent, using the book ‘Respect’ by Rachel Brian. The children understood and felt comfortable knowing that not all boundaries are the same for everyone, and it’s ok to make your own limitations as you are the one in charge of your body.
Help at home:
Check in with your child and ask about their learning during their relationships and sex education lessons. Allow your child to ask any questions that they may be unsure of/uncomfortable with, particularly around puberty. Ask your child whether they are happy with the relationships they have formed in their lives, and perhaps make up some scenarios where boundaries might change (use the image above to help).
Pie Corbett (Wings) inspired writing
In our reading sessions, years 5 and 6 have been practising our reading fluency, using the poem ‘wings’ by Pie Corbett. In this poem (below), Pie Corbett uses his senses to influence his ideas on what he would do if he were to have wings.
The children were really inspired by his work, so we decided to create our own versions of the poem. We still focussed on our senses to guide our writing. Have a look at some of our fantastic pieces below!
Biology – reproduction of plants
Years 5 and 6 are engaging really well in our biology unit (reproduction). This unit links really well to our RSE lessons – the children have made accurate and appropriate links during both of these sessions.
This week, we have been looking at the different ways that plants can reproduce:
Sexual reproduction:
This method requires two plants. We have learnt about the male and female parts of plants and how they interact to create a seed or fruit (offspring). The stamen (male) produces pollen, which is transferred, by insects or wind, to the stigma of another plant (female). Here, the pollen fertilises and egg within the ovary and offspring is produced.
Asexual reproduction
Asexual reproduction is where a plant can reproduce on its own – it doesn’t need another plant to be fertilised. There are various types of plants that are able to reproduce this way (below). The children found this extremely interesting – we even discussed being able to make clones of ourselves!
The children then went out into our gardening area to find some examples of plants that could reproduce in both ways.
Help at home:
Go outside with your child and explore some of the plants in your garden/in your local area. Which method of reproduction would match each plant? Why? Typically, flowering plants reproduce sexually, but not always!
Spellings for the final half-term
Day 2 at Robinwood
Our Year 6 children have had another busy, fun day at Robinwood.
Year 6 residential
The Year 6 children have arrived at Robinwood and having a great first day and night. They’ve been raft building, canoeing and swinging on the trapeze!
Leeds United Wildcats!
Our key stage 2 girls were visited by Leeds United this week to explore and develop routes into football for girls. The morning began with a presentation on current female role models, football backgrounds and some top tips on how to achieve the best you can in all sports.
The children then went outside to take part in some fantastic drills and games run by Leeds. Each and every pupil tried their best and we were super proud of everyone – they were fantastic role models for St James.
We had lots of fantastic talent on show, too! Our visitors left with beaming smiles on their faces, as all of our pupils showed a real interest and desire to take part. Every pupil also used their manners extremely well all morning.
Help at home: There will be some leaflets and information on how our children can continue to be involved with Leeds United. Encourage your children to take up a sport, as they really enjoyed today’s workshop. If you need help getting in touch with any local clubs or events, please let me (Mr Freeman) know and I’ll help!