Although the pace and the depth of learning is continuing to grow in Year 6, we still always have fun with our learning. I always think that the fun is in the challenge. In maths this week, we have been using the bar modelling kits to help us solve some tricky word problems. It really helped the children visualise who had what and what calculations they need to do. In english, we have continued to read Mary Poppins and explore other classic texts. The children have enjoyed finding the similarities and the differences between the text and the film, there were far more differences than we thought! Learning has continued in all the other areas of the curriculum; classifying in science, researching the mountain ranges of the UK in geography, learning about the penitential rite in RE and so much more. PE has been a favourite of mine this week - tennis at the YMCA. The children are making such progress with their skills and game play. Wimbledon here we come!
We have had a visitor in class this week, Mr Lyons. A past pupil of the school, Mr Lyons is completing a 2 week work experience with us. The children have welcomed him fully into class and immersed him into Year 6 life.
Learning Awards
Well done to Ryan and Troy this week. Both of these young men have been really enthusiastic in class - it has been lovely to see. Ryan has been really confident with his answers in class, constantly contributing to class discussion. Troy has shown real attention to detail in his work. He has listened carefully to feedback and implemented it into his work. Also, an excellent class councillor!
Friendships in class
A number of children have brought something to my attention this week, something that is making them feel uncomfortable and we needed to discuss in class. There has been conversations about relationships and crushes. Some children are being told that they have a crush and some are discussing this for themselves. It also appeared that Whatsapp is playing a role in these discussions.
As a class, we had an open and honest discussion. We discussed what rumors can do to a person and how this can make a person feel. We also discussed what a relationship means and that at the age of 10 and 11, we are still developing friendships with each other and learning what makes a good friend. When issues such as football and playtime cause issues within class, the children need to learn how to handle these situations first.
It also seems that messages are being sent on Whatsapp about this. In May 2018, Whatsapp legal age was raised to 16. Please can you have a conversation about this matter with your child at home to avoid other children feeling uncomfortable in school. It is such an important part of the children’s lives and there is so much change that will be happening over the next few months; let’s keep them as settled and as happy as we possibly can. I am always here if anybody needs to discuss this further.
Paralympic Visitor
On Thursday 13th February, Craig McCann (a Paralympic fencer and cyclist) will be visiting our school to talk to the children about his sporting journey and how a brain tumour that had developed, led him down this path. The children will be sponsored to take part in a fitness class alongside Craig in the morning, and then to continue in a sporting event in the afternoon. On this day, the children can come into school wearing the sports kit from the teams that they represent outside of school or some sportswear of their choice. So many of the children are involved with clubs in our area, it would be great to see just how many there are. Sponsor forms will be coming home tonight. The money we will raise will contribute towards the improvements on the trim trail outside.
Reminders:
Water Parks meeting - Tuesday 11th February 6pm
Mock assessment week - Monday 24th February
Have a lovely weekend with your families, let’s hope the rain holds off!
Mrs Gregan and Mrs Webster
