Shirley Community Primary & Preschool

Welcome - UPDATED FOR SEPTEMBER 2024

History/Geography Topics

• Autumn 1 - Rivers

• Autumn 2 – World War II

• Spring 1 - Maya

• Spring 2 – South America

• Summer 1 – South America Continued (SATS)

• Summer 2 – Ancient Greeks

Year 6: RhinoS & Sea Turtles

Shirley Links (google.com)

Welcome to out first blog of the new school year!  This half term, Year 6 have been learning about rivers.  We have developed our understanding of key geographical vocabulary such as tributary, source, mouth and meander and we have created our own models of a river system labelled accordingly,  In Maths, we have expanded our understanding of place value and used this to help us grasp formal written methods for working out addition, subtraction, multiplication and division questions.  These are vital skills that children must be secure in to achieve the expected standard in the subject at the end of the year so you will, no doubt, see your children working on these during homework assignments.  Our trip to Grafham Water was a huge success, with so many people learning new skills, overcoming fears and becoming more and more independent.  Here are some photos of our time there.

Home Learning

Today, Rhinos and Sea Turtles class had an amazing mental health day.

We also focused on building learning power habits, exploring how we can be more confident and resilient learners. We discussed the importance of persistence and maintaining a positive mindset, and how these habits will help us both in school and beyond.

The day included a meaningful conversation about mental health, where we shared our feelings and explored ways to improve our well-being. We learned that small positive changes can make a big difference in creating strong mental health for the future!

The children took part in different activities, playing games, calming strategies/breathing and a cooking activity.   The children also enjoyed some mindful colouring.

Last week, our school celebrated Mental Health Week. Each day brought new chances for pupils to explore their feelings, support each other, and learn ways to stay mentally healthy.

Throughout the week, pupils were involved in creative activities meant to spread kindness and boost confidence. They wrote thoughtful promises, made comforting art pieces, and more. These activities highlighted just how important compassion and self-care are. One pupil shared, "It made me realise how saying kind things to others can really make their day better." We gave pupils opportunities to express their feelings and think about what brings them comfort. Through art, writing, and good conversations, they shared their thoughts in a supportive setting. It was amazing to see their creativity shine as they explored ways to care for themselves and others. A big focus of the week was raising awareness about mental health. Pupils created resources to help others understand how and when to seek help from trusted adults. It was great to see their growing sense of responsibility and empathy. We also did mindfulness activities and learned strategies for staying calm and focused. These sessions offered practical tools pupils can use every day, helping them build resilience and find healthy ways to cope with challenges.

The Perse

Besides the mental health activities, some pupils visited The Perse School to join in fun maths challenges led by Year 12 students. They played games like Maths Bingo, worked together to solve problems, and sharpened their critical thinking skills. This awesome experience combined teamwork, learning, and fun, showing the positive impact of collaboration between schools.

On Yellow Day, Year 6 embraced a meaningful day of emotional exploration, kindness, and creativity. The day was dedicated to understanding emotions, especially sadness, and learning how we can support ourselves and others during tough times.

Our journey began with the creation of Comfort Creatures. The children were encouraged to design their own unique creature that could offer them comfort in moments of sadness or stress. It was heartening to see the range of ideas that blossomed from this activity—each creature reflecting the individuality and emotional needs of the child who created it.

Following this, we had a thoughtful discussion about Sadness. The children explored synonyms for sadness, shared their personal experiences, and discussed ways to cope with these feelings. They worked collaboratively to create group posters, wrote heartfelt poems, and even role-played scenarios to demonstrate how they could manage difficult emotions. This session was not only insightful but also allowed the children to express their empathy and understanding for one another.

A highlight of the day was watching A Shelter for Sadness, a film that helped reinforce the importance of kindness and care during challenging moments. Inspired by the film, the children then created their own Kindness Pledges, committing to simple but powerful acts of kindness they could offer to friends, family, and even themselves when feeling low. Each pledge was unique and thoughtful, demonstrating the children's understanding of how small gestures can have a big impact.

The day ended on a high note as the children prepared for a sharing assembly. They proudly showcased their Comfort Creatures, Sadness Poems, and Kindness Pledges, celebrating their hard work and emotional growth. It was a day filled with connection, creativity, and a deeper understanding of how to navigate emotions, leaving everyone feeling uplifted and empowered.

We are so proud of our Year 6 pupils for their participation and thoughtfulness on Yellow Day. It was truly a day to remember, filled with meaningful moments and new insights into emotional well-being.

Grafham:

Last week, our Year 6 pupils had the time of their lives at Grafham Water Centre. Over the course of three action-packed days, from 25 to 27 September 2024, the children embraced a variety of outdoor challenges that tested their courage, resilience, and teamwork.

Upon arrival, they wasted no time diving into the excitement with activities like mountain biking, high ropes (Jacobs Ladder and Triangle), and sailing on funboats. From the thrill of conquering climbing walls to mastering the art of bushcraft, there was something for everyone. It was incredible to see our pupils push beyond their limits, whether they were sailing across the waters or reaching for new heights on the high ropes.

But it wasn't all about the outdoor pursuits. We also enjoyed some evening activities that were just as special. The movie night provided a much-needed chance to relax and unwind after a long day of adventure, with laughter echoing through the halls as the pupils enjoyed their favourite films together. The real highlight, however, was the talent show. From singing to dancing, comedy sketches to magic tricks, our Year 6 stars shone brightly, showcasing their incredible talents and leaving the audience in awe.

Throughout the trip, the pupils worked together, cheering each other on and developing valuable life skills like perseverance, problem-solving, and cooperation. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, and the memories made will surely last a lifetime.

We are so proud of all the children for their enthusiasm and determination, and a big thank you goes out to the staff at Grafham Water Centre for providing such a fantastic experience. Here's to many more adventures ahead!