This week we have delved straight into our new RE topic on Justice. It is such a reflective unit of work as I ask the children to reflect on the injustices within our world today. They are often surprised that some of the situations still occur. We spent Wednesday reflecting on a poem about the plight of refugees in our world. Why not read the poem and see what you think?
They have no need of our help
So do not tell me
These haggard faces could belong to you or me
Should life have dealt a different hand
We need to see them for who they really are
Chancers and scroungers
Layabouts and loungers
With bombs up their sleeves
Cut-throats and thieves
They are not
Welcome here
We should make them
Go back to where they came from
They cannot
Share our food
Share our homes
Share our countries
Instead let us
Build a wall to keep them out
It is not okay to say
These are people just like us
A place should only belong to those who are born there
Do not be so stupid to think that
The world can be looked at another way.
Now read the poem backwards. What a powerful poem with a really significant meaning.
Following this lesson, the children have written their own poems about refugees.
Inline with our work understanding Justice, we have started to read a novel for pleasure in class, The Boy at the Back of the Class. This is a book written about a ‘refugee kid’ called Ahmet who arrives in a classroom and sits on an empty chair.
Four friends try their hardest to befriend him and tackle prejudice attitudes towards what a refugee is.
I think this book will leave an imprint on all of our hearts.
We often hear the word bullying mentioned in lots of different situations, but what does this word really mean. This week, Year 6 learnt the word S.T.O.P - Several Times On Purpose. When a behaviour happens towards them several times, then at this point we can consider the term bullying. We discussed how someone feels when they are bullied and how we can deal with these ‘yucky feelings.’ We also talked about why a bully does bully people and how they might be feeling. There is now a common language in school and in our class. When someone is asked to stop, we all know what it means.
Sometimes things happen in class or when walking home that I am not aware of. These incidences then often go unresolved or end up with a member of the class being really upset. We have discussed that if we know someone is upset, the children must tell me what has happened so that it can be resolved at the earliest opportunity. We can then work together as a class to unpick issues and I can support the children. Please support your children with this at home.
Leading Learners
Well done to Bella and Harvey this week.
Bella, you have developed a ‘Can Do Attitude.’ You have realised that you can achieve things if you focus, show determination and enthusiasm. This week you have tried your hardest to produce work that meets your targets. Well done Bella!
Harvey, you are one of the kindest children I have ever taught because you treat every single person with compassion and love. You have burst with enthusiasm this week, contributing to every lesson and showing a quiet determination! Keep it up. Thank you for all that you do to make our class a happy place.
Water Parks Residential 2022
I have left the Water Parks video on for you to have another look at. Deposits need to be paid by Friday 3rd December - £50.
Year 6 looking beyond themselves
Our RE unit of work this half term is justice. As part of our work, we are looking at the current crisis regarding refugees. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were too refugees, They were displaced from their home for fear of being hurt. The children have decided that they would like to collect clothes for the Afghan Refugees within our community as a gift this Christmas. If you have any clothes that no longer fit, and you feel they can be donated, please send them into school in a carrier bag and we will collate them. What a kind gesture from an incredible group of young people.
We have had some clothes brought in this week, please continue to have a look at home. I am definitely going to use this opportunity to raid my wardrobe!
Have a wonderful weekend with your families.
Mrs Gregan