Tuesday 14 April 2020
Monday 13 April 2020
Vaisakhi
What is Vaisakhi?
Vaisakhi is an ancient Sikh harvest festival marking the beginning of a new year and new harvest season. It is one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar.
Celebrated on either the 13th or 14th of April each year, Vaisakhi is a time dedicated to community spirit and forward-thinking as well as practising spiritual and physical integration.
Depending on a person’s dialect, Vaisakhi can also be spelt as Baisakhi.
History of Vaisakhi
Due to its close connection with the foundations of Sikhism, Vaisakhi forms a very important role in the Sikh yearly calendar.
Long-established as a new-year Harvest festival, the Sikh focus of Vaisakhi commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699, by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
The Guru had used the celebration to create the Khalsa (the collective term for Sikhs who have been baptised) after, as tradition tells it, he had invited five ardent followers of the faith into a tent, ostensibly for a sword battle.
Despite emerging from the tent with a bloody sword, all of the men involved came out unharmed. These men became the ‘Panj Piare’, or the holy Five.
They were then baptised with a sprinkling of holy water - a ceremony that is reflected in modern Sikh baptisms.
How is Vaisakhi celebrated?
When Vaisakhi comes around, one of the favourite activities that Sikhs like to partake in is to visit a Gurdwara: a place of assembly for Sikh’s, to spend time practising their faith.
Celebrations are most notably held on the streets, which are colourfully decorated and feature marches and processions. Scriptures are read aloud and chants are sung in the process.
Where is Vaisakhi celebrated?
The main centres of celebration for Vaisakhi are in the Punjab region of India. This is especially true in the city of Anandpur Sahib, where the Khalsa was first originated.
However, Sikhism is a global religion, and Vaisakhi celebrations are held wherever Sikhs’s reside all over the world.
Powerpoint - Click Here Friday 10 April 2020
Wednesday 8 April 2020
Tuesday 7 April 2020
Monday 6 April 2020
Saturday 4 April 2020
BBC Bitesize!
Twinkl is incredibly proud to announce that it will be working with the BBC to deliver BBC Bitesize Daily across BBC iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Bitesize website and app, BBC Four and BBC Sounds. As a trusted education provider, Twinkl is supporting the BBC to deliver the biggest push on education in its history with content, resources and activities. Look out for BBC Bitesize Daily from Monday 20th April. Find out more here 👉https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1k7oy5
Friday 3 April 2020
Picture News
What’s going on this week?
There's good news coming from Africa. After huge conservation efforts, the number of critically endangered black rhinoceroses is slowly increasing, according to the latest figures released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The numbers show that the population has grown at a rate of 2.5% per year over the past six years. The species is still in danger; susceptible to poaching and a changing habitat due to the changing climate. Yet, the population growth provides hope that efforts put into saving the species are paying off.
Main question:
Whose job is it to protect animals in the wild?
Listen, think, share
- • Look at this week’s poster and talk about the animal we can see. Does anyone know what it is? Tell the children that it is a black rhino. It was announced last week that the numbers of the animal are increasing! However, black rhinos are still classed as critically endangered (which means they are at a high risk of extinction).
- • Discuss the difference between animals kept in our care or at zoos and animals who live freely in the wild. Explain that animals kept in zoos or in our homes are completely reliant on us, animals in the wild generally take care of themselves. Explain that wildlife conservation is about protecting the area where the animals or wildlife live (the habitat). Talk about how this is different from caring for our own animals.
- • Watch this week’s useful video (link found overleaf), which provides information about the black rhino. Talk about the facts. Which did you find the most interesting?
- • Read through the assembly resource, which provides information about wildlife conservation and examples of what we can do in support.
- • Talk about the habitat around where you live, or close by. Is there any wildlife there? Do you know where your closest nature reserve is? Are there birds, insects or are there bigger animals? Can you think of anything you could do to help protect wildlife?
Reflection
We are very lucky to share our world with many fascinating creatures! There will be times when some of these need protection. We can all play a part in helping to protect our wildlife.
KS2 Focus
Question:
What do we know about the black rhino?
Listen, think, share
- • Look at this week’s picture. Describe the black rhino. What is its skin like? What words could you use to describe its horns, lips, eyes, ears etc?
- • Think about what you already know about black rhinos and any questions you have about them.
- • Read through the information found on resource 2, which tells us more about black rhinos. Does any of the information surprise you? Is there anything else you still want to find out?
- • Explain that although numbers of the black rhino are slowly increasing, it is still classified as a critically endangered species. How does that make you feel?
- • One of the reasons the black rhino became endangered was because it was hunted for its horn. It was used for medicines and as decorative, carved dagger handles. What do you think about this? There is still demand for the black rhinos horn meaning it is still hunted. This is illegal and we call it poaching.
- • The other cause is a loss of habitat. Land has been cleared for agriculture, leaving less area for black rhinos to feed and roam.
- • Do you think humans are responsible for the black rhino becoming critically endangered? People are trying to ensure the black rhino does not become extinct through conservation efforts. Do you think this is enough? Do you think we, as humans, can learn from this?
Reflection
The black rhino is critically endangered. As humans, we can learn from our actions in the past and try to ensure we protect animals in the future.
KS1 Focus
Question:
What are our favourite animals?
Listen, think, share
- • Explain that there are many different types of animal in our world. Record a list of as many animals as you can think of!
- • Look at resource 1, which gives examples of some of the different types of animal we might find. Read through the information and see if you can think of more examples that would fit into each group.
- • Go back to the list you created at the beginning. Sort the animals into groups. You could use the groups found on resource 1 or create your own e.g. lives in the wild/doesn’t live in the wild, can fly/can’t fly.
- • Discuss your favourite animal or animals! Why is it your favourite? Is it because of the way it looks? Is it because of what it does and how it behaves? Is it because of the way it makes you feel?
- • Thinking about your favourite animal, do you know its habitat (where it lives)? Do you know what it likes to eat?
- • Using the groups of animals found on resource 1, where would your favourite animal fit? Are the animals you like best mainly mammals or insects etc?
- • Do you think everybody will have the same favourite animal? Why do you think this? Are there any animals you don’t like?
Reflection
There are so many different types of animal in our world. We can choose which ones we like best but must remember to show respect to all of them, even if we don’t like them so much!
Thursday 2 April 2020
On behalf of Gravesham Borough Council
If you or your family need help in Gravesham with food delivery, prescriptions or anything else, please complete details here.
If you would like to volunteer from delivering food or simply having a chat on the phone with someone in self isolation and become a #Superneighbour then please complete your details here.
Many people are having difficulties in getting foods and meals at this difficult time. If you are aware of any companies that will deliver food within Gravesham (from Takeaways to groceries) at the moment, please complete details here.
Wednesday 1 April 2020
Where can I go to get support to help keep my child safe online?
- Thinkyouknow (advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online)
- Internet matters (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
- Parent info (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
- LGfL (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
- Net-aware (support for parents and careers from the NSPCC)
PSHE - Wellbeing Activities
Resources can be found on the school website under the "Children" tab.
Philosophy At Home
Tuesday 31 March 2020
Free for Kids
Here’s a list of what various celebrities are offering kids for free daily:
9.00am - PE with Joe Wicks https://youtu.be/6v-a_dpwhro
10.00am - Maths with Carol Vorderman www.themathsfactor.com
11.00am - English with David Walliams https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
12.00pm - Lunch (cooking with Jamie Oliver) https://www.jamieoliver.com/features/category/get-kids-cooking/
1.00pm - Music with Myleene Klass https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQh2wgJ5tOrixYBn6jFXsXQ
1.30pm - Dance with Darcey Bussel https://twitter.com/diversedancemix/status/1241098264373592065
2.00pm - History with Dan Snow (free for 30-days) https://tv.historyhit.com/signup/package
4.00pm - Home Economics with Theo Michaels (Mon/Wed/Fri) https://www.instagram.com/theocooks
Non-daily events include:
Science with Professor Brian Cox, Robin Ince & Guests https://cosmicshambles.com/stayathome/upcoming-schedule
9.30am Wednesday 25 March - Geography with Steve Backshall https://twitter.com/SteveBackshall/status/1242058846941712385
9.00am - PE with Joe Wicks https://youtu.be/6v-a_dpwhro
10.00am - Maths with Carol Vorderman www.themathsfactor.com
11.00am - English with David Walliams https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
12.00pm - Lunch (cooking with Jamie Oliver) https://www.jamieoliver.com/features/category/get-kids-cooking/
1.00pm - Music with Myleene Klass https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQh2wgJ5tOrixYBn6jFXsXQ
1.30pm - Dance with Darcey Bussel https://twitter.com/diversedancemix/status/1241098264373592065
2.00pm - History with Dan Snow (free for 30-days) https://tv.historyhit.com/signup/package
4.00pm - Home Economics with Theo Michaels (Mon/Wed/Fri) https://www.instagram.com/theocooks
Non-daily events include:
Science with Professor Brian Cox, Robin Ince & Guests https://cosmicshambles.com/stayathome/upcoming-schedule
9.30am Wednesday 25 March - Geography with Steve Backshall https://twitter.com/SteveBackshall/status/1242058846941712385
Monday 30 March 2020
Year 6 Tadpole Update from Mrs Gibson
Year 6 Tadpole update - most have now been returned to my garden pond, but I have kept some in the tank to continue to monitor their lifecycle. This week, there are still no signs of legs, but their bodies are changing shape and are much bigger in proportion to their tails. They are also changing colour, becoming lighter and more speckled in appearance. For the moment they still enjoying their diet of spinach and pond weed.
Times Table Rock Stars and Additional Support At Home
Dear WR family,
We feel it is important that children are still able to access learning from home. Here are some more:
TTRockstars, go to https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school/student. The school post code is DA110QF
Sumdog: follow this link https://www.sumdog.com/user/sign_in. You will be able to sign in as a parent and access a variety of free games – or upgrade to a subscription should you wish to do so.
http://www.pobble365.com/ Here you will find a selection of images, each with suggested ideas for vocabulary and discussion work, along with possible story starters.
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/parents Twinkl are offering a variety of free resources for parents, covering a wide range of subjects.
https://whiterosemaths.com/resources/primary-resources/ This website allows access to some free resources such as ‘Problems of the Day’ and ‘Barvember’.
https://myminimaths.co.uk/ Here you can find Maths activities tailored to each Year group.
https://www.nessy.com/free-trial/signup - phonics
https://www.literacyshed.com/home.html Here you will find a wide variety of visual stimuli from animated shorts to interesting images, along with suggested ideas to extend learning.
https://www.mangahigh.com/en/ Access to these maths resources is currently free of charge.
https://thereadingrealm.co.uk/ This website uses short stories as a stimulus for learning.
https://www.mathshed.com/ Here you can sign up to access free resources to support Maths learning.
Other websites that offer games and timed quizzes, based on times tables, but that do not require any login details include:
The following websites provide some simple opportunities for children to stay active:
Of course, one of the best ways for children to learn is through continuing to read as widely and as often as they can. Any activities you can work on with your child that help to build vocabulary – be it discussions, word games such as Scrabble, general knowledge games such as Trivial Pursuits, or watching documentaries would be invaluable. Newsround is excellent for this.
I hope that helps!
Sarah Jack
Friday 27 March 2020
Easter Holiday
Unfortunately we will be closed over the Easter Holiday but will re-open to Key Workers on Thursday 16th April.
School Office
Please only ring the school office if you have an urgent enquiry.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Dear Parents,
We have been made aware that some parents in the County have been approached via text and/or e-mail in relation to Free School Meal arrangements in light of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
We understand parents have been asked to provide their bank details and personal information about children who are eligible, including names and dates of birth, with a promise that money will be sent to them directly.
This information is not accurate.
Further information will be available from government later in the week which will confirm it is the school who will be managing the voucher system in consultation with a government’s identified provider. Therefore, please do not respond to any messages you receive unless they come directly from the school.
Can we also take this time to remind you to be aware of anyone who contacts you either directly or via social media offering services for your family in these difficult times. Unless you can trust them, you should not be sharing personal information related to you or your family as it may not be used in the manner you would have hoped.
Sarah Jack
Joe Wicks- Every Morning!
Joe Wicks is holding live free PE classes every weekday morning to keep kids fit during school closures.
Key Stage 1 and 2- Discussion Poster
COVID-19 outbreak. Thousands of Italians, in several cities, clapped from their windows and
balconies as healthcare workers went to work, raising spirits with a flashmob, during the lockdown
period (where most people remain at home). Families and neighbours also sang and crashed pots
and pans together for the performers in cities across the country.
Things to talk about at home…
Think about the things that make you happy. Can you make a list?
Can you think of a time you’ve cheered someone else up, or a time someone cheered you up
when you needed it, how did they do it?
Why do you think people chose to take part in the celebration from their apartments? How do
you think it made the healthcare workers on their way to work feel?
Please note any interesting thoughts or comments here…
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