5 minute read
Education
Embley, Hampshire
Children’s Mental Health Week – Tips for supporting your child We all have mental health, says Sheina Wright, Embley’s Head of Prep, and whether you’re four or 44 it needs taking care of. In the same way that eating a balanced diet and taking exercise keeps us physically fit, we can treat our mental health in exactly the same way. The importance of good mental health is central to what we do here at Embley. The changes that take place for a child as they navigate their way through school can be challenging and confusing, and with the added challenges of growing during a pandemic, it is essential that we continue to support the young people in our care to be as healthy - physically and mentally. Here are some useful tips that will help you to notice any changes in your child’s mental health, guide them through it and in turn support their emotional growth. Talk about when they were younger Many children enjoy hearing their parents tell stories about when they were younger. Recall stories that highlight how your child has developed and changed over the years, in a positive way. Recognise emotional growth as well as physical Many people mark walls recognising how tall their child has grown over the years, or display medals from their child’s school Sport’s Day. It is important to also praise emotional growth. This could be letting them know how proud you are when they have learnt to ask others to play when they used to be too shy to do so. Encourage them to try new things This could be new foods, activities, or experiences. Let them know that they don’t have to be perfect at it, but that ‘giving it a go’ is what matters most. Listen to their hopes and dreams Encourage your child to see that all the fantastic things they are doing right now are tiny steps towards who they might choose to become in the future. Support them in learning from tough situations It can be very hard for a child when they aren’t getting on with friends. Acknowledging these feelings is important but helping them to see these situations as completely normal will help them to cope with the inevitable ups and downs of life. And finally, parenting is not easy and over the past two years it has changed beyond measure. Remember to give yourself a break, to practise self-care. Not only will this help you to look after your own mental health, but it will model self-care to your child. And remember – you’re doing a great job! www.embley.org.uk
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Embracing Ambition
INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 2 - 18
Where boys and girls fulfil their academic ambitions to achieve their personal best, develop belief in themselves and compassion for those around them.
Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6ZE www.embley.org.uk
To find out more or arrange a visit, please contact admissions@embley.org.uk or call 01794 527371
Just as the 2,500 bulbs planted last Autumn start to bloom, the pupils at Salisbury Cathedral School will plant a new fruit orchard in the school grounds. Composed of native apple and pear trees, the orchard will not only be a plentiful source of spring nectar for bees and other pollinators, but will also be an autumnal source of tasty fruit for pupils, parents and teachers too. Grass will be left to grow throughout the orchard and, over time, gorgeous spring bulbs will be planted around the tree trunks. It will be a playground for all creatures great and small. ‘We are so excited to invite the pupils to plant the new trees. The project empowers them to take action towards a better world for all and is a fine example of experiential learning. Lesson time will be devoted to illustrating how knowledge of soil types, microorganisms, root systems, light, competition and eco-systems is applicable in a practical sense,’ says Will Frost, Head of Outdoor Learning.
The initiative is the second pupil led project supporting the school’s involvement in the Conservation School Award hosted by the environmental charity, Operation Future Hope (OFH). Participation in the Award involves a five-year commitment to boosting biodiversity within the school grounds by creating natural habitats for native wildlife. The good work will continue in the summer term when pupils will be designing, creating and installing various habitat boxes for native wildlife.
Stroud: Exploring the Cosmos in STEAM Week
Stroud School children will soon be taking a giant leap into the cosmos during STEAM Week, with an exhilarating timetable of extra-terrestrial learning. Whilst they might not be able to solve the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything, which apparently is 42, they have a week of STEAM activities where they will explore space and astronomy, the solar system, phases of the moon and space travel.
Launching STEAM week is World Book Day, where the theme is Space. Children will be coming into school dressed as characters or space explorers from their favourite nonfiction books. This will launch “STEAM” week where the children will explore a multitude of activities to develop their love of science, technology, engineering, art and maths.
During STEAM Week, Stroud children plan to boldly go where no child has gone before: looking at the stars, learning about planets, enjoying the planetarium and examining the very beginning of the Big Bang.
They will participate in lots of cross curricular learning, using mathematical and statistical elements and engineering skills. Key Stage One will design a future planet, using skills from Art and Design to think about what would be needed to sustain life.
The children will also learn about propulsion and how rockets manage to leave the Earth’s atmosphere and make it into space. They will make a variety of different engines using water, matches, chemicals and rockets and there should be some spectacular sights as their carefully designed rockets are propelled high into the air.
Stroud School, the feeder school to King Edward VI, Southampton, is a gently selective School in Romsey with main entry points at Nursery, Reception and Year 3. Stroud is proud of the hugely varied opportunities it provides for its children, as this is what gives children that zest for life. Its experienced and dedicated teachers strive to champion each child’s talents and passions – whatever they may be.
See STEAM Week in action at Stroud's Open Morning on Wednesday 9 March 2022 at 9.30am. To register your place, please call 01794 513231 or email registrar@stroud-kes.org.uk.
For further information please contact: orange.j@salisburycathedralschool.com / 01722 555300 Salisbury Cathedral School 1 The Close Salisbury SP1 2EQ
