Pathways Blog - 16.1.26

I hope this finds you and your families safe and well. 

The Pathways continues to deliver our broad and balanced academic and pastoral offer to pupils, and there are examples of the work that has been happening this week below, but I want to talk about something that started off in 2005 as something a bit of tongue in cheek, but has developed onto an opportunity to raise awareness. 

This coming Monday (19th January) is unofficially known as Blue Monday, apparently the “saddest day of the year” where some people experience a dip in their emotional wellbeing.  The post festive and New Year period, the dark mornings and evenings and cold weather are contributing factors to how people feel. 

If you’re feeling low on Blue Monday – or any day – you’re not alone. Here are some small ways to support your mental wellbeing: 

•      Connect with someone: Talk to a friend or family member. Just sharing how you feel can bring relief. 

•      Get Moving: Gentle exercise, even a short walk, can lift your mood by increasing serotonin and endorphins. 

•      Limit negative input: Be mindful of your media intake. Take breaks from social media.. 

•      Create structure: Set a small, achievable goal for the day. Completing it can offer a sense of acomplishment. 

•      Be kind to yourself: Rest and nourish your body, and remind yourself this feeling will pass. 

More importantly, reach out if you’re struggling. Organisations like Kooth, Mind or Youngminds, are there to support you.  

Blue Monday reminds us to take our, and other peoples, mental health seriously 

Enjoy your weekend, stay safe.

Mr Southerington

 

CL2

We have been looking at Travel in our Living skills lessons and so to cross curricular we are going to do an individual research piece on a chosen part of the world. We will use PowerPoint on the desktops, having been working on logging on independently, to make a presentation. This week we are getting used to PowerPoint and all its features. 

Well done, CL2. 

CL2 - 16.1.26

 

CL5  

Our class has been very busy taking part in an exciting competition called ‘Grandad Wheels’. In this competition, the children were challenged to design their own wheelchairs, thinking carefully about comfort, safety and how to make them easier to use. They have shown amazing creativity and empathy, discussing real life needs and have come up with thoughtful ideas and designs. Everyone has worked super hard! 

One of our students, Padraig - who is the vice president of the School Council - talked to the children about what they like and enjoy the most about School. The students were happy to share their ideas and answer his questions. It was great to see our class taking part and learning how student leaders listen to everyone’s voice, we are very proud of our Vice President. 

A big well done to Logan for earning a certificate for his hard work in Reading Plus online. We are very proud of his great effort and achievement!  

 

 

Digi 2

Welcome back, everyone! In Digi 2 we’ve started this term with an exciting change up to our morning routines, introducing a team breakfast morning and a Dungeons and Dragons campaign that everyone is excited about! In class we’ve been focusing on money management, and an intriguing Whodunnit mystery in English

Digi 2 - 16.1.26

 

Science 

This week in Science we have been continuing with our ‘Forces’ topic.  

Air resistance is the force of air pushing back on an object as it moves. We have learnt that parachutes embrace air resistance, allowing skydivers to take in the beautiful scenery as they fall! 

Classes investigated whether the material that a parachute is made from changes how fast it falls. Students worked brilliantly together, and we gained some excellent results to conclude that yes, it does matter! Have a look at some pictures of our learners embracing the Science challenge and the fabulous work they produced!  

Science - 16.1.26