We hope you all had a super break, we certainly did! We spent our holidays together with many of you exploring Kew, ZSL, and our local spaces, including the canal with our friends in the Floating Classroom. And now that we are back, we have rapidly reached May, which is a truly enchanting month, marking the heart of spring and the promise of summer around the corner. In London, May brings warmth and longer days, which beckon everyone outdoors to enjoy the vibrant city life just as we did this holiday. It’s a month filled with fun activities, exciting celebrations, and opportunities for exploration, making it a special time for both locals and visitors, so we hope you take the opportunity to get involved with whichever May projects your school takes on. We are sharing the results of our film making competition shortly but as a sneak-preview of some of these lovely venues and our students’ work, we are sharing submissions this month.
As the weather becomes warmer and milder May Day approaches, celebrated on the 1st of May, is a traditional festival with deep roots in history. In England, it's a day marked by joy and community spirit, which we believe in at WCU. One of the day’s most iconic traditions is maypole dancing, where people dance around a tall pole, weaving colourful ribbons into intricate patterns. The celebration heralds the start of summer and brings communities together, often with fairs, music, and dances that light up villages and towns. We aren’t having maypoles, but we are working hard on our second community space and have just taken a donation of two really, old rose bushes which will be a great way to mark May Day with our volunteers from Veolia and Finastra.
The late May bank holiday is a special time for families and friends to gather and enjoy the long weekend so make sure you encourage your adults to plan something nice. Did you know that It was originally established to give the working population a little break before summer? Nowadays, it is often spent outdoors, with garden barbecues, trips to the countryside, or simply soaking up the sunshine in a local park. Its history as a public holiday dates back to 1978, solidifying its place in British culture as a day for relaxation and fun, so you can see why our green spaces are the perfect way to mark and celebrate May.
May is a bustling time in schools, as they often host special events and assemblies to mark the season. May Day might be celebrated with classroom activities related to history and culture, or even small maypole dances. Around the Spring Bank Holiday, schools might organise sports days, fairs, or encourage participation in community events. These activities provide a wonderful opportunity for us to learn outside the classroom and engage with our peers which we love at WCU. May in London is a month full of wonder, providing a host of opportunities for learning and enjoyment. As the days get warmer, students are encouraged to step outside, make the most of the exciting activities available, and embrace the city's rich history and cultural offerings. It’s a time to explore, discover, and dream about the future, all while basking in the magic that May brings.
As the summer term gets closer, many of you are gearing up to take your SATs this May. These tests are a chance to show just how much you've learned in school. Being prepared can make you feel more confident and help you do your best. Here’s a friendly guide packed with tips and advice to help you get ready for your SATs. Remember, you've got this!
It’s important to understand what SATs are. In the UK, these tests are for subjects like Maths, English Reading, and Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS). Knowing what the SATs include will help you know exactly what to study. It’s a bit like knowing the rules when playing a game; it helps you prepare better!
You can improve your results and confidence when you are preparing by reading lots of different stories and books. Practise by summarising them, finding key themes, and drawing conclusions. It’s like being a detective while reading!
As brushing up on grammar rules is important, you could try writing sentences with proper punctuation. You can even make spelling practice fun with games like crosswords and word searches then get an adult to check them for you.
Remember, no problem is too big; break big problems into smaller, simple steps. Practice mental maths and learn fun math tricks to solve problems faster. It’s a bit like solving puzzles! You could even have family challenges or quizzes when you are practicing this. It’s okay to make mistakes—they’re part of learning. Celebrate your achievements and progress, no matter how tiny they might seem because every step forward is brilliant!
Remember, feeling a bit worried is normal, but there are ways to manage it. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretches can help calm your mind. Think of it as a mini-vacation for your brain. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have a chat with your teachers, friends, or family members. They’re there to help you and cheer you on. Studying with friends, if you can arrange this, can make learning more exciting and help clear up any confusion you have. You can help each other out and share knowledge—teamwork makes the dream work! Share your study plans with your family. They can help keep you on track and offer encouragement when you need it most
Your health is super important, especially when you’re preparing for tests. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night, as it helps your brain rest and recharge. Picture your brain as a phone that needs a proper charge to work at its best. Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lots of water keeps your energy up. Just like a car needs the right fuel to run, your body needs healthy food. Don’t forget to take breaks and get out and about because physical activity is a fantastic way to relieve stress and improve concentration. Even a short walk or a game of tag can make a big difference.
The day before your SATs, just do a light review. Don’t overload your brain with too much new information; it needs a quiet night before the big day! Make sure you have everything you need ready for the exam, like your pens, pencils, and any other necessary items. Having people to rely on can make all the difference and your adults will help you prep and organise for the big day.
Getting ready for your SATs might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but with the right approach and a positive mind-set, you can handle them with confidence. Remember, these exams are just one part of your learning journey, and doing your best is what truly matters. Good luck, and be proud of all the hard work you’ve done! You’re amazing!
On the day of the exam, take deep breaths, read each question carefully, and pace yourself throughout the test. You’ve got all the tools and skills to do well!
STEM and Careers Week is an important fixture in many schools during May, designed to ignite interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Schools may host workshops, invite guest speakers, or organise field trips that highlight the relevance of STEM in everyday life. At home, students can try fun activities like building simple machines or exploring coding basics, nurturing skills that are essential for future careers. We are working with a great charity that will be bringing professionals to your schools thanks to Young Westminster Foundation Funding this May, so we can’t wait to hear what you learn!
Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, is celebrated on the 8th of May, marking the end of World War II in Europe, and is another May event that you might hear mentioned at school or by adults. It is a day of remembrance and gratitude, commemorating the bravery and sacrifices of those who lived through the war years. In London, various events might be held to honour the day, including parades, services, and moments of silence, most of which you can see and attend for free. It's both a reflective and celebratory day, highlighting peace and unity.
Of course, May is the perfect time to explore London’s beautiful parks and gardens. Hyde Park offers a green oasis in the heart of the city, where families can enjoy picnics or strolls. On select days, Kew Gardens, renowned for its stunning variety of plants and flowers, opens its gates free of charge and we have partner schools visiting there throughout May this year, providing a chance to explore nature’s wonders. These green spaces are often dotted with blossoms, adding to the magical feel of May.
In May, London comes alive with outdoor events that are often free and open to all. Street performances and parades fill the city with music and the arts, creating a lively atmosphere. Festivals celebrating everything from food to culture can be found across different boroughs, offering a taste of London's diverse community. It’s a great time to wander through the streets and find unexpected joys.
For those who prefer indoor pursuits, London is home to incredible museums, many of which offer free entry. The British Museum, with its vast collection spanning centuries and cultures, is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Similarly, the Natural History Museum, where we visited the NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year, offers exciting exhibits on dinosaurs and the wonders of the natural world, sparking the curiosity of young minds. A visit to these places is both educational and inspiring.
May presents an excellent opportunity for WCU explorers to learn and grow. The variety of activities available in London encourages us to delve into our interests and consider what careers we might enjoy in the future. Encouraging our curiosity and exploration is key to inspiring us to create the next generation of thinkers, doers, and innovators.