Happy October everyone! This month is a significant time of year for us all, especially for children. As the autumn season kicks into full gear, October brings along many new events and activities that cater to the interests and needs of young individuals. From Halloween festivities to educational programs, there is no shortage of opportunities for children to engage and learn during this time of year. In this essay, we will delve into why October is important in the UK for children and explore some of the events happening near you.
October is an autumnal season and the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy the changing colours of the seasons, online social media will be full of content looking forward to cozy days in and wild, autumnal walks, and house and room makeovers so now is the time to get your “fall pov” in action. How about celebrating the colourful season of autumn by doing some colour studies or collages we would love to see them.
One of the primary reasons why October is known as a festive season for children in the UK is the celebration of Halloween and Diwali. Halloween is a traditional festival, originating from Celtic harvest festivals, has become a staple in British culture, especially among youngsters. Children eagerly anticipate dressing up in costumes, going trick-or-treating, and attending Halloween parties. This event not only provides entertainment and excitement but also allows children to exercise their creativity and social skills. Schools often organize Halloween-themed events such as costume contests, pumpkin carving competitions, and spooky movie nights to engage students and foster a sense of community. If you do not celebrate Halloween you will no doubt be taking part in Book Week dress up giving you a chance to get creative and express yourself in October.
Diwali will see some great, free opportunities in central London for families to enjoy. There will be another year of vibrant Diwali celebrations returning to Trafalgar Square at the end of October, featuring the likes of music, dance, workshops, and more.
Each year the date for Diwali changes, but it usually falls late October or early November. This year, 2024, the main day is the 1st of November, although it’s a 4-6 day celebration that begins on the 29th of October to the 3rd of November. The free Diwali on the Square festival, organized by the Mayor of London, and featuring people from across London's Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities, kicksResources to Learn About Diwali
If you would like to know more about this beautiful celebration of light, here are some links to great Diwali videos and resources that you might find helpful when exploring Diwali.
What is Diwali? – https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15451833
Printables and Puzzles – https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/diwali
National Geographic Kids – https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/general-geography/facts-about-diwali/
Diwali Videos – https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/lets-celebrate-diwali
Diwali Celebration Video (below) off at lunchtime on Sunday 27 October.
Moreover, October marks Black History Month in the UK, an annual observance that highlights the history, achievements, and contributions of black individuals and communities. This month-long celebration aims to educate, empower, and raise awareness about the experiences of black people in Britain. High Schools nationwide take this opportunity to organize educational workshops, talks, and cultural events that explore black history and its significance in contemporary society. Students are encouraged to reflect on issues of racial equality, diversity, and social justice, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding among the school community. We are holding steel pan lessons and offer VR experiences in schools to mark this important event.
In addition to cultural and traditional festivities, October also plays a crucial role in the academic calendar of High Schools in the UK. This month typically marks the midpoint of the first term, signalling a time for reflection, assessment, and goal-setting. Students are encouraged to review their progress, set academic targets, and seek support from teachers and counsellors if needed. Schools will host parent-teacher conferences, academic workshops, and study skills sessions to empower students to take ownership of their learning and strive for success students will have had their first month in years 6 and 7 so it’s a really exciting time to reflect, and celebrate success.
October is a perfect time for students to engage in extracurricular activities and sports competitions. Many schools offer a wide range of clubs, societies, and teams that cater to diverse interests and talents that can all count towards your WCU hours and we have launched 5 WCU clubs that are free from 4-6 for you to join if you are looking for an addition offer. Whether it be drama rehearsals, music rehearsals, sports fixtures, or debating competitions, we want you all to have the opportunity to participate in activities that align with your passions and aspirations. October serves as a busy and exciting month for you to showcase your skills, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in your abilities as you settle into the new academic year.
One notable event that takes also place in October at School level is the Harvest Festival. This traditional celebration, rooted in religious and agricultural customs, brings together students, staff, and families to give thanks for the harvest and support those in need. High Schools often organize food drives, fundraising events, and community service projects to promote philanthropy and social responsibility among students. The Harvest Festival serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity, compassion, and unity, fostering a spirit of giving back to the community. St John’s will be holding celebrations throughout the month and at WCU we will be holding community food drives, community clean up with QPCC and Holiday food provision too. If you have an idea for a school food project let us know we would love to help you make it happen.
Moreover, October is also a time for students to engage in mental health and well-being initiatives. With the pressures of academic studies, extracurricular commitments, and social relationships, students may experience stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. WCU and your Schools prioritize the well-being of students by offering counselling services, mindfulness workshops, and resilience training programs. October serves as a time to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote self-care practices among students. We are running a community drop in October and are holding adult meetings and training on mindfulness and neuroscience.
From traditional celebrations like Diwali, Halloween, and the Harvest Festival to educational programs like Black History Month and mental health initiatives, this month offers a rich tapestry of events and activities that cater to the holistic development of young individuals. We believe that schools play a crucial role in shaping the experiences of students during this time, providing opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement. October is not just a month on the calendar; it is a time of reflection, celebration, and empowerment for children in the UK
Did you know October is also World Space Week 2024 (4th - 10th October) 🚀?
From September to March schools and home educated groups who are registered to the Primary Engineer competition have the opportunity to RSVP for any of their live engineer interviews. Pupils from anywhere in the UK have the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to them and learn more about the various engineering fields.
Each interview with Primary Engineer will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel so keep your eye out for updates and items on the below interview schedule
Mark your calendars, for this exciting engineer interview series which has returned from September and running through October!
• Friday 4th October 2024 (2pm) World Space Week –Find out on World Space Week about the crazy fun things you can do in Aerospace Medicine and Biomedical Engineering with Josef Schmid, NASA Flight Surgeon (a space doctor!)
• Wednesday 30th October 2024 (1:30pm) – Rob Bell, Engineering Broadcaster: “Having studied for a Masters in Engineering at university, it took a dramatic career change into the television industry for me to fully uncover how awesome and rewarding the world of engineering really is. It’s everywhere and it changes people’s lives – no least; mine.”
• Wednesday 13th November 2024 (1:30pm) – Andrew, Chief Engineer at Ford: “I’ve gone from playing with Hot Wheels and Scalextric to leading teams of engineers designing next-generation Transit vans. Find out how cool it is to see what you worked on being used by people every day of their lives!”
• Friday 22nd November 2024 (1:30pm) – Martin, Engineering Director at Network Rail
• Monday 9th December 2024 (1:30pm) – Ed Lewis, Operations and Project Manager at Railscape. Discover how drones are revolutionizing industries like the rail industry and making the world safer.
• Friday 7th march 2025 (1:30pm) – Seren White, Senior Project Engineer at NP Aerospace and a winner of the Women’s Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering Awards 2024: “Engineering comes in all shapes and sizes; you’ve just got to find the right fit. Find out about Seren’s engineering career in body armour.”
• Monday, March 10th, 2025 (1:30pm): British Science Week! Roger Smith is a British watchmaker and the only apprentice of the late master watchmaker George Daniels. His handmade watches are a work of mechanical art and a celebration of what is possible, applying next-generation science to what has always been regarded as a traditional art form.