Thank you to all the families who joined the school in the Farsley Lights parade.  It was a shame that the fireworks had to be cancelled because of the windy weather but I hope everyone still have a lovely time (our photos would suggest everyone did!).  Massive thanks must go to the small group of people who spend many months planning for this great community event - long may it continue!

Today, as a school we raised money for Children in Need and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).  The children had the choice of dressing up in spotty clothes or Children in Need themed clothes or they could also chose to dress up as a superhero, or someone who inspires them or in a onesie to support World Diabetes day.

The children looked fabulous in their outfits.  My particular favourite was the child who dressed up as Mr Chapman because he inspires her (what every teacher hopes to do!) so see if you can spot their photo. 

So far we have collected £368.48 which will be shared between the two charities.  Thank you to everyone for supporting us with this event to raise money for two such worthwhile causes.  

This week has been equalities week across Springbank, with lessons being dedicated to the theme ‘All different, all equal’. The children have loved the opportunities to learn about race equality, gender equality and disabilities and mental health. The school has been buzzing with discussion as children have been given lots of opportunities to think about the difference between treating everyone the same and treating everyone equally. It has been amazing to see how the children’s thoughts on equality have developed over this week.

Children explored race equality and discussed the treatment of different races throughout history. Different year groups looked at a range of inspirational people including Ruby Bridges, Stephen Lawrence and Dr Martin Luther King junior and thought about the lessons these people could teach us. All year groups had discussions about stereotypes and what it means to be British by looking at images of people and asking what assumptions we might make about their nationality, job, wealth and home life. It was very thought provoking!

Gender equality threw up all kinds of viewpoints for discussion. When the Year 1 teachers told all the boys to go out and play and the girls to stay in and tidy up, only one boy challenged it saying it was not fair, which lead to some great conversations about jobs around the home.

You can find out more about what each year group focused on via the class pages of the website. 

http://www.farsleyspringbank.co.uk/class-pages/

Year 4 showcased all of their hard work at their exhibition last week. They made games based on the history of Leeds and were able to show off the wonderful sewing they have spent the past few weeks making. It was a great success and everyone agreed that the children have worked very hard this half term to produce lots of pieces of work they can be proud of. Well done Year 4.

Year 1 shared their 'What African Wonders Await?' topic with everyone in a special assembly on Wednesday 17th October.  The Year 1 children performed an African dance, performed music inspired by their African drumming workshops and even got parents involved to perform the song 'Kye Kye Kule'.  Pupils from both classes read aloud stories they had written inspried by Handa's Surprise.  There was also a show of artwork that has been inspired by this topic, including traditional dot work, tribal necklaces and African animal silhouette pictures.  All of Year 1 have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Africa and did themselves proud presenting their learning in front of such a large audience.  Well done Year 1!