Friday 12th February 2021
It has been an extraordinary term and one that none of us are ever likely to forget. The uncertainty of remaining closed and not having face to face teaching and contact has meant that staff have taken new steps into the unknown and tried with great enthusiasm and nerves in creating more collaboration with our students in lessons. We know from our drop ins to live lessons this term, that students are really embracing the opportunity to share their knowledge and understanding with others, and are enjoying the software they are using, like breakout rooms in Google Meet allowing them to work together. Has it all run smoothly? No, but students have supported staff and remained well humoured when at times reminding us to turn our microphone back on, or waited whilst our pets stop barking or someone has arrived with a delivery at our door. Never would we have imagined that education would have looked like this.
Remaining connected is important to us – it reflects the ethos of our community of ‘togetherness’ and I am truly grateful for everyone’s commitment which extends to our wonderful parental community. Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe and connected.
Staff and students are tired, but I hope that everyone can get the well deserved rest needed over the February half term. I will write to parents and students on our return as the Government announces their decisions around the reopening of college and details about the Teacher Assessments for the summer term.
With very best wishes,
Louise
Pastoral Support – Rebecca Anderson, Pastoral Lead
Pastoral and Safeguarding Support over Half Term. We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy half term break. Year 13s especially may have some study to do but we would also like everyone to be taking time for exercise, family, relaxation and lockdown-friendly activities. We have shared some ideas for viewing, creating and engaging with interests, for students who may be at a loose end. Students are reminded to stay safe online, and to be kind to themselves, those around them, and each other.
Wellbeing
A reminder that although the site is closed, and our Learning Hub will not be running during the break, information on Wellbeing – physical, emotional, and mental, can be accessed on the Information Classroom by all students; these resources include contact numbers for support lines and messaging, both in crisis or just in need of some contact – support can be accessed 24/7 using these services. Anyone can contact the specially trained safeguarding team with a concern about an S6C student, and these emails are checked even when the site is closed. Please do email safeguarding@salisbury6c.ac.uk if you have any concerns about the wellbeing or safety of a young person.
Life Skills
We are aware that members of our S6C community have lost loved ones in recent times, due to covid or other illness, and we offer our sympathy and best wishes. This week we shared practical resources for times of bereavement, or for supporting others through grief, and encouraged all students to take a look. This presentation is available here.
It contains resources for people of all ages and walks of life and may be of some help to our wider S6C community.
LGBTQ+ History Month
S6C are proud to support LGBTQ+ history month and have shared some resources with students to help educate and celebrate.
Take a look at this history teacher explaining the importance of awareness months for LGBTQ+ and BAME history (he suggests that under 18s should ask for parental permission) https://youtu.be/QS0Ny1wf_74
And here is the link to the LGBTQ+ History Month 2021 website with links to resources for students, parents and community. https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/
Year 12 Business – Catherine Pennington, Teacher of Business
Year 12 Business students have been learning about Marketing, sustainability and online shopping. A fun task this week was to style Catherine Pennington for a cold weather day, for less than £100, online shopping only, recycled if possible. `The class voted on the best outfit. Catherine bought her favourite outfit put together by Jess Billington. Catherine would like to send a thank you to Jess and confirms she will wear the outfit on the return to college.
£98.44 Hat, scarf, gloves, boots, coat, jumper and trousers.
Psychology – Kirsty White, Faculty Lead for STEM
In Psychology, we have been exploring Issues and Debates and how they relate to the wider world. Year 13s recently watched ‘Three Identical Strangers’. Louise Pharo, who is going to University to study Psychology next year, summarises how we used it in class. “Recently in psychology we looked at the case of ‘Three Identical Strangers’, which is something you may have seen or heard about from the media (if you haven’t I’d definitely recommend the documentary as it’s so interesting!). They were identical triplets, separated at birth when they were adopted and raised by different families in different cities. We discussed it in class and linked it to the nature-nurture debate, looking at how different the twins were and how much of an influence our environment and nurturing has on our behaviour or whether it is controlled more by our biology and genetics. It was amazing being able to see and apply what we were studying to the outside world and to real life. Applying psychology to the real world is good because wherever there are people you’ll be able to see what you’re studying, perhaps even in your own lives. This not only makes the subject all the more interesting and makes you more eager to learn, but also gives a greater understanding on something as complex as the human mind and why we behave and in the ways we do, which is fascinating.”
Baking club – Dr Sally Tye, Faculty Lead for Humanities
In the baking club this week we made Cherry Bakewell Cupcakes – something creative to relax our minds and keep our loved ones happy with everyone working from home. With the club running online, we actively encourage more students to take part with Sally’s guidance to create some family favourites.
Salisbury Journal Article – Richard Eno, Faculty Lead for Creative Faculty
If you haven’t had the opportunity to read this article, Rich Eno was interviewed by the Salisbury Journal about S6C’s online provision and adapting to lockdown.
https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/19069066.salisbury-college-adapted-online-learning/
If you would like to read last week’s update, click here: https://www.salisbury6c.ac.uk/weekly-college-update-2/
