Remembrance Day by Donya 6J

What is Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day)? Remembrance Day is an important day, held worldwide in most countries, on the 11th of November. There is also Remembrance Sunday which is the second Sunday of November and it is traditionally when the bulk of the remembrance ceremonies start to happen, such as the parade past the cenotaph. Remembrance Day marks the signing of the end of the First World War which ended on November 11th 1918 at exactly 11 o’clock. The tradition of Remembrance Day has been going on for 106 years. Usually, on Remembrance Day at 11 am people will stand up and have 2 minutes of silence and during those 2 minutes, the bugle called ‘The Last Post’ plays.

This year, 6S delivered an assembly about Remembrance Day. They informed everyone why we have 2 minutes of silence and what happens during Remembrance Day. Now, why do we have 2 minutes of silence on Remembrance Day, you might be wondering. Well, we have 2 minutes of silence to remember all of the soldiers and civilians who died not only in the First World War but all world wars - they were all heroes and so they left the world for a better place.

People wear poppies on Remembrance Day (which has Canadian roots) because on battlefields of World War II even after all the destruction on the battlefields, the last thing remaining in the field was the bright red poppies, so now the bright red poppies are used to symbolise Remembrance Day.

During Remembrance Sunday the Royal Family made a wreath out of real poppies and placed it at the Cenotaph along with many other people. The Royal Family and over 10,000 veterans gathered around the Cenotaph and had 2 minutes of silence.

On Remembrance Day, some people recite a poem called 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

This poem is one of the most famous and popular poems and is read by thousands of people every Remembrance Day.

How Christmas is Celebrated Around the World by Ruwayda 6S

Many people around the world celebrate Christmas. Here is how people celebrate Christmas in different parts of the world, starting with Europe.

In Europe, people mainly celebrate Christmas Eve with a banquet and midnight Mass, a tradition followed by many Western Christians. Before Christmas, families put up Christmas trees decorated with ornaments and often topped with a star or an angel. Many countries also host Christmas markets, typically open from late November to early December. Germany is particularly renowned for its numerous and exceptional Christmas markets. In the days leading up to Christmas, European Christians often attend church services. Some countries, such as Moldova, celebrate Christmas later, on the 7th of January, following the Julian calendar.

In Asia, a continent of many religions, Christmas is often more commercial and festive than religious. In some countries, it is a public holiday and a time to relax and enjoy. South Korea, for example, hosts unique celebrations in cities like Seoul and Busan, featuring extraordinary decorations and festive activities. Many Asian countries set up glittering gardens, performances, and cultural events. Some people sing Christmas carols, spreading the Christmas spirit to others.

In Africa, Christmas is celebrated in diverse ways. Many customs originate from traditional winter celebrations. People often decorate their homes, visit family and friends, and exchange gifts. Some communities organise charitable activities to help those who are homeless or less fortunate to enjoy the holiday. However, not everyone in Africa celebrates Christmas, as some follow religions that do not observe the holiday.

In North America, Christmas is widely celebrated with family gatherings and gift-giving, making it a joyful occasion for many. Families often decorate large Christmas trees with shining ornaments, tinsel, and a star or angel on top. Some people attend church services, while others enjoy secular traditions, such as writing to Santa Claus. Over 3 billion Christmas letters are sent in North America each year. As always, people exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, and spend quality time together. Activities like decorating, playing Christmas-themed games, and enjoying holiday lights create a magical atmosphere full of Christmas spirit.

In South America, Christmas celebrations often begin with Mass, held either at midnight or earlier, followed by a feast with extended family. Seasonal treats are enjoyed, and dancing to festive songs is a common part of the celebrations. In Rio de Janeiro, a dazzling fireworks display lights up the midnight sky. Street parties also play a significant role, with many people joyfully celebrating together. Families often put up Christmas trees in their homes, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for this special holiday.

No matter where or how it is celebrated, Christmas brings people together with its message of love, joy, and generosity.

Year 3 Brent Museum Trip by Navya 5G

On a Friday morning, pupils were preparing to visit a museum armed with a checklist to tick off all the things the were were going to see. It was such an exciting experience, as they all had the chance to view incredible artefacts and architecture from the past. However, the journey there was tremendously tiring.

After approximately one hour, they started to feel curious—and a little impatient, because they couldn’t seem to find the floor where the museum was located! Eventually, they figured out that they needed to go to the third floor. Just as they were nearing the museum, something unexpected caught our attention: a creepy doll of Queen Victoria. It was dressed in a wedding gown that looked torn and worn out. At least they could tick the first item off their list! Feeling a bit unsettled, they quickly moved on, hoping the rest of the trip wouldn’t be as creepy.

Thankfully, the next exhibit was fascinating. They saw a motorcycle from the past, filled with cogs, chains, and motors - so many in fact, that they couldn’t count them all! That was another item ticked off their checklist. The final item on their list was an old telephone, and they soon found it, completing their checklist.

They also discovered that many women in the past wore hats adorned with ribbons and brightly coloured feathers. Popular colours included purple, pink, white, light blue, and yellow. After this, they went into a room called the "learning room." Inside the large room, they tried on clothes from the past, which was great fun. The teachers even decided to take pictures of all the pupils in their fancy outfits.

A few minutes later, they explored objects that were once used for washing clothes. They were even allowed to smell the soap, which had quite an unusual scent. Afterwards, it was time for lunch. The teachers kindly set up the learning room for them to eat in, and they enjoyed their meals there.

Soon, it was time to head back to the train station. The journey back to school took another hour, but overall, the trip was incredibly educational and enjoyable. With everything ticked off their checklist, it felt like they had explored a museum full of items that their parents and grandparents might have used in the past.

Houses of Parliament by Anaiya 4S

The centre of British democracy, the Houses of Parliament, was where Year 4 went on their school trip. We boarded the train at Kingsbury Station, heading towards Central London. After a short journey, we arrived at the bustling Westminster Station, crossed the road, and stood before the iconic Big Ben. Walking past the towering clock, we made our way towards a much smaller building next door.

Once inside, we were greeted by staff who gave us special visitor badges to show that we were important guests. We then met our tour guide, who handed us headphones so we could hear them clearly as they took us around the impressive Parliament buildings.

Our tour began with a return to Big Ben, where we ventured inside the grand tower. The guide reminded us to be quiet and not to touch anything, explaining that everything in Big Ben was old and valuable. Inside, we explored the tower while learning many fascinating facts about its history and the artefacts it housed. We eventually arrived at a small, unassuming door.

It didn’t look like much at first, but as we stepped through, we found ourselves inside the magnificent Houses of Parliament. Walking along the grand halls, we came to an ornate staircase adorned with glorious paintings hanging on the walls. At the top of the stairs, we reached the House of Lords.

The House of Lords was filled with rich red seats, and our guide explained that this is where Lords and members of the government sit. To our amazement, we spotted none other than the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, busily working. Although we wanted to say hello, the guide advised us not to disturb anyone. Instead, we continued to the House of Commons.

Inside the House of Commons, we saw television cameras and screens, as well as MPs being interviewed—possibly for the news! It was exciting to witness so much activity in such an important place.

After the tour, we entered a room for the next part of our trip: a workshop. We were split into groups of six and began by discussing Parliament and its role. Next, we played a game where we were given bags containing old artefacts and had to guess what they were. The teacher then explained the significance of each item. After this activity, we had a drawing competition, which was great fun!

Once the workshop was over, we tidied up and thanked the workshop teacher and everyone who had helped us during the trip. Leaving the Houses of Parliament, we made our way back to the very busy Westminster Station. After a hectic train journey, we returned to Kingsbury Station and walked back to school … in the dark! Although there were shops lighting up the streets, it still felt a bit dim.

This was a fantastic trip, and I hope you get the chance to visit the Houses of Parliament too!

Healthy Living Week by Nicholas 5S

In Year 5, during Week 6, we participated in Healthy Living Week!

Day 1: Moving Monday

On the first day, it was Moving Monday, and the Year 5s completed an obstacle course around the entire front playground. I found it really fun because we got to release our energy and engage in physical activities. It was a great exercise for all of Year 5 and really got us moving!

Day 2: Tasty Tuesday

On the second day, the theme was Tasty Tuesday, and we ate healthy snacks such as green and purple grapes, blueberries, and cucumber. It was a great experience, especially for children who may not have access to these kinds of foods every day. Instead of eating unhealthy snacks, we enjoyed delicious and nutritious alternatives.

Day 3: Wellbeing Wednesday

Day 3 was all about mental health, and it was called Wellbeing Wednesday. Our mental health is incredibly important because if it’s not good, it can affect our learning and the way we respond to certain situations. Taking care of our mental health helps us stay happy, focused, and resilient.

Day 4: Thirsty Thursday

On Thursday, the focus was on hydration, and the theme was Thirsty Thursday. We learned about the importance of drinking plenty of water and other healthy drinks. Water is vital for both children and adults. Without it, we cannot survive—it’s one of the most important things in life. In fact, if humans don’t drink water for five days, they can die of thirst!

Day 5: Friendly Friday

Finally, we ended the week with Friendly Friday, which was all about being kind and helpful to one another. If we are kind to others, they are likely to be kind to us in return. Why not spread kindness? If we’re not mentally positive, it can affect our overall health, making us feel sad, stressed, or even unwell. That’s why it’s important to stay happy and be kind to everyone around us.

Why Healthy Living Week Matters

Healthy Living Week is incredibly important, especially for children. If we’re not healthy, we can get sick and miss school. Missing school means we don’t learn as much, and later in life, this could make it harder to get a job, resulting in a more challenging way of life.

Physical activities like obstacle courses are great for children because we might not always get as much exercise as we should. Eating healthy food and drinking plenty of water also have a huge impact on our health, as they provide essential vitamins and nutrients that our bodies need to stay strong and healthy.

Healthy Living Week is a wonderful and meaningful time of the year. However, as children, we shouldn’t limit our healthy habits to just one week. We should always aim to stay active, take care of our mental health, and, most importantly, consistently eat and drink healthy foods and drinks. Staying healthy is a lifelong habit, and it makes us feel happier, stronger, and ready to learn!

RAF Museum by Donya 6J and Indiya-Rae 6G

On the 21st and 22nd of October, all the students in Year 6 went on an exciting trip to the RAF Museum because we are currently learning about World War II in school. We travelled in two groups: on the 21st, classes 6G and 6S went, and on the 22nd, it was the turn of classes 6R and 6J. We took the bus to and from the museum, which was a very short drive. Everyone was buzzing with excitement.

Once we arrived, we got off the bus and headed inside Hangar 3. There, we met our tour guide, who gave us a brief introduction and quick tour of the museum. For our first activity, we were transported back to the 1940s, during World War II, and entered a recreated wartime classroom.

The classroom was nothing like the ones we have in 2024. The windows had tape criss-crossed over them to prevent glass from shattering and flying everywhere. The radiator at the front of the room looked very different from modern ones—it was tall, almost like a pillar, and since it was at the front, the back of the classroom must have been quite cold. Instead of a smart board or whiteboard, there was only a chalkboard, which the teacher used for lessons.

The desks were also very different. They had lift-up lids, and in the top right corner of each desk, there was a little pot of ink. Inside the desks, we found a cloth, an ink pen, and blotting paper. To write, we dipped the ink pen into the pot of ink. Because paper was rationed during the war, we were given a small booklet with only two pages, so we had to write very small.

Then, all of a sudden, an air raid siren went off! We immediately stopped what we were doing and hid under the desks. About a minute later, the teacher announced that it was all clear, so we got back into our seats. The chairs were really small compared to modern ones. Next, we were told we were being evacuated. We filled out an identity card and a name tag, which we attached to our clothing.

Afterwards, we were brought back to the present day—2024. By then, everyone was getting hungry, so we had lunch. Once lunch was finished, we split into groups and were given some papers, including a question sheet and an aeroplane spotting sheet.

We explored the museum, looking at the different planes. Whenever we saw a specific one from our sheet, we ticked the corresponding box. After completing that task, we searched for information to answer the questions on our sheets. We also drew pictures of aeroplanes or specific parts of them, like propellers or wings.

Finally, we visited the souvenir shop, where we browsed through lots of interesting items. After that, we got back on the bus and returned to school.