I am delighted that so many of you have been contributing short stories for this week's #invyreads assignment. There have been some brilliant stories and I have been reading many of them with my new puppy on my knee. She is named Lyra after the lead character in Philip Pullman's 'His dark materials' trilogy.
Mr Dunlop of the Mathematics Department has made a video talking about his love of reading and sharing some of his best loved books with us. Enjoy!
The S1-S3 students have been challenged to write a story for #invyreads and as part of World Book Day. There are photographs to inspire them to write a story that is six words, fifty words or 250 words long. The example I came up with to show a six word story is given below.
Some fiction featuring LGBT+ characters
February marks Michael Morpurgo Month - so celebrate the incredible range of brilliant books written by one of the country's best-loved children's authors. Curl up somewhere warm and comfortable and enjoy one of his amazing books.
Sunday 14th February is Valentine's Day a day to celebrate love and romance. There are many, many romantic fiction books to read some happy, some sad, depending on your preference. A few examples are given below.
Many thanks to Mr Wood from the Science Department gives us a 'tour' of his home library and shares some of the books he has enjoyed reading over the last 12 months.
I have just finished reading 'Robin Hood: hacking, heists and flaming arrows' by Robert Muchamore. This is a modern take on the Robin Hood legend. This Robin Hood is a twelve year old boy and his problems begin when he is caught hacking the school computer to change his grades. Robin is excluded from school, then his father is thrown into jail by the evil Guy Gisborne for a crime he did not commit. Robin escapes into Sherwood Forest and uses his archery prowess and hacking skills to evade Gisborne's men and attempts to save his dad. The book is an action packed adventure and Muchamore skillfully uses the characters from the legend in unexpected, and sometimes hilarious ways. A riveting read and real page turner, I thoroughly recommend this book. Mrs Aitken.
Harry Potter fans may have been looking forward to Harry Potter Book Night which was to be held on 4th February 2021. Due to the restrictions of the pandemic the date has been changed. It will now take place on Thursday 24th of June 2021. If you were looking forward to this event you can still read the books and enjoy the movies today. The change of date also means that you have more time to consider how to celebrate the theme for this year's Harry Potter Book Night which is DIAGON ALLEY.
Mr Krausen, Head of Maths, shares some thoughts on reading and listening to podcasts in this video:
Social Subjects teacher, Mr MacKenzie, shares some of the books he has enjoyed reading recently in this video.
Below are some fiction books where the characters are dealing with mental health issues.
The goldfish boy by Lisa Thomson (OCD); Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher (suicide); Are we all lemmings and snowflakes by Holly Bourne (mental health)
Turtles all the way down by John Green (anxiety); All the bright places by Jennifer Niven (bereavement & depression); The unlikely hero of room 13B by Teresa Toten (OCD).
The worry website by Jaqueline Wilson (anxiety); Running on empty by S.S. Durrant (bereavement & anxiety); Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (anorexia).
It is important to look after your wellbeing especially during the current lockdown when you are not in school and away from your friends. The current spell of bad weather is probably stopping you from getting time outside too. There are many places you can find help and information if you are feeling anxious or upset, below are just a few:
Young Minds offers advice and mental health support for young people.
Breathing Space a free telephone advice service, when you need someone to talk to.
B-eat advice, support and information on all eating disorders.
Winston's wish online and 'phone bereavement support and advice for young people.
The Mix essential support for under 25s - from bullying to homelessness and mental health.
Calm Zone There are lots of ways to feel calmer. This website offers advice and support if you need help. as well as breathing exercises and activities to help you let go of stress.
During these strange times it is more important than ever that we look after ourselves physically and mentally. 1st-7th of February is Children's Mental Health Week. For information and resources visit the website https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/
