One Spencer Day: Derby Moor sixth formers deliver RE workshops to Spencer Trust Primary pupils
A group of sixth formers from Derby Moor Spencer Academy recently hosted a day of learning centred around the teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism for fellow Spencer Trust primary pupils from Ashwood, Brackensdale, Castleward, Chellaston Fields, Highfields, Hilton, St Giles, The Mease and Wyndham Spencer Academies.
The day was held at Ashwood Spencer and was an opportunity for our sixth formers to develop their leadership and communication skills through planning and leading their own workshops.
After an introductory assembly and welcome from Paula Baines-Chambers, Principal at Ashwood Spencer, and Susan Sharp, Executive Director of Post-16, the children were split into two groups; Elephants and Tigers.
They then entered into workshops devised around Hinduism and Buddhism in which the children were able to learn more about the beliefs and practices of these religions. The Hinduism workshop included an education on the story of “Rama & Sita” and lantern-making, while the Buddhism workshop involved the teachings of the book “Under the Bodhi Tree” and crafting buddha trees.
The day was completed with an Indian style buffet lunch and a final session of Indian dancing taught by 2 Derby Moor Spencer sixth formers, meditation practice, prize giving for the awards of ‘most creative’, ‘most respectful learner and teamwork’ and ‘best communication’ and finished off with a musical performance from our very own students at George Spencer Academy.
The sixth formers expressed great enthusiasm for the experience: “It has been very insightful, opening so many doors for my future career” said Khadija. “It has sharpened my leadership skills as a collective and improved my teamwork skills” echoed Imaan. Ishaa also gained a lot from the day: “As I am wanting to be a teacher in the future, today has really opened my eyes on what it is like to be a teacher day to day.”
Our primary pupils shared the same excitement on the day: “The food was amazing, and I really enjoyed creating my own lantern and bodhi trees” said a Year 4 pupil from Hilton Spencer Academy. “I really enjoyed making my own lantern and decorating the bodhi tree!” said another Year 3 pupil.
Susan Sharp was thrilled with the day: “Today has been a really special occasion, seeing students across our family of schools working together and forging new friendships has been inspiring. I am so proud of our incredible Sixth Formers who worked really hard with Miss Burn to deliver fun and interesting activities! The students are planning to be teachers, Doctors, Educational Psychologists and Social workers in the future and the skills they have developed will help them on this path!”
