By Mrs Inkson (Head of Year 6)

Year 6 have started the Spring Term with a thought-provoking migration walk. We started by setting a special homework where girls had just five minutes to pack whatever they could into a shopping bag ready for a ‘journey’. At this point the girls had no idea where the journey would take them or what they might encounter along the way. We had just returned from our House Assemblies when we suddenly had to grab our bags and leave the safety of the classroom… What followed was an enlightening ‘journey’ around the school site, mimicking some of the challenges a displaced person might encounter on their long journeys to safety.

Along the way, they faced challenges such as crossing hostile borders, understanding instructions in an unfamiliar language, staying warm overnight, and managing medical emergencies. It quickly became clear that the numerous soft toys and games were of little help in such situations!

The girls fully engaged in the activity, which prompted many thoughtful questions about the difficulties faced by people who undertake these journeys. They had the opportunity to really imagine and understand what it might feel like to be a displaced person.

This walk marked the beginning of our new Unit of Inquiry, focusing on the topic of human migration. Our central idea, Human migration is a response to challenges, risks, and opportunities, will guide our learning as we explore the social, political, geographical, and environmental reasons behind migration.

This activity has set the stage for an interesting and reflective term ahead.