Welcome to Katie Jayne’s Senior Blog Issue Number 25.
Taking time out to understand some of the important things this month, we take a look at why understanding asthma is so important, how to write a limmerick and what to do if you have a lost a sock or two.
So much has happened in the world since our last Senior Blog in January so we shall be catching up with our ‘Media and Gadget Chart’, looking at why Dua Lipa, Oti Mabuse and Sophie Ellis-Bexter are so fit in ‘Feel the Burn’ and delving into the minds behind the science of our Future Fuel in our ‘Educational Activities’.
Competition time includes along the river with Horrible Histories giving away River Thames Cruise tickets and how to take part in the Science Museums free talks.
Hope there is something for everyone here, enjoy the rest of the Spring term and see you next time.
Sam
World Asthma Day
World Asthma Day this year has a theme; “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions”. The theme addresses common myths and misunderstandings concerning asthma. These misconceptions can lead to those suffering with asthma missing out on enjoying optimal benefit from any advances in the management of this condition. Some of the misconceptions surrounding asthma include:
Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age.
Asthma is infectious.
Asthma sufferers should not exercise.
Asthma is only controllable with high dose steroids.
In reality, asthma can start at any age (in children, adolescents, adults and elderly) and it is not infectious. However, viral respiratory infections (such as the common cold and the flu) can cause asthma attacks. In children, asthma is frequently associated with allergy, but asthma which starts in adulthood is less often allergic.
When asthma is well controlled, asthma subjects are able to exercise and even perform at the top level of sport. Asthma is most often managed with low dose inhaled steroids.
If you have asthma or if you know anyone that does -why not read up about the facts so that you can be proactive with your own health or guide others to a more informed way of thinking. Click here.
Competition Time
Best boat tour in town…let Horrible Histories take you back in time on their Horrible Histories Live Onboard – Terrible Thames!
Take a trip down the River Thames learning its wonderfully interesting and colourful history. Be introduced to Henry VIII, Queen Boudicca and Jack the Ripper, and quiver at the mere mention of the Tower of London. Let the Globe Theatre bring out the actor in you and hold your nerve at Execution Dock. All squeamish tales included!
The prize
One person will win a family ticket for Horrible Histories Live Onboard – Terrible Thames plus priority boarding and £100 towards travel! Three runners-up will scoop a family ticket. So come on ship mates – all aboard!!!
Click here to enter.
Limerick
The 12th of May is Edward Lear’s birthday, the English writer known for his works of nonsensical prose and poetry. Edward Lear wrote A Book of Nonsense, published 1846. Still popular today limericks are a great way to practice rhyme.
Limericks will normally have the first, second and final lines ending with the same rhyme, while the third and fourth shorter lines have their own rhyme as illustrated below:
There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, ‘It is just as I feared!
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!’
Give it a go and make your limericks fun and humorous. We would love to hear some of your limericks. Send them across to info@katiejayne.co.uk
Lost a Sock?
Does your washing machine eat your socks? Do you feel as though the Sock God removes one from nearly every pair that you own?
Totally unofficial, this holiday remembers the socks we have loved and lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We like to highlight National Lost Sock Day on May the 9th by wearing odd socks and making weird and wonderful things out of our single sock pile. My personal favourite is to create a load of sock puppets and put on a performance for the whole family to get involved in… give it a go!
Media and Gadget Chart
Smart Phone Projector – who would not want one of these? Turn your garden into a cinema, seats for six and popcorn aplenty. Create a wonderful vision of film on your garage wall. Take a look at the Science Museum edition here.
Music
Lil Nas X has had a round of hits with this track being no exception – Call Me By Your Name is number one in the charts.
Film
Cash Truck, another hit directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Jason Statham. H, a cold and mysterious character working at a cash truck company is responsible for moving hundreds of millions of dollars around Los Angeles each week.
Feel the Burn
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco
Live on Instagram/YouTube
Dance Class with Oti Mabuse and Marius Iepure
Live on Instagram/YouTube
Educational Activities
Art with a twist
13+
We are encouraging all of those artists amongst you to be inspired and create a piece of art that shows your WILD side…either:
REAL LIFE – creations can use the more traditional approach of paints, pastels, acrylics, pens or pencil
OR
GO WILD for those of you who want to experiment with textiles, sculpture, recycled and eco-friendly materials, collages – anything goes!
Email a photo of your artwork to competitions@rspb.org.uk with the heading WildArt 2021 Competition, and state your age and category.
Science
Join this free online event at the Science Museum – grab your tickets while you can……
Samira Ahmed who has been awarded for his journalism and is a leading broadcaster, will lead the conversation with a diverse panel of scientists, policy makers, energy suppliers and campaigners. An amazing opportunity to learn about the advanced technology driving the new hydrogen and carbon capture and the storage infrastructure.
Further speakers to be announced.
Geography
Forest Biomes short films for KS3
Rainforest Structure in Costa Rica for KS3
Media
Television for GCSE students
