Year 6 Ninja Workshops: Preparing for Secondary School

Our Year 6 students have recently participated in three enlightening Ninja workshops designed to help them transition smoothly to secondary school. These workshops focused on understanding and managing anxiety, which is a common experience during this important change.

Session 1: What is Anxiety?
In the first session, the children learnt about anxiety and why we experience it. They discovered that feeling anxious is a normal response to perceived threats, rooted in our body's evolution. Mrs. Ballantine, Year 6 lead, explained, "The children now understand that although anxiety can feel unpleasant, it's a natural and non-dangerous response. This knowledge is empowering."

Session 2: The Worry Trap
The second session delved into the three components of anxiety: anxious thoughts, anxious feelings, and anxious behaviours. The children explored how overestimating danger and underestimating their ability to cope can maintain anxiety. Miss O'Sullivan, our SENDCO, noted, "Teaching the students to identify and challenge their anxious thoughts is a crucial step in helping them feel more in control."

Session 3: Relaxation Techniques
In the final session, students practised various relaxation techniques to manage anxiety in high-stress situations. They learnt fun and effective methods such as squeezing a lemon, stretching like a giraffe, and controlled breathing. "These techniques are simple yet powerful tools that the children can use whenever they feel overwhelmed," said Mrs. Ballantine.

Our Year 6 students found the workshops incredibly helpful:

- "I learnt that it's okay to feel anxious and now I know how to handle it," said Liam.
- "The relaxation techniques are really fun and make me feel calm," shared Rafael.
- "I feel more ready for secondary school and less worried about getting lost or making new friends," added Aiden.

We are proud of our Year 6 students for embracing these workshops and equipping themselves with valuable skills for their future. Thank you to the Ninja workshop team for making this experience both educational and enjoyable!