WOTW: Approach
TPS: Why do we do Word of the Week?
Having a large vocabulary is not just a skill in reading, writing, listening and speaking, but also in a general knowledge of science, history and the arts. It makes you a more interesting human!
WOTW: Approach
Using your MWBs: What do you think this word means?
3…2…1… Show me.
1. Come near or nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time.
2. A way of dealing with a situation or problem.
Using your MWBs: What type of word is it? Noun/verb/adjective/adverbetc.
3…2…1… Show me.
3. Verb
4. Noun
WOTW: Approach
TPS: Synonyms and antonyms (what are these?):
Synonyms – words with a similar meaning
Antonyms – words with the opposite meaning
Using your MWBs: What synonyms can you think of?
3…2…1… Show me.
Proceed, advance, attitude, perspective
Using your MWBs: What antonyms can you think of?
3…2…1… Show me.
Leave, ignore
Why is reflecting on your approach to learning important?
Analysing your approach to learning is vital for serious and successful learners because it helps you understand how you learn best, identify what is holding you back, and develop strategies that make your learning more effective. Rather than simply working harder, reflecting on your approach ensures you are working smarter: building resilience, adaptability, and efficiency.
In business, this mindset is echoed by Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, who said:
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
This shows that successful people don’t just focus on the end goal; they continuously analyse their methods, learn from mistakes, and adapt. Serious learners apply the same principle: by evaluating their approach, they can refine their strategies, overcome challenges, and achieve long-term success.
Write in your form time exercise books
Two sentences with the word approach in them. For example:
The teacher encouraged us to approach the problem from a different angle. Her positive approach to challenges helped her succeed in difficult situations.
How might approach appear in an exam question?
Explain one psychological approach to treating phobias. (Psychology)
Compare two different approaches to solving the problem of climate change. (Geography/Science)
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s approach to managing the economy during the 1980s. (History/Economics)
How would you approach this problem if you were advising a business? (Business Studies)
In what ways might a writer approach the theme of conflict in poetry? (English Literature)
Suggest how a scientist could approach an investigation into the effects of pollution. (Science)
WOTW: Approach
TPS 1: Why is increasing our vocabulary important?
Speaking frame: Increasing our vocabulary is important because…
TPS 2: Where might we see the word approach in life?
Speaking frame: We might see the word approach…
11-16
Lesson
Your latest results:
“Have you kept up with the headlines this summer?”
23,098 voters had their say
See more about this topic in this week’s Assembly
This week you are voting on…
Do we need to embrace national flags more?
Why are we talking about this?
There is a great deal of history to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The flags seen around the nations tell a story of some of this history, and something about where we are today. More of these flags have been appearing recently, particularly the Union Jack and St George’s Cross, the flag of England. Let’s raise a little of the past and the present as we consider today’s VoteTopic question: “Do we need to embrace national flags more?”
Flagging the issues 2
Let’s think a little about the flags of our times…
…and some of the news stories linked to them.
Flagging the issues 2
Class activity (5-7 mins)
Take a read of the following statements, do you think they are true or false?
Raise your hand for true♀ ♀♀
Cross your arms for false♀
Flagging the issues 2
Lampposts and traffic lights have become popular places to place flags in recent weeks.
False. Flags on traffic lights would be a little dangerous! Roundabouts and crossings have been popular places though. However, roundabouts and crossings are white for a reason. It’s so they are visible, particularly at night. Many councils are needing to restore the road markings.
Flagging the issues 2
Many nation’s flags have been flown across England recently as the Women’s Rugby World Cup has been held here. True.
Flagging the issues 2
The recent popularity in displaying flags is said to have started in Weoley Castle's square in Birmingham.
True. This happened following a news story that a 12-year old girl wearing a Union Jack dress was asked not to make a speech at school about being British.
Flagging the issues 2
Efforts to put up flags have been referred to as “Operation Raise the Flags”.
False. Efforts have been known as “Operation Raise the Colours” in some parts. Some people have donated money to buy more flags. It has been reported that some money has been donated to the cause from some far-right organisations.
Flagging the issues 2
A Muslim centre in Birkenhead that found a Union Jack had been tied to its railings decided to fly it from its window to show its members’ pride in being British.
True. A representative for the centre explained that whilst they felt the flag was placed on the railings “to cause offence”, they felt “a strong and powerful response would be to show that this is our flag and we are proud British Muslims”.
Flagging the issues 2
There have been demonstrations at hotels where some asylum seekers have been housed. Union and English flags have been a common sight at these protests.
Asylum seeker:
Someone who leaves their own country, often for political reasons or because of war, and who travels to another country hoping that the Government will protect them and allow them to live there.
True.
Any red flags? 3
Pair discussion (5-7 mins)
Let’s explore the themes around flag flying a little closer by reading some opinions on this topic.
Discuss with your partner if the statement makes you want to embrace a national flag more.
Any red flags? 3
It’s nice that we can reclaim some pride in flying our national flags. For too long it has been seen as a bit taboo.
Taboo: A subject, word, or action that is avoided for religious or social reasons.
Does this make you want to embrace a national flag more?
Any red flags? 3
It’s great that people hang flags when our home nations are in sporting competitions. It shows our support. But it is not always clear why someone might be flying a certain flag.
Does this make you want to embrace a national flag more?
Any red flags?
Our flags represent who we are and our history.
Does this make you want to embrace a national flag more?
Any red flags?
I’m comfortable with my nationality, but I feel like the meaning of the flag has been hijacked.
Does this make you want to embrace a national flag more?
Any red flags? 3
We should all be flying our flags more to show unity and respect. If we are proud of our flag, those who want to use it to sow division will not have as much power.
Does this make you want to embrace a national flag more?
Please be upstanding 4
At this time of year, political parties have been meeting to share their ideas for the future. We call this party conference season.
Reform UK held their conference in Birmingham. The Daily Star Sunday reported that the party would like school children to sing the national anthem daily and raise the Union Jack as they do it.
Please be upstanding 4
Quick poll (1 min)
Would you like to see your flag and national anthem brought into the classroom?
Now’s your chance to vote Yes or No on:
“Do we need to embrace national flags more?”
It’s nice that we can reclaim some pride in flying our national flags. For too long it has been seen as a bit taboo.
Other countries fly their flags more often. You get the feeling they are loud and proud about their nationality.
Patriotism can be great, but I can feel a little uneasy sometimes seeing certain flags. It’s not always clear why someone might be flying it.
A roughly painted red cross on a roundabout doesn’t make me feel proud, it puts me off.
I think it’s nice to see many flags represented, it creates a sense of welcoming and community.
When I see crowds holding flags, I feel different depending on what flag is being held.
We will be sharing your thoughts on this topic with /together, HOPE not hate, Fly The Flag, Everyday Racism and Prevent. Log in to your VotesforSchools account to submit your vote and leave a comment.
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
Comprehension Questions:
1. According to the report, why did many students aged 7+ say they did not keep up with the news over the summer?
2. What debate did young people have about using social media platforms as a source of news?
Discussion Questions:
3. If most young people rely on TikTok and YouTube for news, what risks and benefits does this bring compared to traditional news outlets?
4. Do you agree that avoiding the news because it can be “too depressing” is a reasonable choice, or should people try to stay informed regardless?
5. How could schools, families, or news organisations make the news more accessible and trustworthy for young people?
