Autumn 1

Year 5 learnt what it means to be a refugee, exploring the reasons why people may be forced to leave their homes and the challenges they can face when starting a new life. To deepen their understanding, the children read My Name Is Not Refugee by Kate Milner, which supported thoughtful discussions about identity, kindness, and belonging. Through this work, the children showed great compassion and curiosity, reflecting on how they can be welcoming, respectful, and courageous advocates for others in their own community.

Autumn 2

Next, the children discussed a range of different scenarios to help them understand how far some people may have travelled to escape difficult and dangerous situations. These discussions encouraged the children to think deeply about the journeys refugees may face and the emotions they might experience along the way. Together, we created a Wall of Compassion, where the children shared thoughtful words to describe how they felt and expressed their hopes for refugees’ futures. This activity highlighted the children’s empathy, kindness, and growing awareness of how they can show care and compassion for others.

Spring 1

Year 5 made meaningful links with the Wycombe Refugee Partnership when members of the charity visited our school to share more about their important work supporting refugees. The children learnt about why the charity’s work matters and how it helps families rebuild their lives. Through a powerful drama workshop, pupils explored what it might feel like to leave your home, take a long and dangerous journey, and begin a new life in a different country. The session helped deepen their understanding, empathy, and appreciation of the challenges many people face.

Spring 2

Year 5 shared the book 'My Name is Not Refugee' by Kate Milner with the whole school to help others understand the experiences of children who are forced to leave their homes. After reading and discussing the story, the class set a series of thoughtful challenges for the rest of the school to complete, encouraging everyone to reflect on the difficulties refugees may face and to show kindness, empathy and support as part of our project.