The suspense was palpable at our last assembly as we eagerly awaited a name to be drawn from the hat, celebrating the UPS Wonderful Writer Award. We were all thrilled for the inaugural recipient of the Dillons Norwood Bookshop voucher, Year 6 student Kaila. Earlier this week, we were pleased to hear that Kaila made good use of the voucher during the holidays, visiting Dillons Norwood Bookshop and selecting the next novel in The Rosewood Chronicles.

Kaila was awarded a Wonderful Writer certificate for her outstanding persuasive writing, where she argued against the statement Children need more time to play. Kaila wrote this text under assessment conditions and within a given time frame of 40 minutes. You can read her compelling writing below, and we’re sure you’ll agree that this was a stellar effort. Well done, Kaila!

We also wish to congratulate the students listed here who were presented with a Wonderful Writer Award over the course of last term for their remarkable writing. We are delighted to have so many budding authors at UPS.

 

Children should be content with their playtime

Written by Kaila, Year 6

Playtime. It’s what all students yearn for. The clock hands seem to be moving painstakingly slow until the bell rings. You would think that the students were being released from prison the way they flee out of the building.

Some argue that children are being deprived of playtime, but I’m here to plead otherwise. Here are three compelling reasons why students should be content with the amount of playtime they have.

Firstly, I believe that the time allotted for play during school hours is quite enough. Recess and lunchtime allow a combined hour and ten minutes out of 7 hours. This may not seem like a lot, but keep in mind that the remainder of the day after school is reserved for leisure, with only little or no homework incorporated into that time. The time allowance for recess and lunch has been carefully thought out by the school authorities, keeping in mind the benefit of students. If you weren’t moved by this reason, keep reading; you’re final decision on this matter is yet to be decided.

My second reason is regarding the safety of students during the time that is set aside for breaktime. I think that the longer playtime is, the more accidents are likely to occur. While I do believe that yard duty helps matters, students are not always under close surveillance while playing. This is why we find that a lot more accidents happen while students are in the yard than when the teacher can keep a close eye on them in class.

My third and final reason reverts back to the entire reason children are sent to school; to learn! The reason this whole education system was created was to teach children vital lessons, not to entertain them. Now, don’t get me wrong; play is important to give students a little reprieve, a little time to relax. After all, as the saying goes: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” But I do think that we should concentrate on the sole, main purpose of school: to get educated.

In conclusion, I do believe that the time given for playing is sufficient. I do hope that after you reach the final full stop on this piece of writing, you will agree with me when I say that children really do not need additional playtime.