Marvellous March
Hello Dearest JP Readers, this month has been packed with exciting activities and enriching opportunities for our members. We kicked things off with a fantastic visit to The Look Out Discovery Centre, where members engaged in hands-on STEM experiences designed to spark curiosity and learning. We also held a team-building day, strengthening friendships, communication, and teamwork through interactive group challenges and problem-solving tasks. In addition, we launched our brand-new Lunch Bunch sessions, creating a welcoming space for members to share meals, socialise, and build stronger connections.
A key highlight of this month was our collaboration with Queen Mary’s College, where members took part in ICT sessions designed to enhance their digital skills. These workshops provided practical experience with technology, equipping members with essential knowledge that will support them in their everyday lives and future aspirations. It has been inspiring to see their confidence grow as they explore different aspects of ICT, from basic computer skills to more advanced digital tools.
Super STEM
The James’ Place members recently had an incredible day out at The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell, where they took part in a variety of hands-on STEM activities. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, offering a fun and engaging way to learn through exploration and play.
From the moment we arrived, the members were eager to dive into the different interactive exhibits and challenges. One of the most popular activities of the day was the Memory Light Challenge, a game that tested concentration and recall skills. Members had to observe and remember a sequence of flashing lights and then reproduce the pattern correctly. It was a fantastic test of memory, focus, and quick thinking! The challenge brought out a spirit of friendly competition, with everyone determined to improve their score with each attempt. The joy and enthusiasm in the room were contagious, and it was wonderful to see our members so engaged and motivated.
Beyond the Memory Light Challenge, there were plenty of other exhibits that sparked curiosity and excitement. Members got the chance to explore forces, motion, and mechanics through hands-on experiments, learning how science and engineering shape the world around us. The interactive water play area, giant puzzles, and optical illusion exhibits were also a huge hit!
After such an amazing experience, we are already planning our next visit! On our return trip, we will not only explore more STEM activities but also venture into the surrounding forest area. This time, we plan to take on the exciting challenge of building our very own dens.
Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork
Thursday 6th marked a special milestone for James’ Place as we held our first-ever Team-Building Day—and what a success it was! The day focused on developing our understanding of effective communication, teamwork, and active listening through engaging and challenging activities.
One of the standout challenges was a blindfolded navigation game, where members had to rely solely on instructions from their teammates to complete a task. This activity reinforced the importance of clear, precise communication and trust within the team. It was amazing to see everyone supporting each other, thinking critically, and using careful wording to guide their blindfolded teammates successfully.
Another favourite was the Human Knot game, which required participants to hold hands in a tangled circle and work together to untangle themselves without letting go. This exercise highlighted the power of collaboration, patience, and problem-solving, as everyone had to listen actively, plan strategically, and work as a unified group to find solutions. The game sparked a lot of laughter, and it was rewarding to see how teams developed creative ways to untangle themselves while maintaining a positive and cooperative spirit.
In addition to these activities, we took part in discussions and reflections on what teamwork and leadership mean in practice. The team shared their thoughts on how they could apply the lessons learned to everyday life, whether in group projects, social situations, or personal development. The Team-Building Day wasn’t just about playing games—it was about reinforcing trust, improving communication, and fostering a supportive community that aligns with the core vision and values of James’ Place.
We have also started our next sessions of Lunch Bunch cooking classes in collaboration with Eastleigh. So far, members have created a wide range of delicious dishes, including spaghetti Bolognese, sausage casserole, and ploughman’s lunch. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for members to develop their cooking skills, learn about nutrition, and enjoy the satisfaction of preparing their own meals. Beyond just cooking, Lunch Bunch encourages teamwork, time management, and creativity in the kitchen, helping members build confidence in their culinary abilities.
Each session is designed to introduce different cooking techniques, from chopping vegetables safely to seasoning dishes to perfection. Members also learn about food
