Parents in Leeds have taken to social media to praise a Leeds headteacher who branded the SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) 'useless'.
Chris Dyson, the headteacher at Parklands Primary School in Leeds, reportedly took to Facebook earlier this week to lambast the year 2 and 6 exams in a bid to reassure stressed students and their parents.
He told students that 'SATs week does not shape your future one little bit' and that they should just 'try your best, smile and look forward to climbing a tree, playing football, singing, dancing, cooking or reading when you get home.'
It is the first time that students will have taken the exams since 2019, having been put on hold for the past two years due to Covid regulations.
The letter in full reads: “Dear Y6 children, whatever happens during SATs week does not shape your future one little bit.
“Just try your best, smile and look forward to climbing a tree, playing football, singing, dancing, cooking or reading when you get home.
“After all the disruption you have had over the past three years, my heart goes out to you sitting these useless exams.
“Sadly the Government say you have to do them so we have no choice.
"We can, as teachers, head teachers, be there for you if you feel anxious - so talking is good.
“Chris Dyson, head teacher, Parklands Primary School, Leeds.”
It appears that a number of parents were in agreement with him too.
Kelly Dawn said: “Fantastic words and unbelievably (& heartbreakingly) true.”
Karen Shackleton added: “They are useless, my daughter got GCSE targets as F due to her SATs - yet this week we attended her Masters degree graduation” - a comment which has attracted 22 likes.
Yvette Williams wrote: “Amazing…couldn’t agree more.. We should celebrate each child’s achievements whatever they are and stop making them feel bad when they don’t make the SATs grades. Let’s raise happy, healthy children.”
Earlier this month Daniel Kebede, the president of a UK teaching union, hit out at the government's decision to reinstate SAT exams this summer, calling it “utterly brutal".
However, the government has said that SATs “provide vital information to parents about their child’s attainment, support the transition to secondary schools and identify where additional support is best target to individuals".
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
11th May 2022 
