Welcome back to term three, I have big plans for this term and we have hit the ground running with some great work already.

English 7-10

This term we are focusing on grammar, writing and reading. Which isn’t anything new, but we are trying a more structured approach. Each week we will look closely at an example of a well written sentence, a ‘mentor sentence’. We will spend 10 minutes everyday focusing on a particular grammar skill in that sentence, finishing with a small assessment where the students will show me they can use the skill in their own work. We are also conducting ‘writers workshop’ lessons this term, where we are slowing down, and looking really closely at the mechanics of good writing. This is all underpinned with reading. To write well, we need to read well. Students already spend 10 minutes per day in silent reading. This term I’ve decided to conduct reading conferences fortnightly with each student. This has two outcomes – 1) the students are accountable, they know I’m going to talk to them about what they’ve read, so they have to spend more time reading and less staring into space! 2) I regularly hear students read so I can monitor fluency and comprehension. Reading is like any skill, if we don’t practice it, we lose it!

On Wednesday, when we have a double lesson as a whole group, students will work on a project-based learning task. Year 7/8 are investigating what went wrong at a failed dinosaur park (think Jurassic Park) where they will map the island, research dinosaurs, plan their expedition, keep a journal and create a comic strip. Year 9/10 are writing a fantasy story which they will get the Year 2 students to illustrate, and then publish it using a self-publishing website.

HASS 7-10

We are switching back to history this term, with a study of Ancient Shogunate Japan. We have learned about Shoguns, Samurai, Ninjas, their weapons and codes of conduct, and will also be looking at the social hierarchy, role of women and religion. The students will complete a research task on a topic of their choice to complete their learning for this unit. While the topic is their choice, there are elements of research they all need to complete including planning, drafting and revising.

HPE 7-10

The PE element of HPE this term will focus on soccer, netball and sports day practice. We have applied for a track and field coach to come to the school through Sporting Schools, which we hope to conduct before sports day. The older students have also been teaching the Year 3-6 class how to high jump correctly which has been enjoyable for all concerned.

For health we are focusing on wellbeing. We have started out with learning about what part of our brain is responsible for which function. Next we will start looking at why we sometimes react the way we do, and how we can control the amazing super computer that is our brain. For this work we are using a program called Grow Your Mind, which is a comprehensive wellbeing program for schools.

Home Economics 9/10

As our Year 9/10 students have completed their personal learning plans, the second semester of the year will be Home Economics for them. This term we are focusing on healthy lunches and healthy breakfasts. So far we have cooked flat bread toasties, tacos, pancakes and French toast (not super healthy…but delicious!).

Ham, cheese and tomato toasted flat bread made by Annabelle.