MATH
This week was just flying past because the students finished their work fast and made sure they are up to date
Year 7 continued their understanding of the different relationship that form straight line graphs. They are learning how to draw straight line (linear) graphs and identify general graphs that only have a constant as a value for example: graphs of x =5, y = -3, y =x and y =-x.
The Year 8’s studied the mathematics behind map scales and how this applies to distance. They used methods learn in geography on how to measure distances on a map and then use mathematics to work out the actual distance in real life.
The Year 9’s has finished their exploration of units specifically compound units by learning about unit price. Unit price is what shops and different product providing companies use to measure how much you can buy of a certain item. This is truly relevant especially now when you have to save as much money as possible and get as much product for as little as possible.
Ivan in Year 11 has started his mock exams. Good Luck to him
GEOGRAPHY
This week the students were given the opportunity to complete all outstanding work. The Year 7 students are still busy with Rivers; Year 8 students completing their topic Coasts and the Year 9 students are busy preparing PowerPoint presentations on the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. We continued with our conferences during their specified Geography lessons and they were well attended.
HISTORY
This week Year 7 have been learning about concentric castles built in the middle ages. From next week, History will become a joint art project with Art as students begin working on creating their own models of castles. Year 8 have spent their lesson time researching life in different European countries in 1789. This will provide them with some context for their continued study of the French Revolution. I am looking forward to seeing their results!
SCIENCE
Charles Darwin published his ground breaking book called The Origin of Species on 24 November 1859. In his book he explains how Evolution works, and his Third (and often overlooked) Law of Evolution proposes that disease is a natural way to decrease the size of populations once they grow too big. When I posed the question of how this might correlate to Covid-19, I received some brilliant essays from the Year 9’s! The Year 7’s didn’t evolve that drastically, but did learn the often over looked skill of correctly drawing Graphs, as well as an easy way to remember the difference between Mean, Median and Mode with the help of a cute video. The Year 8’s continued the theme of Reproduction and learnt about Fertilization and the Menstrual Cycle.
PSHE
We did some fun cooking activities in PSHE. Supplementing the International Week theme, we got our hands dirty and made some pizza. True Italian pizza, the slow way with yeast and fresh raw ingredients. We further practised setting a table in true English fashion with serviettes, glasses and flowers.
ENGLISH
This week in English we have concentrated on language in which the pupils have been challenged to prove their levels of competence. While reading is undoubtedly hugely important for the pupils to develop their comprehension and analytical skills, focussing on the specifics of language helps them ensure their meaning when writing or speaking is stronger and clearer.
The pupils enjoy these exercises and like to challenge each other in how well they do as they demonstrate their proficiencies in usage, expressions and vocabulary. Some of the lower level exercises may appear to be ‘easy’ but the trick is to ensure they do not relax and take it easy and lose silly marks. This helps with their focus and attention to detail. As the pupils progress through the levels, the demands increase along with the challenges, and great discussions begin as we analyse the language and why and why not specifics are correct or not.
FRENCH
Secondary pupils have had a very progressive week in French. Year 7 pupils have practiced their vocabulary skills in making up dialogues « Au marché » and now I can say that they are almost ready to go to France after the lockdown and to buy something at the market by themselves. Year 8 pupils worked on making up house and classroom rules in French. They also touched upon the vocabulary on the topic « Les réparations ». Year 9 has talked about health and a healthy way of life. Pupils have made a video workout with instructions in French that can be very useful to keep fit while staying at home.
