Focus on Learning

Stage 3 - Mrs Amanda Bartholomew

It has been a busy term so far in Stage 3, with students working hard to achieve set goals and challenge themselves with their learning.

ENGLISH - Speeches:

At the end of last term, students presented speeches on the persuasive topic "It is always/never okay to lie." Students completed a 4 week deep dive into writing effective and engaging persuasive texts (hopefully you have been able to see excerpts from these in our Focus on Learning section last term in the newsletter). Students had their speeches videoed using SWIVL Cam technology and were then given an opportunity to watch their own speeches, making reflections on What Worked Well (WWW) and Even Better If (EBI - what to work on). Students were very supportive of each other, making it a comfortable environment for all. I was impressed with the level of kindness and maturity students approached this learning with. Year 5/6 parents, please ask your child to share these videos with you, as they all have access to them in their email accounts. I can also share these with you upon request.

Here are a selection of students speeches for your viewing pleasure:

Jorja Jamieson - https://cloud.swivl.com/v/c3ed78326fe6e2a866d5e98bdd81604b

Rosie Lee - https://cloud.swivl.com/v/563d36fdc570e2d037a108ef2a3fc9d2

Zeb Allan - https://cloud.swivl.com/v/dcf5f8d90e3a207d1d151429003ac972

Personal Development & Health:

Over this Semester, students have been working on identifying and describing the actions they need to take to establish and maintain positive relationships in a variety of contexts. They have developed strategies needed to manage any negative situations which may arise for themselves or others, including conflict resolution, online etiquette (resource below) and bullying.

A big part of our unit has been identifying the meaning of mental health and recognising local services available to access to assist with mental health issues. We have discussed what it looks like to live a healthy and balance life and how physical activity has an essential role to play in our overall health. Below is a resource we have been discussing in class.

CAPA - MUSIC :

Students have been thoroughly enjoying our music lessons taught by Miss Caterer from the Tamworth Conservatorium of Music. We have moved into percussion instruments, with a focus on African Drums. Tuesday afternoons have certainly become noisy at St Joseph's.