Learning and Teaching News
We all use maths in everyday life whether we are aware of it or not. If you look closely enough, you will see maths present in many unlikely situations. We use it when we are making, cooking, building and creating. It is an essential ingredient when we are playing games, building lego, flying paper planes, driving to places, and reading the weather.
I recently had the opportunity to watch a cabinet maker install our kitchen. I commented to him that I noticed he was using so much maths in his daily work and asked him if he enjoyed maths at school. He responded that he was terrible at maths as a child and still doubted his mathematical ability.
This expert tradesman used mathematics in all aspects of his job without even being aware of it. He measured, identified angles, multiplied, added and subtracted with automaticity and confidence.
Our challenge is to make the maths we learn in an academic context, relevant and connected and natural in our everyday lives.
Click on this link for a great resource - Maths All Around You Top 5 Tips. It gives some great ideas for connecting 'school maths' with real life maths.
Lunch time clubs at SMDP
At SMDP we offer lunchtime clubs everyday. These provide opportunities for students to explore their passions, and connect with like-minded peers.
Whether there's an aspiring artist at drawing club, a budding engineer fascinated by the world of Minecraft, or a curious mind eager to delve into STEM concepts, there's a lunchtime club at SMDP for everyone.
Beyond honing specific skills, these clubs foster a sense of belonging and community.
The games club, for instance, provides a platform to develop leadership skills and forge friendships through friendly competition. And for those who enjoy strategic thinking, we will be adding a chess club on Thursdays from Week 7.
For those students with a green thumb or a desire to connect with nature, the gardening club is a perfect fit for them. The gardening club isn't just about growing vegetables (although that can be delicious too!). They also help design beautiful flower beds and explore the fascinating world of herbs.
Lunchtime clubs offer much more than just a break from the yard. They provide a space for students to develop valuable social and emotional skills like communication and teamwork, and discover hidden talents.
We are adding lunchtime Chess club to the clubs on offer so keep an eye out in Week 7 for our first SMDP Chess Lunchtime Club. I will be practising my chess skills in anticipation.
Elise Coghlan
Co-Deputy Principal | Literacy & Numeracy Leader | Visible Learning Leader
Denise Kelly
Co-Deputy Principal | Learning & Teaching Leader