Head of Middle Years

It is always a pleasure to speak with students and to hear about their learning experiences and successes. Coupled with these, we also understand that rich learning is gained through making mistakes and trialling alternative strategies. When students make themselves vulnerable to accepting that mistakes allow them to delve further into topics and concepts, they extend themselves in so many ways. Additionally, when concepts are related to everyday situations and connections are made to the world, students truly gain a global perspective.

It has been wonderful walking through various classrooms and observing the learning that has been going on. What was fantastic to observe was the inquiry which was occurring and the inclusiveness of global perspectives. In one Year 8 class, I listened to the perspectives of two students who were presenting to their peers. They honed in on the impact that poor governance, or perhaps even corrupt governance, had on the population and their living standards including employment opportunities, way of living, and the ability to feel safe and secure.

Here are some examples of our student learning in the Middle Years…

Year 8 Humanities

How will a change in government for Venezuela help resolve Venezuela’s sustainability issue? The primary problem with Venezuela is their government's inability to lead equitably, and some would suggest, leading through corruption. This alone is the main root of their problems such as food scarcity, unemployment, inflation, water pollution, and more. But how can all of this be fixed? Well, one main solution would definitely be a change in the government. In this current situation, Venezuela is currently following a dictatorship government so a democratic government system would help the country resolve many of its issues. With such a government, the Venezuelan citizens would have a voice, they will be able to present their ideas to a government that is open to their ideas. With this, they can implement new things to keep the country clean, sustainable, and more liveable and to help the country get out of debt. So the main solution that would ultimately help Venezuela, is a change to a democratic government system. 

By Neilansh and Emmanuel

Year 6 Textiles with Miss Stockman

This week Year 6 Textiles students began their learning on identifying different fabric types. Students sorted through scrap fabric placing them into groups using their sense of touch. Students were given a brief description of each fabric group focusing on types of construction, textures, and common uses before working in small groups to sort and fold fabrics into boxes. They were given samples to help them identify which fabric went in which box. This knowledge will be built upon as the trimester progresses.

Year 6s will be designing their own soft toy or puppet using these scrap fabrics to limit fabric waste and to encourage creativity. Through this task, students found inspiration their creations, as well as having a little fun playing dress up. 

Thank you, Year 6 for your participation in this activity.