Specialist News

Performing Arts:

In F/1 we have been focusing on Dance again this term, further exploring the 6 elements of dance: espacio (space), tiempo (time), dinámica (dynamics), relaciones (relationships), expresión (expression) y  ánimo (mood). Students have collaborated as responsible learners in groups, to creatively create their own dance sequences. They have been given the opportunity to select their own song, using some movement ideas from the overall F/1 dance song this year "Congelado" (freeze)! Check out our photos so far! :)

In 2/3 we have been focusing on Dance again this term, using the 6 elements of dance: espacio (space), tiempo (time), dinámica (dynamics), relaciones (relationships), expresión (expression) y  ánimo (mood). Students have collaborated as responsible learners in groups, to creatively create their own dance sequences. They have been selecting their own songs, using some movement ideas from four dance sequences we have been learning this term! Check out our photos so far! :)

In 4/5 we have been focusing on Dance again this term, consolidating the use of the 6 elements of dance: espacio (space), tiempo (time), dinámica (dynamics), relaciones (relationships), expresión (expression) y  ánimo (mood). Students have effectively collaborated as responsible learners in groups, to creatively create their own dance choreography. They have been selecting their own songs, using some movement ideas from 4 dance sequences we have been learning this term, Men in Black!                       Check out our photos so far! :)

Grade 6s have been focusing on Dance and performances for their graduation. They have been consolidating the use of the 6 elements of dance: espacio (space), tiempo (time), dinámica (dynamics), relaciones (relationships), expresión (expression) y  ánimo (mood). Students have efficiently collaborated as responsible learners in groups, to creatively create their own dance choreography. They have been selecting their own songs, using some of their own movement ideas and some from the beginning of the year! Check out our photos so far! Cannot wait to see their final performances with our wonderful community! :)

Health and Physical Education:

Our students in F/1 have been developing their throwing skills through group games and activities. In these, they had opportunities to apply rules and listen to the contributions and feedbacks of others. Moreover, they are currently learning how to move in the space with safety. They are doing so by taking part in obstacle circuits where they are required to keep their heads up and be aware of the surroundings to avoid collisions. 

Level 2 and 3 students are greatly improving their kicking skills and ball control in soccer. We are fortunate to have a semi-professional soccer player and coach teaching and challenging our students to increase speed and technique in passing, dribbling and shooting. Students are showing care for others by identifying those who need support and providing feedback. Surely, they will gain more confidence at kicking in the next two weeks.

Likewise, Year 4 and 5 students have been developing and refining their kicking skills. They are learning how to attack and defend as well as seeking alternatives to overcome the opponent.  However, our students in year 6 are being encouraged to strengthen social connections with their peers through a wide range of team-building games. In these, they are having opportunities to challenge the ideas and opinions of others in a constructive manner. 

Check out some photos from the soccer program! :)

Visual Arts

Students have settled back into the art room and have been enjoying art making in the good company of friends and classmates.

F/1 students are completing some art that they began before remote learning. Their Monet inspired mixed media collages are taking shape and will adorn the corridors soon.

2/3 students are creating their own version of Pop artist Wayne Thibaud’s Gumball machine painting. The students have shown great skill and imagination incorporating elements of Pop Art in their drawings.

Years 4 & 5 are working on a collaborative project inspired by street artist Thankyou X. Each student is creating a cube design which  tells their own story. Each individual cube will be connected to form  a larger tessellated collaborative piece. 

Lastly Grade 6 students have been working with me to create their Class of 2021 art project for presentation at Graduation. It’s coming together and shows some fantastic digital art skills. 

This year’s Art Show is going online. On Friday 26th November I will be sending out a link for the 2021 Virtual Art Show. Please keep your eyes open for this information when it is published on Sentral later this month.

Thanks for supporting Visual Arts at Newlands P. S.

Lydia 

MUSIC

Since returning from on line learning, it has been fantastic to be able to play instruments and sing together again in the music room.

Students in F/1 have been further developing their beat and rhythm skills, playing marimbas, tambors and rhythm sticks as part of an ensemble. Maintaining a beat as part of group, while I play a melody is a difficult skill to master and we are working towards independence in this area.

We have learnt 2 new songs in the last couple of weeks - "I know an old lady who swallowed a fly" and "There's a hole in the bucket". The students are enjoying the humour of both these old songs and 1 grade was particularly amused when Ross poked his head in the Music room door and said he used to sing it when he was at school!

2/3 students have also been working on improving their rhythmic skills, using keyboards as well as marimbas to create simple 4 beat melodic rhythms as part of an ensemble. 

The video attached is an example of some simple work they have produced. 

Students have also enjoyed watching various clips of different percussion groups including an African drumming performance and performances by 'STOMP', 1 using brooms and 1 using chairs, hands and feet. 

4 & 5 students began working on Music projects when learning on line from home. 

They were encouraged to  choose any topic which spark their interest and passion. 

This week, they began presenting to their peers in music and I have been very impressed by the knowledge they have acquired and their animated delivery of information in their presentations. 

Topics have been as varied as they have been interesting and have included "Hip Hop", "The History of the Piano", "Pop Music", "Music in Computer Games", "Techno Music" and "The History of Stage Lights". 

Did you know that the phrase "Being in the limelight" refers to early stage lights in which they burned lime to give a soft green glow. 

Grade 6 students are excitedly preparing for their graduation performance. 

Their involvement highlights their interests and skills, some playing guitar, drums, keyboard and some singing solos.

While I can't give too much away, I can say they are working on a medley of parodies of "Lanterns" (Birds of Tokyo), "Shotgun" (George Ezra) and "I Just Can't Wait to be King" (from The Lion King).

I look forward to sharing their final performance with teachers, family and friends at Graduation.