We’ve had a busy and productive time in class recently, with students engaging in a range of activities designed to build both their academic skills and personal growth. The children have been working hard, collaborating with peers, and showing great enthusiasm as they explore new topics. Below is a brief update on what we’ve been learning.
In our recent Literacy lessons, for our unit on Holes by Louis Sachar, the students created their own “Camp Green Lake Survival Guides” based on Chapter 7, thinking about the skills and attitudes needed to cope in such a harsh environment. To help them think about how hard it would be the students roleplayed digging a hole. Then they explored how Stanley and Zero’s friendship begins to grow, discussing themes of isolation and connection. Finally, they examined the “fossil scene,” building a Camp Green Lake Power Pyramid to show who holds influence, and debated whether it was fair for Stanley to give the fossil to X-Ray, linking their ideas to fairness and survival in real life.
In our IMYC lessons focusing on Health & Wellbeing this week, our middle school students explored mindful listening and mindful seeing as part of our Brainwave unit. In the mindful listening lesson, they practised giving their full attention to different music, noticing how this can affect focus, emotions, and even memory. In the mindful seeing lesson, students learned about how the brain filters what we notice and practised paying closer attention to details through completing ‘I see, I notice, I wonder. Both activities helped them understand how mindfulness strengthens the brain’s ability to concentrate and manage stress.
Year 9 Maths
This week in Maths, our class has been working very hard on straight-line graphs and making excellent progress.
Topics we have covered so far:
- Aut.1.1 – Lines parallel to the axis, y = x and y = –x
- Aut.1.2 – Using tables of values
- Aut.1.3 – Comparing gradients
- Aut.1.4 – Comparing intercepts
- Aut.1.5 – Understanding and using y = mx + c
- Aut.1.6 – Writing an equation in the form y = mx + c
- Aut.1.7 – Finding the equation of a line from a graph
- Aut.1.8 – Interpreting gradients and intercepts of real-life graphs
Test Information:
We will be having a short test on Wednesday to review all of these topics. A revision copy will be sent home on Tuesday to help students prepare with confidence.
I am very proud of the effort the students have been putting into their work. Please encourage them to spend some time revising at home; it will really help them to feel prepared and achieve their best.
Year 8 Maths
This week, students have successfully covered the following objectives:
- Aut.1.1 – Understand the meaning and representation of ratio
- Aut.1.2 – Understand and use ratio notation
- Aut.1.3 – Solve problems involving ratios of the form 1 : n (or n : 1)
- Aut.1.4 – Solve problems involving ratios of the form m : n
- Aut.1.5 – Divide in a given ratio
- Aut.1.6 – Express ratios in their simplest integer form
- Aut.1.7 – Express ratios in the form 1 : n (Higher Level)
- Aut.1.8 – Compare ratios and fractions
Students have shown good focus and steady progress throughout these lessons.
On Wednesday, we will administer a brief test to reinforce learning. To support their preparation, the completed workbook will be sent home so students can revise effectively.
This week’s learning has laid a strong foundation, and with continued effort, students will be well-prepared to demonstrate their understanding in the upcoming test.
Year 7 Maths
This week, we completed our unit on sequences, and the students are now ready for their first end-of-unit assessment on Monday. After this, we will begin our next unit, which focuses on understanding and using algebraic notation.
We also had some very interesting discussions about exponential growth in sequences, looking at examples such as the classic rice on a chessboard problem. This helped the children see how quickly numbers can grow and why exponential growth is so powerful.
All homework was handed in on time on Friday, and new tasks have already been set. The group are working very well together, and we are pleased with the excellent progress being made through the curriculum.
That’s aa; for this week, have a great weekend.