In English this week, we looked at Old English and Middle English. For Middle English, we used The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer to get a sense of how the language sounded back in medieval times. We had a great time reading The Knight’s Tale and The Cook’s Tale and then created our own characters heading out on a pilgrimage… to a music festival. Students wrote poems from their character’s point of view and drew portraits to go along with them. The creativity (and the sass) in those poems was impressive. In Geography, we’re still working through erosion and weathering. A … Mrs. Leah – Week 3, Term 3
English:This week, we explored the history of the English language, tracing its roots back to Ancient Greek and Latin. Students learned how the Roman expansion into Britain brought Latin influences into English and how understanding Greek and Latin roots can help us decode word meanings today. We also examined the evolution of Old English, shaped by Frisian, Anglo-Saxon, and Norse languages through a series of settlements and invasions after the Romans left the British Isles. Students enjoyed looking at examples of Old English in illuminated manuscripts, chronicles, and early literature such as Beowulf. History:We continued our work on judgments vs. … Mrs Leah – Term 3, Week 2
Welcome back to Term 3! We’ve had a wonderful and productive start to the term, and the students have jumped back into learning with enthusiasm. English – The History of EnglishIn English, we’ve begun a unit on the History of the English Language. We started by asking a big question: What exactly is a language? Students explored how human language compares to animal communication—both how it’s similar (for example, in the use of sounds or gestures) and how it’s different (such as grammar, creativity, and complexity). We then moved into studying how the thousands of languages spoken around the world … Mrs. Leah – Term 3, Week 1
This week, we wrapped up our novel Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. Students wrote objective summaries, ensuring they captured the main ideas without personal opinions. We also mapped the entire plotline, analyzing rising action, the climax, falling action, and resolution. One key discussion point was how the most exciting or emotional moments in a story are not always the actual climax—sometimes, they are part of the build-up or resolution. To deepen our understanding, we watched the 1998 film adaptation, The Mighty, and compared it to the book. Students examined major differences in plot, character development, and themes, questioning why … Mrs. Leah – Term 2, Week 10
Next week, we’ll visit the Busan Science Museum! Please remember to sign up and submit 2,000 won to the office by Wednesday morning to secure your spot. https://forms.gle/5dKgvbC6aZdMp6Ur6 Sorry for the delayed class post, I was sick on Friday! In English, we wrapped up our novel Freak the Mighty. To deepen our understanding of the characters, we discussed key events and analyzed how each character might present themselves in the modern world. Using a social media template, students imagined and designed profiles for the characters, showcasing their personalities, relationships, and motivations. In Science, we are exploring how metals are extracted … Mrs. Leah – Term 2, Week 9
Wednesday the 19th, Week 10, the whole school will be going to the Busan Science Museum for scheduled activities. Please arrive at school at 8:45am so we can board the bus at 8:55am and be on the road to make our activities. We will be back by 3:30 for regular bus schedules (no clubs in week 10!) Please submit the permission form and pay 2,000 won to the office by Monday March 17th. Location name: Busan Science Museum 59, Dongbusangwangwang 6-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan 부산광역시 기장군 기장읍 동부산관광6로 59 www.sciport.or.kr Date: Wednesday March 19th, 2025 Cost: 2,000 won Description: Activity:Light Box Using Conductive Tape – … Mrs. Leah, Term 2 – School Trip to the Busan Science Museum
After a 3 day weekend, we came back to class a bit lethargic, but we picked up the pace! It felt like an even shorter week due to International day this Friday! English: We are in the midst of our novel study on Freak the Mighty. This week, we explored plot structures, literary devices, and character development, examining how these elements work together to bring the story to life. Everyone seems deeply invested in the novel, and we’ve had some insightful class discussions about the themes and character relationships. Design & Technology: Students completed their 3D renders of their prototypes, … Mrs. Leah – Term 2, Week 8
This week in English, we kicked off our novel study unit with Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. We began reading together in class, and students are now responsible for reading 1–2 chapters each night. Alongside their reading, they are keeping a reading journal, which includes guiding and interpretive questions, vocabulary study, and reflections to deepen their understanding of the text. In class, we explored plot structure, breaking down the exposition, rising action, and character motivations to understand how the story is developing. We also examined characterization, discussing how the author reveals personality, relationships, and internal struggles through dialogue, actions, … Mrs. Leah – Week 7, Term 2
This week in English, students wrapped up their persuasive speech writing by finalizing their written work and engaging in some exciting on-the-spot argument games. These activities challenged them to think quickly, defend their viewpoints, and apply persuasive techniques in real-time. We also revisited our “rant write” activity, and it was great to see how the persuasive skills they’ve been developing started to shine through in their writing! In Math, both Year 7 and Year 8 students completed their unit studies and took their final tests this Friday. Workbooks and tests have been sent home for review. This marks the conclusion … Mrs. Leah – Term 2, Week 6
This week in English, students explored persuasive speech writing to refine their paragraph structure, use of quotes and citations, and rhetorical techniques. We analyzed advertisements and speeches to identify persuasive strategies, focusing on ethos, pathos, and logos. Students have now begun crafting their own speeches on the effects of technology on young people, building arguments with evidence and rhetorical language. In History, we wrapped up our unit on genocide, with a discussion on the ongoing crisis in Darfur. We examined the impact of conflict on civilians, the humanitarian response, and the challenges of international intervention. To conclude, students wrote a … Mrs. Leah Term 2 Week 5
