Mrs. Leah – Week 12, Term 1

Reminder:
Next Tuesday is our class trip! Please make sure to submit your payment to the office by Monday to secure your spot. It’s going to be a fun and and we don’t want anyone to miss out!

Here’s a look at the exciting learning adventures we embarked on this week:

English:
Year 7 and 8 students have started their reading journey with Ruby in the Smoke, while the Year 9 students are diving into Splendors and Glooms. In small assigned groups, they are reading, discussing, and answering comprehension questions to deepen their understanding. They’re also completing fun, creative activities based on the text. I’m moving between groups, checking in to offer guidance and answer questions, but the real magic happens with students taking the lead. There is reading responsibility each night, including homework activities. Students must complete their reading and notebook work, and bring it to class each day to keep pace with the book and help the reading group, so be sure to remind your student to take their book and notebook to school!

History:
In history, we launched our new unit on The Age of Exploration with an exciting role-play activity. Each group represented a different nation, debating whether to invest in overseas expeditions based on their resources, potential risks, and expected gains. Students put themselves in the shoes of historical leaders, weighing the opportunities and challenges of exploration. It was a great way to get everyone thinking critically and setting the stage for the rest of the unit.

Science:
This week in science, we explored the fascinating world of sound waves. Students participated in a station-based lab, where they experimented with different concepts like frequency, amplitude, and the behavior of sound in various mediums. The hands-on activities and experiments made abstract concepts come to life.

PSHE:
In PSHE, we’ve been looking at the future of work and the changes predicted in the job market. We’ve discussed the key skills needed to thrive, such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and flexibility—all of which are crucial for success not only in future careers but also right now in the classroom! Students have been reflecting on how they can apply these skills in their daily learning and beyond.

Classroom Respect Reminder:
This week, we noticed that the classroom space hasn’t been treated with the respect it deserves. Trash has been left on tables and the floor, and supplies are not being put away properly. Even though each student has their own caddy for belongings, supplies are disappearing. Let’s all work together to be more responsible and mindful of our learning space. A clean and organized classroom benefits everyone!

Looking ahead, we’ll continue building on these foundations, diving deeper into our reading, history, and science topics. Have a great weekend and see everyone Monday,

Mrs. Leah