Hands on Chemistry
In Chemistry this term, we have focused on hands-on, student-centered learning. Chemistry is an interactive subject and what better way to experience science than to “do science”. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”.
In Year 9, students are learning about the structure of atoms and where electrons are found around the nucleus. In order to understand this concept, students played a game with giant-sized atoms and had to correctly place poker chips representing electrons around a nucleus. The game became quite competitive and students very quickly learned their way around the Periodic Table.
In Year 10, students made their own soluble and insoluble salts and filtered and crystallised these to separate them from impurities. Different separation methods are used for different salts and so it is important that students can correctly identify and explain these methods. In the external IGCSE examinations, students write an alternative to practical examination. Hands-on experience in the laboratory is essential for students to understand laboratory techniques and be able to design their own experiments.
The Year 11 students started the AS Chemistry syllabus this term. Students are required to master laboratory techniques as they are assessed on this in an individual practical examination next year. As we cover the necessary theoretical concepts in class, we have done practicals to apply these concepts. Students are becoming more and more confident working individually and are able to obtain accurate experimental results. They have done both titration and gravimetric practicals.
The students in Year 12 had a challenging start to the AS Chemistry course with COVID-19 last year. We were not always able to do a practical experiment at the same time as the theoretical concept was introduced. But students are back in the laboratory this term, and with some extra lessons and hard work, they have been able to complete many practicals already. We have covered all possible laboratory techniques needed in the course and I have seen a marked improvement in the students’ laboratory skills. We are focusing on accurate data presentation and using appropriate data calculations.
This year BIS is also offering A-level Chemistry in Year 13. The syllabus compliments the AS syllabus and students enjoy this course because the added detail explains the trends and concepts covered in Year 11 & 12.
Philippa Goch
Chemistry Teacher – IGCSE, AS and A-level
COOL TO LEAD Workshop
Last week on Tuesday, 16th February 2021, the Year 6’s took part in a ‘Cool to Lead’ workshop hosted by Clara Powell.
The workshop focused on fluid leadership which is the ability of the peer group to create an environment of individuality, mutual respect and collaboration that allows for the fluid movement between individual members of the group stepping up to lead, or using their power to follow, depending on what type of characteristics and intelligence each situation requires.
The Year 6’s learnt the following skills: that every individual possesses some positive leadership characteristics, every individual is intelligent in a different way and in order for fluid leadership to work they need to create an environment of mutual respect and appreciation.
Here is what some of the Year 6’s had to say about the ‘Cool to Lead’ workshop:
“I enjoyed the Inting and I learnt what characteristics a person needs to be a leader. I learnt a leader is able to work with anyone, teamwork is key to a good team and that a good leader is kind. In the Inting I thought that the team I was on worked well together and had many great ideas when we built our Noodle Tower and we had fun.“
– Juliette East
“The Leadership Inting was really inspiring. It taught me how to be the best leader I can be. I found out that I work quite well with a few people I don’t usually work with, and I know a few more things about my friends that I didn’t know before. I had so much fun and I’m happy I got to experience everything.“
– Lily Mawaya
“I liked when we had to make the tallest tower out of spaghetti, tape and place marshmallows at the top of the tower.”
– Cole Dreyer
“The Inting was truly great. We played a lot of fun team games and learnt many things. We discovered that being a monitor takes a sense of teamwork, leadership and kindness. As the future monitors, we need to set an example TOGETHER!”
– Lulu Venzke-Krecklenberg
Katherine Nel
Year 6 Teacher
Healthy Eating
In Year 1, we often talk about what is in our lunch boxes for the day. We have competitions to see which child has the healthiest lunch box.
The importance of packing a healthy lunch box is immeasurable. Children are more alert and focused when they’re fuelled with healthy food. Higher levels of sustained concentration mean that kids can more readily retain information and therefore learn.
Crisps, chocolates, cakes and juice are full of sugar and additives, which do not help a growing child.
Below are some of my class’s awesome super healthy lunch boxes.
Charlotte Cronje
Year 1 Teacher
The Importance of Sensory Play
Children use their senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them. They do this by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, moving and hearing. Providing opportunities for children to actively use their senses as they explore their world through ‘sensory play’ is crucial to brain development – it helps to build nerve connections in the brain’s pathways. This leads to a child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks and supports cognitive growth, language development, gross motor skills, social interaction and problem solving skills.
Five reasons why sensory play is beneficial:
- Research shows that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks.
- Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.
- This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory.
- Sensory play is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child.
- This helps children learn sensory attributes (hot, cold, sticky, dry)
In the Nursery and Pre-Reception classes we incorporate sensory play and fine motor activities into students’ daily programme. Play dough is used as part of the heavy work component of a sensory diet. It can also help improve a child’s fine motor skills. They are encouraged to squeeze, stretch, pinch and roll the play dough and even cut the play dough with scissors.
Different types of painting can also help strengthen hand eye coordination and manual dexterity. Finger painting gives the student an opportunity to use their hands and get messy. Painting with a brush helps them learn to hold a brush and gain greater control using it as a tool.
The students also get to look for numbers covered in rice and play in corn flour mixed with water. A fun and messy activity enjoyed by most of the students!
Cindy Nunan
Nursery & Pre-Reception Teacher
From the Principal’s Desk, 19 February 2021
Dear Parents
It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through Term 1, with only five weeks till the holidays. This week we were able to reintroduce sporting codes after new regulations regarding sport at school were gazetted. Sport and physical activity play an integral role in a child`s development, health, and wellbeing. We therefore ask parents to encourage their children to participate in the sports offered at school.
Last year we all became overly familiar with the word ‘online’, using it in almost every sentence. The ability to do things online has it’s benefits, but it also has it`s dangers. We tend to leave our children to their own devices when they tell us they are busy online with schoolwork or the class WhatsApp group. The school has recently become aware of some of the conversations that take place on these social media platforms and we therefore urge parents to monitor their children`s devices.
Things we can do to keep our children safe online:
- Know what social media platforms your child is on.
- Be aware of age restrictions and read the T & Cs of each social media platform.
- Ensure privacy settings are secure on each platform they are on.
- Install parental control software on their devices. These apps are free.
- Ensure that screen time is limited.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mr J Harrison
Head of Academics High School
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Foundation Stage Flower Garden
In foundation stage we put a lot of emphasis on playing, the messier the better. So it was with great excitement that we got our flower planters and soil. The students had lots of fun putting the soil in the planters and planting the tiny little flower seeds. It is hard to believe that such a tiny little seed will eventually grow into beautiful flowers.
The students all had a turn to plant their little seeds and water them. Unfortunately, it didn’t grow quite as fast as some would have liked, as one student asked about 10 minutes later why the flowers are not growing yet. However, it was with great excitement that we returned to school on Monday and saw lots of tiny green shoots.
Our students water their plants every day and we hope to see lots of beautiful flowers soon.
Monique Meyer
Reception Year Teacher
Rocks, Rocks and more Rocks!
The Year 2 students’ enthusiasm for their new Science topic, Rocks, is over-whelming. After the first lesson, where they learned the difference between Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks, they scoured the playground and surrounding areas for rocks during their break.
We tried to find the correct category for each specimen and then match them to their possible uses. A few students had found small pieces of limestone and the class was so surprised when they learned that chalk and talcum powder were made from limestone. This prompted many questions! ‘Which rock did our roof tiles start off as?’ ‘Which rock did my mom’s kitchen counter top start off as?’
We will be building on this knowledge for the last half of this term, and I am looking forward to investigating the marvels of Rocks with my class even further.
Kim Coetzer
Year 2 Teacher
The Time of Our Lives
Self-reflection: the single biggest driving force in the journey of personal growth. In order to decide where we are headed, we need to recognize how far we have come!
To start off 2021, the Year 5’s spent some time looking at the idea of chronology, timelines and the important milestones in our lives which have brought us to where we are today. We did some research on our own history – beginning at birth – and presented our lives back to our classmates with the help of some beautifully creative visual aids.
Through this task, we were able to take a look at where we have come from, and subsequently consider where the near future may carry us.
We, the Year 5 teachers, were blown away by the effort, pride and creativity displayed by our students in completing this project, and are excited for our cameos in Chapter 2021!
Robyn Pieters
Year 5 Teacher
BIS Valentine’s Celebrations 2021
As a school we celebrated Valentine’s Day last Friday with a civvies day and treats available for pre-order. The Year 11 class worked very hard to put the day together- from folding hundreds of sweetie boxes to hurrying around the school with envelopes and class lists, they did themselves proud and ensured the event was a success.
It is wonderful that we are, once again, able to hold events such as Valentine’s Day celebrations and though they may not be as they were in previous years, it is important that we keep such annual events running.
We hope that all the students enjoyed the celebrations! Everyone certainly looked fantastic decked out in red, white and pink and the sweetie boxes and doughnuts were met with great enthusiasm.
We would like to thank the parents for their continued support and all the teachers across the school who worked together to make this event a success. The funds raised go towards the 2021 Matric Dance at the end of the year and we appreciate everyone’s support in this endeavour.
Alice Pryor
Year 12 Tutor Teacher
WATCH: Valentine’s Day at Blouberg International School 2021
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From the Principals Desk, 12 February 2021
Dear Parents
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”– Phil. 4:8 NIV.
MINDFULNESS
To be mindful means to be conscious or aware of something. “It is a mental state that is achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.”- Dictionary.
This is often easier said than done. It is easy to become fearful and negative in today’s world. Listening to the news, reading the newspapers, can be a depressing reminder of the situation worldwide.
I believe it’s so important, amidst the worry of our daily lives, to focus our hearts and minds on what is noble and lovely. We are in the middle of February and already our students and teachers have achieved so much. Public schools will only reopen on Monday 15th February and their teachers and students are only now preparing for the academic year.
I am proud that our students have been busy with their academic programme since the beginning of the year and commend their enthusiasm and dedication. Sir Winston Churchill once said, “young men and young women, take up your mantle and rise; it is time for change.” We, the educators and parents, are the ones who empower and equip this generation for change. Let us pass the torch with pride!
Our students are all dressed up and ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day today. Such celebrations are important for morale and fellowship. Therefore, it is with joy, laughter, treats and music they celebrate the day and share the love!
On Monday, 15th February, we will have all students back on campus and we are sure they cannot wait to join their peers. Teachers will continue to prepare work for students who are abroad or have co-morbidities. As communicated two weeks ago, all other hybrid teaching ends today. Although our hybrid programme is running smoothly, the students need to have the benefit of face-to-face communication with their teachers.
As we look forward to the weekend, I encourage you to share the love with your family and friends. We cannot know what tomorrow will bring but we can celebrate today!
Kind regards
Edna
(Follow us on Instagram to see some of the Valentine’s Day photos and videos.)
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