News

Although the German class has been much emptier than usual lately, our lessons have been continuing with both online and physically present students joining in.

In the AS year 11 course, students have been challenged to discuss various topical issues. We have debated the pros and cons of life online and what implications this has for us. During our discussion, one student joined us online while the others were physically present – an illustration of the very topic we were talking about!

The year 7’s have been studying animals and some of their attributes in German. They have had fun talking about the various animal abilities. Every Friday they like to pit their strengths against each other in our weekly vocabulary challenge.

With year 8’s taking part mostly online, our near-virtual class has been talking about cities and countries and discussing the various sights and how to describe them in German.

The Year 9’s are continuing in their IGCSE curriculum, currently learning how to complain about problems during a hotel stay.

In the German classroom, students are encouraged to make connections to what they already know. This creates a personal learning experience, one which is merely facilitated by the teacher.

Here’s to much learning success in the future!

Renate Yotti
High School German Teacher

In Design and Technology this term, the students have been learning about bridges, the different types, what materials they are made from, as well as what makes them strong and stable.

The students were given a few weeks to brainstorm, collect recyclable materials and plan how exactly they will be assembling their bridges.

Recently, the students made their bridges and arrived with many interesting and creative materials as well as ways of building their very own bridge.

The Year 3’s have been waiting eagerly in anticipation to show their families their brilliant designs and imaginative bridges.

Alexia Holmes
Year 3 Teacher

Last week our Year 2’s got creative with some cool art to celebrate the start of spring. We decided that one of the best ways to do this would be to make our own ice-creams!

We made our ice-cream cones out of brown cardboard, paper-plates and lots of different decorative bits and pieces. We had so much fun designing our own creations, making them look super delicious just the way we would like it if we could eat them.

We are excited for the warmth and new beginnings that spring is sure to bring.

Siobhan Hendry
Year 2 Teacher

The study of change and processes which operate at various levels, from local to global, is a core part of the IGCSE and AS Geography syllabus. In our current climate we find change being a constant and adaptation to it being necessary for survival.

 

We live in an increasingly connected, globalised world. A geographer’s eyes analyse these connections and the spaces in which they operate. When the Spanish Flu hit in 1918, steamships and steam locomotives allowed the spread to take place at a fast rate. In 2020 we are able to travel physically over many thousands of kilometres in a matter of hours. Our economies are global and much of what we use on a day to day basis started its journey on another continent before reaching us.

 

We are also living in an urbanized world with over half the world living in cities. It is densely populated globally connected cities which have been hardest hit by Covid-19. We can track the spatial paths that the virus has travelled in these cities and globally to find patterns to aid us in its combat. Demographically distinct patterns can also be seen in the virus’s victims.

 

2020 has shown us that we are in this together. The local affects the global and one person’s behaviour can have an impact on neighbours and communities that are further afield. We are reminded that we are not alone and that the challenges faced by individuals are being faced by all. Visit https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html and https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/covid-19-coronavirus-infographic-datapack/ for various data lenses through which to view Covid-19.

 

Ann Donald
High School Geography Teacher

We are extremely proud of how our year 4 students have adjusted to all the safety protocols during these unprecedented times.

 

Break is a joyful, happy experience, where they spend quality time with their friends. The students learned to play old games again such as hide and seek, they have also invented a few new games to play.

 

The students respect the safety rules and don’t complain about wearing their masks. They enjoy their lessons; overall, they are happy to be back at school. We are greeted by smiling faces every day and it warms my heart to witness their connection and how they thrive.

 

We look forward to full classes again, because as much as they miss school, their teachers and peers miss them too.

 

Marlize Keyser
Year 4 Teacher

In Year 1 we have been learning about Inventors for History. Our students each made their own Show and Tell poster of an inventor of their choice and told the class about them. From the inventor of, ‘Lego’ to the inventor of ‘Barbie’ and even the ‘Toilet’.

It has been fascinating learning about the various inventors from all over the world. It is important for children to use their own initiative and research something or someone who interests them.

Show and Tell is a chance for our students to show off their work. Being the centre of attention for a couple of minutes makes them feel special and important. These emotions will make them feel more confident and valued.

Charlotte Cronje
Year 1 Teacher

Travelling back in time to learn more about dinosaurs.

All the students and probably most adults find dinosaurs fascinating. Learning more about dinosaurs stretches the student’s imagination and allows them to experience a world very different from today. The more they learn about these creatures the more they want to know.

This week we learned more about dinosaurs during:
– Theme discussion: by watching video clips about different dinosaur facts.
– Arts and crafts: We made our own dinosaurs during arts and crafts time and we played with play dough to develop our fine motor skills.
– Numeracy: We had to order dinosaurs according to their size during the activity.
– Literacy: We decorated the letter of the week with dinosaur footprints.
– Music and movement: We danced to the dinosaur stomp song.
– Story time: We listened to stories about all of the dinosaurs who lived on the planet before us.

We look forward to more adventures while learning next week!

Martie van Dyk
Pre-Reception Teacher