hands on learning Tag

Welcome to the German classroom …come in!
Ich lerne Deutsch! = I am learning German!

In Year 1, the students start the subject German as a foreign language.

Friday (15th January), the Year 1 classes were welcomed to my classroom for their first German lesson.
They found out that the country is called Germany (Deutschland) and that they speak the language German (Deutsch).

They were introduced to the German flag with the simple colours of black, red and yellow and soon realised that my classroom is decorated with those 3 colours. Each student then received a German flag to colour in and take home.

They also learnt to say Hello (Hallo) in German and that I am Frau Pani (Mrs. Pani).

We ended the lesson with a simple goodbye (tschüss) that sounds just like ‘juice’ in English.

Well done Year 1, your pictures of the German flag look great!

Looking forward to teaching you German.

Bye! Tschüss!
Frau Kerstin Pani
German Teacher Primary School

The start of the new school year has been a whirlwind of events and emotions. Students got the opportunity to meet their new teacher and classmates. Just as we had all settled in, we had to convert to learning online for a week…

One thing is for certain: our principal, staff, parents and students have all shown great adaptability, patience and understanding this past week.

It was wonderful to see that all my students were joining each and every lesson. Their enthusiasm and energy to keep learning, despite the various challenges, is absolutely amazing to experience. The thing that really sticks out to me is seeing their beautiful, bright smiling faces every single lesson. Even though we have been thrown a curveball and had to learn online for the week, they are still happy and eager to participate in lessons and share their answers and ideas.

Change is never easy and we will have to deal with unexpected changes and challenges throughout our lives. It is, however, up to us how we choose to navigate through those challenges.

“Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you.” – Ralph Marston

Have a look at the beautiful photos the students shared of things that make them happy.

Do yourself a favour and choose happiness.

Ria du Plessis
Year 4 Teacher

Last week the students brought in photographs of themselves and to introduce themselves to the class. Some of the children had photographs of when they were a bit younger. It was a reminder of how quickly they grow and that Reception Year is such an important year of growth for a young child. It is a year where they gain so many new developmental skills. Children also need to mature and develop independence so that they are ready for big school in Year 1.

So how do parents develop independence in their children? Here is some advice:

• Routine: Setting consistent routines is important for building independence and confidence.
• Rules: Set consistent rules in the home. Use a balance of positive reinforcement and consistent consequences that are followed through by all caregivers. Teach your child to take responsibility for their actions and make amends appropriately.
• Chores: Give your child chores to do at home. This helps them feel they are contributing in the family home, builds confidence and also teaches responsibility.
• Choice: Allow your child to choose. This gives a sense of freedom, and self- confidence. Too many options can sometimes be overwhelming, so limit the amount of choice when necessary.
• Free Play: Nurture free play and limit screen time. Children learn so much through free play. It helps them interact with the world around them and develop language skills. Play also helps develop fine motor and gross motor skills. It also helps them develop emotionally and socially.
• Problem Solving: Let your child solve problems: Don’t always give them all the answers and allow them to make mistakes.
• Don’t be too Overprotective: Don’t be too over protective or do too much for your child. Encourage your child to speak up for themselves in different situations and try not to answer for them. Doing too much for your child doesn’t allow them to try and do things on their own. This also reinforces that you can do things better, which hampers the development of independence and self-confidence
• Positivity: Lastly encourage a positive outlook in life. This teaches your child that they can choose joy, persevere and overcome in any situation.

Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher

It has been an “out of the normal” sort of start to term 1, however it has been nothing short of fun and exciting.

As a teacher, these times are never easy. We are always worried about whether our students are receiving the tools they need to grow or getting enough of us as we try to stretch ourselves between numerous tasks. As daunting as it is to be teaching during a pandemic, it amazes me how strong and committed our students are. They remain eager to learn and excited for each new day. They never falter to take on a new challenge.

Today I tasked my students with a research activity and before I could guide them on which search engines to use or how to go about starting their research they were already absorbed in the activity and enthusiastically writing down facts. They were guiding each other and sharing advice with their peers. I was so proud as I watched them and listened to the helpful chatter that filled the classroom. Except for the masks and distance between each student teaching and learning continued.

This reminded me that as teachers we are changing the world and we do make a difference. To be able to keep your classroom running as normal when you are still trying to figure out what the ‘new normal’ is and to see the little faces of eager students that excitedly walk through the door each morning wanting to learn and then actually partaking of the knowledge you have to give is remarkable. We can all take from that, that we are making a difference. Pandemic or not, we are still doing what we love… TEACHING and GROWING young minds.

Nadia Mahomed
Year 5 Teacher

The Pre-Reception and Nursery students are starting to settle in beautifully into the class routine. This week we are learning about “All about me and my family”. The theme is to help children learn about each other and each other’s families and to realize that every person is unique and special. All our activities help them get to know the special and unique things about themselves and each other.

During creative activities we painted hands to make their handprints to decorate their art files and to see that all their hands and finger prints are different. The students were also encouraged to build their houses out of blocks. Circle Time was used to learn about the social skills of being together as a group and to learn more about the theme.

All our activities are centered around the theme the students are really having fun learning about themselves, their little friends and their families!

Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception & Nursery Teacher

This term the Year 6 students learnt about electrical insulators and conductors. As part of their Design and Technology project they needed to design a board game that incorporated an electrical circuit.

Students completed and submitted a planning page that showcased a design sketch, a list of the various materials they needed to build their game and an explanation of how their game would work. Once their idea was approved, the Year 6’s started creating their board games in class. It was wonderful to see the students apply their creativity and critical thinking skills while creating their board games.

Students presented their board games in front of the class. They needed to explain the following in their presentation:

• How they created their board games.
• What materials they used.
• Who their target audience was.
• Lastly they had to demonstrate how their game worked.

On Friday, 4 December, the Year 6’s displayed their board games to the rest of Key Stage 2. They demonstrated how their board games worked and gave the other classes an opportunity to play their game.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work, ingenuity and effort the Year 6s put into their designs.

Katherine Nel
Year  6 Teacher

It was with great excitement that we hosted our annual Foundation Stage Recognition Ceremony last Friday. Unfortunately, this year we couldn’t share our special day with our parents in person, but we were lucky enough to live stream the event to all our friends and family at home.

Each little one received a certificate special to them and their accomplishments this year.  As teachers we are exceptionally proud of all our students and it is with great excitement and a bit of sadness that we send our little ones on to the next year group.

We would also like to thank all the parents who have been there to encourage and support our students and teachers.

This year has been especially challenging, but we can definitely learn something from the students who still come to school with big smiles. They have shown great dedication and perseverance, setting a good example to all of us.

Monique Meyer
Foundation Stage Teacher