Roles and behaviours within relationships

In Nursery, we are beginning to see learners take risks in their self-initiated learning. They independently access the environment and are motivated by their own interests and the resources available to them. They are able to make a choice about what they will do, what resources they will use and how they will do it. At times, this does require adults to model the learning as it gives the learners the confidence to explore new opportunities in their play.

Outdoors, we worked collaboratively to develop a new mud kitchen, some learners were reluctant to get messy at first. However, over time they have discovered it is enjoyable and have engaged imaginatively, making mud pies and spaghetti! In Nursery, we always say; “It’s okay to get messy, it’s fun!”

At the end of our session outdoors, the learners have been responsible in taking action to ensure that the resources are washed, sorted and stored correctly ready for another exciting day ahead.

Choices Influence Our Wellbeing

As we approach the end of term, the Kindergarten learners have started to have a closer look at how our Essential Agreements affect our daily activities and overall wellbeing in our different learning areas. They have begun to suggest classmates who were consistently demonstrating certain aspects of our Essential Agreements such as using kind words, walking feet and listening ears. We have followed this up by celebrating and recognising these learners daily, with a photo placed on the posters we have displayed in class. This is a highlight in our day taking the time to reflect on all of the good choices being made by the learners in Kindergarten. The learners have taken further action to improve themselves and set a goal for next term.

The learners are also demonstrating good self management skills and making good choices in more of what we do each day at school. We are really proud of all of our fabulous learners in Kindergarten for being focused on their own and each others' wellbeing.

Choices Influence Our Wellbeing

As we move towards the end of term, it has been wonderful to see so many of our Year 1 learners taking authentic action across all areas of learning. Over the last 2 weeks, they have been using their own strategies for self-regulating and calming down and have created Choice Wheels to demonstrate their understanding. Examples include 'starfish breathing' and 'listening to gentle music.' We hope the learners will share with you their strategies, and will continue to build on these throughout the year.

In Maths, some learners have been encouraged to take action by teaching each other how to subtract using numbers to 100. In Language Arts, the learners have demonstrated further independence by challenging themselves with their phonics and applying these skills independently in their groups. Well done Year 1 for making your teachers smile yet again through your perseverance, independence and curiosity!

Lifestyle Choices Affect Health

In Year 2, we have started our new Unit of Inquiry exploring how 'Lifestyle Choices Affect Health'. The learners have enjoyed sharing their knowledge about keeping healthy. They also came up with a wide variety of interesting questions about exercise, nutrition, hygiene and mindfulness to explore. This week the learners have been taking action to find out answers to these questions, showing terrific research skills and locating amazing facts in both nonfiction books and in online resources. They identified experts in our Nexus community, such as the HPE team and school nurses, who can assist them in their learning and we are sure the learners will be asking them lots of questions throughout this inquiry.

The learners were very excited to take action to support today’s Bug Busting Event. They have created some wonderful logos to raise awareness. Keep your eyes open for these!

'Water is an essential resource'

In Year 4 we have been activity involved in different types of action. Some of our actions have been connected to our Inquiry. Learners have promoted using less water when we clean our teeth, wash the dishes or take showers. We have given our plants the right amount of water every day so they thrive. We are trying to use less bottled water to reduce the wastage of packaging and fuel used in transportation. At home, some learners are helping to conserve water by fully filling up the dishwasher before use or wash plates by hand!

Some of our actions have been inspired by our focus last week on the UN Global Goals. A big 'thank you' to several Year 4 learners who decided to improve our playgrounds by doing regular rubbish collections! We are all also trying not to waste food at lunch.

Our other action has been centred around making our playtimes more enjoyable for everyone. Year 4 learners have set up Beyblade competitions for Phase 3; organised drawing activities for others; made lanterns to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival; shared their origami skills with friends and checked in with anyone who looks lonely in the playground.

Well done Year 4. Keep striving to make our world a better place!

Peace and Conflict exist within and between communities

As part of our Unit of Inquiry, Year 5 learners inquired into a their responsibilities to maintain peace. They were advocates for a context of their choice connected to: self, national or global conflict. We discussed different ways to take action through advocacy. Learners enjoyed having the opportunity to design a visual presentation that they were passionate about. These included: FlipaClip animated movise, i-Movies, Digital Posters, hand drawn posters or using Art/Crafts as a medium. Learners needed to ensure they communicated their messages through the use of visual features such as: logos, symbols, images, keywords and drawings.

Exploring the past helps us understand the present and innovate for the future

Throughout our unit of inquiry, our learners have been exploring the past, looking at areas as varied as World War 2, the Vikings, Ancient Rome and Egypt, as well as the history of Singapore. All of the learners have been keen to explore their interests further which in itself is a form of action. Our next step is to explore how the past has allowed us to innovate for a more positive future.

Learners are also exploring their R.I.S.E Challenges. The Nexus R.I.S.E. Challenge encourages Phase 4 learners to step outside of their comfort zone and try something new. It can include an area of Responsibility such as making a speech or leading a group, Inclusion where they involve themselves in an activity or event, Providing a Service for others, or simply having a new Experience. Some learners are creating clubs or developing talent and joke competitions. Others are learning instruments which they intend to play in front of an audience and others have challenged themselves to improve their fitness by building their stamina on the Nexus stairs. It is a wonderful opportunity for all of our learners and we encourage others to think about what they might do for their personal R.I.S.E. Challenge.