Y12 Trip to Red Dot Design Museum, 6/9/19

Our Y12 learners visited an exhibition on Human Nature to support their learning in Theory Of Knowledge (TOK). The exhibition, based in the Red Dot Design Museum, focused on the relationship between humans and Artificial Intelligence. The exhibition raised interesting questions such as ‘Do robots have souls?’ and ‘Can Artificial Intelligence really produce art?’ On display they had items such as an award winning photo taken by a drone, robots that can babysit children and robots used as comfort pets for older people. As learners were going around the museum they discussed a range of issues relating to human nature and what makes humans so unique.

This week learners will be writing their first TOK journal article about their understandings of these issues. Learners should regularly be writing in their TOK journals to show the relationship between TOK and real life.

Ms Vicky Holdcroft, Learning Area Leader: Humanities

Canon Photography Workshop, 5/9/19

On Thursday, 6/9/19, Nexus learners had the opportunity to learn about photographic techniques with experts Alvin and Ron from Canon Singapore. After inspiring the 40-strong group with some of his own images, Alvin spent time introducing learners to photographic concepts such as the rule of thirds, leading lines and framing, as well as technical aspects like ISO and shutter speed. After the introduction to theory, Ron and Alvin handed out 25 Canon DSLR cameras and set our learners loose around the school to put in practice what they had learned. It was brilliant to see everyone out and about all over the school. As Alvin said, some of the images were great examples of the concepts shared in the theory session. A huge thank you to Adrian, Alvin & Ron from Canon, as well as the Nexus learners for being such enthusiastic participants.

Tony Hall, Geography Teacher

Helpers Workshops, 2/9/19 - 6/9/19

Last week, our helpers were invited to a series of workshops conducted especially for them. The purpose of these workshops is to guide your helpers through the common challenges of looking after children, as well as equipping them with useful skills to handle different types of situations. Covering topics such as First Aid 101, Mindfulness, Nurturing your Child's Artistic Abilities, knowing how to manage and understand children, as well as fundamental movement skills, these workshops were so popular that the majority of the sessions were fully booked! We trust that your helpers took away several practical tips and a greater understanding on how to best look after your children in your homes.

Year 7 Humanities Crime Scene!

On Monday our Year 7 Humanities learners attempted to solve a 5,300 year old murder mystery - What happened to Otzi the Iceman? Learners arrived in the Humanities pod to discover a body surrounded by evidence. In turns they took on the roles of Pathologists, Climatologists and Archeologists to find clues about Otzi’s life and death. In the Pathology lab they studied x-rays and photos of his body discovering he had numerous injuries all implying Otzi was probably murdered. As Climatologists they discovered that Otzi was found at very high altitude and that the effects of this altitude may have contributed to his death. Our learners also acted as Archeologists selecting pieces of evidence that gave clues about his life and death. Otzi’s copper axe was particularly unique and raised the question- if he was murdered, why didn’t the murderer take this very valuable tool with them?

Our Y7 Humanities learners really got into the spirit of the activity and asked some excellent questions of the evidence around them. Over the next few lessons they are coming up with their own theory about his death and supporting it with a range of evidence. We were also fortunate that the lesson was filmed - so look out for a video in the near future!

Ms Vicky Holdcroft, Learning Area Leader: Humanities

Y12 Supporting at the NPG Flea Market, Saturday 31st September

Year 12 learners came out in force to support the NPG Flea Market. Drawing on their creative resources and sense of fun, Year 12 provided great entertainment for all the small children present with a variety of stalls including football, face painting, henna tattoos, nerf guns and a skittle alley. This was a great CAS opportunity and Year 12 were excellent ambassadors throughout the afternoon.