Senior School Newsletter: 8 June 2023

Missed assessments:

Pupils who are unable to write due to any circumstance such as illness or family commitment must provide the school with a medical certificate or letter outlining the nature of the absence. In these cases, the pupil will be exempt from the assessment and their mark for the term will be calculated using assessments that they have already completed. Pupils may like to complete the assessments missed at a later date for the purposes of revision and consolidation and to benefit from feedback from their subject teacher. However, these assessments will not be used in the calculation of marks. In these circumstances, pupils can communicate directly with their teachers with regard to the completion and marking of missed assessments.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

During the last week of May the Grade 9s took part in three days of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Their topic of "How can we, as social activists, help to correct homelessness in our community?" sparked a high level of engagement, questioning and consideration as they worked to find sustainable solutions for helping homeless people in our community. Our guest speakers from U-Turn Ministries inspired the Grade 9s to investigate the causes of homelessness more deeply and it was interesting to see how the grade's proposals connected back to the work U-Turn is doing, with many choosing to focus on a related age group or trying to meet similar needs in innovative and empowering ways. Each group presented their plans knowing that the top projects will be presented to a wider audience, early in Term 3. The Grade 9s gave very positive feedback of this three-day experience and we look forward to seeing their engagement deepen in the PBLs to come. Many thanks to the staff who facilitated the twenty-seven groups: you added huge value and meaning to the learning which took place. 

Grade 9 Technology Day

On 1-2 June, Grade 9s had a Technology Day where they were assessed on what they had learned so far this year. Grade 9s who had lessons with Miss Sanby in the first semester worked in groups to complete a series of challenges with robots using block-based coding. Challenges ranged from making LED lights turn on and off in a particular sequence, to instructing the robot to track and maintain a distance from a moving object. Learners worked collaboratively in their groups, problem solving and figuring out how to make the robot do what they needed it to do. 

Sport - Cathy Munro Head of Sport

Well done to all for the commitment and sportsmanship that you have shown over the past few weeks. It truly has been a pleasure to watch! 

Please note that all sports practices will come to a close on the 15th of June. 

We will return in full force in the first week of the new term.  You can find the extramural timetable for Term 3 here. 

SAVE THE DATE: 

As you all know we will be hosting Herschfield this year and it will be taking place in the second week of the new term. Get your blue ready as we have some exciting additions to the program this year so keep your eyes peeled for the letter that will be sent out soon!

BACK THE BLUES!