Senior School Newsletter Term Three 2011

Term Three is traditionally a busy and productive term with plenty of opportunities for students to continue to achieve and reach their full potential. The health inquiry unit is based around ‘The Power of One’, building confidence and learning strategies to help foster healthy relationships and personal safety and well being. The Wearable Arts Show this term should provide opportunities for students to shine. Also we are looking forward to class speeches as well as a range of other sporting and academic opportunities.

Time Management

Term one provided a structured approach to homework (Inquiry). In Term two students had to manage their time carefully to fulfill the requirements of their Eco house investigation. Term Three requires students to be involved in numerous projects going on at the same time. Things are getting very busy and it is critical that students keep on top of their workload. Time management and personal organisation are the keys to success, these will be encouraged and organizational skills and strategies taught.

There is always homework to do this term with: inquiry, wearable arts, speeches, maths homework and continual personal reading. Students are well supported in their planning and direction by the teaching staff. They will be given clear instructions and advice on how to manage their time and to be effective in working through the processes involved to ensure success.

Major Unit

This Term’s Unit is titled ‘ The Power of The One’ Big Idea: Empowering Ourselves and Supporting Others. We will be focusing on students:
Accepting themselves and others.

• Learning ways of coping with and celebrating their individual differences.
• Manaakitanga
• How we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others
• Making positive decisions and finding positive support amongst their peer group.

Through learning about these concepts students develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and motivation to be strong within themselves, make informed decisions and act in ways that contribute to their personal well being, the well being of other people and society as a whole.

After analysis the information from the parent survey we have created a unit that we believe caters for the needs of the students as indicated by the teachers, parents and students.

Gina Sinclair – Leadership workshops.

As part of our Term 3 unit Gina Sinclair, the Eastbourne Youth Worker, will be working with groups of students on a leadership programme

The programme will focus on four main areas.

• Building Community (cooperation and communication).
• Empower students through establishing trust.
• Cultivate Problem Solving.
• Challenge students to take risks and further responsibility - Leadership skills.

Literacy Focus - Narrative

What we want to achieve:

• Students should capture the audience’s attention by writing short stories, which are well crafted and interesting to read.
• Be able to critique a piece of writing (Give and receive advice in order to improve work collectively) Communicate effectively as an advice giver.

Students need to be aware, that as writers, it is important to take responsibility for every word they use. Make specific choices about the language and structures included in their writing so that the maximum meaning and effect is gained when reading it.

Maths – Fractions, Decimal and Percentages

This term we have a focus on fractions, decimals and percentages.

The main concepts we will be covering include:

· Understanding what a fraction is / identification

· Add and subtract fractions with same denominator

· Add and subtract fractions with like denominators

· Solve simple ratio problems (e.g. 1:2)

· Understanding mixed fractions

· Understanding decimals (to three decimal places)

· Add and subtract decimals

· Find fractions equivalent to one given

· Expressing ratios as fractions (e.g. 3:7 = 3/10)

· Be able to order fractions

· Express a fraction as a decimal and vv.

· Express quantities as fractions or percentages of a whole

· Find a given fraction or percentage of a whole

· Find a given fraction or percentage of a quality

· Multiplying fractions and decimals

· Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators

· Finding fractions in between 2 fractions

· Make links to algebraic equations

We will also be continuing to teach addition, subtraction and multiplication and division strategies.

Conferences last term

Last term’s parent conferences were fantastic. The general, overall feedback was extremely positive. Students are working hard and the positive reinforcement and encouragement that they are obviously receiving from home is helping to create extremely motivated students. Thank you for your support.

Portfolios

Thank you for returning your child’s portfolio to school and for all the positive feedback.

Production – ‘Wearable Arts’

The Wearable Arts Show will provide opportunities for a range of students to excel. We are really excited about this show. Information and requirements will be sent out in a separate e-mail by the end of the week.

Technicraft

Wednesday’s Technicraft programme continues. Students are onto their fourth rotation.

Ms Leniston

Mr Chadwick is on leave for next 3 weeks. Room 21 will be covered by Clare Leniston. Clare has been working in the Senior School for the last couple of years covering teacher release. Clare knows the students well and will provide a structured approach, which follows the Senior School programme.

Stationery and organisation.

Please support your child’s need to be organised and prepared for each day by making sure they are well equipped with the correct stationery needs.