Weekly News 23rd - 27th March

Reflections:9th–13th March
Last week we watched a BBC video about the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Teachers were impressed with the maturity shown by the students during the discussion. Last week we also focused on the major issues that arise due to “peer pressure”, especially as students are now looking forward to going on to senior school next year. After the Easter break students will start the Exhibition, so we also spent a lot of time discussing what may be the major issues that students feel they would like to investigate this year. “Action”, doing something about things that concern us, solving problems, is an important part of the PYP and the Exhibition, so our discussions concentrated a lot on the issues which students feel that they can actually do something about. There will be more information about the Exhibition topics soon. In the meantime, please don’t forget the Exhibition Information Meeting for Parents on 31 March, 2009 at 7pm.

Unit of Inquiry
This week we will continue with the discussion and investigation of peer pressure and topics for the Exhibition. We will have a visit to our classes from some senior school students to discuss with year 6 some of the issues and problems that year 6 feel they would like to talk about concerning puberty and starting senior school. Senior students will be able to share some of their experiences. Thanks must go to Ulrica Oom for assisting us with these sessions and arranging for the visit by the senior students.

Mathematics
This week we will continue our work on fractions, in particular, extending addition and subtraction facts to improper and mixed numbers. Fraction work will be the major focus of our number groups until the end of Term 2. In class Maths we will continue to revise angles and 2D and 3D shapes. We will also revise other areas of Maths to keep skills fresh in the minds of the students.

English
This week we will focus on the information that will be needed for the assessment task for the unit “Moving Forward”. Students will have to create either a brochure or a small booklet which details the changes and issues that occur during puberty and the transition from junior school to senior school.

What can I do to help?
• Students may want to discuss with you some of the aspects of their upcoming assessment task. You may want to ask your child what they think are the main issues that need to be included in their brochure or booklet. Also, please remind your child to keep practicing their maths on the maths games websites that they have access to. It is important to keep maths skills fresh in the mind.
With thanks,
David Barrett, David Gocentas and Ms Isabel Costa Pereira