Weekly News 9th - 13th March

Reflections:9th–13th March
Last week we started our new unit “Moving Forward” which focuses on the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. The first lessons and discussions started with the inevitable nervousness and embarrassment from many of the students, but students soon adapted to the situation and we had some great discussions and activities. We discussed words that we would need to use to properly look at the process of puberty and students did some written activities to show how much they already knew of the process. They realized too with the discussions that the information they are learning, although embarrassing at times, is necessary for them to deal with the changes that occur, not just with puberty, but with moving to year 7next year.

Unit of Inquiry
This week we will continue with the discussion and investigation of the physical and emotional changes of puberty and we will watch some videos from the BBC which were made specifically to introduce both boys and girls to some of the main issues. Boys and girls will be introduced to the changes that they each experience and have to deal with so that they have a better understanding for both boys and girls.

Mathematics
This week we will continue our work on fractions. 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 the measurement concepts taught earlier in the year, particularly perimeter, area, volume and capacity. The work done in these areas last week has already shown a great improvement in these areas so we will continue and strengthen the students understanding of these concepts.

English
This week we will continue to focus on the vocabulary needed for our unit of inquiry. Students need to practice how to spell, but also how to use words correctly in English. We will continue our research on the topic of puberty and with Mrs Barrett will continue to learn how to use online resources for bibliographies so that we can properly acknowledge sources of information we use in our research. This will be an essential part of this unit and also of the Exhibition next term.

What can I do to help?
Students may want to discuss with you some of the aspects of what we are studying. It is an important feature of the unit and allows the students to establish a more mature relationship with their parents. Please be open to discussions with your child as this will allow this maturity to develop in a healthy way.

With thanks,
David Barrett, David Gocentas and Ms Isabel Costa Pereira