I would really like to draw your attention to some of the great activities that are happening throughout the Senior School in the Blended Learning Environment within the last 48 hours.
Last Thursday, I visited a virtual excursion for Year 11 Biology students where they got to experience some interactive activities with educators from the Australian Museum, the Royal Botanical Gardens and also Taronga Zoo. We might hear from some of these students in later editions of the Way, but what a great opportunity for our students to hear from scientists in the real world despite being in lockdown in their homes. Thanks to Mr Fortuin for getting this activity together.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s Year 10 English class on Friday were learning about important and recently topical issues through the use of Web Media publications and TED talks. They have been exploring the recent phenomenon of tearing down historical statues and also gaining a better understanding of the plight of young women of colour through some insightful articles and video presentations.
Miss Sharma is exploring the value of perspective with her Year 9 Extreme History class when analysing freedom fighting and terrorism. Teaching her class to seek the motives behind and the results of such actions throughout history is a stirring topic for our young people to consider and have to build their own opinions and understanding around.
Mrs Marvin created a Canvas Quiz for her Year 7 Technology Mandatory class which had them learning about the X-Carve CNC machine and answering questions about it on the Canvas platform. This gives students instant feedback on their progress and also allows her to monitor all of her student’s level of understanding and completion of course content. Ask your Year 7 child what a CNC machine is and what it can be used for?
Ms Raft’s Year 8 French class read some information about the significance of Saints days and to my great delight, the prevalence of the baguette in a classic French breakfast! Pronunciation activities abounded and then a worksheet which could be written upon digitally was completed. Bien fait!
On Friday, the Year 12 students experienced the online test platform that we are using for the Week 7 and 8 Trial exams and did an exceptional job in navigating the different phases of the practice test. They got to see what it was like to have a teacher supervising their work space at home via Zoom. They functioned seamlessly with the lockdown browser application, which prevents access to any other programs and functions on their laptops. And finally, they did a great job scanning and uploading the handwritten responses to the College exams inbox. It was highly satisfying for them to hear from the supervisor who was watching them upload their documents, that it had been received and they had completed their exam.
Can I commend to you the exceptional staff we have here teaching your children and can I also thank you for all you are doing to assist your children by encouraging them in their learning. It is not the conditions we would like to be teaching and learning in, but we are definitely making the best of a difficult situation.
See you online,
