Here is a selection of the learning that has taken place in the Senior Department this week:
English:
Last week in Year 6, we began to read Beverley Naidoo’s seminal novella, Journey to Jo’burg, which gently explores life for black South Africans living under the Apartheid regime. The book was banned in South Africa until Nelson Mandela became president and whilst reading, pupils are critically evaluating why this book was banned. What does Beverley Naidoo’s prose reveal about life in South Africa? Through their wider reading and comprehension work, pupils have learned about the Land Acts that sent the Black majority to live in peripheral Bantustans; Pass Laws which condemned the Black community to living and working in certain areas; and the impact of mining on the population and environment. Pupils have practised key skills of summarisation, recall and inference whilst exploring demanding non-fiction texts related to themes within the novella.
This week Year 7 pupils finished reading Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story, ‘The Speckled Band’ and having been immersed in the vocabulary and syntax of the author, have written letters from the character, Helen Stoner, in the style of this classic writer. Being able to reproduce the tone of an author requires great sensitivity and skill, and we think Benjamin has done a fantastic job with his piece of work that you can read here.
Humanities:
The study of the ‘human sciences’ has never been more relevant and important than at this time in the 21st Century when as a civilization, we are facing mounting challenges on a variety of fronts. What better time to bring related learning to the next generation in ways that will excite young minds as they critically explore together some of what will lead to finding answers as they convert challenges into opportunities.
Here at Edge Grove, we are taking seriously the teaching of humanities as we pick up our role as educators to facilitate the many adventures that will lead to deeper understanding, questioning and challenging the status quo, and how best to empower and equip the children for the roles that each will play as young adults in the ever-changing world of the future.
To this end, the following is a statement of intent that we are currently working with as we seek the best way to bring our mission to life:
A draft statement of intent:
Our Edge Grove Humanities curriculum aims to bring to life global, regional and natural features, systems, events and aspects that have been or are currently real to the human story. We are excited to be able to offer primary threshold learning experiences that will open viewscapes of knowledge through which to help children explore what belonging to the human race ought to be about.
As we aim to bring Geography, History and TPR (Theology, Philosophy and Religion) alive in the hearts and minds of our children, we will endeavour to do so by expanding on what it means to be human, how people live, think and interact in diverse societies, cultures and environments, and especially in terms of time, place and belief.
At Edge Grove we have a broad Humanities syllabus that embraces our school’s guiding principles of Integrity, Independence and Inspiration. It encourages, amongst other things, critical thinking, cooperation, communication, and character-building. We aim, too, to awaken such things as open-mindedness, equality and fair-mindedness, the desire for truth and an inquiring attitude.
PE:
The Year 6 pupils have continued their badminton unit this term. We have currently looked at the two serving techniques and the tactical benefits of each. This week we have been working on how we move our opponents around the court to gain an advantage.
Design & Technology:
This week, pupils in the D&T club have started to manufacture their D&T/Environment projects. Each group is creating a unique product that will be used within the school community. All pupils showed excellent teamwork and enthusiasm towards the beginnings of the manufacturing.
