Reception
In one of this week’s classes on ‘Ice Exploration,’ teachers helped the children to discover the enchantment of winter. The goal was to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity in young learners by inviting them to explore ice through hands-on activities. The focus was on observing the melting process and understanding its effects. Through the activities, children engaged in ice play, enhancing their fine motor skills, critical thinking, and language abilities.
The class took an imaginative turn when Reception children received a letter from Princess Anna, seeking their help to rescue Olaf's nose from a frozen ice block. Students showcased their problem-solving skills, offering creative suggestions like placing the ice block in the sun, pouring hot water onto it, lighting candles, or breaking it with a hammer.
A highlight of the session was a simple experiment exploring the melting process using salt on sphere-shaped frozen water. The children observed fascinating results, noting how the salt created paths for colors to travel through the ice. The class were genuinely excited, with students asking their own questions and conducting investigations, showcasing a genuine enthusiasm for learning through curiosity.
Y12
Year 12 Geography students have been exploring the correlation between the duration of female education and fertility rates in specific countries. Encouraged to depart from traditional graphing methods, they opted for scattergraphs as a creative visualisation tool. The initial scattergraphs hinted at an anticipated negative correlation, prompting the students to seek further statistical evidence. Choosing Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test, they processed data and obtained a coefficient of -0.734, indicating a robust relationship between the variables. To address the possibility of chance, they employed a chances graph, revealing a significance level below 1%. This outcome led them to affirm their hypothesis: "The more years females spend studying in school, the lower the fertility rate." The class showcased a comprehensive approach, blending creativity with statistical rigour in their exploration of this research question.
Y7
Year 7 Geography students recently engaged in a City Issues Interview Simulation, aiming to explore and propose solutions for challenges in a chosen Chinese city. Focused on creativity and confidence, students delved into environmental and urban development issues, showcasing innovative problem-solving skills. The simulation facilitated collaborative discussions, unveiling the interconnected nature of city problems, and emphasising interdisciplinary approaches. Beyond theoretical learning, the task promoted social, economic, and environmental awareness, instilling a sense of responsibility in students. The experience elevated geographical knowledge, leaving students informed and prepared to contribute to positive changes in evolving urban landscapes.
