Collaboration Across the Classrooms
In the Junior School, we know that collaboration is a vital skill that fosters a dynamic learning environment. Our teachers have been intentionally creating diverse opportunities for students to work together, helping them understand that collaboration is not just beneficial for learning but also essential for building confidence and independence. By engaging in various partner and group activities, students learn to communicate effectively, share ideas and support one another. This approach empowers children to see their peers as valuable resources, encouraging them to seek help from each other before turning to adults.
Enrichment Collaboration
On November 11th, 4 maths classes across Years 5-8 joined together for an inquiry-based session of mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The students made teams amongst themselves of different ages, where they took part in a mathematical warm up, and then worked together and collaborated to solve a set of 4 higher-order thinking tasks. The four tasks were centred around the theme of ‘Eleven’ and involved students working through different concepts such as prime numbers, area and perimeter, probability and chance and mathematical reasoning. The students enjoyed working with different people and were challenged by the rigour of the tasks. It was encouraging to see and hear mathematical talk occurring between all of the students and their team mates.
Stage 3 Collaboration
This term, Stage 3 embarked on an exciting journey to create their own radio scripts and plays. Throughout the unit, they delved into the history of radio plays, learning how sound was used to convey emotions, build tension and transport listeners to vivid settings long before the era of visual media. They explored key elements of scriptwriting, including sound effects, the importance of silence and narration, gaining insights into how these components work together to tell a compelling story. They also experimented with Foley Art, crafting creative sound effects using everyday objects or digital technologies, and practiced using tone, pace and volume in their voice recordings to bring characters to life.
Working collaboratively in small groups, they’ve each engaged in thinking flexibly and creatively about what the production process entails. Through teamwork, they’ve learned the importance of clear communication and active listening, as they received constructive feedback and adapted their ideas to create polished final products. We’re excited to showcase these audio-texts in our classrooms in the coming weeks and to hear how our students have developed their combined written and dramatic skills!
Prep Collaboration
In Prep this term students have been building on their skills in collaboration while also learning to develop an understanding of places where people live. We have started exploring the Indigenous Nation that we live and go to school on as well as some texts that delve into why it is important to care for our Country and our connection to the Country we live on. During collaborative discussion in our yarning circle, students have inquired about what are places like. They enjoyed looking at the country and land we live on as well as why country is special, as it is where we live with our families. Students worked together to build replicas what we need to help take care of our country and the animals that live here. We will further extend into exploring connections to country and the Indigenous seasons in the following weeks.
God bless,
Mrs Kathryn Watkins
Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning
