It is hard to believe that last week did in fact start with warm heat, blue skies and glorious sunshine. The children enjoyed football and other ball games on the Walled Garden AstroTurf during morning break, and some took themselves to the eco-garden to admire the end of season sunflowers. As I write this, only a few days later, Edge Grove is feeling a lot more autumnal!
Miss McDonald and I have enjoyed working with the Year 7 and 8 pupils in Baccalaureate. The children are well on their way to planning their bespoke recipes for various staff members - not an easy task when allergies, preferences, and tight budgets are taken into account! They have not got much time to get their plans ready, as it won’t be long until the teachers start shopping and cooking. Will the pupils’ instructions on their recipes be easy and clear to follow, and will their menu meet the Food Challenge’s strict criteria?
In assemblies with Mrs Sharp, Upper School were encouraged to think about this term’s Flourish focus ‘empathy’, what it is and the many benefits. Watching the farewell scene at the end from the film classic E.T. provided the opportunity for children to connect with the feelings of Elliot and E.T. as they said goodbye and discuss the potential feelings of each - they were able to step into the shoes of Elliot and E.T. and be truly empathetic.
In the Upper School classrooms...
In English, Year 7 have been continuing their analysis of poetry by Joseph Coelho, taken from his anthology Overheard in a Tower Block. Taking advantage of the sunny weather, lessons took place on the front lawn, with children reciting one of his most well known poems The Duelling Duo. This has helped with exploration of a number of techniques including metre, rhythm and rhyme.
I enjoyed visiting the Year 8 English classrooms this week to see one of my favourite units in action - the poetry of World War 1. The children have begun analysing one of this module’s best poems, Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen. By separating and reflecting on three key elements, structure, language and tone, the children have been able to think in more depth about the poem’s overall impact.
In History, Year 7 have begun their study of the Georgian period starting with a look at the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 and how close they came to reaching London before their ultimate defeat at the Battle of Culloden. Their assignment was to become a Jacobite and to tell their story, describing how they ended up in America.
The Year 8s meanwhile have been studying the events of 1066 and after producing election posters for the various candidates for the throne, have learned what really happened. Their assignment was to give the reasons why William the Conqueror was successful.
Year 7 and 8 have been working on their photography projects this week with some editing. After taking photographs last week and the week before we spent the afternoon colour selecting, which involves producing a black and white copy, and then filling in the colours to make certain items ‘pop’. We will then start layering the photographs, an activity which has proved popular in previous years.
Creative Arts Don't forget to check out the Creative Arts section to see all the fantastic things Upper School have been up to in Music, Art and Drama.