Month: March 2014

QR Code Maths Test

chris hope

Today we had an end of term maths test and the students were absolutely thrilled. Yes, it does sound a little weird, but this was a test with a difference. Half the test was a conventional one, written on paper, but the other half was made using QR codes. If you’re not sure what a QR code is just scroll down this page and you’ll see ours in the right column (a square thing with squiggly patterns on the inside). They require a QR code reader which our amazing library officer Ms Higgs installed for us on the iPads. I created a number of QR codes which had maths problems on them that appeared when scanned. These had to be answered by the students before racing around the school to find the next code. Some of the answers to the codes gave clues to the next destination and the students had to use their maths knowledge to work them out. It was quite a task to create the test but the enthusiasm of the students made it all worthwhile. Thanks to Mr Avery for the inspiration (see link on “School Blogs”). Click on the photos to see them full sized.

QR 2QR 3Ritihia

 

Podcasts

chris hope

This year’s students have finally got their podcasts up and running. It’s surprising just how easy it is to create the podcasts and just how enthusiastic the students are to do them. To get warmed up our first podcast was a very informal one, with the students talking about themselves (something of a natural talent with this group). The two I’ve included here are fun and easy to listen to and have such a relaxed style. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and perhaps learn a thing or two about the students.

   

Parent Task #1

chris hope

This new blogging task isn’t for the students, it’s for the parents. This is a great way for parents to have a look at and get involved with their child’s online life. Although, having introduced it as a “parent task” I’d be more than happy for any close, concerned relative of the students to get involved with our blogs. Parents (grandparents, aunts, uncles…), you can either write a post or comment on your child’s blog (I’m sure they won’t mind if you ask them nicely) or leave a comment on this one. The post could be about yourselves, your work, about your own school life, an event from your past, a hobby, pastime or skill, in fact anything you like. It could even be to do with a news story, something which may spark some thoughts for the students. A comment on this blog would also be welcome. Check out our Blogging Task #2 and read Mr Millar’s amazing musings, they may inspire you to recall your own meaningful lyrics. Make sure you first ask your child about our strict safety and commenting rules. Good luck and have fun!

iPad Art

chris hope

This particular art activity took a lot of time and effort to prepare, but I think you’ll agree it was well worth the effort. Each student had to take around 30 photo’s of themselves before cropping them, copying some and and creating a collage for the background to the finished product. They then used the Brushes app on the iPads to create these stunning images. These are just a few, but the students are in the process of putting their own images on their blogs so you may find more there, check them out. Click on the images to see a full size version.

 

GeorgiaJonnyRitihia

PharynWillAlisha

Performing Arts

chris hope

This week we had a visit from the local senior college who brought their performing arts students to display their amazing skills. The acts were incredible and left our students enthusiastically chatting about it for days afterwards. I’m not going to write about it myself, instead I’ll leave you to read about it on the students’ blogs.

A big “Thank You” to our music teacher, Mr Millar for organising the visit.

Cricket Carnival

chris hope

Last Friday some of our enthusiastic, sporty students attended an inter-school cricket carnival which was organised for us by our awesome Phys. Ed. specialist, Mr Jones. We took two teams of boys and two teams of girls and they all gave their best effort, winning most of their games. There wasn’t a trophy, the day was more about participation, enjoyment and the promotion and development of cricket in our suburbs. We’re lucky enough to have some excellent young cricketers at the school who already play for various local teams so we were treated to some fabulously entertaining displays. Have a look at some of the great action photo’s below, just click on them to enlarge. If you’d like to read about the cricket from one of the players then check out Aimee’s blog.

CricketCricket 2Cricket 3

Cricket 4Cricket 5Cricket 6

Watercolour Art

chris hope

For the previous two weeks we have been developing our skills with watercolours with a view to producing a piece of art. Today was the day we began the creative process. We were using a work by Kyle Brock called Sails and Sunsets as our inspiration. Below are a couple of pictures of the students concentrating on their art.

Watercolour 1Watercolour 2

Time for Blogging

chris hope

The thing about IT is that, as a teacher, you’ve always got to have a bucket load of adaptability standing by, just in case of emergencies. Even the best laid Plan A’s have a tendency to go up in iFlames if you turn your back for a second, then you’ll find yourself emptying your bucket in an attempt to put out the volcano of stress rising inside your chest. The trick to success in integrating IT into the classroom is (and this is my all time top techie teaching trade secret) to assume that life with your trusty bucket is the norm. There are no perfect Plan A’s, just good, well thought out intentions. And that’s where we find ourselves right now!

The students have begun blogging, but the laptops have all been sent back to the leasing company for renewal. The problem is, that was weeks ago and the new ones still haven’t arrived. No tantrums or dramas here, though, just a healthy dose of “Crack On!” and a nose dive into the bucket. So far the majority of posts have been done at home (no, not ideal) so this week I’ll be rolling out rotations between iPads and desktops in between other activities. To be honest, this is actually how I like it. Three or Four groups all rotating at hour intervals (two, two hour sessions over two days) with blogging being just one of the activities. The timetable has to be adapted, too, but that’s okay. The result should be that we see even more positive blogging work from the students this week. Even so, the bucket will be ready and waiting – just in case…

In the meantime, have a look at Abbey’s blog to see a great example of the variety of writing that goes into a good blog.

Blogging Task #2

chris hope

Doctor Who, glass art, the conflicts in the Ukraine, teenage self image, computer games, family visits and cricket. Who said the youth of today hasn’t the depth or quality of previous generations? If this sample of week 1 blog topics are anything to go by then the students of LA19 have got their collective fingers firmly on the pulse. In contrast, this latest blogging task is a bit of fun.

Some song lyrics, for whatever reason, strike a chord in our minds and end up having an impact, or at least stay in our memory. This line from Big Country’s hit In A Big Country has always stayed in my mind:

“I’m not expecting to grow flowers in the dessert,

But I can live and breathe and see the sun in wintertime.”

I’ve never been a particular fan of their music, but when I first heard these lines they just made such an impact they’re still in my mind. Maybe it was because they convey a message that I can totally relate to, almost like a personal, laid back philosophy (it feels like I should have ended that sentence with, “man”). Other songs have stuck, too, but these lyrics are more meaningful than most. The task for LA19 this time is to tell the world about a song or some lines from a song that, for whatever reason, have stayed with you. What are the words? What do they mean to you?

I look forward to your completed tasks.

Top Blogs

chris hope

Well, all I can say is, “Wow!” Some of the new bloggers have gone as crazy as a bunch of tweenies at a 1D concert. I was actually going to make this post a “Blog of the Week” post, but it became simply too hard trying to choose just one. Instead I want to give a thoroughly deserved “Well Done” to several bloggers in LA19.

Bursting out of the starting blocks like a jet propelled Usain Bolt have been Aimee, Demi, Sarah and Kianne. These bloggers will transport you to a fascinating world filled with hobbies, family life, pets, political issues and heaps of fun. Not only have these beginners shown great enthusiasm, but they’ve also demonstrated impressive maturity through their adherence to our very strict blogging guides and rules (which can be read via the page link right).

However, I also have to mention a few of our bloggers from last year (in my class for another year, lucky them). Georgia is still going strong, blowing away all my records, constantly updating and regularly getting more visits than myself (I think I’m pleased…). But, as equally impressive have been Benn, Jackson and Michael. These students have risen to the new challenge and are really making a great effort to update their blogs. Well done!

Please remember, the students are just that – students. They make mistakes, learn then pick themselves up to be better the next time. Your patience, understanding and encouragements are appreciated.