WPCA Challenge #1 2017 - Cave Stream

our first debate

On Monday, we had our first class debate. Boy, what an incredible showcase of what this class is truly capable of. I was blown away by the effort in which the student's put into what was an incredibly challenging task. Everyone, to varying degrees, stood up and delivered on the day. What more can I ask?

Actions speak louder than words so as we speak, a team of techsperts are editing and rendering video footage of the debate and we'll premiere this shortly. 

When Harry met William

Once a Pikelet, always a Pikelet. Thanks to Harry's dad for sending through this photo.

big week of learning!

I'm really proud of my students. 

Week 8 has been a massive learning curve for them. They are in the depths of researching for their first class debate. Our proposition statement is "Books are better than Chromebooks for learning". The students have been divided into 6 teams of 4 (randomly drawn). Each team has a captain and 3 main speakers. Each of the main speakers needs to craft a research-based persuasive argument to support their team's position (whether pro or con the proposition statement). The 'research-based' aspect is proving to be a really pertinent challenge for them. Wikipedia, copying/pasting and all forms of plagiarism have been banned (we even have a plagiarism alarm). Students are required to access scholarly information and cite their sources. This has meant they've had to 'unlearn' old habits and recalibrate how they search and acknowledge information online. In order to avoid plagiarism, they've had to learn how to summarise, paraphrase and quote from articles, research papers, presentations, lectures, interviews and news websites. 

Our first debate is on Monday. It will be filmed and cut into a highlights reel so watch this space!

Top Team coming to Paroa School!

Hover Konnah

Konnah hovering like a pro at the 2017 Science Roadshow

Challenge #1: Cave Stream Reflection

I’ve taken dozens of groups through Cave Stream. Every group is different. Group dynamics, ages, conditions and prior experience all have an effect on each trip’s ‘vibe’. Yesterday was no exception. It was special having the whole class - the Year 7’s add another dimension to the dynamic of our group. The excitement and anticipation yesterday was palpable for both young and old (we had 10 courageous parents with us).

I love eavesdropping on the interactions between the students and parents during the build-up to such experiences. The various shades of excitement, anticipation, terror and the ‘fear of the unknown’ make for great entertainment but also provide me - their teacher - with some insight into how they approach such challenges and the effects their peers’ responses and attitudes can have on their total experience.

I am immensely proud of what my students achieved yesterday. They were positive, prepared, supportive and totally up for it. What more can I ask? Challenge #1 conquered.

This is only the beginning of what will be a momentous year for this remarkable group of students.