Regents Review Winter '17

The Regents Review Winter 2017

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Science Year 11 updates Year 11 students have been working really hard in preparation for their forth coming mock exams, and ultimately their summer GCSE examinations. It has been brilliant to see so many students making the extra effort to attend Wednesday morning and after school revision on Thursdays. Mr Moth and Mr Grainey would also like to thank all the parents who attended the GCSE information evening and encourage all Year 11 students to make the most of the revision resources they have on the USB sticks. BAE Systems visit Twenty girls from Year 8 took part in an interactive work shop run by an all-female team of engineers from BAE system. The students found out about careers relating to science and other STEM subjects. They also had the opportunity to undertake a personality questionnaire. The “People like me” questionnaire It has been a really hands on experience for students in Year 7 and 8. They have been getting used to using all the hand tools and machine to create different projects, developing their confidence and skill at the same time. Year 7 have been creating candle holders to take home using recycled woods and acrylics. Year 8s attention has been focussed on developing pinball style games, experimenting with mechanisms and other game elements. Friday after school is the time set aside for after school activities in the workshop, my group of students have been creating decorative boxes using handmade wood joints. This project will be finished before Christmas and we will be starting a new one in January, all are welcome to come along 2.50-4pm.

ICT – KS4 Year 11 have been working hard on their controlled assessments in class ready to start their 3rd and final one soon. In preparation for their next unit which is a short video to promote Southampton, we were able provide the opportunity for all students to take their own copyright free photos in the city centre. Our classes were a great credit to the school and have taken excellent ranges of photos and short videos that will support their learning. After school intervention still takes place on a Tuesday and Wednesday in rooms 21/22 and students who need to catch up or complete work should be attending then. Year 9 and 10 have started well on their GCSE CIDA (Certificate in Digital Applications) courses, looking at their website skills in different situations, applying advanced shows young women how the skills that they possess are applicable to jobs in science, technology, engineering and maths. Homework and revision guides Students in KS4 (Years 9, 10 and 11) have been eagerly working though their revision guides each week as part of the science department’s homework plan. Each week the homework links to the content being covered by students in lessons. Revision guides can still be ordered - a letter can be obtained by speaking to Mr. Moth. New staff Several new staff have joined the science department this academic year. Miss A Cooper, Miss Partridge and Miss Wilding have all joined the team of teachers within the department, and Mrs O’Donoghue has joined our team of technicians.

How to get more involved?

features to make them more appealing. The aim being to create mini websites within a 2.5 hour time limit. ICT – KS3 Our new Year 7 groups have been exploring both the hardware and software that a computer uses, specifically the components and peripherals that make them up and how they are classified. They are now using a range of skills with software creating different office based tasks. Year 8 have developed their knowledge from last year about the hardware in a computer and make decisions about how to construct an appropriate computer, how much ram, what processor speed etc. They are now making progress with their coding skills developing retro style games that other people can play. KS4 homework and revision - join Mr Moth and Mrs Griffiths for breakfast revision at the science department’s morning session. Bring all the questions that you need clarification with and we can explain them to you over a hot chocolate and pastry; come join us every Wednesday at 7.45 in S4. Not a morning person? Mr Grainey’s Thursday after school session is the place to go to get all your homework and revision needs covered. Year 7 and 8 students can join Miss Groves, Miss Partridge and Miss Wilding in S5 for STEM club every Wednesday after school. Experiments include making marshmallow catapults, erupting Mentos and coke volcanos and all that lies in between! If you are in Year 7 or 8 and have an interest in science, then this is a must!

Technology & ICT DT - Workshop

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