What does good annotation look like?

By A Parker2nd October 2018

Today, 8 Pioneer have been developing their annotating skills!  This is a really useful skill to apply to texts.  In this instance, we’ve used it to take note of language choices and literary devices in a creative piece of writing.  We will use our notes (annotations) to analyse how the author has made deliberate language choices to create a specific effect or to symbolise something.

The students will be applying what they’ve learnt to their own piece of descriptive writing later this week.

Special mentions to Theone and Megan for their exceptional efforts!

Ask the Expert: Leanne Stamp, XPE Architect

By A Parker2nd October 2018

Big thanks to Leanne Stamp, the architect who designed our school, for coming in and speaking to us about what it takes to design a sustainable building, including choice of materials, transportation, ecology and the health and wellbeing of the building users.

Leanne talked us through the design of XP. East, and explained why certain design choices were made, for instance the roof lights in the corridors were put in to allow more natural light in. She even old us that she insisted on having bat boxes installed on the side of the building!

We will be using what we’ve learnt today to further explore what it takes to build “a place of our own”.

C24 expert visit from Leanne Stamp, Architect

By J Townson1st October 2018

On Tuesday 2nd October C24 will work with Leanne Stamp, the architect who designed XP East and who is the expert for the next learning target in our Expedition, A Place Of Our Own.  We have prepared for her visit by learning new key words such as ‘innovation’ and ‘sustainability’; considered how emotion could be linked to different architectural styles; discussed heating and lighting techniques to minimise energy consumption and have written questions about her role and rationale for the design of XP East.

Watch this space to hear more after her visit!

Inspired by Doncaster’s Architecture

By Katie Haughey1st October 2018

This week in X-Block, C24 are starting draft one of their screen print designs:

After researching the local architecture across Doncaster, the classes each created an outline of the local museum in the session today. Over the past two weeks we have been delving into the rich history of the town and its many desolate buildings. We’ve made some incredible discoveries, for instance, that the Beatles played a gig in the old Gaumont Cinema which sadly no longer exists!

I loved how some students adopted a minimalist style in their artwork today, while others worked hard to show the detail and intricacies of the museum’s architecture.

Here’s examples of Theonie’s, Aran’s, George’s and Holly’s work from the session:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love how unique they are, and I can’t wait to see what each student picks for their final design next week and to continue through this drafting process!

Miss Haughey

Peer critique

By A Parker20th September 2018

8 Pioneer have been working on the first draft of their essays, where they will answer the following question:

“The Dust Bowl was the most significant factors in the Great Depression.  How far do you agree with this statement?”

Our students are encouraged to peer critique each other’s work as it forms an important part of the redrafting process, before they go on to submit their essay for assessment.  Students are always encouraged to be kind, specific and helpful with their feedback.

Today, Tom and Aden both shared their first drafts with the rest of the class for critique.

Tom explained why he finds peer critique so useful: “It’s easy to miss mistakes when you’re reading your own work over and over again. Also, other students have offered me some really useful suggestions on how I can improve my work.”

Energy, homes and cheese puffs: C24 STEAM

15th September 2018J Townson

C24 have kicked off their Expedition ‘A Place of Our Own’ by considering energy use in the home (including the energy stored in a single cheese puff snack!).Our students used calorimetry to calculate the energy transferred from a cheese puff when it burns…we wonder how many joules of energy are needed to power appliances in the home? They also ‘grappled‘ with some challenging questions to give them a flavour of what we will be studying next week.

We look forward to welcoming a mystery expert to school on Wednesday 26th September to help us dig deeper into the Learning Target: I can explain how the Earth’s resources are used in a domestic context.

Y8 HUMS Extended Study – George and Lennie First Impressions

By 14th September 2018

Both 8Explorer and 8Pioneer have been set extended study (homework) in HUMANS.  The task is to answer questions about George and Lennie, based on the opening extract of OMAM.  The work is due in on Thursday 20th September.

The questions – and other helpful resources – are available on Google Classrooms.

There is also an extension task for those students up for a challenge!

Don’t forget that all students are encouraged to stay for extended study 3.15-4.30 Monday-Thursday, where they will have access to staff and laptops to help them complete their homework.

Any questions, please see Mr Brown, Mrs Parker or Mr Ryder.

HUMANS: ‘Of Mice and Men’

By 12th September 2018

8Pioneer have had a brilliant session this morning analysing Steinbeck’s use of language and imagery in the opening chapter of our anchor text, ‘Of Mice and Men’ (OMAM).

As ever, the students’ thoughts generated some really interesting and insightful discussions.

Well done to Adam M, Brendan K and Callie S for volunteering to be our first readers, too.