The term “visible thinking” in one sense seems to contradict itself. How can something that we do all day, every day, in our own mind become visible?

Across the school day, students in Primary are learning, reflecting and wondering as they express ideas on whiteboard walls and sticky notes that make connections between what they are learning. An integral element of deep learning is making the thinking visible.

The properties of plants are a key learning focus in Stage 2 this term. The students’ reflections and wonderings are evident in the learning spaces. In a similar way curiosity is sparked in Stage 1 through writing, drawing and displaying their learning about bugs. While reflecting on the developing world, Stage 3 use post-it notes to express emotions and reactions about what they have been learning. Students’ thinking is guided by the questions: What do I see? What do I think about that? What does it make me wonder?

Together, students and teachers design a visually exciting learning space that is much more than decorating a classroom. The idea of the learning environment as the ‘third teacher’ has long been a characteristic of the Reggio approach in early childhood. When the physical learning environment is rich in information and reflections it can be a springboard to spark curiosity and stimulate interest.

Visible thinking also celebrates the process of learning. While the outcome or final product is important, the journey and the learning that occurs along the way are equally important. These elements develop independent and rigorous thought.

When thinking becomes visible it becomes clear that learning is more about exploring ideas and concepts, and less about memorising facts. Visible thinking can also be used at home to promote deeper learning.

Peter Grimes
Head of Primary

Andrew Riis – Australian Economics Competition

Congratulations to Andrew Riis (Year 11) who received a mark of 98.36% in the 2014 Australian Economics Competition, putting him in the top 30 students nationally out of approximately 6000 students who entered the competition. Also of note is that the competition covers content in both the Preliminary and HSC Economics courses.

Andrew was recently presented with an award by UNSW as a Finalist recognising his achievement.
 

Team R2-D2 – RoboCup Soccer

The new generation of Year 9/10 IST students successfully retained the NSW State title for RoboCup soccer. The team consists of Year 9 students Jason Crout and Tom Woldhuis, and Year 10 students Callum Annear and Quentin Lovett.

They problem-solved, re-designed and created solutions at a high level of intensity. Next up, the boys will be competing at Nationals in Queensland during the upcoming school holidays.

In Week 9 we will be hosting ‘Big Night In’, showcasing our Extra-curricular Music program. The event will feature the Senior Rock Band, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, and special guests, the Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Martin Hardy.

Date: Tuesday 16 September
Time: 6pm
Where: Marina Prior Centre at NBCS

Confident Communicating courses will be offered again in Term 4! In view of the positive feedback and further expressions of interest, the Confident Communicating courses taught by Sarah Meijer, which are having their first run this term, will be offered again in Term 4.

Confident Communicating is an 8 week course that is applicable for any student wanting to develop their communication skills and grow in confidence in the areas of public speaking and presentation. In a fun and affirming atmosphere students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and through games, improvisation and practise at speaking in small groups, to develop a greater confidence in vital life skills. By the end of the course, students will more confidently be speaking off the cuff and practised at giving prepared speeches. The importance of clear speech and an awareness of body language are also integral parts of the course.

Sarah Meijer is a Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (LGSM) and also trained for three years at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London. She is a highly experienced public speaking and presentation skills trainer who has helped people of all ages and abilities to grow in confidence and skill in the vital art of good communication.

"The Confident Communicating course was great fun, highly interactive and is suitable for people with different strengths and skill levels. I particularly enjoyed the games that were not only fun, but taught us proper breathing techniques and how to strongly project our voices without straining our vocal cords. This course has really helped me with my public speaking assessments as I feel more confident and better prepared.  I am so glad I took the time to do this course.” – Rosie, Year 10

Course details:

• Year 7-9: Tuesdays 3.30-4.30pm, Term 4 Weeks 2-9 (8 sessions)
• Year 10-12: Wednesdays 3.30-4.30pm, Term 4 Weeks 2-9 (8 sessions)

Venue: NBCS
Number of participants for each group: 4-10
Cost: $150

To apply, or for more information, please email Adriaan Mees. You may also call Sarah Meijer directly 0449 695 735 with any questions about the content of the course.

Parents will receive the Term 4 School Fees invoice in the holidays as usual, payable by Friday 10 October, 2014.

Please note there will be an additional billing in Week 3 of Term 4 that will include:

• Term 4 Sport
• Some Extra-curricular items
• Any other miscellaneous items not already billed

This week’s Parenting Ideas information sheets:

• Beyond their years
• Building deep relationships with kids

In association with our Empowering Parent Seminars, we have been providing additional weekly parent information sheets to support NBCS parents. Some information will be more relevant to Primary than Secondary and vice versa. This is to support families within our school community covering all age groups.

If you would like an information sheet on a specific topic sent via Wavelength, please contact Mrs Anne Jobson via the School Office (9450 1311).
 

Upcoming Community Events:

Raising Responsible Digital Citizens
Cyber Safety Advocate Leonie Smith is one of Australia’s leading cyber safety educators and mother of four. In this session on Raising Responsible Digital Citizens Leonie will teach you how to keep your kids safe online, covering:

• Screen time balance
• Safe Social Media
• Cyber Bullying 
• Smart phone safety
• Avoiding adult content

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: St John the Apostle Primary School,166 Alfred Street Narraweena NSW 2099
Cost: Free
Bookings essential: youthbookings@warringah.nsw.gov.au or 9942 2681