Where did Term 1 go?

The final 3 days of Term 1 were chaotic. We said "OH NO" to a water pipe problem that closed the school for the day. Then we had "goodbye" and "hello" as the changing over of Principals took place. Many students out taking part in these celebrations means that less work than planned took place. So this week we're catching up so we can move on.

Level 1 students have just complete AS 91072. This is a written report about a website analysis. Our new topic is spreadsheets.

Level 2 students have just wound up their databases. This has been marked and moderated at lightning speed and their marks will show up with the next NZQA submission. Our moderator commented on the high quality work that has been produced by students.

Level 3 students have, like Level 1, just completed a written report. They had to research and discuss current global IT trends.

Something worth knowing about the work that Level 1 & 3 students have just finished, is that to help them specifically with their report writing, they were taken through a series of literacy development tasks specific to this subject. I'm part of the TLIF research group at Otorohanga College and this is part of my literacy teaching development. Feedback from the students has been awesome. The general consensus is that the writing tools they were given made them feel confident in writing their report and eased the stress that often goes with this kind of thing. Many words flowed free; like magic.

I have to concur with them - it gave me confidence watching them develop their writing skills and confidence too and has lessened the teacher-stress of trying to cajole students into writing in a subject outside of English. Very proud of our effects!