This week's Enrichment. W/C 12/01/17 'Study Skills'

We are continuing our exploration of study/revision techniques and methods in Enrichment.

This week students were asked to work in small groups to research a specific revision technique from the following list:

•Concept mapping
•Making flashcards
•Making posters
•Testing a friend/each other
•Using online revision apps/resources
•Making notes
•Completing practice papers
•Reading through text books
•Making mnemonics or rhymes to aid memory

I hope that by exploring these suggested methods in more detail students will feel they have a more complete toolbox of strategies to help them approach revision over the next few weeks.

Here is Sofia's research into mnemonics:

Next week we will focus more on good study habits.

Mr O'Dowd

Homework Diaries and Google Classroom

Dear Parents

As you will already be aware, students are issued with a homework diary at the start of the year. This is to enable them to record and review the homework they have been set that week. It is also an important communication tool betwen the school and you as parents.

Recently, many teachers have begun to use Google Classroom as a way of setting and collecting homework. Students should continue to record homework in their diary, regardless of whether it is set on Google Classroom or not.

A quick inspection of a few diaries chosen at randowm suggests that this isn't happening. I have therefore written to all teachers alerting them to a function within Google Classroom called 'Guardian Email Summary' which I hope many will start to use.

This means that, when activated, you as the parent will receive a summar once a week of all the homework set through Google Classroom by your child's teachers. An example of the email summary can be seen here.

I hope that this will allow you to have a closer handle on the amount of homework set and upcoming deadlines.

Should you begin receving this emails from Google this means that you have been added as a guardian to your child's school Google account by one of their teachers.

I hope this helps. If you have an queries about homework, homework diaries or Google Classroom please contact me at Jamie.odowd@staff.st-chris.net.

Have a great weekend.

Mr O'Dowd

Teaching and Learning Afternoon

Over 150 students and parents packed into the School Hall to watch Year 7 present their Learning and Teaching afternoon.

The main event was presented by Areeba, Thalia, Iram and Talaal with another 25 plus students presenting on behalf of their forms,

The presentation covered topics ranging from ECAs, to teaching styles and parents were given lots of information about what is currently going on in class and important dates to look out for on the calendar between now and the end of the term.

I would like to thank and congratulate all students for their hardwork leading up to this event as well as thanking all tutors for their help and support in preparing the students for the event.

A special thanks to Mr Doherty for putting together the main presentation and managing the technical aspects of the presentation.

I will shortly upload the entire presentation. Here is the final slideshow used at the end of the presentation.

Arabic Language Week: Day #5 (Learn a phrase a day)

It is the final day of Arabic Language Week here at the Senior School. And what a positive phrase to end our 'phrase a day' blog update with: 'Everything is good!'

Have a great weekend.

Arabic Language Week: Day #4 (Learn a phrase a day)

I think this is my personal favourite Arabic phrase - and it has so many uses!

Hope you find it as useful as I will.

Community Service Project - The Rucksack Challenge

Dear Parents

This week in assembly students were introduced to the annual St Chris 'Rucksack Challenge'.

This community service intiative involves the form groups working together to pack two ruck sacks with much needed clothing, toiletries and essentials that are then given out to migrant workers at a labour camp in the local area.

Having been to a labour camp myself as part of this project, I can tell you first hand how grateful and important our support is to these hardworking and underpaid men and women.

Form groups will decide who is responsible for providing each item in the rucksack. In the past, some students have been so enthusiastic about the project they have taken it upon themselves (and their families) to provide additional full rucksacks themselves.

You can find details of the project here:

Presentation to students in assembly.

Arabic Language Week: Learn a phrase a day (Day #3)

Armed with your two phrases from earlier in the week you will be sounding fluent in no time! This next phrase will come in handy when telling Arabic speakers you understand what they are saying.

Arabic Language Week: Day #2 (Learn a phrase a day)

How did you get on with the first Arabic phrase yesterday?

I tested it out on the Arabic admin staff and after a few failed attempts I was guided in the right direction regards my pronunciation!

So here is the phrase of the day for Monday, 'With pleasure'.

Fikra haa'ilah!

Arabic Language Week: Day #1 (Learn a phrase a day)

This week is Arabic Language Week at the Senior School.

The Arabic department will be running a range of activities to promote and celebrate Arabic language throughout the week.

And we are always keen to get incolved in Year 7! So each day this week I will post an Arabic phrase. Let's see how many we can learn over the course of the week.

Today's phrase is 'Good idea' or 'Fikra haaílah'. Your challenge is not just to learn it, but see if you can use it at some point today.

Good luck!

An inspirational video - Sam/Manchester United FC

I thought I would share this wonderful video with you all that exemplifies the kind of positive attitude and perserverence that we all need to show to succeed in life! I think this young man is an inspiration to us all.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend.

Mr O'Dowd

Good luck to Year 7 'Legally Blonde' performers this week.

Good luck to all of the Year 7 peformers who are appearing in the Senior School production of Legally Blonde this week.

I know you have put a huge amount of effort into rehearsing for the show and I cannot wait to come along and see you in action!

I'm proud of you all.

Break a leg!