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Well, Nanny left us a week ago today and we can't believe how quickly the week has gone by. Mind you, this means another week down until the summer holidays...only 5 and a half weeks to go until the end. As I am sure all teachers, us at Shanghai United International School are dying for 27 June to arrive. It has been a busy old year what with one thing and another, and in particular Grade 5's year culminated last week with our Exhibition.
In the final year of the IB PYP (Primary Years Programme), the students study a longer than normal unit called Exhibition. This lasts for 8 weeks and the students are pretty much left to their own devices during this period, after a few weeks of Frontloading to give them some ideas. The Central Idea, or the theme of the unit, was 'Give to the World so the world can give'. Students had to think of something to do with this that they wanted to research and do some kind of action for. We encouraged them to think about our school and local community, although some students went a little further afield. I had 4 groups in
my class and they did Recycling, Saving plants in school, Stopping litter in school and making school look more beautiful by hanging origami flowers around. As you can tell, the abilities of the students varied totally and some did better than others.
All groups had a mentor who was a teacher other than us who they met with once per week to give them some guidance. They spent time researching, planning and thinking about their chosen topic and made announcements in assembly to the rest of the school, finally culminating in a 2 day Exhibition last week where they displayed what they had done. This was quite a feat and we were all exhausted at the end of it, but it was clear the students thoroughly enjoyed it and did actually learn something! The biggest thing they learned was their first real experience of working as a team and trying to cooperate and delegate. Big things to try and achieve at 10/11 years old, with a mix of languages, abilities and likes in a single group! Hope you enjoy the pics.
On friday, we treated our hardworking students to a party and then us teachers treated ourselves to
a few beers after school. I didn't stay long as Sophie had a friend to sleep over and poor old Ian had been left on his own! When I got home, they were all happily watching a DVD in my bed, which soon ended and we made sure they were all tucked snugly in! Sadly they didn;t sleep too well and I was woken up at 4.10am by chatting in the toilet by the girls! I sent them back to bed but clearly they didn't sleep much more as they were shattered on Saturday! Anyway, we had a lovely relaxing day while Ian was at work, we went playing, did some arts and crafts, and even went on an Insect Hunt (Sophie's current topic!). It was boiling hot though so we soon returned home to the cool of the apartment. Sophie's friend was collected at 5pm and we then went to the Big Bamboo on Hong Mei Lu to watch the "Big match". For those of you who are not aware, Man U were playing Arsenal and only needed a draw to secure the League title. Luckily, they succeeded, although I had to bring the children home at half time
as Sophie was falling asleep and even William was drooping. Victoria and Kevin had joined us on a very stormy Saturday evening, but success was the important thing so Ian keeps reminding me!!
We had some friends over for lunch on Sunday and we enjoyed a continental style lunch of French bread, cheese and salad and cold meats. Very refreshing for a change! The children played nicely and we made plans for our next trip. A few months away yet, but we are trying to make sure we secure plans during Golden Week in October. The first week in October is a national holiday and any travel becomes booked up very quickly indeed. We are joining our friends on a trip to Phuket, Thailand as they have access to a lovely villa there. Ian was swung by tales of sea-kayaking James Bond-style and I am just looking forward to a beach and some sunshine! Although it has to be said that Shanghai weather has been so lovely lately. I understand we are in for a touch of rain but the temperature is great...high 20's all the way!
Sunday teatime we spent with our friends Kevin and Victoria for
a bbq which was very relaxing. The children are able to go and play in the compound play area without us now, even though their apartment is on the 3rd floor. The compound is so safe that the children are able to go and play and find their friends, and they come back and press the buzzer when they need us for refreshments! Such a lovely thing to be able to do and provides them such freedom and enjoyment.
Anyway, this week sees the start of a new unit for us Grade 5's.....CHANGES!!! Yes, that means puberty and emotions and SEX!! OMG!!! The questions have been tame so far, but they are definitely keen to find out more.....we shall see what the next 5 weeks brings. HELP!!!!!
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