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How do we learn?
Thank you to parents for attending the Parent Workshop today focussed on how we learn. First, we explored what knowledge is and the implications this has on learning. We also took a deeper dive into the importance of students experiencing success, biologically primary and secondary knowledge, cognitive load theory, long and short term memory, explicit teaching, problem solving and attention.
Forgetting isn't the problem, not learning in the first place is...
During the session, we looked at how our brains work in a way that requires the use of both long term memory and working memory. Whilst long term memory can be considered to be infinite, working memory is very limited and can only process about four elements at a time.
One of the core constraints of human cognitive architecture is the limited capacity of our working memory. We can only attend to and think about a very small number of things at once. just like when we attempt to juggle too many balls, if we overload our working memory, things end up all over the floor.
If you would like to read more, follow the link below to where we have written in more detail about the following:
The importance of experiencing success in order to be motivated to learn.
Biologically Primary 🧬 and Secondary 💡 knowledge.
Long term and working memory.
How to turn a novice into an expert.
Problem solving skills and critical thinking.
Scaffolding and guidance.
I have used Maths learning as the example within this article to ensure a better connection to what we do in school every day.
If you attended the workshop and would like to download a copy of the presentation, including the embedded Paul Simon and Paul McCartney video clips, please use the link below. If the presentation today raised any questions or further points of discussion, please do not hesitate to message in Seesaw. This is quite a large file and so will need to be dowloaded on a laptop or computer to access.
Barvember is back!
Throughout the month of November, we will be taking part in a series of Maths challenges: 'Barvember'. Barvember makes reference to Bar Modelling. The bar model is used to support children in problem solving. Question 1 is aimed at our youngest students with Question 4 only appropriate for Yr5 and Yr6. Question 5 is always a real challenge!
This is optional additional home learning and a great way for children to teach parents how they solve Maths problems in school. We will post a short video each day with the answers (and methods used) to this page:
This link can also be used to read more about our Mastery approach to teaching Maths and Bar Modelling. Any Barvember submissions will earn one House Point (Yr2 to Yr6). 🔵 🟢 🟡 🔴 You don't have to complete all the questions to get the House Point, just give it a go.
👥 Parents - fancy a daily challenge? Put your own Maths skills to the test and tackle the Barvember problems alongside your children.
It's been a busy week... 🤩
Year 5 have been on camp this week, deep into the Temburong jungle. After arriving at Sumbiling Eco Village, Year 5 students unpacked into their new jungle accommodation before embarking on exciting river activities. Everyone enjoyed cooling off and got a soaking. Campers also enjoyed a performance by the extremely talented Medley House Productions, a local group of performers, based on appreciating nature and having a positive attitude towards life. In addition, there were team building activities and a night walk, a morning hike and a survival skills programme. Students gained knowledge about medicinal herbs, edible plants and how to trap wild animals using a snare. They also discovered the 'Kulimpapa' leaves mixed together with 'Pakis' to act as a natural insect repellent. There was bamboo chicken and a tug-of-war before more river swimming.
Not even mentioned here was the talent show, dancing, joke telling, mud-salon, facials and jungle manicures. Year 5 students (and staff) returned exhausted and will likely sleep until Monday morning. 😴 😴 😴 😴
This week Pre Kindy have also returned to the pool, Kindy have been dressing up and have produced some exceptional independent writing, Reception have been developing their phonics knowledge, Year 1 have been thinking scientifically whilst collecting water in their rain gauges, Year 2 have been writing acrostic poems, Year 3 have been on the lookout for reflective surfaces, Year 4 have been experimenting with different states of matter (solid, liquid or gas) and Year 6 have been comparing and contrasting Brunei and Brazil in their Geography learning.
Student Leadership 🙋♀️ 🙋 🙋🏽♂️
I would like to congratulate 🎉🎉🎉 our newest members of the Student Leadership team. 🦸♂️🦸♀️ Arabella, Gabi, Jason, Malia, Meagan, Olivia and Yuna who have all jopined the Student Council 🗣️. I know the rest of the team are really excited to start working with you on making this school as great as we can.
Congratulations also to Jacob, Kanish and Theo on becoming the latest members of the Lunchtime Rangers 🤠. We can't wait to see what ideas you bring forward to the team. We will ensure that you have your hat in the next couple of weeks.
There we so many applications for Student Council and Lunchtimes Ranger membership, I would like to thank all those who applied. Please be assured that more student leadership opportunities will arise shortly.
Mr Michael Everett | Head of Primary
Upcoming Parent Workshop 👥
