Year 2 Learning Stations - Written by Mr Graeme Noble, Year 2 Teacher. 'In our Year 2 classrooms, we allow choice and agency by setting up our classrooms with learning stations purposefully set up. Students enjoy visiting stations and managing themselves by choosing where to go and how to undertake each station. There are open-ended learning questions set up at each station to drive inquiry.
- ATL Skill: Thinking
- Sub Skill: Creative (Generating novel ideas and considering new perspectives)
- Learning Objective: Literacy – Reading
- Draw upon a bank of familiar words using tools such as word walls and class made lists
- We go to learning stations to build on our literacy skills.
- We have choice and agency on which words to make.
- We are using letters to build high frequency words and writing them down too.
- Learning Question: How will you be balanced during station time?
Student-led DP session on Academic Integrity - Written by Ms Sharon Zhu, DP Coordinator. We recently had an inspiring and interactive DP information session on Academic Integrity, led by our very own students, which took place last Friday, 8th September. In this entirely student-led session, our students shared their knowledge about the MYP/DP Academic Integrity Policy of HIS and the IB Academic Integrity Policy.
During the session, our students explored what it means to be a "principled" learner and delved into the importance of maintaining academic honesty. They emphasized the significance of acknowledging and respecting others' ideas while also properly crediting their sources. By adhering to these principles, our students strengthen their own credibility and contribute to a culture of integrity within our school community.
In addition to discussing ethical practices, the session explored the responsible use of AI tools in academia. Students were guided on how to utilize these tools ethically, aligning their usage with IB guidance. Recognizing the benefits and potential risks associated with AI, our students gained valuable insights on navigating this technology while maintaining academic integrity.
What made this session truly remarkable was the student-led approach, allowing for peer-to-peer learning and engagement. Our presenters demonstrated their deep understanding of academic integrity through thought-provoking discussions and practical examples.
As the IB Diploma Coordinator, I want to express my appreciation for the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our DP students. They exemplified the IB learner profile attributes of being knowledgeable, principled, and reflective. Moving forward, let us internalize the valuable lessons learned during this session and consistently apply them in our academic pursuits. Together, we can create an environment that values integrity, nurtures intellectual growth, and prepares us for success within the IB programme and beyond.
Secondary ‘Plastic Bottle Recycling’ Competition - Written by Mr Gary Wood, Secondary Pastoral Coordinator & Student House Coordinator. Hello Hanova community! From Monday 18th September until Friday 13th October, Hanova secondary school will begin their first house competition – Plastic bottle recycling. The aim of this project is for students to bring in their empty plastic bottles from home, with the money earned from recycling them being used to buy recreational facilities for secondary school i.e. Board games. For each student who brings in one standard sized bag worth of empty plastic bottles, they will earn 10 points for their house. I will be keeping tally throughout this activity and at the end of the competition the house with the most donations will earn an extra 100 points.
Please be aware that in order to have more bottles per bag, it is recommended that the plastic top is removed from the bottle and that the bottle is then crushed as shown in image 1 below. Image 2 gives an example of how full a bag ought to be in order to be classed as a relevant donation. Obviously, due to different bottle sizes it will vary in relation to how many bottles are in each bag. However, in order to make sure that donations are inclusive of enough bottles, please crush them and have the plastic bags filled to a similar capacity as shown in picture 2 below.
It would be greatly appreciated if secondary school parents could also get involved in this activity and help to donate their plastic bottles for this activity. Thanks in advance! #principled #caring
Year 9 Drama students showcase their creativity - Written by Mr Ferdinand Els, MYP Drama Teacher. The theatre has always been a space of innovation and creativity. As technology develops, so does our ability to re-evaluate traditional methods of doing things.
Memorizing lines is a key skill in preparing for a performance, but it is not always easy and practical to get together with your fellow cast members outside of school. In response to this, our Year 9 students explored a clever solution. Using technology, they've crafted a method to aid their rehearsal preparations, bridging the gap when in-person meetings aren't possible.
They diligently record their scenes, carefully editing out their own lines. This leaves gaps in the dialogue, creating the perfect rehearsal tool. At home, they play back the recordings, effectively "conversing" with their digitally preserved co-stars, and in the process, refining their delivery, pauses, and timing.
Not only is the method convenient, it's also about inquiry and exploration, which links to our IB Learner profile of the month, "Inquirer”. Well done Year 9s for showcasing your innovation and dedication.
Spanish in MYP - Mrs. Alexandra Álvarez Beltrán (MYP/DP Spanish teacher). Hanova is implementing a new project - a third language for non-Korean students in MYP. This year, we have started with Years 7 and 8; however, the programme will involve an additional grade every year until it covers all MYP levels. It is a fantastic learning opportunity for our students, and I am honoured to guide them in this adventure through the Hispanic World.
Korean students have had the opportunity to learn three languages. Now, non-Korean students also have the same opportunity. Why Spanish? Because it is one of the most useful languages around the world. Chinese + English + Spanish = What a powerful combination!!!
“In this new semester, I have transformed from a primary school student to a middle school student, and we have a lot of classes. Today, I want to talk about Spanish. As a new middle school student, I find Spanish very interesting; we have learned a lot. This is also my first time being exposed to a new language, so it is great for me and a new experience. I really enjoy Spanish classes.”
- Grace Year 7
“We have had Spanish class for a month, and I have learnt a lot of words and sentences from class. We find class enjoyable and interesting and most of all, fun. But at the same time, we are learning things faster than ever. Spanish class makes us look forward to attending class every time with excitement and eagerness to learn new things! I look forward to the classes in future! “Live to learn, and you will really learn to live.”
- Isabella Year 8A
“This past month, I have really enjoyed Spanish. My teacher makes it a fun and enjoyable subject to learn. Ms Alex has taught us in a way that we are now eager to show our parents what we have learnt. This has made all of us happy to go to class and sad to leave! I can’t wait till I have been to Spanish class for a year and see how much I have improved.”
- Imogen Year 8B
Secondary school collaborative planning session - Written by Mrs. Alexandra Álvarez and Mr John McGovern. In the secondary school collaborative planning session last week, we welcomed two of our DP core component supervisors to lead a session on CAS and TOK.
Hanova is pleased to announce Mrs. Alexandra Álvarez Beltrán as the new CAS Coordinator. She gives our academic staff a useful overview of CAS, its organisation around the three strands: Creativity, Activity, and Service, and the IB requirements our students have to meet at the end of the programme. Because this core component involves a range of enjoyable and meaningful experiences and projects led, planned and developed by DP students, Mrs. Álvarez encourages teachers to be proactive and supportive supervisors guiding them.
Our TOK Coordinator, Mr. John McGovern, then introduced the DP core component of Theory of Knowledge, through an in depth look at the Area of Knowledge of History. In TOK the focus is not on learning new knowledge, but raising questions about how and why we think the way we think. Students will explore issues of perspectives and personal bias, what knowledge the historical method can bring to both the past and the present, and whether it is possible to know who we are without an understanding of history.
Date for the Diary: Our DP1 class will hold their TOK Exhibition to members of the Hanova Community on the 10th of May, 2024.
If you have questions or want more information about these two Core components, do not hesitate to contact the coordinators:
CAS Coordinator: alexandra.beltran@his-xian.com
TOK Coordinator: john.mcgovern@his-xian.com
