Invicta Vlogs
Embracing Extended Learning
The Spring Term began with internal examinations for Years nine, ten and twelve followed by Years 7 and 8, a week later. Those year groups would have been focusing over the Christmas break on consolidation of their learning. Now that the exam period is over, until the end of year exams in the Summer term, it is important that students review and reflect on their engagement in the wider life of the school and in developing vital life skills.
One of the first opportunities to extend learning was the lecture, delivered with great enthusiasm, by Dr Tom Crawford, from the university of Oxford Mathematics department. Dr Crawford is very excited about the world of Mathematics and works with a range of media platforms to promote the subject including his website www.Tom Rocks Maths. It was great to see so many students attend his lecture on how mathematic principles can help in improving performance in a number of key sports. It was also great for all the students to have their Mathematics teachers attend too, sharing in the excitement; in particular, trying to score in the ‘pop up goal’! The link with Dr Crawford was established when we visited Oxford last summer for an Aspire trip, when he delivered an inspiring talk to the students on three dimensional shapes.
The Senior internal Debating Competition which took place on the 21January 2019 was a superb evening and I drove home that night reflecting on the very high standard witnessed but also on the commitment and engagement of the students concerned. It was impressive seeing how well students had researched their topics and how they argued with passion and flair defending the side of the argument they had been given. The debate on Polyester micro particles was particularly strong and very topical in relation to this key, environmental issue and its impact on the environment.
I am also working with a number of participants from Year 12, preparing arguments for the topics we have been allocated in the Debating Matters regional Championship, taking place at Mid Kent college next week. This is a very fierce theatre for debate but I am confident that our teams will be very well prepared with facts and figures and clearly structured arguments.
We look forward to the Invicta Speaks Public Speaking competition tonight, where I am sure the standard of speeches and in particular the unseen impromptu round will illustrate the excellent capability of our students to speak with passion and commitment.
The Junior Debating takes place on the 13 February 2019. We do encourage all students to engage in debate and discussion and to consider joining the debate societies at school. Have you debated a topic lately that will have a profound effect on your lives and those of your friends and family? Why does Debating really Matter?
Mrs J Lloyd
Assistant Headteacher – Extended Learning
