TIGS Review - Issue 1 2012

TIGS

Issue 1 2012

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

FROM THE HEADMASTER Gender is the easiest and most obvious characteristic by which to group students as they learn.

Single sex schools claim advantages for their students by grouping students on this basis. This practice does not sit well with our current understanding of how students learn.

Educators no longer consider intelligence to be of a single dimension confined to a student’s intellectual ability in language and mathematics. Howard Gardner, an educational researcher, has broadened our understanding of intelligence by identifying eight distinct forms of intelligence: Linguistic intelligence: the use of language Logical-mathematical intelligence: logical analysis usually associated with maths and science Musical intelligence: performance, composition and appreciation of musical patterns Bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence: skill in the use of the body to solve problems Spatial intelligence: ability to recognise and use patterns Interpersonal intelligence: understanding the intentions, motivations and desires of others Intrapersonal intelligence: understanding of self Naturalist intelligence: recognise, categorise and draw upon features of the environment Students are best served when learning is organised in a way that allows them to engage through the particular intelligences they possess; described as their learning style. Learning styles are not gender specific. Grouping students by gender makes little sense in a world of multiple intelligences.

Best practice in teaching now demands the organisation of learning to engage all students, recognising different learning styles. This allows all students to access learning in ways that suit their needs. It also exposes students to the other dimensions of learning and to benefit from students gifted in learning in other ways. It is a holistic approach built on student collaboration and recognises what we know to be true: each child is different and deserves a chance to succeed in learning and to learn from others. It reflects the reality of life in the adult world.

The policy at TIGS is to not group students except for specific learning purposes, such as the level of mastery of a subject, and to ensure this is balanced with other learning experiences where students benefit from interacting with students with different learning styles.

Mr Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

ICT

Wrap up

Bring Your Own

CYBER SAFETY SEMINARS

Parents were challenged by Susan McLean to become closely involved in all aspects on their child’s online lives.

She stressed that it is an essential part of “parenting in the 21st Century”.

Students, teachers and IT staff have worked diligently to ensure successful implementation of the “Bring Your Own Technology” policy in the Senior School this year.

All students in our Senior School are now bringing the device of their choice to school each day. We are seeing a diversity of devices, both Apple and PC. Students and teachers are enjoying the freedom and flexibility of utilising personalised technology anywhere anytime.

Teachers are successfully integrating technology into lessons to enhance learning. They are also experimenting with the “flipped classroom” whereby teachers prepare and deliver class content using audio and video material via the web for students to access outside the classroom. Valuable class time is then used for student-teacher collaboration and development of higher order thinking skills.

The opening of the new library space in Term II will see new areas for students and teachers to collaborate and utilise new technologies to connect globally with experts and other learners. A student tech support team and an IT support bar in the library will further facilitate the successful use of technology in teaching and learning.

The new library space will offer further opportunity for parents to learn more about technology through regular parent tech workshops commencing in Term II. At TIGS we remain committed to sound teaching and learning practices whilst preparing students for life in the 21st Century by equipping them with the skills to utilise technology responsibly and empower them for lifelong learning.

Ms Leanne Windsor - Director of Information Services

During Week 9 of Term I, TIGS hosted Susan McLean, former Victorian police officer and now cyber safety expert.

Those who were able to attend the evening presentation for parents were challenged by Susan to become closely involved in all aspects on their child’s online lives. She stressed that it is an essential part of “parenting in the 21st Century”.

Susan gave great insight to the important benefits flowing to students as they use their skills to research collaboratively and understand the power of online tools available to them.

However, she also highlighted some of the risks associated with using online web tools. Susan provided useful tips to parents about password protection and working with their children when setting up social media sites such as Facebook, to ensure that privacy settings offer the necessary protection against cyber bullying, fraud and other crimes.

Susan also conducted seminars with all students from Year 5 through to Year12, educating them about how to remain safe and be respectful, online. In particular she emphasised the importance of password protection, only sharing passwords with parents and changing them regularly.

Her experience with the police force highlighted the need for students to be aware that all postings on social media sites were permanent and can be subpoenaed if a crime has been committed. She also pointed out that future employers will check these sites when determining suitable candidates for employment.

For those parents unable to attend these seminars at school, Susan McLean has an excellent website http://www. cybersafetysolutions.com.au/ with helpful hints for parents, educators and students. She also welcomed contact via email for any questions you might have.

As a follow up for parents, Ms Windsor, Director of Information Services, will be running Parent Technology Workshops, starting Term II in the refurbished library. These will be held on the first Thursday of the month, starting 3 May, from 4.00pm – 5.30pm. The workshops will provide an insight for parents into how students are using technology in the School. The first workshop will be about setting the privacy settings on social media sites, such as Facebook.

Mr Greg Lanyon Director of Pastoral Care, Senior School

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Tailoring our learning JUNIOR SCHOOL PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM

One of the unique aspects of the Primary Years Program is the use of six Transdiciplinary Themes right across the entire program of inquiry. Children revisit each of these themes every year examining their increasing complexity.

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Teachers are guided by the themes as they design units of inquiry that both transcend and articulate conventional subject boundaries.

These transdisciplinary themes of global significance provide the framework for all exploration and study in the PYP:

It is powerful for our children to develop their understanding of a transdisciplinary theme over time. They can see that their understanding develops each year as they revisit the theme using different content and they can connect the learning from one year to the next. As one of our Year 4 students reflected on their learning “I have learnt a lot about the unit ‘How we organise ourselves’ I will look forward to it next year.”

Who we are An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Where we are in place and time An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

TERRY ROBINSON IN PROFILE

What is your role in the Junior School?

I have taught Year 4 for the last three years and enjoy the enthusiasm the Stage 2 children exhibit on a daily basis. The classroom is a hub of activity, creative flair and academic excellence. The children aspire to compliment the commitment to learning each child displays to the best of his/ her ability. I also coach the football teams and organise the in–school competitions and the TIGS Trophy Gala Day.

How long have you been part of TIGS community?

I started at TIGS in 1998 as a Year 6 teacher and stayed on Stage 3 until 2009 when I took the position of P.E. / R.F.F. Since 2010 I have had the pleasure of teaching Year 4.

What training have you completed?

Bachelor of Education.

What do you love most about working at TIGS? How we express ourselves An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How the world works An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

How we organise ourselves An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organisations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Sharing the planet An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Mrs Judi Nealy Head of Junior School

I love the I.B. Program because of its Transdisciplinary Theme approach to learning. The focus emphasises the ‘unpacking’ of the Central Idea using questioning techniques and research skills. The Unit of Inquiry enables the teacher to facilitate the classroom learning according to the needs, questions and previous knowledge of each individual child. It is a program enjoyed by the children and the enduring learning that is experienced makes it a very worthwhile educational journey for parents, teachers and children.

What does Mr Robinson bring to the TIGS team?

Lana Atkinson Year 5 - ‘It was lots of fun in Mr Robbo’s class.

He was so enthusiastic about sport and taught me lots of new skills.’

William Young Year 5 - ‘Mr Robbo is an awesome teacher.

I learnt a lot in his class. I loved all the fun drama and he encouraged me to join a drama class after school.’

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Innovation

Shaping our future TIGS LIBRARY

TIGS Library has been undergoing a transformation this term.

Construction has all but finished and workers are putting the finishing touches on the new space.

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an environment that facilitates Senior School student use of personal technology devices

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a place of wonder with comfortable places to sit, read and explore

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a window to the world providing technologies, such as video conferencing, that enable TIGS teachers, students and parents to communicate and share with experts, authors, students and educators locally and globally

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an inviting and stimulating environment where children and young people are encouraged to exercise their curiosity and explore and share in the wonder of books and reading

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a hub of innovation and information where learners can explore and use new technologies (mobile technologies, video conferencing, and other interactive technologies)

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a supportive and welcoming environment where specialists help students learn to access, use and share information and technology wisely and critically

The new look TIGS Library will be: •

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a flexible learning space that supports 21st Century pedagogies; encourages collaborative, inquiry-based learning practices; and includes movable furniture and technologies to suit different learning experiences

We look forward to welcoming the school community to the new library in Term II. In coming months, the library will host some exciting events and activities to celebrate the 2012 National Year of Reading.

Ms Leanne Windsor - Director of Information Services

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Student

achievements

MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA The Music, Dance and Drama Showcase has been described as ‘unique’, ‘amazing’, ‘inspiring’ and ‘like nothing I have ever seen before’. This celebration of the Performing Arts disciplines honours the passion and the enthusiasm of the students from the four Senior School Houses.

This year the theme was “TIGS musicals of the last decade”. Each House prepared a song of their choice from this decade and performed this at the competition with their entire House. The learning process is simple. Students are given authority over their learning and are able to make decisions based on good teaching and mentoring of the students that have gone before them. The outcome is a day of engagement and House Spirit that is unmatched in most schools.

It is important, however, never to underestimate the complete process. Many lessons and communications that occur before the day commences are important lessons that connect

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students and help to build cohesion in our school student body. I would like to thank all of the House Captains and Vice Captains, Dance Captains and Student Leaders, Tech Leaders and Crew for their outstanding commitment to excellence in the lead up to the day and beyond.

Congratulations Aranda, Coligan , Kogara and Wolgal.

Congratulations Wolgal! 2012 Showcase winners.

Mrs Carolyn Brown - Director of Performing Arts

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RAINFOREST PERFORMANCE

TIGS takes Music into the forest...

On Sunday 1 April the cast of this year’s Senior School production ‘The Boyfriend’ performed a selection of numbers in the Rainforest at Mount Keira Scout camp. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the canopy created a dappled pattern on the floor of the forest.

This was the perfect space for some fun and frivolity. The students performed with big smiles and expressive faces.

Plenty of laughter came from the audience during the show.

‘The Boyfriend’ is a musical that has been written to be enjoyed and we are certainly enjoying this one.

A big thank you must go to the entertainment students who set up the audio on the day (no mean feat in a rainforest) and to our loyal parent fans who patiently transported the students into the forest. We would also like to thank the Wollongong Rotary Club for inviting us again to this great event.

Mrs Carolyn Brown - Director of Performing Arts TIGS Review 8

Community

Local and Global engagement EXPLORE DISCOVER ACT

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We live in a world where virtually no problem can be solved by individual action. And yet……in our world no problem can be solved unless individuals act!

Cameron worked with the students on team building activities and self-discovery exercises. The next stage of the program involved Cameron coming to school for two afternoons over the course of a fortnight. The program outline for these sessions can be summed up by the following premis:

Cameron Brown from Explore Discover Act came to TIGS earlier this year with a proposal for the Junior School Captains to be involved in partnership with Cameron in a fundraising event for The School of St. Jude in Tanzania. The main aim was to inspire the students with experiences, knowledge and practical examples of authentic action and to make a difference in their spheres of influence. The partnership involved Cameron delivering a connection program connecting to self, others and the world around us - to the Year 6 Leadership Team at the Student Leadership Training Day.

In these sessions the students looked at trust and integrity, taking initiative and making connections through a variety of interesting challenges, discussions and group activities. They learnt about and unpacked the motto for St. Jude’s School which is ….. “Fighting Poverty Through Education.”

We live in a world where virtually no problem can be solved by individual action. And yet……in our world no problem can be solved unless individuals act!

The students also learnt to challenge themselves, take initiative and inspire others through the Self, Others, World Around Us method and to SOW the seeds of hope for a better world for all.

Mrs Narelle McRae - Director of Pastoral Care, Junior School

SAPPORO NICHIDAI SCHOOL For over 10 years, TIGS has been building relationships with Sapporo Nichidai High School from Sapporo, Japan. Recently TIGS hosted another reciprocal visit from our Japanese friends.

Each exchange visit allows the students to be immersed in each other’s cultures, which enables an increased understanding of each country’s language and way of life. Minds are opened to different worlds of customs, languages and relationships.

It is impossible to completely understand another culture by research; it is experience that brings about truth. Opportunities are provided to raise awareness of the similarities and differences between Australian and Japanese cultures.

After a visit to Japan, students tend to fall in love with the culture and want to continue their Japanese studies and possibly seek careers with Japanese companies.

When the Japanese students visited TIGS they were hosted by TIGS families. Fun activities such as a barbecue lunch and tenpin bowling allowed friendships and memories to flourish. Past years demonstrate that the most memorable part of the exchange experience is the “homestay”. Hugs and tears were in abundance as farewells were said and promises to keep in touch were made.

Next stop….. Sapporo… here comes TIGS. Mrs Allison Collins - Foundation and Publications Assistant Mrs Makiko Naito - Language Teacher

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The great

Outdoors

THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM

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Outdoor Education at TIGS enables students to develop and explore all areas of their personal strengths and skills. The vast experiences and adventures help them to learn about themselves and others while participating in teams in an enjoyable and challenging environment.

The philosophy of Outdoor Education is to place students/participants in real life situations where by the individual is faced with a situation, fear, challenge, or environment that they need to overcome. With the combination of experienced leaders and the outdoor setting, situations can be created to maximise the learning output that cannot be created within the classroom.

At TIGS the Outdoor Education Program starts as early as Year 3 in the Junior School and is formulated to equip students with the fundamental skills of being responsible for themselves and others whilst being away from the comfort of their family unit.

The Year 7 orientation camp has a dual purpose. Not only is it a time where new students get to know one another, they are introduced to activities such as abseiling, camping, hiking and navigation. As the TIGS Outdoor Education Program is sequential these key activities are built on as they progress through the years. Year 8 head to the great north walk, Year 9 take on Bungonia Gorge and Year 10 to the snow to complete the growth of the individual.

For students who want to extend their outdoor experience, TIGS offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. To be a part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, students develop personal life skills which give them the confidence to be well equipped to cope with life challenges.

Students who choose to participate in the full Outdoor Education Program will achieve great understanding and growth that can be applied to all areas of their lives.

With the appointment this year of Mr Edgerton as the TIGS Outdoor Education Coordinator the program is set to expand and offer enhanced opportunities to all students and staff.

Mrs Melinda Sharpe - Director of Sport and Outdoor Education Mr James Edgerton - Outdoor Education Coordinator TIGS Review 12

Diversity in our programs

YEAR 6 BREAKS NEW GROUND ART A LIFE-LONG APPRECIATION Through exploring and experimenting the students natural abilities the program nurtures visual creativity for the individual to develop a language of art from the age of 3.

The Visual Arts Program in the Junior School at TIGS has been developing over the past six years to become what is today. This program has been extensively researched and advanced to instill in the students a life-long appreciation and love of art.

Research has proven beginning artists need to be exposed to sequential activities that focus on the making and appreciation of art. Other beliefs and consequential art programs provide art without any formal instruction or direct a child through prescribed steps that produce numerous replicates.

This program gently balances instruction and artistic freedom allowing artists to become more sophisticated in their art making and communication about art.

Activities systematically explore a variety of techniques, styles, and subject matter that gradually extend the young artist’s ability to understand and critique artworks. All activities require the individual to explore and experiment with different styles or aspects from the element of designs. The young artist is asked to make artistic choices based on a broader knowledge of art, artists and the process of making art.

Ms Melanie Richards - Art Teacher 13 TIGS Review

This term in Christian Studies Year 6 has been exploring what the Bible has to say about governing authorities . The unit of enquiry was far-reaching. We discovered that the governing authorities are a part of God’s good order for the well-being of society.

This was a deliberate attempt to extend further a unit of enquiry on Governmental Systems which occupied Year 6 for a good part of Term I. The decision to explore what the Bible had to say about governing authorities came out of a general unease that our Christian Studies Program in the Junior School was not as anchored in the PYP units of enquiry as much as it could have been. Our concern was that we were in danger of suggesting that the Bible doesn’t really have much to say about the sorts of things we learn about every day at school. That couldn’t be further from the truth and to prove the point the unit of enquiry on a biblical perspective on the governing authorities was born.

The unit of enquiry was far-reaching. We discovered that the governing authorities are a part of God’s good order for the well-being of society.

Romans 13.1-7, which begins with the rather startling statement that governing authorities are established by God, was a key text. It was fascinating exploring what this text meant, particularly in a democratic system like our own. Over the course of the unit, we considered such questions as: what makes a good governing authority; what makes a good citizen; and what is the relationship between the law of the land and the law of God. We even concluded with a consideration of the benefits (or otherwise) of a Christian voice in government.

As the teacher of the unit I was delighted by Year 6’s maturity to think deeply about these issues. They are to be commended for their keen participation.

The experiment has been so successful I look forward now to working with our Director of Teaching and Learning/PYP Mrs Dianne Bryant to see how we can further align Christian Studies with the PYP in the Junior School.

Rev James Rogers - School Chaplain

Excellence

BEYOND BUNDANON

TIGS believe that all students should have opportunities to learn in ways that allow for creativity and collaboration.

Students should begin to see the cross curriculum links that are present in the Preliminary and HSC subjects they are studying, and that this should occur in beautiful, stimulating environments.

In the past we have taken Year 11 Creative and Performing Arts students to Arthur Boyd’s Property, Riversdale.

This year we wanted to provide a similar experience for all students in the Preliminary Year. To this end, all Year 11 students attended a camp during week 2 either at Riversdale or Kaluna on the Shoalhaven River.

The program at Riversdale has evolved over many years and this year the students enjoyed a range of workshops

and experiences that focussed on the theme of Breath. They were encouraged to work creatively and collaboratively to produce group and individual artworks that interpreted the theme of Breath and these works were displayed and performed on camp. Rev Rogers helped students on both camps to experience the theme of Breath and Wind from a biblical perspective. The students had opportunities to further develop their work in class and some of the resulting work was displayed and performed at the Beyond Bundanon Exhibition during Week 7 of term.

At Kaluna students were involved in a program that allowed them to consider the theme of alternative energy sources and in particular Wind Energy.

Modelled on the Creative Arts Camp, the students attended workshops and activities that asked them to consider the environmental impacts of Wind Power.

Students then worked in small groups that allowed for collaborative learning, an academic focus, team problem solving and the communication of learning in creative and innovative ways.

At the Beyond Bundanon Exhibition the

students were involved in setting up a display of the models and the films and audio visual presentations that they produced on camp.

These camps are an educational experience that is collaboratively planned by an enthusiastic and committed staff, who believe in the development of the whole person as a life-long learner. They provide unique experiences that have helped the students to be more creative, to seek to collaborate with their peers and their teachers and have also helped them to adjust to their changing role in the Senior School.

Beyond Bundanon was a fantastic snapshot of what students can do when they are given such opportunities. It was put together by the Year 11 students and their teachers. Over 200 students, parents, friends and staff were present to view artworks and performances that reflected with reverence and tranquillity the places the students visited and the opportunity they had been given.

Mrs Sandra Esposito - Head of Visual Arts

TIGS Review 14

TIGSFOUNDATIONLIMITED WHAT IS THE TIGS FOUNDATION? The Illawarra Grammar School Foundation Limited is a corporate body limited by guarantee established in 1966.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE FOUNDATION? To provide support that will allow the School to preserve, improve and develop its property and facilities.

HOW WILL THE FOUNDATION ACHIEVE ITS MISSION? By inviting past students, parents and friends of TIGS to become members and supporters of TIGS Foundation Ltd.

WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED?

The IGC, Junior School, Goodhew Centre, Design and Technology Centre, Princes Highway entrance gates.

Members make fully tax deductible donations to TIGS Foundation to maintain the School as an outstanding education facility.

To contact Foundation phone: 4220 0200 fax: 4220 0201 email: foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au or post: The Illawarra Grammar Foundation Limited

The Boyfriend Performance Times Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday

13 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 16 June

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.00pm 7.30pm

Tickets available online from Monday 23 April 2012 Visit the TIGS website www.tigs.nsw.edu.au $20 $10

Adults Students

TIGS GREAT FETE Saturday 19 May 2012 10.00am to 3.00pm

Volunteers Needed!

To help please contact the Fete Committee via email pandf@tigs.com.au

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

The Illawarra Grammar School ABN 88 023 426 543. PO Box 225 Figtree NSW 2525 Australia phone: 02 4220 0200 fax: 02 422 0201 www.tigs.nsw.edu.au CRICOS No. 02300E