Social Studies Department

Employing Technology:

Students used applications such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Maps in Social Studies class to locate different places and apply what they learnt during the lessons of remote sensing and GPS positioning system. They identified the features offered by each application, and they measured distances and chose the shortest and least congested routes to reach the specified destination. They also used the 3D and 2D features to get to know the characteristics of the places more accurately.

As you know SZPAG achieved Apple Distinguished Schools status in September 2022. This is in recognition of the many ways we incorporate technology into our daily learning, enhancing, enriching and educating our students as digitally agile citizens. However, we have not been resting on our laurels SZPAG continues to innovate, which includes spending time and energy training our staff on how to best use technology in their learning environments.

For our students, Grade 1 and Grade 2 have been undergoing mini projects in coding, using applications such as Scratch Junior. We also have plans to introduce a robotics program to Grade 2 for STEM week later in this year.

Our teachers continue to use gamification platforms to engage our students with their own data, fostering the skills our students need to be agents of their own learning. For example, through looking at the data drawn from a quiz, the girls can identify their own areas for individual and personalized development.

They have individual learning targets and can then seek out the content and concepts that they need to work on for a retest at a later date. This ‘rinse and repeat’ approach goes a long way towards helping to embed learning.

It is always great to see our secondary girls using some advanced Apple Apps. Currently our Grade 8’s are working on building their own app, through iOS Design. Working in their groups, the students have chosen their own purpose for their app ranging from an app for a charity organization to one that is for helping people who are new to Abu Dhabi. Fusing a real-world problem with a digitally savvy solution tool is one way that we continue to upskill our students and prepare them for the skills they will need in their future lives and careers.

SZPAG has been shortlisted as a finalist by Emirates Safer Internet Society for the work that we have done on promoting safer Internet practices. This is ahead of the esafe’s first International conference next month. Whilst it is always joyous to have the school recognized, what is more important is our continual modelling and reminding our young people about how to keep themselves safe on the internet. Here are just a few ‘tips and tricks’ to help you guide your children:

Keep

Be

Only communicate and accept friend request from people you know

Use THINK before you type – It can guide your NETIQUETTE

T – Is it True

H – Is it Helpful

I – Is it inspiring

N – Is it necessary

K – Is it kind