Strata Issue 32 by ACG Schools

STRATA

STRATA Issue 32. April 2017

The ACG Strathallan Magazine

Preschool Celebrates Chinese New Year The ACG Strathallan Preschool hosted a wonderful Chinese New Year celebration providing a great learning opportunity for the little ones to experience and appreciate a different culture.

So what is Chinese New Year all about? Michelle Chang,

a teacher at the preschool explains: “Chinese New Year is a very important festival to all Chinese communities in China as well as overseas. In China, it is the only time people can take some time off to be with their families. The meaning behind Chinese New Year is to be ‘reunited’ so it is a time for all people to connect with their 5,000 years of history and feel proud to be Chinese. On the eve of Chinese New Year, families have a special dinner, they receive red envelopes from parents and grandparents, a lion dances in the street, poetry couplets are placed on the door, pictures of good fortune are displayed, water dumplings are eaten and fireworks are let off.” This certainly sounds like a lot of fun. The senior classroom was able to experience this celebration in a number of thrilling activities. Caroline Lithgow, also a preschool teacher, explains: “We wanted our children to understand and celebrate all that it is to be ‘Chinese’ at this special time of year. Only through exploring it could they truly understand and embrace Chinese culture. With this in mind our learning began with a magnificent show. The children were lucky enough to watch a

Chinese lion dance performed by Michelle and Weina, two teachers at the preschool. The purple, shining lion moved and danced to the rhythm of the cymbals, the gong and the beat of the big drum. Then the children had the chance to play the instruments and dance inside the lion costume - what an experience! Following the show Miss Yu-Mei Lin visited us with her class from the college to tell the story of Nian, the story behind Chinese New Year. The children especially enjoyed the quiz that followed with some of them very excited to win a ‘hung bao’, a red envelope with stickers inside. Sorry no money this time! Our children learn through their senses and what better way than a cooking class from two of our mums, on how to make Chinese dumplings. The children watched to begin with and then had a turn at making their own dumplings. They learnt that the shape of the dumpling was the same shape as the ancient Chinese money, so they eat dumplings on Chinese New Year to encourage good wealth for the year ahead. The children enjoyed eating their dumplings at lunch time, there were certainly lots of happy faces and contented tummies!” With language learning an important component of the primary and college curriculum, it is only right that our preschool children have their own cultural learning experience.

“Never be tired of learning or teaching others” – Confucius

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Shakespeare Live this term, our college students had the opportunity of attending different Shakespearean productions. With Shakespeare being a very significant part of our Cambridge English Literature syllabus, there was no question of whether it was “To be or not to be?” Some of our seniors headed off to the Pop-Up Globe Theatre while the juniors watched the Ugly Shakespeare Company at school. The Pop-Up Globe Theatre is in Ellerslie this year and provides quite a unique experience for theatre-goers as it is a full-scale replica of the original Globe Theatre in London, exactly the way it looked in 1599. When audiences attend today, they are still entranced by the experience and charmed by the actors who make the language clear and comprehensible. Flynn Fromont in Year 12 shared his experience of watching Much Ado About Nothing with us: “Even from walking into the theatre, the atmosphere instantly feels different. Standing in the ‘pit’ or ‘yard’ where the peasants would have stood gives you a real sense of the bustling audience back then. From the ‘pit’, you can take a look around at the gallery seating, traditionally for the nobles and royals. It’s impressive. During the show, actors sometimes appeared from amongst the crowd and asked us questions which was quite exciting. We were no longer an idle audience but part of the play. The actors were amazing, not breaking character on or off stage. “I was lucky enough to see the same play again with my family at the weekend and it was just as exciting. I believe that seeing the play live is a very good experience.

Not only does it take you back in time and show you what plays would have been like back in Shakespeare’s time, it also helps you to visualise the play more clearly which will assist us in analysing and writing about similar plays in our essays at school.” That same week the Ugly Shakespeare Company visited our juniors. Christian Whyte shared his experience:

“The company is made up of three men who bring a light-hearted, comedic tone to Shakespeare and at the same time convey the key messages of the plays. They performed adapted versions of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice for Years 7 and 8 and Macbeth for Years 9 and 10. One highlight was Portia from The Merchant of Venice who was played by a male actor, as they did in Shakespeare’s day. She declined two suitors rather abruptly saying that they should Go away; they’re boring. These modern takes on Shakespeare helped the students see exactly what was ‘really’ happening in these scenes. Another highlight was Lady Macbeth from Macbeth performing a short tap-dance in high heels with a full length dress on – a true show-stopper! After their delightful performances, each audience member left with a smile on their face and a new view of Shakespeare.” As well as being highly entertaining, watching a live performance brings Shakespeare to ‘life’ and makes any study of his plays more meaningful. As Christian quite rightly puts it, “It isn’t just words in a book, it is a performance made for people to appreciate and laugh at.”

Credit: Peter Meecham

“The object of art is to give life a shape” – William Shakespeare

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Celebrating Success the Cambridge system truly allows for students to

excel in a variety of curriculum areas. From the Arts and Sciences to Physical Education, ACG Strathallan students are given the opportunity to build on their individual talents and to choose subjects that will reflect their passions and interests. Nothing could have been more clearly evident at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards Ceremony where four of our top students were acknowledged in their diverse fields of study and awarded either Top in New Zealand or High Achievement Awards, as noted in the table below. Besides the commendable results of these students, A and A* passes seemed to be the order of the day at all levels of the school. At Year 10, students who committed to taking courses at IGCSE level showed determination to be successful. Twenty-one students sat IGCSE Combined Sciences and all students remarkably achieved high A or A* passes. Of the 23 students who undertook the study of Global Perspectives, nearly all scored A or A* passes. In Year 11, Flynn Fromont, Anastasia Gater, Danielle Harris, Rene Ryall, Sahil Tiku and Christine Wheeler truly rose to the challenge at this level. They passed all their courses with either A or A* grades, a true indication of the persistence needed to be successful.

Aimee shared a key skill that has helped her with her studies - focus. “Being able to sit down and maintain my concentration for as many hours as were necessary to dissect a question, write an essay or come up with yet another set of study notes ... but remaining disciplined with one’s mind is even more important; figuring out how you think, why you feel as you do, and what set of thoughts you find the most motivating.” Gareth Hall was another Year 13 student who excelled in the 2016 examination. He achieved two A grades in AS Business and AS Computer Science and two A* in A Level Chemistry and Physics. Gareth went on to receive the Te Paiwai O Te Rangi scholarship for academic achievement from the University Of Waikato. This is where he will be pursuing his studies in Engineering. Gareth shared with us the habits of mind that influenced his success: “If you don’t understand something, take the time to work it out and get assistance until you get it right consistently. When you learn something properly once, it’s far easier to revise later.”

At Year 12, Benjamin Christy excelled in all four of his courses with all As at AS Level and Xiangyu Ouyang also completed his course with four As at AS level and an A* in A Level Chinese. Year 13, the final leg of high school, can often be the greatest challenge of all for students as they start to make plans for their future. Their results often determine the paths they can choose. Aimee Bebbington has maintained a consistent approach in her studies, passing all her A Levels with 3 A* and one A. Aimee will be attending the University of St Andrews in Scotland, to study Biology and Mathematics.

Students from left to right: Xiangyu Ouyang, Julia Nicholson and Gareth Hall

Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards Cambridge Qualification Syllabus

Student Name

Cambridge Award

A Level

Chinese

Xiangyu Ouyang

Top In New Zealand

A Level

Physical Education

Julia Nicholson

Top In New Zealand

AS Level

Computer Science

Gareth Hall

Top In New Zealand

AS Level

Applied Information & Communication Technology

Katarina Lum

High Achievement

“We rise by lifting others” – Robert Ingersoll

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Coaching Matters Good coaching can make a huge difference to a sportsperson’s career. It also provides the finer skills to shape a student’s natural ability and to motivate them to do their best. Without a good coach, those talented students may never realise their true potential in their chosen sport. Strathallan is fortunate to have some very exciting coaching for our students. Hockey has been identified as a real strength at our school. As a result, Joe Hanks, who recently captained the Central Region Hockey team to a top-three finish in the National Hockey League, has been named Midlands, Counties and Strathallan’s Development Coach. Starting immediately, he will be based at our school, training the school’s First XI Boys’ Hockey team and providing coaching support for other teams. His appointment is part of Midlands Hockey’s strategy to grow Hockey excellence in the region.

As part of the role Joe will also coach and provide support to Counties and Midlands hockey teams. Joe is looking forward to continuing his experience within Midlands, Counties and ACG Strathallan as a Coach. “I hope to quickly establish myself within the hockey community and contribute and learn as much as I can,” he said. Equestrian is another sport which draws many students at our school. Annie Styles coaches our teams in this sport. She was drawn to coaching after returning from a campaign in the UK with her top horse in 2011. “I had sold my other top horse to fund the UK trip and, upon my return, I had only youngsters to ride so my focus shifted. I’ve always been hugely passionate about the sport and really enjoy helping others achieve their goals, so it was a natural progression.”

“I love helping the kids learn about sports, sharing my love and passion for sport with them and helping them to improve and become better.” – Hunter Sheperd 4

“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their growth” – John Whitmore

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“My aim is for every rider to go away from a lesson having grown in confidence” – Annie Styles Annie has ridden professionally as an event rider for many years, but her competitive career has taken a backseat over the past five years to focus on her young children. Although she continues to ride, her focus has switched from high-level competition to producing and selling young horses. Annie brings a wealth of expertise to her coaching. She sees herself as a stickler for doing the basics correctly. “Position, straightness, rhythm and balance are aspects of riding that I focus on as a coach. I also ensure I give plenty of positive feedback and my aim is for every rider to go away from a lesson having grown in confidence from their ride with me that day.”

In the Primary School, students have been fortunate enough to receive specialist, skills-based coaching in both golf and cricket this term. Cherie BoucherCunningham shared what has been going on: “There were two cricket skills sessions and five golf skills sessions, with primary school students reporting that learning both sports was a fantastic experience. The golf sessions were taken by Coach Hunter Sheperd who has been coaching golf as part of his role with Kelly Sports for around two and a half years. Kelly Sports believe in teaching the basic fundamentals and skills of the sport so everyone can have fun while learning and participating. Coach Hunter was a favourite with all the classes and said he hopes to be back at ACG Strathallan primary to teach a new sport in the near future. ‘I love helping the kids learn about sports, sharing my love and passion for sport with them and helping them to improve and become better.’” We are certainly privileged to have experienced sports coaches like these to support our students in achieving their best.

“It is not what the coach knows; it is what his players have learned” - Winston Churchill

STRATA Collaborative Learning Teamwork. Group discussion. Negotiation. The work

place is becoming more and more demanding with its expectations of potential employees. Employers are looking for young people who can interact effectively and communicate successfully. No longer is it enough to be able to quietly get on with your work at your desk, but you are expected to work collaboratively. In order to teach our students these necessary soft skills, ACG Strathallan takes the approach that the sooner you learn these skills, the easier your transition will be into the future. As a result, even students at our Primary school are learning how to work like this. Cherie Boucher-Cunningham, an ACG Strathallan Primary School teacher, shared some of the innovative ways in which collaborative learning takes place in their learning environment: “When walking through ACG Strathallan Primary School during school hours, the junior atrium will be filled with students working in small groups on their big mat area and the senior atrium will have students working on specialist furniture that has been purchased over the last year. There are specific areas being set aside in classrooms, such as bean bag areas, to help foster collaborative learning, and the mini senior atrium is set up as a collaborative learning space with furniture for the Year 5 students. All atrium environments are further enhanced by relevant displays and student resources created in a collaborative learning environment that are showcased around the walls.

learning approach, collaborative learning is very often displayed across all curriculum areas, across all Primary School year levels. During maths lessons, junior students will often work in mixed ability groups at various work stations, guiding and questioning each other as they build up their fundamental numeracy skills. “During health lessons, mixed class groups of year six students can be seen working across their three classrooms as they focus on not only increasing and deepening their knowledge of their current learning topic, but also fostering their leadership skills and their ability to relate to and work alongside their peers. “As we move more into the 21st century and prepare our learners for the skills that they will need to be successful, collaborative learning finds itself at the forefront of an effective teaching vision. Through collaborative learning, ACG Strathallan Primary students learn to develop key social skills and are given opportunities to foster the development of leadership skills. They become more than just passive listeners. They become active participants of their school community who have the focus, self-belief, respect, and drive to enable them to become not only successful at set tasks and assignments, but well-rounded individuals who are able to manage themselves, relate well to others, and become the masters of their own learning journey. Through the process of collaborative learning we are able to prepare our 21st century learners for success in their future.”

“While there are certain subjects, social science in particular, that lend themselves well to a collaborative

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” – Helen Keller

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Student Council & Leadership Camp A

CG Strathallan student leaders got together before the school year started for a weekend of team building at Kauaeranga Valley Camp in the Coromandel. This provided the perfect setting for friendships to blossom and strategies to develop. Caleb Pahina, Student Council President, recounts the time away and the Student Council’s plans for the year ahead: “The camp offered a myriad of activities, from archery and air rifles to building rafts and kayaking in the gorgeous Kauaeranga River. The camp events, accompanied by the beautiful summer weather, definitely allowed our team to enjoy every moment to its fullest. Perhaps the most noteworthy activity was on the second night, where we split into groups to perform an act in front of each other. Not only did it ‘break the ice,’ but provided many laughs and smiles which are truly representative of our awesome team spirit.

“...the most noteworthy activity was on the second night, where we split into groups to perform an act... Not only did it ‘break the ice,’ but provided many laughs and smiles...”

“The leadership camp served perfectly as an opportunity to not only get to know each other, but also build a strong team morale which will most certainly be key to our success this year. “As individuals, we learnt many valuable things such as effective communication, problem solving and organisational skills. We were also able to celebrate our strengths and confront our weaknesses.” Returning to school to start the academic year, they were able to put their plans into action: “As the Student Council, we set out to empower and share students’ ideas in order to give them a voice. We also aim to be positive role models, contribute to the school community and assist with the organisation of school events and activities during 2017. In doing so, we want to have an active role in creating an enjoyable school environment which aligns with our core school values. “We started Term 1 very well with a successful Valentine’s Day fundraiser! This involved a lot of organisation, planning and teamwork to bring hundreds of roses, chocolates and notes to our staff and students. We are extremely proud to have raised $1090 for the New Zealand Heart Foundation. The council team worked tremendously hard and were rewarded by a fantastic result. Add to this the success of the junior social and the money raised from Relay for Life and we are already well on the way to achieving our goals. Overall, this term has been an extremely successful and enjoyable learning experience for the team so far and we are looking forward to the future events on the calendar which will provide further opportunities for us council members to grow as leaders.”

ACG Strathallan, Hayfield Way, RD1, Papakura, New Zealand 09 295 0830 | strathallan@acgedu.com acgedu.com “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other” – John F Kennedy

Let the Show Begin The Hawkins Theatre will soon host ACG

carve a path through the herbaceous borders and

Strathallan’s performances of The Lion King and

tangled wisteria to the shelter of a nearby gazebo.

The Wizard of Oz. What a treat awaits us – and

I felt for my poor sister missing her moment of

what a fantastic experience for the many students who are involved. It is the last performance for the musical directors of the Wizard of Oz, Heather Revell-Knighton, and Lynnette Leggett, who is directing The Lion King primary show. There are countless students past and present who have benefited from the opportunities provided by these passionate and talented music teachers. I am sure they will continue to have this positive influence and we wish them every success in

glory but I remember we did perform the play in the end so there must have been a gap in the English weather. My experience in primary school and further encounters with Shakespeare at grammar school established close and longlasting ties with drama and 17 years later I was touring the cities of Europe as a street performer. I am an unashamed Shakespeare fan but I am also aware that when asking the question

the future.

“Why should we teach Shakespeare at school?”

Performance provides a rich context for learning.

sides. On the one hand, it is seen as archaic and

Strong impressions, lasting memories, lifelong lessons are features of this. Theatre, performance, dance, drama, on-stage, back-stage, front of house, make-up, costume, music and lights - what opportunities drama creates for young people!

you will receive vehement arguments on both impenetrable for today’s youth. On the other it contains timeless images and archetypal stories which never lose their relevance especially to young people as they develop their sensibilities. To have the opportunity to watch Shakespeare

I write from personal experience. One of my

on the stage is an essential part of any child’s

earliest memories of school was as a seven year

education so I am pleased that the ‘Pop-Up

old dressed in a sack cloth skirt, barefoot waiting

Globe’ is providing this chance for many students.

to run down the grassy bank onto the lawn in my

Research on the brain suggests that creative work

first ‘on-stage’ role as ‘Flute the Bellows Mender’ in A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. Amidst screams of “Help!” I was to have the skirt ripped off by a marauding lion as part of a play within the play. Great excitement for a young boy who always took delight in making an exhibition of himself! The first act had gone off well – with no lines to speak I only had to remember where to stand. Puck and a fairy had started Act II then my older sister, who was playing the part of Titania the Queen of the Fairies, opened her mouth for the first line. “What, jealous Oberon! ” whereupon there was a loud thunder clap, the heavens opened and audience and cast were forced to

causes very high levels of activity in the brain. Drama and dance provide vital opportunities for growing minds to test the world around them and explore the world within them. These elements of the curriculum are brought to life through performance which is such an important part of what we do at ACG Strathallan.

Robin Kirkham