Shi Jie - Autumn 2010

視界

SHI JIE - TO LOOK OUT INTO THE WORLD THE MAGAZINE OF DISCOVERY COLLEGE AUTUMN 2010 Grow. Discover. Dream.

E DAY

DC turns orange to support a fellow student

Making HISS-tory

Students rally to welcome the DC Cobra

Just Add Water The Primary Swimming Programme makes a big splash

AUTUMN 2010

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JUST ADD WATER

AUTUMN 2010

A SYMBOL OF SPIRIT

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ymbols of all sorts have always had a significant place in Chinese culture. Animal symbols are especially prominent, characteristically defining a collection of qualities that we can readily relate to: The horse is energetic and able; tigers are courageous and powerful, but can be sensitive, as well.

Lions proudly stand guard at our temples and buildings.

It seems fitting that this year Discovery College chose as its school mascot--its symbol--the Cobra, introduced with great fanfare in September, to the delight of us all. That our entire school community had a part in selecting this symbol is particularly gratifying to me. In the Chinese tradition, such animals are strong and determined, and strive for success above all. Their spirit is calm on the surface, yet possesses great drive and passion. It has deep sympathy for others and offers help to the less fortunate, but is, at the same time, self-reliant and bold.

That this symbol will forever be associated with our school and our students is highly appropriate. To be seen as the embodiment of such qualities will serve as both a point of pride and a motivator for our students, staff and faculty, and only adds to the confidence I have that we are moving forward together in a wonderful enterprise.

Charles Wong School Council Chairman

A SYMBOL OF SPIRIT

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CONTENTS Contents

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視界 Shi Jie

Autumn 2010 EDITOR Amy Freed

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Contents | Autumn 2010 FEATURE Making Hiss-tory Students rally to welcome the DC Cobra PY Parents DC’s parent body heads back to primary school through volunteering

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PHOTOGRAPHY

STAFF PROFILE Natalie Kunst

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Martin De Barr

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Edeh Nobari

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ALUMNI NEWS Where are they now

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COMMUNITY Family fun day 13 17 COBRA SPORTS 15 DC NEWS Just Add Water 16 The Primary Swimming Programme makes a big splash Secondary Athletics Day 17 DC Lights up Kwai Chung Sports Ground with house colours Fit4Life 18 Year 8 Expo combines all subjects to explore a Body for Life SHOWCASE The Magical Lamp of Aladdin A note from the director, Mr Frank Donnoli

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CAMP The Great Outdoors Primary students find creature comforts at camp

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EVENTS EDAY 22 DC turns orange to support a fellow student MILESTONES 23 DC welcomes...

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A SYMBOL OF SPIRIT

Kristy Baron Mark Beach Scott Campbell Matt Davis Frank Donnoli Lizzie Hudson Andy Kai Fong Natalie Kunst Lea Mahoudeau-Campoyer, Year 8 Alexa Massingham Loretta Romano Lori Tighe, DCPTA Gillian Whittaker

Danielle Libine Andy Kai Fong Amy Freed CIRCULATION & CONTACT Discovery College 38 Siena Ave Discovery Bay HONG KONG

Tel: +852 3969 1000 Fax: +852 2987 8115 Email: office@discovery.edu.hk Website: www.discovery.edu.hk Circulation (1500)

視 界 is printed on Alpine Satin which is PEFC certified, Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and manufactured under ISO14001 certification, using 100% virgin fibre from well-managed forests.

AUTUMN 2010

DC NEWS

GETTING ORGANISED DIVERSITY WEEK

Year 2 search for systems in Peng Chau To give students an opportunity to authentically inquiry into our ‘How we organise ourselves’ unit, the Year 2 students took part in a field trip to Peng Chau and the Discovery Bay plaza.

Students were engaged in observing and researching and were encouraged to ask questions about the systems and services that the found in both communities. Here are a few of the student’s reports: Rohan I got to Peng Chau by taking a ferry. Then we explored around Peng Chau taking photos and using our ‘I see, I think, I wonder’ charts. After that we got on the Mui Wo ferry to get back to Discovery Bay and to go back to the plaza and have our lunch. We explored around the plaza with our other ‘I see, I think, I wonder’ sheets. After going on the field trip I now think that a community is a system because it’s a way of organising ourselves and it’s the same as our lines of inquiry.

Sangita On Monday I went on a field trip in Discovery Bay and Peng Chau. I went there because I was

The week before the mid term break, primary students had the opportunity to celebrate the diversity of students here at DC. The focus was on celebrating the Mother Tongue groups that currently run and letting the other students become aware of who those groups are. Each day the signal music (the music that signals the beginning of classes) came from a different Mother Tongue language group; Monday was Chinese, Tuesday was Spanish, Wednesday was Korean, Thursday was Hindi and Friday was German.

looking for systems in the community. My whole class came with me as well as our teachers and Mums and Dads came too. We were also looking at the different types of communities.

Xavier I went to Peng Chau and I went with the Year 2s. It was on Monday. I looked for systems. I went because it was our second unit. First we went on the bus, second we took the ferry, third we looked for systems and after that we took the ferry back. Then we had our lunch and we wrote down our ideas. After going on the field trip I now think that a community is a group of people that work together.

Kristy Baron, Year 2 Team Leader

The assembly that week also highlighted the number of languages spoken by our students. 2KBN presented an entirely bilingual assembly with students speaking a range of mother tongues including French, German, Korean, Hindi, Hebrew and Tagalog. During this assembly there were short presentations from some of the DC Mother Tongue groups. The Spanish group performed a children’s song, the Korean group presented some Tae Kwon Do and some songs, and the Hindi group sang for us and even taught us how to count to ten.

Lizzie Hudson Learning Development

DIVERSITY WEEK

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FEATURE

MAKING HISS-TORY Students rally to welcome the DC Cobra

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n one warm afternoon

the DC representative sport codes then took

image and be a symbol of permanence and

in September, Cobras

their turn strutting the length of the runway,

continuity for DC generations to come. It is

were let loose on a

modeling the new Cobra fashions. Flashbulbs

an integral part of further defining our college

crowd of unsuspecting

flashed, pom-poms shook. Cobras were

community, spirit and pride.

students ...and rather

everywhere and the crowd roared for more.

than run, the crowd applauded and cheered.

The energy felt in the gym on that afternoon This could not have been a more exciting

in October carried over to our Season 1 sports,

introduction to our College mascot. It was

with our teams performing better than ever.

In October of 2009, Discovery College set out

important to all of us to launch the Cobra with

Players went to competitions in their new

to choose a suitable mascot for the school.

the level of excitement and style required by

Cobra uniforms with an obvious additional

From among all the possibilities—from dragons

such an important and historic event for the

spark that was noticed and commented on by

to tigers, pandas to eagles—we, together,

College.

our competitors. Our teams were cohesive, our

chose the Cobra. I could not be more pleased with both process and result.

Less than a year after we started our search, the Cobra introduced itself in raucous ‘peprally’ style to an excited all-school assembly in the main gym. With heart-pumping music and video setting the tone, the Cobra was revealed with a dramatic display of the new mascot design. For the first time, DC Cobra banners

“It is my belief that our mascot will become a central part of the history and lore of our school.”

waved in the air. The students went wild.

uniforms stood apart from all others, and we clearly wore them with confidence and pride.

The Cobra is a legacy that the current student body will leave for all their classmates to come. It will become a significant part of Discovery College history and help solidify the strong sense of self that we all strive to achieve. Looking to a bright future, let me simply say, in as loud a voice as I can muster …Go Cobras!

It is my belief that our mascot will become

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The show didn’t end there. As the high-energy

a central part of the history and lore of our

music continued to blare, cheerleaders burst

college. It will unite, inspire and motivate

Mark Beach

through the back doors. Pom-poms in hand,

students, as well as play a significant role in

Principal

they lined the gym-floor catwalk built especially

our community’s culture. An iconic mascot can

for the day. On cue, players from each of

serve to brand our school with a recognizable

MAKING HISS-TORY

AUTUMN 2010

MAKING HISS-TORY

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PY Paren AUTUMN 2010

FEATURE

DC’s parent body heads back to primary school through volunteering

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e are extremely fortunate in the Primary School to have a dedicated and supportive parent body who assist in so many important ways in the school.

We strongly believe that working with parents enhances communication and the group that really benefits from this are the children.

There are many different ways parents can become involved in the Primary School.

Some of these areas include joining the PTA, working in the Library, classroom volunteering, becoming a Class Parent Representative (CPR), joining a Mother Tongue group, assisting with camps, field trips, area of expertise discussions, the Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP), swimming and creating classroom resources.

Four parents who volunteer at the school in different ways were happy to share their experiences.

Clare Hotchin Clare is mum to Connor in Year 1 and Finn in Year 4. As one of 9 children Clare has been

used to busy environments and has enjoyed her work at DC as a class parent volunteer.

Clare initially volunteered because she wanted to have the opportunity to see what her children were doing at school and to become more informed about her children’s learning.

The boys love having mum in at school. They are very proud when they see her.

Clare’s work at DC has been very varied. She has happily taken on a myriad of different tasks including PMP, reading groups, maths groups, science experiments, multi media presentations, creative writing activities and creating spelling resources.

She enjoys getting to know all the children she works with and has gained a greater understanding of all that teachers do.

Clare is eager to continue to be involved in the school and would like to extend her involvement to the sporting arena.

Genevieve Kong One of the new initiatives developed this year in the Primary School has been the Primary Swimming Programme. Genevieve is the mother of Gerard in Year 2 and she volunteered to assist us run this programme this year.

She volunteered initially because she was curious as to how the different ability levels could be catered for and to support the children’s safe travel to and from the pool. She enjoyed helping the group get organised and encouraged their independence.

Genevieve has worked in the classrooms before as a volunteer and she loved seeing the class learn in a different area such as the swimming pool. She felt a ‘kind of joy that rubs off’. She sees real benefits in staff and parents working together and has really enjoyed the internationalism of the students at DC.

Genevieve was delighted to observe how motivated and excited the Year 2s were with their swimming. Every single child wanted to give it a go!

Ralph Mulholland Ralph is the father of Jack in Year 6. He recently returned from the Year 6 camp to Sai Kung where he volunteered his services to help run the outdoor camping programme.

Once the lessons commenced Genevieve and the other parent volunteers were able to watch the whole class from the viewing platform and it became apparent very quickly just how much improvement the class was making in a small amount of time. The confidence in those who were

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initially very cautious rose markedly as the season progressed.

Ralph initially volunteered as he was interested to learn more about Jack, his friends and his surroundings. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting his son’s friends and teachers and he learned a great deal about the school and its outdoor education programme.

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AUTUMN 2010

venue at Sai Kung was outstanding and the students were never bored nor complained.

Students invented their own games in the open spaces available. They had the freedom and the time to explore their surroundings.

Ralph learned from this experience himself.

He felt that volunteering his time was a wonderful opportunity to become involved in his son’s schooling process and that when an opportunity such as this occurs, one must embrace it.

Would he volunteer again? Absolutely! Ralph thoroughly enjoyed the camping activity and his involvement with the students and staff.

Ralph was extremely positive about the experience. He was particularly impressed to see members of the school leadership team sleeping out with the students. ‘Leadership in the trenches’ is how Ralph described it.

There were many humorous highlights including children attempting to build their own tents and cook their own food. Coming from the US, Ralph really enjoyed observing all the different children working together. ‘Nationality, race or religion made no difference in the great outdoors of Sai Kung!’

The guidelines prepared for the volunteers were extremely clear and the tasks were delegated appropriately. Ralph felt that the

Sam Kynaston Sam has been an active volunteer in the Primary School at many different levels since the school opened. She initially agreed to help in order to learn more about what her children do at school.

To this end she became involved in the PMP programme. Her children Olivia, Year 3 and Georgia, Year 1 love having her at school.

Coordinating parental involvement in school wide events such as the Family Fun Day is another key function of the group.

Sam believes that initiatives such as the CPR group can only assist in creating bonds between home and school and to that end she is very happy to be a conduit in the Year area.

We are extremely fortunate at Discovery College to have such a diverse and interested parent body and it is our belief that expertise should be embraced in order to create an outstanding learning environment for our students.

If you would like to become a parent volunteer in any of the above activities, or if you feel that you would like to contribute towards the creation of a new initiative we would love to hear from you.

Scott Campbell VP Primary

This year Sam has accepted the position of Class Parent Representative for Year 1LRO. The CPR’s meet regularly to discuss matters pertaining to their class levels, organise social events for children and their parents and form a very important liaison between parents and staff.

Welcoming new families to the school is another important function for the CPR group and this is particularly important for new families to Hong Kong. Sam is very enthusiastic to move this idea further.

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AUTUMN 2010

STAFF PROFILE

NATALIE KUNST Embracing the IB through visual arts I grew up in Australia and completed a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts, majoring in sculpture. After travelling and working for a few years, I decided to return to continue my studies in art education. In the time since then, I have had the opportunity to teach in international schools in Australia, Laos and Thailand.

In 2000 I began teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma Visual Arts course and recognised a strong connection between my own teaching philosophy and the inquiry-based approach that underpins the IB curriculum framework. Both as a teacher and as a parent, I feel that the IB provides not only a rigorous education, but constantly strives to present students with opportunities to develop empathy, creativity, international-mindedness and greater understandings of the rapidly changing world around them.

Since 2007, I have been a Visual Arts examiner for the IB Diploma course, which involves visiting other schools to conduct in-depth interviews with Year 13 students about their research, their artworks and the issues that most concern them. This often feels like such a privilege and I am repeatedly overwhelmed at the sophistication of thinking and the depth of understandings that students embrace in their work.

At the start of this school year I moved to Discovery College from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, where I was Head of Art at Prem Center for International Education. Prem Center gave me with a unique opportunity to work in one of the few international boarding schools in Asia and provided an amazing opportunity to develop an authentic sense of an international-minded community, living and working together with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, including countries like East Timor and Bhutan.

Coming from a three-programme IB school, where the PYP, MYP and DP are all taught, the move to Discovery College has been a smooth one and I am grateful that I can move countries and take on new career and lifestyle opportunities while my 2 sons can continue their education without too much disruption.

When not at work, I try and put as much time as I can into my own artwork.

A constant struggle for me is finding balance between putting my energy into students and school, and finding time for my own creative work. I believe that an integral aspect of being a teacher of the arts is

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NATALIE KUNST

maintaining your own creative practice and I am currently working on a new body of artworks, inspired by the density of the urban environment in Hong Kong.

Having lived in Asia for the past 17 years, I have developed a keen interest in contemporary Asian art practice, and try to get out to galleries and see as much art as I can. Recently, I was given the opportunity to go on a study trip to the Shanghai Biennale with a group of art teachers from other ESF schools. The Shanghai Biennale is one of the most exciting and significant contemporary art events in the region and so this was a great opportunity to connect with other art teachers, see some fabulous and thought-provoking work and gain a better understanding of ideas and approaches to art making that artists are embracing.

AUTUMN 2010

MARTIN DE BARR On a roll Year 4 teacher Martin De Barr can often be seen cruising down the Siena Avenue hill on his long board towards another day at Discovery College.

(He claims the adrenalin from the downhill beats a cup of morning coffee any day.) Martin carries 14 years of teaching experience in his pocket from countries including England, Spain, New Zealand and Peru.

Aside from teaching, Martin’s main interests lie with his family. His wife Monica, also a teacher, is a Peruvian native and speaks Spanish to their 13-month-old son, Alex. Martin is in charge of the English.

Born in England and raised in New Zealand, Martin embraces the diversity of the cultures that can be found in Hong Kong. His choice to teach internationally has given him the opportunity to meet and learn about many cultures from around the world. In Discovery Bay, Martin and his family are part of a Spanish speaking community which provide their son an environment to learn and speak his mother’s native language. They’re also happy to expose him to the wide variety of activities, food and diversity of travel that you don’t find as much of in New Zealand. A lover of music, Martin is also a member of a cover band made up of DC teachers who occasionally perform locally, so if you don’t catch him speeding toward the College (with helmet on), you may see him rocking the Discovery Bay Plaza.

EDEH NOBARI

A collection of experience Edeh’s found the experience of working in Qatar invaluable. The job was both interesting in challenging when learning how to work within the cultural and religious framework of the country. Working hours were often affected by religious holidays, fasting and prayer time.

Looking for a new adventure, Edeh fell in love with Hong Kong when on a layover from Doha to Vietnam. The big city culture and buzz, not to mention the opportunity to shop was too hard for Edeh to resist and soon she found herself working at the Lai King campus of Discovery Colllege.

Year 5 teacher Edeh Nobari spent three years in Doha, Qatar, a small peninsula on the western shore of the Arabian gulf. A New Zealand native from a Persian background, Edeh spent her time in Doha helping to set up new independent schools with a consulting company called Cognition. Her scope of work included everything from teacher training to resource planning and policymaking.

Edeh has enjoyed being a part of the growth from the College first year to now. Her past experience in Doha has been a valuable asset to the College during this transition.

For Edeh, the only thing on par with the growth of the College and its students has been the growth of her enviable shoe and handbag collection. This is all part of her plan to prove the theory that ‘a girl can never have too many shoes, or handbags’. She’s well on her way.

Edeh’s diverse background in education prepared her for her introduction to the IB. She embraces the concept of student centred learning that allows students to take ownership of their own learning.

‘The IB allows students to ask their own questions and find information that can be applied to real life and current situations.’

MARTIN DE BARR / EDEH NOBARI

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AUTUMN 2010

ALUMNI NEWS

WHERE ARE THEY NOW The Leflers experience Ecuador After 3 1/2 years of living in Hong Kong, DC family Beau, Amy, Marjorie (9), Audrey (7) and Bentz (4) Lefler, chose to take a new adventure, this time to Ecuador. Dedicated to service and giving back, the Leflers set off in August for this South American country.

Beau, through the Tandana Foundation, helps to coordinate volunteer trips for medical and dental professionals and Amy is involved in teaching various classes at a local school.

The family of 5 is being hosted by an indigenous family who volunteered to open their home to the Leflers for the length of their stay.

Marjorie (Jorie), Audrey and Bentz took a few moments to tell us “Where are They Now?” Where do you live now?

We live in Quichinche, Ecuador. It is outside of Otavalo and around 2 hours north of Quito.

What brought you there?

We decided as a family to be involved in a year of adventure and service. Our dad is teaching computer class at the local school and volunteering with a medical group.

What school do you attend?

We go to the Ulpiano Navarro primary school.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW

It is a local school and everything is in the Spanish language (except for one hour per week of English classes).

If you would like to learn more about the Lefler’s adventure you can find their updates at: www.leflerecuador.blogspot.com

What do you like best about your new home?

We live with a local indigenous family in their cinder block home. They have shared half of their home with us. We eat together and spend a lot of time with them. We really love our host family. We have also had the opportunity to travel around a bit and visit the beach.

The kids would also love to hear from you.

Their email addresses are: Marjorie - jorielefler@gmail.com Audrey - audreylefler@gmail.com Bentz - bentzlefler@gmail.com

What do you miss most about Discovery College?

The library and friends.

What kinds of activities are you involved in?

We have the chance to go with our dad and the doctors to visit the far away communities and help the sick people.

How does life in Ecuador differ to life in Hong Kong?

Everyone speaks Spanish. It is really high in the mountains and a lot of old people don’t wear shoes.

AUTUMN 2010

COMMUNITY

FAMILY FUN DAY

Tofu Bunnies, blue hair, great food and a whole lot of fun This year’s DC Family Fun Day rocked with student-led entertainment, including the band, ‘Tofu Bunnies,’ who played an original protest song about war’s effect on innocent people.

The goal to wrap Family Fun Day around a core of students performing ‘Stomp’ pieces and rock songs was the right move. It helped forge the annual event’s identity and connect it to the Discovery Bay community.

‘The thing that was really different from last year was the entertainment from secondary students. It was a big draw and a huge success,’ says Discovery College PTA president, Elspeth Shaw, who organised the event.

About 2,000 people came to Family Fun Day to eat international foods, play games, climb bouldering walls, run obstacle courses, go on

a scavenger hunt, fold paper cranes, make glitter photo frames and shop hand-crafted items.

‘There were more things to do this year, including getting your hair sprayed different colors,’ Shaw said. ‘My daughter came home with blue hair. Then I had a blue pillow after she rested and a blue shower curtain after she washed up.’

‘Everyone came up to us and said, ‘Wow, your song was awesome.’ said Patrick Campbell (8MPR). It gave us some experience to write a song. We also gained a lot of insight about what people experience in war affected areas.’

Pleased at the event’s end, Shaw said, ‘I think it was hugely successful. Families had a good time and they enjoyed themselves.’

Lori Tighe, DCPTA

But the performing students kept the crowds drawn to the ground floor stage. Year 7 students in small groups banged on metal pipes and plastic drums to industrial rhythms they composed for their music unit on ‘Stomp.’

The final performance by ‘Tofu Bunnies,’ a group of Year 8 boys, impressed the crowd with their original song, ‘Scars of War.’ The five boys in Matt Davis’ music class had to research a critical issue and write a protest song.

After they played,

ONE PERSON’S TRASH...

Year 9 Design Technology students have been working on an ‘Environments’ area of inquiry, focussing on the question ‘How can I turn my trash in to treasure’.

During their investigation work they found out about the Plastic Vortex, more commonly known as the Plastic Ocean, and the damage it is doing to our marine life. They also found out

how to heat fuse plastic bags in order to re-use them, and inquired in to what is being done to eliminate waste in Hong Kong.

Students tested their skills with the sewing machines and received a Sewing License. They then embarked on the challenge of designing and creating a bag for their own use made from recycled materials.

The results have been spectacular and students have produced very cool lap top bags made from their favourite pair of jeans, shopping bags from shirts and wallets made from fused plastic bags.

Students have shown that it is possible to reduce waste by recycling and reusing. Small changes can make big impacts.

Gillian Whittaker, Design Technology Teacher

FAMILY FUN DAY

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AUTUMN 2010

LUNCH TIME ROCKS The secondary music department has been moving full steam ahead this term. Students, teachers and parents have enjoyed a number of fantastic lunchtime concerts and the support has been outstanding.

Year 9 students kicked off the series of concerts by performing their rendition of a Beatles song they chose. The students performed in the main foyer of the school and were soon joined by an enthusiastic and lively crowd urging them on. The front rows included many primary school students clapping and cheering their older peers.

The Year 7 students presented their ‘Stomp’

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LUNCH TIME ROCKS

unit compositions in the granite courtyard with some noisy yet creative and exciting pieces of music. The courtyard was taken over by an interesting array of junk percussion items.

The students really enjoyed performing their own pieces of music. There were a number of colourful costumes and choreographed dance moves but most importantly there was plenty of zealous and energetic drumming.

The Year 8 students composed their own songs as part of their protest music unit.

Every group chose an issue they felt strongly about and wrote all the lyrics and music for the songs themselves. This was a highlight as the students passionately advocated for

their causes over two excellent lunchtime concerts. This was followed up with a number of the Year 8 bands playing at the secondary assembly which brought the house down.

It has been fantastic to see all the secondary music students’ hard work and dedication being rewarded during these public performances. Although the students were understandably nervous initially, they all really enjoyed sharing their music and achievements in an authentic public performance. The music department looks forward to presenting many more concerts in the near future.

Matt Davis, Music Teacher

COBRA

AUTUMN 2010

SPORTS

Cobra Netball DC Cobra netball teams have made a magnificent start to this Fall’s Saturday competition, with both the Primary and Secondary netball teams gaining some terrific results. Cobra netball has grown significantly over the past two years with excellent playing numbers from Year 3-10.

Thanks to all of the teachers and parents involved, in particular, Kaylene Adcock who has actively helped the promotion of DC Cobra netball.

Cobra Volleyball It was another building season for the Girls and Boys U14 Volleyball teams. Two spirited teams put in enthusiastic performances against Chinese International School and RCHK leading the Cobras to victory.

DC will continue to build its volleyball programme as players continue to gain experience on the court. Where we may have lacked in precision and power, we certainly made up for in drive.

Next year DC Volleyball Cobras will be looking to add more players to the volleyball squads.

Cobra Football Discovery College Cobra Football had a tremendous season this year. The first time donning the new Cobra uniform, the College fielded four teams in the ISSFHK competition. Each team did the Cobra proud by bringing back great results for their respective divisions.

Here •

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a couple of highlights: Under 14 Boys and Girls team dominated the league by going undefeated in the 2010-11 season, both teams winning their ISSFHK B division finals.

Under 12 Boys took 3rd in the ISSFHK B division.

Under 12 Girls finished 4th in the ISSFHK A division.

All 4 squads had excellent playing numbers, a true credit to the students and coaches for their commitment. We look forward to the 2011-12 season when DC will participating at an Under 16 division level as well.

Cobra Swimming The DC Swim Team started the season slowly over the four swim meets, but after some tough lessons, every swimmer gained personal best times in their chosen races at the finals.

Some strong performances in the water from Jimin Lee, Natalie Tse and Grace Kai Fong during the season. Grace beat her time by 2 seconds to win the U12 Girls 100m Freestyle.

The hard work for Cobra swimming starts now and winter training is under way. The DC Senior Swim team train on Wednesday and Thursday mornings and the Junior Development Squad swim on Thursday afternoons. If you would like to be a part of the action please contact Miss Burrough.

Cobra Cross Country I imagine few people would consider running through the streets of Discovery Bay during the hot and humid months of September and October much fun, yet 40 Year 5-10 students did just that as part of their training for the ISSFHK Cross Country competitions. Along with the local training, the team participated in two pre-competition events on Hong Kong Island, leading to the inter-school championships at Aberdeen Country Park on 2 November. This, our third year of competition, provided us with our best results ever.

The Under 12 Boys came 2nd in the team competitions, and both the Under 14 Girls and Under 14 Boys came 3rd in their respective events. Five students also achieved individual top-10 finishes, with Cameron Smith’s 1st place finish in the Under 14 Boys race our standout performance.

COBRA SPORTS

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AUTUMN 2010

DC NEWS

JUST ADD WATER

The Primary Swimming Programme makes a big splash This year for the first time all students from Year 1 to Year 6 were involved in a swimming programme which ran from August until November and was built into their class PE lessons. The programme was overseen by ESL Services Ltd who provided us with trained coaches who worked alongside our Discovery College PE team. All coaches possessed at least three years professional swimming training/coaching experience in swimming and all held current first aid certification.

getting the children organised before and after each lesson.

Having 4-5 groups operating at the same time meant that the children were in very small groups and the individual attention they received was excellent. The lessons ran from 40-50 minutes each and all coaches and teachers emphasised and established as essential agreements, safety practices which all children needed to follow.

instilled into the lessons where the children enjoyed racing, using the noodles, diving down to retrieve hoops and, at the older year levels, playing games such as water polo.

Parent volunteers were an added dimension to the programme and they were particularly helpful in getting the younger students to and from the pool in a safe manner as well as

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JUST ADD WATER

The children were grouped according to ability level. This allowed the children to progress at their own level. Coaches and teachers worked on specific skills which were required at each level. These skills were checked off as they were mastered by the children.

Whilst the emphasis of the programme was on skills and stroke technique, a level of fun was

All children made progress and it was a delight to witness the gain in confidence in some students who were initially quite hesitant.

As well as developing the skill level of the children, the IB Learner Profiles were developed and reinforced in different ways.

The children were encouraged to be ‘Thinkers’ when they were asked to develop new games

or how they could improve in a particular area, ‘Risk Takers’ when they were asked to approach an unfamiliar situation and have the confidence to explore a new concept or activity and ‘Caring’ when showing kindness in encouraging members of their group who may have achieved something for the first time.

We have gathered feedback from the students on such areas as what they enjoyed, how they feel they progressed and any challenges they feel that they may have encountered during the course of the Aquatics unit.

Scott Campbell, VP Primary

AUTUMN 2010

DC NEWS

SECONDARY ATHLETICS DAY

DC lights up Kwai Chung Sports Ground with

HOUSE colours

A highly successful Secondary Athletics Sports Day was held at the Kwai Chung Sports Ground on Monday 8 November. All secondary students had the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of track and field events. The day built on last year’s success and took the competition and team support, through our five houses, to an even higher level.

On the day Lie Huo proved triumphant in the competition and participation, followed by Qing Mu, Re Tu, Liu Shui and Jin Shu. For house spirit (supporting their house) Jin Shu and Lie Huo tied for first place.

SECONDARY ATHLETICS DAY

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AUTUMN 2010

DC NEWS

FIT 4 LIFE

Year 8 Expo combines all subjects to explore a Body for Life We went through a flow of assessment tasks.

In English/humanities we made energy bars and the packaging to go with it. We also filmed our own infomercial to advertise our energy bar. In science we learned how to measure food energy. In PE we made our own fitness assessments to test an audience on a specific component of fitness, which we then took to our mathematics classes to conduct extensive data analysis of the results.

This term Year 8 were working on a large interdisciplinary unit that addressed the unit question, ‘What is a body for life? Who decides?’ This unit was special because we combined most This unit was special because we combined most of our subjects mathematics, English, humanities, science, PE and technology - into a single unit where we all worked towards understanding the meaning of what being Fit For Life means and how this knowledge can be applied in our everyday lives.

come to visit our booths, including our parents.

What we liked most about the unit was how most of our subjects were combined together so that we could explore the different ways we could learn about the same topic.

Lea Mahoudeau-Campoyer Year 8 student

Mrs. Stanhope was a guest speaker who came in and talked to us about organising a debate about how Discovery Bay affects the health and well being of it’s inhabitants and got us to split into teams. Both teams organised small events to get a maximum of people to vote for them. The two teams made a final movie highlighting the opposing opinions. The school then got to vote what they thought.

By the end of the unit we organised a ‘Fit4Life Expo’ to present all our work, which we developed over the unit. Each group set up a booth with all their work including the fitness test and the energy bars for the audience to try. We had a range of different age groups

YEAR 1 INQUIRES INTO COMMUNITIES The recent ‘how we organise ourselves’ transdisciplinary unit of inquiry enabled Year 1 students to explore their school and local communities. Through the central idea ‘in a community people share responsibilities towards a common purpose,’ students were able to uncover, investigate and reflect on many aspects of how communities work and especially focus on the responsibilities of community members.

The first line of inquiry led the students to identify the ways in which they are part of the community. The students eagerly shared their own personal experiences as to how they are involved in community activities

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FIT 4 LIFE

and events through the use of mind maps and other opportunities to write, draw and discuss their thinking. They brought photos, clothes and artifacts into the classrooms to highlight the groups they were part of and used these items in organised sharing times to further develop communication skills of

listening and speaking.

As a way of finding out more about the people in our Discovery College community, all classes completed a DC community member hunt by matching photos of the faces of staff with various work environments around the College. Through the PYP attribute of curiosity, students were further able to uncover areas of the school that they were unfamiliar with.

The experience also helped them to meet and recognise the people who they see regularly but don’t always have direct contact with.

The walk around the school environment was a highlight for our students as they investigated and made new discoveries. It was also a great opportunity for the staff who work behind the scenes at DC. They took great delight in showing the Year 1 classes around their work places. This prompted so many student questions. As a result expert groups were

AUTUMN 2010

DC NEWS

FIRST PLACE FOR RYAN LAM

11th World Chinese Language Writing contest winner Year 10 student Ryan Lam earned a First Place in the 11th World Chinese-Language Writing contest. Ryan’s composition, titled ‘My Most Memorable ‘Old’ Friend’ was submitted last academic year. The competition has attracted over 6 million entries worldwide since it started a decade ago, with over 1700 from Hong Kong in this past year alone.

teacher Joanne Li. Ms Li has also been honoured with a Guidance Award by the competition’s organisers.

Both Ryan and Ms Li were presented with their awards at a ceremony on October 15 at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Ryan has been supported by DC Chinese

CYBER SAFETY Discovery College is strongly committed to ensuring our community is aware and current with the complexity of relationships and reputations that are developed through online and mobile technologies. This commitment is reflected in our written and taught curriculum, professional development opportunities for teachers and presentations/workshops offered to our parent community.

To further improve this level of commitment, this year we invited in Robyn Treyvaud, the Director of Education & International Initiatives with IKeepSafe in the US and the

Founder of CyberSafeKids. As an educational leader and an internet safety educator, Robyn is considered a leading authority, nationally and internationally, on ICT and education and online safety and digital citizenship internet safety.

Robyn ran all day workshops (along with DC teachers Dianne McKenzie, Adrian Gan, Matt Plummer and Donna Ellery) with every MYP student. The workshops revolved around content such as managing reputations and relationships online, safety and security, ethical use and digital footprints that we leave

behind through images, video and text.

Robyn also worked with our staff, held two parent sessions and ran a small seminar with our Year 6 students and PYP staff. Overall, Robyn has left a noticeable impact on our school which students, staff and parents have benefitted from.

formed to ask these questions, investigate and report back to others in each class. The Year 5 buddies joined the students for these interviews, supporting them as necessary and recording the responses.

The roles and responsibilities of a range of community members were identified through picture sorts, observations, guest speakers and interviews. Throughout the whole process the students’ thinking was added to the teacher questions and constantly refined. The Year 1 students gathered data on themselves and also from a range of sources, spending time analysing and sharing any new information.

Another way the central idea and lines of inquiry were explored was through a range of structured play-based activities. These thinking tasks were prepared so students could collaborate with others, make connections and deepen their understandings of the concepts

of function (how it works) and responsibility.

They included role-play, use of computers, construction, data collection and more. Action was also highlighted through the question ‘What kind of school community do we want?

What action would we see as a result?’

The final summative assessment task required each student to choose a community member to reflect on. They then used the community member to demonstrate their understanding about roles and responsibilities within the community. Students chose a range of

presentation formats to demonstrate their new learning.

Through a variety of provocations, learning engagements, and guiding questions the Year 1 students gained further insight into the roles within communities and the responsibility of community members to fulfill their duties so everyone can benefit.

Loretta Romano, Year 1 Team Leader

FIRST PLACE FOR RYAN LAM

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AUTUMN 2010

SHOWCASE

THE MAGICAL LAMP OF ALADDIN

A note from the director, Mr Frank Donnoli

The Magical Lamp of Aladdin is based around the classic story of Aladdin, his monkey sidekick Alakazam and the beautiful Princess Jasmine. Evil magician Jammal tries to trick Aladdin in a malicious scheme to acquire a magical lamp containing a wish-granting genie. But Aladdin tricks Jammal and claims the magic lamp for himself, using its power to win the Princess and impress the Sultan. Through another wicked ploy, Jammal regains possession of the lamp and kidnaps Jasmine! To set things right, Aladdin must face Chop-Chop, the merciless executioner. At last, Aladdin and Jasmine are reunited, and Jammal is transformed into a new person. You’ll also meet three genies, the whining Ali ‘Bubba,’ the fire-breathing dragon and the haughty Sultan’s wife.

I would describe the presentation of The Magical Lamp of Aladdin, as a ‘multi-level learning experience’. Primary students involved in the production have yet to work in the Discovery College Theatre in this way and most of the crew will take on new roles. Cast members and crew members approach me constantly exploring new designs and ideas, parents volunteering to either paint, make costumes and generally offering to do anything to help. This is a wonderful expression of a genuine commitment to make the whole production work.

The production process for The Magical Lamp of Aladdin is designed to layer the complexity of live performance into manageable steps and the concept of layers will be evident in the actual stage play in the set design, lighting, sound and, of course, the performance of the actors. Every fly and every light will be utilised to ensure that the experience for the students, teachers and parents alike is nothing less than a full one.

Performances will be on April 12 & 13, 2011.

Frank Donnoli, Primary Drama Teacher

BRINGING THE PAST INTO THE PRESENT

Year 10 students learn the art of Mongolian folk dance On Thursday 4 November, Year 10 Drama students were led in an exciting Chinese Dance workshop by a dance graduate from the Academy for Performing Arts (APA) as part of their current unit of work exploring the question, ‘What value does the past have for today?’

The students were introduced to a Mongolian folk dance through discussion and video clips and were then thrown in at the deep end and taught the dance step by step. With the help of translation from David Lunn, Man Kwan led the students through this exciting and lively dance and, with a few giggles here and there, the students managed to pick up the fast paced jig and perform it after a pretty intense two-hour workshop.

It was wonderful to see the students engage in this workshop and see them exploring a regional traditional art form with such enthusiasm and really answered the unit question that the past, in this case traditional folk dance, is essential for us to reflect on our own culture and gain enjoyment and appreciation from experiencing a unique tradition.

Alexa Massingham, Drama Teacher

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THE MAGICAL LAMP OF ALADDIN

AUTUMN 2010

CAMP

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Primary students find creature comforts at camp Each year Discovery College students take part in a camp programme that complements and enriches their holistic education in a positive way.

This year students from Year 3-6 set off to Cheung Sha, Mui Wo, Cheung Chau and Sai Kung to experience the adventure of the camp. Students embraced their time away, taking on new challenges, trying new things and generally having a great time. The overwhelming consensus? ‘We can’t wait for next year.’

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4 5 6

Year 3 experienced the fun and excitement of camp at the Hong Kong YWCA campsite at San Shek Wan. Interesting and engaging activities were enjoyed by all. It was wonderful to see the students step out of their comfort zone and try new things.

Year 4 explored Mui Wo for their annual camp at the HK Playground Association Campsite. Students took part in a wide range of activities including canoeing, rafting, rope climbing, orienteering and a visit to Ark Eden organic farm. Each day culminated in a camp fire.

Year 5 students hiked, biked, climbed, swam and even learned how to rescue a drowning person at their three day, two night camp at the Salvation Army Bradbury Camp, Cheung Chau Island. Everyone returned tired, but full of exciting stories about camp.

Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre and Shui Long Wo camping grounds were the locations for the four day, three night Year 6 camp. The children were excited to be able to pitch their own tents, cook their own food, compete in an amazing race city adventure as well as a whole lot more.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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AUTUMN 2010

EVENTS

EDAY DC turns orange to support a fellow student

frosted cupcakes by the hundreds. The response was overwealming as the entire community dressed in orange, made donations and bought cakes with an enthusiasm that was not dampened even by an unscheduled fire evacuation. Every last cupcake was sold.

Community and Service activities at Discovery College often take on the challenge of helping an organisation located at a great distance from the school, with people that students may never meet. This October, DC students came out in force to help and support one of their own. They called it E-Day. Year 10 student Edwin Stevens has a condition known as Ulrich Scleroatoric Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that stops his body from producing a particular type of collagen that is vital for muscle growth and development. Without this muscle development as he matures, Edwin’s body cannot support itself. This has resulted in excessive spinal curvature that causes Edwin a great deal of discomfort and at times a lot of pain. In order to correct

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EDAY

this, he needed a very complex and costly operation.

A phone call from a close friend of the family, Peter Coorey, outlining the financial details of Edwin’s pending operation was the spark for what will be one of the most memorable events of the year at the College.

With little time before Edwin left to prepare for his operation, his peers mobilised the entire school community into a unique fundraising effort which yielded a staggering amount of money – nearly 90,000 HKD. The orange-themed day, in deference to Edwin’s hair colour, united parents, students and staff to produce orange

E-Day was supplemented recently with the selling of orange wrist bands imprinted with

AUTUMN 2010

MILESTONES

MILESTONES DC welcomes...

Scarlett and Bella

Ewan

Carys

Harry

Kim Cassel

Debbie Tai

Jonathan Climas

Year 6 Teacher

Primary Mandarin Teacher

Learning Development Teacher

Kellie-Ann and Matt Gallagher Year 1 and Year 5 Teachers

‘Edwin’. This brought the school’s contribution to College’s contribution to 100,000 HKD. The generosity and kind thoughts of all of our students and parents continue to this day as Edwin remains in hospital during his recovery.

of the year - a day where the Discovery College community came together in support of one of their own.

Andy Kai Fong Head of Secondary

We look forward to welcoming Edwin back to school at some stage in the new year. You can follow his progress from the College home page at www.discovery.edu.hk E-day will, for me, stand out as one of the highlights

MILESTONES

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AUTUMN 2010

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MILESTONES