PTC 9

Criteria:
Respond effectively to the diverse language and cultural experiences, and the varied strengths, interests and needs of individuals and groups of students

Key Indicators:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social and cultural influences on learning, by working effectively in the bicultural and multicultural contexts of learning in New Zealand
• select teaching approaches, resources, technologies and learning and assessment activities that are inclusive and effective for diverse students
• modify teaching approaches to address the needs of individuals and groups of students

What this means at Halcombe School:

• Use a range of teaching approaches and strategies
• Advocate for students who have special needs
• Change the physical layout of the classroom to accommodate learning styles, groups and individual needs
• Provide opportunities for students to have an input into the classroom programme

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Week 3, Term 1, 2016

Students presented speeches outlining their talents, hobbies and interests.  A great way to learn more about the students in my class!

Week 4, Term 1, 2016

Rearrange the place where students sit to maximise learning potential.

March 2016
As part of our inquiry into 'How Can I Be More Awesome?', we talked a lot about how we could contribute in a positive way to the community around us.  I organised for the kids, alongside a member of the Halcombe Community Development Group, to paint the back of the rugby grandstand, and do some gardening and weeding.

This is an excerpt from the minutes of the Halcombe Community Development Group meeting:

August 2016
I took my class for a walk down the road to pick up rubbish.  I think it's important for me to instill a sense of pride in the students and for them to do their part to help our local community.

Week 3, Term 3 2016
In maths, the students will often complete a 'pre-test' to find out what they already know about a particular subject.  I use this information to inform my teaching, and make sure my teaching is directed in the right way.  I keep notes so I know what's happening!

Term 3 2016
Earlier in the year, our student council purchased a number of sports balls after raising funds through a dress up day.  These balls were then sent to Fiji and delivered to schools in the outer islands, still recovering from Cyclone Winston.  

11 March 2017
Today we visited the 'Running Of The Wools' event in Feilding - a day organised by the local community to celebrate our rural-ness!

13 April 2017
Today we had a discussion about what the students wanted to learn about next term.  We are able to select our own context for learning in the second part of Term 2 (must be an inquiry).  The students shared some ideas, but most were from their range of existing knowledge eg. 'famous monuments' and 'disasters' - these are topics the students are relatively familiar with, and not really suituable for an inquiry topic.  I supported the students to extend their thinking to things they have heard of, but know nothing about.  We eventually settled on the 'Middle Ages'.


15 May 2017
Today I took four students to the National Young Leaders Day in Palmerston North.  This was a great opportunity for these students to learn more about being a leader and role model, and to experience a fun day out.

5 July 2017
As a Civil Defence Post, we must check in to the Manawatu Civil Defence Centre via radio once a week.  Two boys from my class have been chosen to complete this task.  It is an opportunity for these boys to be involved with something important outside the classroom, and encourages them to be responsible, punctual and mature.