At school, as in any large organisation, leadership is critical. Students are part of that team of leaders that makes a good school, a great one. The position of “Pupil Leader” is a position of responsibility and one which provides an important connection between pupils and staff. Our top 48 Grade 7 pupil leaders recently had a guided tour into[Read More…]

In a 2013 report on maps and education, National Geographic concluded, “Spatial thinking is arguably one the most important ways of thinking for a child to develop as he or she grows. … A student who has acquired robust spatial thinking skills is at an advantage in our increasingly global and technical society.” It is with this desired outcome in[Read More…]

In dealing with the concept that “Life is difficult” – while looking at excerpts from the book “A road less travelled”- the Grade 7s have been encouraged to keep a journal throughout the year. After a discussion about the importance of journalling and what role it plays in their lives, they watched a video showing the role journalling played in[Read More…]

It is that time of year again, as the Grade 7’s put their best Science-foot forward and begin asking fascinating questions.They’ve been hard at work these past 2 weeks; collectively wondering, questioning, designing, hypothesising and testing these wonders of the world. This process has been one of discovery and excitement, with some very interesting and thought provoking questions being put[Read More…]

The Grade 7s have been dealing with our Earth and spent a day learning about Soetwater’s diverse rocky shore ecosystem. Luckily they were blessed with beautiful weather and excitedly set out to explore their surroundings. They were first taught by Mr Lappies, the importance of preserving the different biomes and how we all can minimise our impact on our planet.[Read More…]

Ask just about any adult who loves to read where their love for reading was birthed and they will tell you that a signifiant adult in their life, often a parent or teacher, use to read to them. So often these stories would be accompanied by fond memories of the cracking of the spine of a book or the smell[Read More…]

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.” — William Wordsworth The teenage mind is always bombarded with questions, emotional uproar and spiritual turmoil. Poetry has the ability to allow our teens to let these feeling spontaneously overflow without any feelings of guilt, shame or judgement and allows them to think[Read More…]

Generations of parents have cringed with anxiety thinking about the day that their kids reach the age where it is time to have “the talk.” As kids transition from childhood into their teenage years, their bodies change, as do their natural desires and curiosities. Parents who choose to ignore it leave their children alone in the wilderness, uninformed and learning[Read More…]

Sun Valley Primary staff continue to pay it forward as they endeavour to remain committed to growing confident and effective student leaders. This week the Grade 4 teachers shared their knowledge and skills with the 48 Grade 7 Student Leaders during a workshop on E-colours. Students were made aware of the impact of their E-Colours on their roles and responsibility as[Read More…]