Welcome 9GV

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Yes, we are soooo 2014 (except we don't have snapchat, twitter, instagram etc).
We have a Facebook page:Kuranui Social Science
Like it. You know you want to. DO IT!
Thank you :)

The Model U.N.

This post comes live from the model UN... During the day, we have been privileged to host the model UN here at Kuranui. Schools from master ton and beyond have joined us to debate issues around climate change, refugees and earthquake relief. After an initial fear, the students involved have got right into the debate. Watching the smaller countries turn on the student representing the USA was fascinating, and seeing students taking the traditional stances of each of the member nations is awesome. The whole day has been great, and I really hope we get to host it again.

The Learning Process

This week has been about Understanding Oneself, and how we learn.

In History we have been using Spinning Plates as a method of understanding how we learn new and difficult concepts.  The task itself is fairly simple, but takes some people longer than others.  The ways in which we react, both openly and inside, illuminates the struggles we have when learning.

Some people find it easy, others hard.  Some continue to work at the task until it is done, no matter how long it takes.  Some give up when the challenge seems insurmountable.  Some flaunt their success or feel the need to show others.  Some quietly succeed without anyone else batting an eyelid.  Some demand help, others feel helpless.  Knowing how we respond is handy to the greater learning picture.

All students should get a handle on how they learn best, and how to deal with the struggles.  Some need to learn to ask for advice.  Others need to just let others do their thing.

And above all else, it was a fun lesson. ;)

Lauren masters the skill

The Learning Process

Blair feels Proud

Discussing the process

Working towards success

Social Science goes all creepy

10GV have been working on a unit about the spreading of infectious disease, and incident response plans.  Here are some images of them investigating different micro-organisms and the effect they have on people.

Revision programmes

As exams are looming large, remember that History revision will be offered in the Drama room on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes.  All levels are invited.

Tuesday 26 October- Essay structuring
Thursday 28 October- Resource interpretation
Monday 1 November- Essay planning (topics and guidance issued)
Tuesday 2 November- Useful timelines and study tips
Thursday 4 November- Essay writing (topics and guidance issued)
Monday 8 November- Mindmapping
Tuesday 9 November- TBA

There may be waffles on Thursday..... just sayin'....

Examinations and revision

Now is the time to really get thinking about revision and being sensible about what you have to do.

Harrang and harrass your teachers for information and advice. And seek advice elsewhere. You all know about studyit.... the website with information about English, Maths and Sciences.

Finding help for the social sciences can be more challenging. However, we will try to steer you in the right direction with some advice. Today is a shameless plug, and a financial outlay. But it is worth it. Not all of us have great notes from the year..... let's be honest people! Buy some! You have options- ask for the notes of people who were in the class last year. Shamelessly beg for them. Look for revision guides in bookshops and online...

Shameless plug... check out the author..... ;)

 ESA is a New Zealand company who specialise in revision books.  They have ones for course outlines, and ones focussed on examinations.  You can buy them from their website- or bookshops.

The ESA Website- all of their books.

These range between $20-$30 for each title.  You can always re-sell your book next year to the following class and get back some of the cash.  Or check out Trademe, which always has a range of secondhand titles listed.

There are also other brands of study aids.  These just seem to be more comprehensive than some of the others.  Ask your teacher....

Longman produce "Write-on" study notes.  These have short notes, a space to write stuff down, and quizzes to test your knowledge.  They have less information but are easy to use, and cheaper to buy.  Again, ask your teacher for advice and guidance.

Get in quick and they may have a copy of a book to lend you.