A U T U M N 2 0 1 5 / C urriculum
Maths Week Games and activities enhance Maths education During the week of 12-16 October, Secondary students celebrated Maths Week with a series of events. During this week, the Maths Department ran a variety of activities for all MYP students. Year 7 students played a “Murder Mystery” game, in which they solved puzzles and used logic to solve the mystery. Students in Years 7-9 all participated in a lively competition called “Dragon Maths,” which is modelled after a Hong Kong-wide math competition. This event took place in the DC foyer and involved lots of running around, teamwork, and problem solving. Years 7-9 also did a Math Treasure Hunt on the roof, in which students worked in teams to solve problems and to find their answers scattered throughout the sixth floor. Years 10 and 11 played a collaborative game in which they trapped (imaginary) lobsters. In this game, students had to use probability and logic to try to earn the most profits by buying pots and boats to trap lobsters. The MYP students also all participated in World Maths Day, which is an online math contest where students compete with other students from all over the world. Overall, it was a very fun and successful Maths week here at Discovery College. Lissie Nichols Head of Maths Department
Work in Progress Year 11s reflect on the Personal Project so far Throughout our journey so far in Year 11, we have had to cope with the pressure and stress of maintaining good grades, keeping up with our Community Engagement, and of course, ensuring that we keep our extra-curricular activities going as well. But one thing that was new to us was having to handle the demanding nature of the Personal Project.
challenges throughout the process of our Personal Projects, the sense of achievement and pride in our work are rewards in themselves.
We were able to choose to do whatever we want, in pursuit of our personal passions. Since late last year, we have been working on various aspects of the Personal Project, from the reflections, to the actual project, to presenting to our peers and teachers in our recent ‘Work in Progress’ exhibition. It has been a challenging process, but the crop of current Year 11 students have found that it is extremely beneficial to our organisational skills and many other aspects of student life. We also had to put in a large amount of work during the summer break — a time where we were used to just relaxing and getting away from life became a time for rigorous hours of work and effort.
Aaryaman Dutt and Matthew Charters Year 11 Students
All in all, the two of us, and the rest of Year 11 believe that the Personal Project journey so far has been excellent practice for the Diploma, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it, despite our struggles.
We have faced multiple obstacles throughout the course of our Personal Projects which we’ve had to overcome using our wits and mental endurance. Organisation and time-management has been a significant component to ensuring our overall success and effectiveness this term. For many of us, it has been challenging few months. However, although there may have been many struggles and SHI JIE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN 2015
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