Building an Insight with 7ENGL3

7.3 English have been hard at work in their novel study this term. They have been focusing on the character development and growth that arises during and after adversities and challenges. Weeks 8-10 have been highly productive! 

Students have engaged wonderfully in socratic seminars; an activity that emulates  university-style learning. By notetaking and refining a study of quotes and evidence over the course of three thematic lessons, students collected some wonderful insights and claims regarding the character of Nat and how he develops through multiple experiences, interactions and challenges he has encountered when transported back to Elizabethan times and meeting William Shakespeare. Students focused on these three guiding themes: 

• Lessons 8 and 9 (16th and 18th of June) Grief, performance and masking the truth, one’s true feelings, and identity
• Lesson 10 (25th June) Loving thy neighbour: Compassion in the face of pain, and morality when things seem wrong.
• Lesson 11 (26th June) Relationships in the novel: how Nat grows with every interaction and experience

Socratic seminars are a powerful way to think deeply about an idea or concept. Through collaborating and communicating with others, students were able to examine not only their own opinions, but the opinions of others. Through this activity, 7.3 had the opportunity for unique voices to be heard–especially those who were a little more shy to share their ideas. All students had the opportunity to engage in rich discussions and learn from others, and could therefore truly appreciate that learning happens not only in seeking answers, but in asking questions!

Have a look at how we had the lesson structured so that everyone could share their wonderful ideas! 

In our last lesson of the term, we also got creative. Working in groups, students used LEGO to build a momentous occasion from the novel that they thought was pivotal in shaping Nat as a character. They were then challenged to provide a succinct graphic organiser that outlined the significance of this scene to help their peers revise key knowledge from Chapters 1-12, so that they all feel prepared to return to Term 3 and continue the novel study in preparation for their essays. Please see below to explore the amazing creativity of 7.3 as they got hands-on with the LEGO experience, and commendations to the wonderful analytical insights provided by some groups! 

Well done, 7.3! I can’t wait to see you all next term!

Miss Emma Webb