During Term 3, the Senior Team have been learning about Geology.  They have explored the diverse types of rocks, from igneous to sedimentary and metamorphic, and examined key concepts such as permeability and density.  Students investigated the unique properties of various rock types and traced their transformation through the rock cycle.

The Senior Team have been learning about elements, mixtures and compounds in Science with Mrs Pearce this term.

We began by exploring the building blocks of matter – elements. We covered the periodic table and element properties using visual aids and hands on equipment.

Moving forward, we embarked on an exploration of mixtures, where students learned about the fascinating ways in which different substances can be combined while retaining their individual properties. We had a go at separating mixtures using a variety of methods such as magnetism and decanting.

Students delved deeper into the realm of chemical bonding and molecular structures when looking at compounds. We were able to use molecule models to deepen our understanding.

Every Friday in the Senior team, Prep Tech allows students to delve into languages, digital technology, clay modelling, and visual arts.  Students spend a term at each subject, learning, exploring and creating new things.  Senior students are thoroughly enjoying this opportunity to explore new areas and enhance a wide variety of skills.

Languages 

Students in Room 14 for Prep Tech have been exploring the diverse cultures of both Spanish and French.  In French lessons with Mrs Dempsey, students have been learning greetings, months of the year, numbers, and days of the week.  In their Spanish lessons with Miss Ross, students have been learning greetings, numbers, colours, animals, and food.

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Digital Technology

Students in Room 12 have been working on creating video games in Prep Tech this term.  They have learned how to code a character to move around a world, create levels within the game, code various objects to be either obstacles or treasures and code the consequences of colliding with these objects.

Visual Arts 

Students in Room 11 have been working on a big art project with Ms Ingram during Prep Tech.  Our art is inspired by the artist Claude Monet.  We began by creating some observational drawings of water lilies and then used oil pastel to create huge water lilies, blending three colours together. We used a sponge painting technique to create a background that looked like sparkling pond water.  We then created leaves with pastel and made them glossy by adding PVA glue over the top.  Finally, we pieced the elements together to create our masterpieces. 

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Clay Modelling 

Students in Room 13 have been with Mrs Pearce learning about the technology design process.  They have identified a stakeholder to create a clay product for, thinking about their interests and needs.  Students then designed and made their products. 

Recently, our students had the opportunity to learn about life jacket safety, an important topic that can help keep them safe while participating in water activities. During these lessons, our students learned about when and where to wear life jackets.  They also learned about how to properly fit and adjust a life jacket to ensure maximum safety.  In addition, students learned what to do in emergency situations.

Room 11 used mixed media to create their self-portraits.  We created our own letters to put our names down the side.  We are very pleased with the result!

Room 12 really enjoyed working on their self portraits.  The students first had to draw a lego person then customise it to look like themselves.

Room 13 is in the Kererū whānau, and we have made kererū art.  Students were taught a variety of techniques to add texture to their art, inspired by Mark Hearld.

Room 14 put a lot of time and effort into their portraits.  For the background, Glacia taught her classmates how to create a colourful background using watercolours.  We are so proud of how they turned out! 

The Year 6 students in our Senior Team are again very fortunate to be participating in the AWE Water Safety Programme in Week 9 of Term 3.  This valuable programme is aimed at students of all swimming abilities and is free of charge.  We acknowledge, with much appreciation, that the buses transporting our children to and from the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre are also paid for by the AWE Programme.  Last time the programme proved to be very successful.  Our children learned important skills to help them stay safe in the water and the timing is perfect given that summer is fast approaching.

This programme includes all Year 6 students and is held during school time.  Students will need to bring their togs and towel and footwear to school on Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21 AND Thursday 22 September.  (Please ensure your child brings their togs and a towel in a swim bag or plastic bag).

The schedule is as follows:
Rooms 11 & 14 depart school at 10:30am     Return to school by 12:30pm
Rooms 12 & 13 depart school at 12:30pm     Return to school by 2:30pm

Consent must be given for students to attend the AWE Water Safety Programme.  Please ensure that permission has been given via the parent app before the deadline of Friday 9 September.
If permission is not received by the deadline, students will not be permitted to attend.

If you have any questions about the programme, please speak to your child’s teacher.
Many thanks for supporting us to keep your child safe in the water.

In Term 4 our Senior Team students will be going to the Vertical Horizon Camp. This is a two night, fully-catered camp.  Vertical Horizon Camp is based 10km from Inglewood. The accommodation consists of lodges and chalets that offer distinct areas for boys and girls.

During the day students move from one activity to the next. At the activity station there is an instructor. The instructors are equipped with radio communication devices, first aid kits and relevant safety equipment. Students will enjoy many action-packed activities which are designed to promote fun through teamwork and provide personal challenges for individuals.  It is also an excellent chance to consolidate friendships within the senior team.

If your child does not attend camp then they should be at school as normal. Work will be set and a class allocated for them.

We will leave school at approximately 9:30am on Monday 31 October and return by 2:30pm on Wednesday 2 November.

We are requesting voluntary donations from parents to help towards the cost of the food, activities and accommodation. We are hoping to raise $180.00 per student, we appreciate your help with this, as without parental support the trip will not be able to go ahead. We will also be fundraising and we encourage students to find ways of helping out and fundraising at home as well.

The bank account number for donations is: 15 3956 0057371 02

There is an option to pay smaller weekly voluntary contributions prior to camp. If this would suit you (and you can start straight away, should you wish to do this). If you would like to take this option, please contact the Bell Block School Office (office@bellblock.school.nz).

We will require parent helpers to attend the camp, unfortunately there will be a cost to parent helpers of $120.00 to cover the food and accommodation. We will meet with confirmed parent helpers to discuss their involvement in the camp. Parent helpers will be required to complete a medical form and undertake police vetting.  We will provide forms once names of helpers have been confirmed.