The aim of this was to give students some reprieve from screen time which inevitably is a large part of accessing the Virtual School Experience. The objective of the day was to collaborate with others and build a Form Group Rube Goldberg machine.
This activity was planned in order to give students the opportunity to develop and enhance skills such as problem solving, team work and resilience with the added bonus of having the opportunity to work with their Form Tutors and peers. Each student had to build their segment of the machine and then link them together with appropriate transitions in a final video (see below) showcasing their efforts.
Some of the most prestigious universities around the world, MIT and Cambridge for example, have exploited the skills of trouble-shooting, improvising, collaborating, testing and re-testing, to engage young people in Rube Goldberg competitions and events; the MIT FAT chain reaction being one example. Feedback I have received has been very, very positive from both Form Tutors who enjoyed the time with their groups and students alike. You can see some examples of the final videos below.
A special mention must go to the Roberts family for joining in the challenge from afar…… very afar …. New Zealand in fact - well done to them and also to their dog!
We also continue with our Virtual Parent Voice meetings and have scheduled two Virtual Academic Review Days for the 21st and 26th May – a letter will be sent directly to parents separately with more details.
So, onwards and upwards with our new-look virtual world but ever hopeful, particularly after announcements this week, that we will be seeing Secondary students back on campus soon.
Have a safe and pleasant weekend.
Alison Fox
Head of Secondary