A short week for students, but without a doubt the highlight of the week for everyone was the field trip to visit the community of Fizah. (See photos here) Students explored the ruins of the old mountain settlements that look down the valley to the Fort of Fizah. This area used to serve as an early warning post to the villagers of any incoming attacks, and there were secret tunnels for the villagers to escape to the safety of the Fort in the village. Students then explored the Fort, led by the official tour guide, Mr Ahmed, then were happy to escape the heat and head into the community Majlis to meet the Sheikh. There was a wonderful surprise as the villagers had prepared an amazing feast for us all, giving everyone the opportunity to try a variety of delicious Omani foods. We were also invited into the Sheikh’s house, and were greeted by the Sheikha, before stopping for a quick paddle at the point where the wadi feeds into the local falaj system. We were so proud of our principled and caring students who advocated for the rights of themselves and others to enjoy a litter free experience, as they enthusiastically helped to clean up the litter that had made its way into the water and surrounding area. We hope the villagers enjoy their contribution as a way of saying thank you for the wonderful hospitality.
This short week has been very busy as students worked hard to complete their biographies, and also had the opportunity for a role play activity, where they were interviewed by other students, and had to answer the questions about the influential person that they had chosen. The hot seating was a great opportunity for students to showcase what they had learned, and to practise their communication skills through both listening and speaking. We were so honoured to have so many celebrities join us at ABIS to be interviewed about their lives. Students also had the opportunity to be reflective and look back on what knowledge they have gained during our unit. They were asked to reflect on their understanding of why people may have different beliefs and values, how they can advocate for themselves and others within the ABIS community, and also to identify something that they would like to advocate for, either at ABIS, or in the wider community. They also self-assessed on some of the ATL skills and learner profile attributes that were the focus of this unit, and on their chosen influential person.
In Maths, we brought our current place value unit to a close by learning to count in Base 5, and by choosing some place value riddles to solve. Students got to choose from riddles that were cool, spicy or very hot! They had to use their critical thinking skills to solve the problems. We then ended with a post assessment to see how their learning had progressed since the start of the unit.Â
Looking Forward to NEXT WEEK:
We will be starting our new unit of inquiry next week. Under the transdisciplinary theme of How The World Works, we will be exploring the central idea that ‘Scientific understanding of force and motion facilitates problem solving.’ Students will be inquiring into how forces and motion can be used as a form of problem solving and using their creativity in a series of scientific experiments. In language the focus will be on writing scientific reports, and on procedural writing.
In maths we will be starting our new unit on measurement, where we will be kicking off with a very hands-on and exciting event! The inaugural opening ceremony of The Grade 5 Potato Olympics! This will be the start of our maths inquiry into measurement through different Olympic Events. Stay tuned!Â
A REMINDER that swimming is part of our PE Curriculum, therefore all students must participate unless they have a medical excuse. Please ensure your child is bringing their swimming costume on their swimming day (Boys- Sunday, Girls-Monday). If there is any reason for your child NOT to swim, a parent needs to email either the homeroom teacher or PE teacher (Ms. Dorothy d.dorothy@abisoman.com , or Mr. Fernando f.beukes@abisoman.com) or contact Ms. Eiman.Â
Here is the link to Week 6 photos in school: Week 6
Have a great weekend! Best wishes, Team G5
