Weekly Newsletter- October 8 2021 - King David High School

October 8, 2021 / Cheshvan 3, 5782

Shabbat Begins: 6:18 p.m. Shabbat Ends: 7:21 p.m.

Parsha: Noach: Genesis 6:9 – 11:32 ; Isaiah 54:1-10

JUDAICS IN ACTION

Collaborating to demonstrate understanding of various texts.

“Interactive activities”, “engaging classes”, “opportunities to move”, “meeting the needs of individual learning styles”… These were just some of the suggestions outlined by our Grade 8 and 9 students as we began the school year.

So, in an effort to listen to our student’s voices, students participated in a number of different activities that involved them moving around, singing, collaborating and debating. These activities were designed to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of various texts.

We reviewed basic knowledge about the structure of the written and oral Torah and learned how to find chapter and verse in the Tanach. Students also demonstrated their ability to use terms such as: Torah, Tanach, Mishna, Gemora, and Talmud, to name a few.

This year we will be especially focusing on using the texts of the Torah to enhance our debating skills and the ability to back up opinions with evidence. This is commonly known as a “Chavruta” style of learning in the Jewish world.

DESIGN THINKING CHALLENGE

Left: Mirabelle Mann and Shay Cohen pose with their paper table

Right: Mr. Beadon demonstrates possibilities to Grade 8 Design Tech Class

ADST (Applied Design Skills Technology) is a required course in Grades 8 and 9 in B.C. It encompasses many subjects including, business, home economics, information communication technology, technology education (drafting, electronics, woodworking, metalworking, motor repair).

Mr. Beadon, our newly appointed Director of Technology, is teaching two new ADST electives this year: Design Thinking 8 and Design Technology 8. In Design Technology 8, students will be introduced to computational thinking through VR programming as well as digital image manipulation. The Design Thinking course gives a name to problem-solving skills that students often already use. This course takes students through defining problems, identifying constraints, brainstorming, selecting, prototyping, testing & evaluation, iterating, and finally communicating their ideas.

The first design challenge, pictured above, that the Grade 8 students faced was a weight-bearing newspaper table using minimal supplies and with a time limit. Students will be working on communication and problem solving using a series of other design challenges, currently, an unsinkable boat.

DEVELOPING GUITAR SKILLS

Mr. Seguin’s Music 8 class working hard on practical skills for the guitar. These are the first steps of our journey to a Mini-Concert at the end of Term 1 in December.