Doubling and Halving…

Maths 01The year 5.2 students of Ms Sharon Calleja did a series of Mathematics lessons about doubling and halving. Since the lessons were held close to Halloween, during one of our lessons the student played an on-line game called Ghost Blasters. They were then given a number and they had to find the ghost which had the double of that number written on it. It was so much fun 🙂

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In another lesson, the students carried out an investigation. The students started with a number and kept doubling / halving it several times to see how many times this could be done.

Then, the students practised more on-line games for doubling and halving 🙂

Science Experiments…

During a Science lesson the yr 5.2 students of Ms Ssaron Calleja talked about the scientific process and how experiments should be conducted. The students carried out an experiment with a glass of water, some salt and an egg. First the children were asked to predict what would happen to the egg if was to be placed in a glass of water. After hearing their hypothesis, the teacher placed the egg in the water and it sank.  The class discussed why the egg sank. Then the children were asked to predict what would happen to the egg if salt is added to the water. After hearing the children’s predictions, salt was added in the water and the egg was placed in the mixture. To the children’s surprise, the egg floated. The class discussed why this could have happened and reached the conclusion that when salt is added, this increases the water’s density. Thus the egg floated as it was lighter than the water.

After this activity some children in class created their own experiments and shared them with their friends. Here are some photos of Faith Schembri explaining why a balloon bursts when placed on 1 pin and pressed, but does not burst when placed on several pins and pressed. Then there was Giuseppe Azzopardi who showed the different objects and materials that sink or float in water.Science

Fieldwork at Valletta

The year 6 students of Ms Raisa Cutajar and Ms Ingrid Frendo went for an educational outing at Valletta. During their visit in the capital city of Malta, the students did fieldwork related to the social studies syllabus. This was an excellent hands-on learning opportunity for students.

Valletta

First Aid Training and use of a Defibrillator…

A number of educators and SMT members from various colleges attended a course on CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation) and use of AED (defibrillator – donated to the school by courtesy of Maratona bir-Roti 2014 campaign oraganised by San Gorg Preca College) at St Nicholas College Mġarr Primary.

AED Course (1)The course was organized by the non-governmental organisation ERRC and delivered by Mr Mario Saliba.  During this one day course the educators had the chance to practice CPR and use an AED.  An AED is used in cases of cardiac arrest.  

AED Course (2)

Mdina, Rabat and Mtarfa…

On the 19th November the Year 2 children went on a trip to Mdina. They visited the Natural History Museum situated in the Magisterial Palace where they saw a vast range of insects, wild animals and birds amongst others. 

Mdina

Their journey continued with a walk through the narrow streets of the silent city, stopping in front of the Mdina Cathedral and on the bastion where the children had a few minutes to admire the spectacular view. Finally, the journey would not have been complete without going for a train ride which from Mdina took them around Rabat and Mtarfa.

Dinja Waħda…

The school would like to announce that during the past scholastic year 2013-2014 our students, teacher, KGAs and LSAs have been awarded the Gold Award for the second time in a row. The students are now aiming for another Gold Award and for the Blue Flag (awarded when a school is awarded 3 gold awards consecutively).

Well done to all. Special thanks goes to Ms Rodgers, assistant head, for coordinating the Dinja Waħda Project 🙂

Dinja

Maths Workshops for Parents

A good number of parents attended the Maths Workshops Mgarr Primary has been organizing for the last 3 years.  This year the Maths Workshops focused on sharing with parents how teaching Maths can be fun and meaningful.

Maths

During Year 1 and Year 2 workshops, the Maths Support Teacher emphasised that children this age need to have a good number sense (recognition and value).   Children build a bank of knowledge of each and every number which will later help them in Mental Maths and problem solving.  Parents were given an opportunity to experience activities their children are doing in Maths.

Workshop 3 and 4 focused more on the calculation strategies and how teaching maths is shifting from rote learning (knowing the procedure) to understanding the process.  Parents were introduced to different problem solving strategies students use in non-routine problem solving situations and had a shot at similar ‘problems’ in groups.  The aim of these workshops is to empower parents to reflect upon and share their uses of mathematics in everyday life, so they can support their children’s mathematics learning.

Ms Joanne Vella (Maths Support Teacher)

Marsaxlokk Fieldwork

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On Thursday 13th November 2014 the two Year 5 classes went to Marsaxlokk to carry out a Social Studies fieldwork exercise valid for their half yearly exams. Much to our delight, it was a surprisingly hot and sunny morning, presenting ideal conditions to explore this picturesque fishing village.

Marsaxlokk01

The children took their job very seriously and seemed like little detectives looking for clues and evidence to complete their tasks. We could watch many people at their work, including fishermen (and women), street hawkers and restaurant workers. There were also many tourists and children from other schools who were also doing their fieldwork exercise, and we had to be careful not to step on each other’s toes. All in all there was a very friendly atmosphere, and at one time even a native dog came to greet us warmly when we stopped for a lunch break! At the end of the trip we all concluded that it had been a satisfactory and fulfilling experience.

Marsaxlokk02

Dr S. Micallef

Fun Games 2014

Games01A special day was organized at our school on 14th November.  All pupils from Kindergarten to Year 6 were involved in an array of games organized for them by the School Council and helpers from Mgarr Youth Nursery.

Games02

Games were planned according to age of pupils.  Pupils enjoyed themselves and participated in team work during these games.  They were helped by their teachers, KGAs and LSAs to maximize participation by all our pupils.

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This event was yet another success because of the help and support of our school council members and parents helpers.

Games04

Special thanks goes to the Mgarr Football Nursery Coaches for their help and support.

Games05