Ender's Game - Marcus

This book is really great and keeps you listening. You don't know what will happen next and it has a very good prediction of the future. Orson Scott is a very talented man and it is actually a bit confusing why he didn't make more books. I don't know if he did or not, but I definitely haven't heard of it. The trailer doesn't really spoil the book. Overall, Ender's Game is a hooking, great book that I'm sure most of us are enjoying.

Ender's Game - Matthew

Ender's game has been action-packed for me so far. It's a fantasy-type setting but it's been made realistic through the use of futuristic language and strong character personalities. Ender's potential and capabilities are reinforced throughout the book when Orson has just picked Ender out and dropped him in a pit. Ender has had to undergo a rigorous training schedule but has coped seemingly well. The setting Ender is now in is presently bringing out his talents and challenging him.  

Peter's charcater is brutal, bloodthirsty, barbaric and deceiving - he loves to kill. He's portrayed as someone who's addicted to blood and murder. He enjoys to annoy. I get the feeling that Peter is using Valentine's talents to succeed Ender. He is like an usurper. Seizing a profile and status that is not his.
Valentine on the other side is an antidote of Peter. She will approach a problem fairly and not search for how she can benefit from everything like Peter might. She is honest and does not dupe others or act unethically.

Orson Scott Card was really visionary in my opinion and possibly more so than Ray Bradbury. If you consider the minor components in Ender's game I think it brings out the real adept skill of Orson's to think futuristically. The "net" and "desks" is an amazing concept to predict. But I don't believe Oraon believed Buggers would siege humans. It's the minor things that Orson has been extremely visionary with not the major concepts. I'm not sure about the words hegemony and polemarch but i'm relatively sure that hegemony is like the assimilation (Andy's favourite word) of countries or supporters and as for polemarch I think it is a military commander or warlord.  I am really enjoying Ender's game now and hope it continues to be. This should be on the "off the radar" list.

Ender's Game- Nicholas

I think Ender's Game is a great book it has an AWESOME plot and I think it is a real credit to the author because I think other authors would want to write about a similar idea. This is one of my favorites out of the class books we have read. The movie looks really good and I hope I see it. I don't think the trailer spoils anything.

Nicholas

Theo- Ender's Game

I am really enjoying the book Ender's Game and it would have to be one of my favourites. I like how Orson Scott Card has given us detail about Ender and his siblings, Peter and Valentine, showing us their different personalities. I think Ray Bradbury is a bit more visionary but probably because Fahrenheit 451 was written in 1953, giving time for these ideas to develop whereas Ender's Game was written in 1985 so it hasn't had time to develop. For me the movie trailer does not take away the experience of the book because it doesn't give much information on it. To finish with I think that Ender's Game should be in the Off The Radar booklist.

William's Game - Ender

I have quite enjoyed Ender's Game, it hasn't been my favourite book but not the worst. In order from best to last class books here is a list:

1: Lord of the Flies (Certainly first by a mile and a half)

2: Phantom Tollbooth (Slightly ahead of no. 3)

3: Ender's Game (Far ahead of no. 4)

4: Fahrenheit 451 (Extremely far below the others)

The personality of Peter obviously won't inspire anyone but his presence is necessary. Valentine

Ender's Game - Ben

Ender's game is a great book. If I were to compare Ray Bradbury and Orson Scott Card on their "vision" into the future I would pick Ray. I think this because he describes everything a bit better and thy are more realistic. When I watched the movie trailer it kind of helped me picture it because it was very similar to my interpretation. Actually I think that the trailer is not very good as it doesn't give a very good "sneak peak" of the movie.

If anyone is being manipulated the most it is Ender because he is being tricked by the I.F Commanders into playing the game.

Enders Game For Me -Edwardt

For me, Enders game has certainly made its mark. Every year I rate the books that I read, in class and at home. I run through them in my mind and decide which ones made my top list. So far my Class tables stand as follows:

1)   LOTF

2)   Enders game

3)   Fahrenheit 451

4)   The Phantom Tollbooth

Yes, thats how they stand. I started Enders game thinking it would be a sort of Fahrenheit 451. Even though written around the same period and dating into the future, they both tell very different stories. While Ray Bradbury tells a slightly more realistic prediction of the future, Awesome Scott Card tells of many futuristic things that are much like many things we have today.

I quite like futuristic novels as you can judge them and predict how realistic they actually are. Both books lead (or are leading) to what looks like a sort of World War III. While Enders game looks a lot further into the future than F 451, Ray Bradbury predicts the future in other ways. In that way, it reminds me of the books 1984 and Brave New World.

On the whole, I am very much enjoying Enders game and can't wait to see what happens next!

Enders Game Rob

I reckon this is one of the better books we have read this year topping with lord of the flies. I missed the start of the book but from what I have heard so far it is a very well thought out book. It has a good background and the author has built from it well.

I think Orson was just as good as Ray at future thinking. I have not watched the movie trailer of Enders game but usually trailers don't tell you much. They make you want to watch the full movie more. I definitely want to go and see the movie. I want to see the difference between the book and movie. But usually I want to watch movies anyway.

Nothing has really confused me in this book at the moment but I know something will probably come up eventually. Hegemony is the domination or control by one country, organisation or social group over a group of others, especially if it is a member of that group. I think it is better to just listen to the book because if you have something in front of you, your brain is made to focus on that thing in front of you. And so if you are focusing on something else you are not tuning into the book.

I think this book should on our off the radar book list because it is a very good book for probably most ages and I don't see what there isn't to like about this book.

Ender's Game - Callum B.

In my opinion, Ender's Game has been the best class novel we have read so far, with brilliant ideas, great writing and an awesome plot. I think Orson Scott Card, the novels author, has made each of the Wiggin siblings represent a certain aspect of humanity, Peter representing savagery and manipulation, Valentine representing kindness, and Ender a kind of mix of them both.

Comparing Orson Scott Card with another author who writes about futuristic stuff, Ray Bradbury, author of 'Fahrenheit 451',  I think he is not as much of a 'visionary' with futuristic stuff, but is a better writer, and has better concepts.

Ender's Game has been recently been made into a movie with Asa Butterfield playing the young Ender Wiggin. The trailer (below) does the movie justice, and seeing the trailer has not made the book look bad, unlike other trailers. It looks like a good movie.

Overall, I think 'Ender's Game' definitely deserves to be on 'Mr. Tait's Off The Radar' Booklist.
By Callum B.

Ender's Game - Louis

Ender's Game is a great book. I'm certainly enjoying it, either because it is the sort of book that I like, or it is just well written. It compares well to the other books we have read this year, such as Fahrenheit 451 and Lord of the Flies. I would say it is a good book, and I prefer it to Fahrenheit 451 and Lord of the Flies, but most would say those books are better. Other than that, it is better than, in my opinion, all the other books we have read this term, as I much prefer it to the Phantom Tollbooth.

Ender is certainly some character. For a seven year old, he seems to be able to hack into computer files and win on the battlefield, against people who are much older than him. I don't really like him as a character however, as he isn't interesting enough. His brother, Peter on the other hand, reflects Ender to the more extreme. He is practically a somewhat violent Ender, and would be a better main character than Ender in my opinion. As for Valentine, reflecting Ender, but softer. Not much to say about this character, other than it would be boring having a character that is plain nice all the time.

Orson Scott Card definitely has a different view on the future to Ray Bradbury. Ray Bradbury's definition of the future seems a lot more realistic, as I doubt near in the future there will be some giant intergalactic war with a bunch of aliens. The movie trailer for me has made no difference. In fact, all it has done is make me ant to see the movie, so yes, I will probably be seeing the movie sometime. The confusing thing about the story is some of the words. 'Hegemony' and 'Polemarch' for example, are words I have never heard before and have no idea what they mean.

Probably the most manipulated characters would be the leaders of the (battle school) armies. As Dink said, they are doing what they are doing because the have to. It seems that there is a huge difference from being a leader then being a troop in the armies. I like listening to the book while drawing. I do this with every class book, and it doesn't distract me from the book at all. I do think this book should be on the 'Off the Radar' book list, as it is definitely worth being on that list.

Enders Game - Henry C

Enders game is a great book because it keeps you in suspense the whole time with Ender arguing with all the commanders in the army's he's been in and Valentine and Peter wanting to take over the world. I think that it should definitely be on the off the radar book list. In my opinion  Enders game is the best book that we have read as a class this year.

Ender's Game - Harry C

I am absolutely loving this book. The book has really captured me and I really just want to read and read and read. The book has been written very well and I think captures alot of people. This has been my favourite book so far out of the books we have read this year. I have watched the movie trailar and it looks like avery exciting movie which I would love to go and see.

I think Orson Scott Card has done a great job with the characters in this book. I think he has done as well as Ray Bradbury in the futureistic thinking. Nothing has confused me in the book so far. I think this book should be on our off the radar booklist as it is very well written and has become very well known.

I think that a lot of boys are starting to become distracted at times whether it is drawing or just not really tuning into the book. Overall I think it is a great book and I can't wait to read the rest.

By Harry C

Ender's Game - Campbell

I think Ender's Game is a really well written novel.  It seems to be very ahead of it's time (1985) not only in gadgets but in style of writing.  Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451was admittedly written 35 years before Ender's game but it was much slower paced than Ender's Game.

This book despite it's interesting concept is not very well marketed.  I didn't even know it existed before it became our class novel.  Putting this book on the off the radar reading list is a good idea although we would end up reading the book in class anywhere.  However putting the book on the list would mean siblings could read the book.

I think this book's book to movie transition will be interesting.  In the book there are a lot of secrets and there is a build up to the events in the book.  That will be hard to portray in a movie and from what I can see from the trailer the movie will probably be more exciting and action packed.

In my opinion Ender's Game is a great book from what I can tell and Orson Scott Card is a great writer.

Enders Game- Luke E

Enders Game is certainly an interesting book. It combines an action story with the philosophical nature of our books.  I think Ender is an intricate character, with  a compassionate side and  a fighting side. He is adjusting to the cruel and fierce nature of battle school. Peter clearly represents Ender's fierce side and is ruthless and vicious. Ultimately, he is good inside but his weakness(or strength) is his inability to distinguish between right and wrong.  I think in the end Peter will be  a better person and stronger in character too. Valentine meanwhile represents Ender's compassionate side and is building strength of character.  The Wiggun children are all thinking in adult terms and  more adult than child in their thinking.

Enders Game explores the themes of morality, integrity, strength and courage. It at the same time is  a good sci-fi story.  I would say someone should turn this into a  movie but they already have.

Ender's Game- Jesse

I have enjoyed Ender's Game so far and I think it is by far the best novel we've read. I think that the characters are very good. I see Ender as the main character and Valentine is sort of an angel on one of his sides and Peter as the devil on the other and he has to choose which he wants to become.  I am looking forward to the movie even though it doesn't look like a very good adaptation of the book. This novel should definitely be the Off the Radar reading list. I personally like something to fiddle with while listening to the book.

Enders Game JD

I have enjoyed Enders Game heaps! Compared to the other books, it's way better, but second is LOTF. I prefer reading about Ender than his siblings, but Orson Scott Card must have put them in for a reason. Seeing the movie trailer makes me expect more, and doesn't take any excitement away. Having my tablet is fine for me. And it should definitely be on the off the radar book list!

Enders Game Hugh

Enders game is my favorite novel of this year, i'm also most tuned into it! I'm not to sure what the siblings are going to do in the novel but I believe they will have a big part. No he is not because there are not as many futuristic things in it as Fahrenheit 451. Enhanced because now i'm more tuned in so I understand the movie. No other distractions of course! Yes because it is good and it is definitely 'Off the Radar!' 

Ender's Game-Callum H

Ender's Game is a really good book and I'm really enjoying it. I like listening to a book more if I'm doing an absent minded activity like drawing or a puzzle. Orson Scott Card was just if not more visionary as visionary as Ray Bradbury.  I think this book should definitely be on the off the radar book list. 

Enders Game-Harry W

I think that Enders Game is my favourite book so far. I really like the sci-fi feeling about it and how the author did such a great job with the futuristic feel about it. If I were to compare Ray Bradbury and Orson Scott Card I think that they are both pretty equal but I think that Ray is a bit more realistic but Orson probably described it a little bit better. I like the way that Orson has portrayed the three siblings and how their natures are so much different but I think that Peter is a bit to ape. The trailer for the movie doesn't  really give a good inside to the movie and I think that will deter some people from seeing it but I definitely try to get to the theatres.

I definitely think that this book should be on the '7/8T Off the Radar Booklist'.

Ender's Game - Mr T

Good morning boys - we are approximately one third of the way through our current novel, Ender's Game.  It has been very interesting to see your reaction to this book.   Think back through the list of class novels we have ploughed through so far in 2013.  How does this compare?  What do you think of the character of Ender and his two siblings, Peter and Valentine?  Was Orson Scott Card just as 'visionary' in his futuristic thinking as Ray Bradbury?  Has seeing the movie trailer taken away from the experience or has it enhanced it.  How likely is it that you will want to see the movie?  Has anything confused you in this story? What does hegemony mean?  What is the Polemarch?  Who is being manipulated the most?  Do you prefer listening to a story with no other distractions or is the experience better when you have your tablet on in front of you or something else to occupy your hands?   Should this book be on our class 'Off the Radar' booklist?

*please note - first names only, avoid silly labels, at least one comment, double proofread

life education

The message I remembered most from life education was to delay the decision of taking drugs until you are over 25. I think that Trevor Grice has done a great job on life education because it will change the decision of taking drugs for most kids who have been to life education. It will also help to improve the children's knowledge on drugs. Jo was a very good teacher as she talked more fact than opinion and she was really nice while she talked about very serious things. At the end harold was fun.

By: Nicholas

Life Education Trust - Matthew

I think that the programme Life Education trust run is really quite important because it's hard to realise and hard to accept but in almost every school there will be a group of "bad boys (or girls) " and almost always be weed in highschools. It's just not getting involved with it or as Jo said, having the right friends so you're not sucked in to things. Their set up over the country seems to be working well. And it's goood that their system is aimed at our ages and that they enforce these areas when we're young and fresh.

The one message that seemed to permeate through all Jo's talks was simply to delay the decision of drugs until your brain has matured and can assess the situation and decision better. Jo said Trevor Grice's philosophy was that even he changed the mind of one student; it will have been worth it. It was  surprising to hear the percentage of all New Zealander's involved with drugs and it just showed how big a problem it is but also how hard to tackle this sort of a problem. 

Having spent eight years at school I frequently ask myself which teachers have made a real difference in my years and it seems to be the same honest, forgiving, peaceful, patient and having the quality of being able to create a learning environment and create relationships with every student. And with the short time we had with Jo she has left me with an impression of ticking all those boxes; she definitely knew what she was doing. It's always good having Harold back too though and it reminded me of learning about things like stars and space in Year 1 and never really caring about anything but Harold at the end of the session. So it was nice hearing his jokes for one last time.

Life Education - Harry C

I think Life Education is a great idea. It was a great idea of Trevor Grice to come up with idea as it has made a real impact in the community.  You can really tell how much effort he has put in to this trust as he is eighty years old and is still working full time for Life Education.

The one message that really got through to me while we had the sessions with life ed was delay your decision about drugs until your twenty five as your brain has then fully developed. I think that life ed should be done in every school as it has very good information about drugs and lots of other things.

I think Life Education is a really good idea and I really enjoy it as everything is taught in a very exciting and interesting way.

Harry C

Life Education-JD

I believe the Life Ed truck is very important, and should be in every school. I don't think it will change everyones mind about drugs. I will remember the message about delaying our choices about drugs. I really hope that Trevor Grice feels proud about the organisation he has set up, and can retire happily. teachers like Jo definitely make a difference, compared to some old geezer or doctor droning on about how drugs effect the mumble mumble in the brain's blah blah etc. And I loved the truck!

Life Ed Hugh

It's very important, Jo teaches us good messages that other teachers can't! I learnt so much from her!  Definitely the message "Delay the choice of drugs until you are 25.

Yes it should be compulsory for all school because some school could definitely benefit from it. Yes I loved it life ed this year, it was fun as! It taught me a lot!

life ed-George

Life ed was very interesting. Learning about all the different drugs was scary when we saw that glue breather about to get suffocated. I think it is really important because in this  day and age lots of people who are out there who are dodgy. In Cuba a bus driver was snorting cocaine while driving 100+ kilometers an hour on a really windy and dangerous road! A bit of advice I have learned is, .....

Don't smoke the dope kids!

Life ed - Noah

I found life ed interesting. I liked the way they presented the information to us. It hasn't really changed anything in my mind about drugs, alcohol, etc but it changed the way I look at life in the sense of what I might do later on. It would be a good idea if life ed went to secondary schools, but change it so its not as childish. I enjoyed the message that they tried to tell us. For me they succeeded in what they did but carrying into year 9 and going deeper would be great!

Life Education- Henry C

I think that the most important message I got was to wait until your 25 before you decide to do drugs or anything like that. I think that Jo is a good teacher because she is really passionate about the topic because she knew of someone that did drugs because they didn't have that information. The programme is very important because it has lots of pictures and has heaps of information about drugs and alcohol to help you make the right choice.

Life Education Rob

I think it is very important because it is supposed to make people make the wrong choices. and so if people don't hear what life education has to say then they could make a very bad choice when they get older. The 1 message that i will remember the most is if you take drugs you could lose a lot of connections that you have made with the outside world throughout the years. Trevor Grice I think is a very important part of New Zealand because he is dedicating his life to do stuff for you. He is trying to make sure that you make the right choice. He is in his 80's and it means a lot to him so make sure that you do make the right choice. If you have a teacher that is dedicated to the job like jo then is does make quite a lot of difference.

Make the right choice.

Life Education-Jin

The life education trust is very important to the development of to young  brains. The most important messages for me where to delay decisions about drugs and alchohol, and how drugs and alcohol damages the way the brain works. I thinks that the life education's mission is to help the development and the choice making abilities of young minds

Life Education - Ben

I think that the Life Ed program is very important because it helps immensely on a child's understanding of drug use. I have come away with lots of new information that i'm sure will help me in the future when it comes to the choices I will make. If there was one lesson that I will take away from Life Ed it is how the brain slowly starts to rely on the chemicals in the drug and how it causes varied mood swings.

I think that Life Ed's mission is to convince young boys to make good decisions in life. This counts for all age groups as my younger brother is learning about bullying which has the same idea has drug use. This year I most enjoyed getting to know more about drugs and what they can do to your brain.

Life Education - Mr T

Boys - Over the last couple of weeks you have spent a little time in 'Harold's' truck aka the Life Education Trust classroom with Jo.   Every two years the truck pulls up and Jo does her thing.  I always find the programme deeply important and very well delivered - resources, topics, support materials, teacher etc. Our topic: Drugs and Alcohol was quite a 'juicy' topic.  There was a lot to learn, a lot to discuss, a lot to get our heads around.  How important do you think this programme is?  What would be the ONE message that you would remember the most?  How important is Trevor Grice to NZ?  Why?  What do you think is the 'mission' for Life Education?  Should it be compulsory in all NZ schools?  How much difference do you think a teacher like Jo makes to the delivery of the message?  What did you enjoy the most about Life Ed this year?

    

                                                         

Independent Study - the 3rd 100 - Rob D

I reckon i am doing quite well so far. I've had a few hiccups along the way but I have overcome them. Advice for you year sevens: Try not to be nervous up in front just say what you have been learning about your topic throughout the whole year and you will be fine. As Mr Tait said you are the expert on the topic and so you should know more about your topic that the whole class including Mr Tait unless you are doing an independent on Mr Tait well.... that's a different case. My goals are to try and find an expert on my topic and to just finish it. I was pretty motivated through the holidays to get some work done which i did so i am pretty happy with where i am up to. I am not stuck at the moment at all. I am pretty happy sharing my topic with the class.

Ps: Year sevens keep the ball rolling..................

The 3rd 100 - Louis

My Independent Study goals for the next two terms - I always wanted to get alot of pages down, I will try to get a heap of activities done during this term. Another thing I wanted to do is make a bunch of new activities - not on the SOLO list, which will allow an extra boost of information. Another reason I wanted to do that is because I think my activity list - all of them - wont be long enough at the end. Of course, it goes quality > quantity, so it would be better to have one extremely good page, then to have ten horrible pages that give virtually no information.

I have learnt a heap of stuff on my topic so far, and I think I will be learning more. I haven't even got onto looking into everything deeply, which means I have a lot to find out in the future. To be honest, Im not very motivated to do work in the holidays. If I did, I could probably complete a heck of a lot on my topic. If I sat down and actually worked on it, I think I would be able to complete about 5 activities in a about three days, all past draft standard. The reason I don't do this is because I see the holidays as a time to rest, as most would. For this reason, I would need to be very motivated to do work during the holidays.

I would say my topic has a heap of topics. First, the wikipedia page is much longer than most, as well as having a bunch of sub-pages on specific topics (e.g. James Cook's ships).
Aside all that, there are many other interesting websites that hold other information, as well as a bunch of books in the library. Even with all that, I have a giant book on James Cook, which overalls all the pages on Captain Cook together. This wasn't the same for last year, in which I had a tiny amount of information.

Im not feeling stuck at all - The exact opposite of that. James Cook is a clear topic, no huge gaps in between everything that slow people down. That was one of the reason I chose this topic, as last year I had this gap, which did slow me down a heap. I get nervous just thinking about the presentations; they are the sort of things that require a ton of preparation, and I would prefer it if I could do my presentation later than most the other year eights, but I think they will have the same opinion as me.

Independent Study: The 3rd 100-Theo

I'm pretty confident about my independent study, even though I only have one activity done and started another one. I hardly did any work in the holidays but I'm okay about that. I think it will be weird to present my independent study in front of the whole class but my opinion will probably change. I definitely have enough resources because nuclear power is a big and widely known topic.

I.S. - Callum B

I'm going pretty well with my I.S., having got 4 activities up to draft standard, and 3 activities just started. I did a lot in the holidays, and have heaps of resources.

I am a bit nervous about the speech, and don't see how it is possible to quack on about a topic for over 40 minutes.
But, overall, I think I'm going pretty well.

Independent Study-The 3rd 100-Thomas

This year is definitely better than last year and I am more confident in myself. My topic is very big and this is a great opportunity to do well. I have now started 7 activities at least to draft standard. I need to start my presentation soon or will struggle to do well overall but I hope that doesn't happen

The 3rd 100- Nicholas

My overall goal for my independent study is to get it finished to a good standard. I wasn't really motivated in the holidays but I am going to try to get a lot done this term. I will probably do some next holidays as well. I'm not scared about going up to present as I have a way that will relieve stress.
By: Nicholas

Ind Study - The 3rd 100 Hugh

I have actually learnt sooo much about my topic just from browsing different sites. I was kind of motivated to do independent study in the holidays, but I simply didn't have the time! Yes I think I have enough resources. Um... yes I am feeling kind of stuck in some ways! Yes because I quite like presenting things!!!!!!

the 6th 50-george

I am extremely nervous about my presentation and have major doubts about getting it ready.

My subject is very interesting and I don't get why Napoleon is a famous general and Cortes isn't as his battle plan during the siege of Tenochtitlan was genius and used all the Aztec weaknesses to their full extent. I have nowhere near enough resources and am using only two websites.
Hopefully this won't be as successful as the Aztecs themselves...

Ind Study-The 3rd 100-Henry C

I have learnt a lot more than I thought I would have just by getting my green light and making a timeline.  I will probably have to do quite a bit of work over the holidays because I still have quite a few activities left and I'm not amazing at getting everything done on time. I'm not looking forward to the end of the year when I have to do my presentation.

Independent Study-The 3rd 100-HarryC

My independent study has got off to an okay start as I have not completed as many activities as I would have liked to. But I am starting to get into a rythem and getting things done. 

My goals this term are to get my independent study completed early this year rather then getting it all done in the last few days like last year. I did some work over the holidays but maybe not as much as I would have liked to have got done. This term will be very busy for me. I am motivated to get this done but I am going to have to work really hard to get it done. 

Overall I can't wait to get this completed and share it infront of 7/8T.

HarryC

Independent Study JD

My Independent Study goals are, well, to complete it! I want to have a thickish booklet, but not boring, and to have a good presentation. I'm really nervous, but only for the presentation. As for what I've learnt, if nothing, trucks are expensive to truck!

I did not want to do any work in the holidays, just sleep! Resources, there ok. I'm pretty sure they will be good enough to last me the rest of the year.

And yes, I'm nervous about my presentation!

Independent Study - Jin

I am doing well this year so far. I have now completed 12 activities to at least draft standard. This term I will change my focus towards the more presenting side of the year. I have learnt so much already from my study and look forward to doing more. I did not complete much work in the holidays because I was playing a lot of tennis. My resources are fine and I am looking forward to presenting my independent study at the end of the year

Independent Study - the third 100 - Callum H

Personally I'm really nervous about my topic I've hardly done anything and I'm wondering how I'm going to stand up in front of the class and talk for forty minutes or make a booklet. Hopefully something magical will happen soon and I will have enough pages to make Mr Tait happy.

My independent study goals will probably get at least two pages done every week.

Independent Study-Jesse

I think I will not be as nervous as some other Year 7 boys seeing as I regularly perform in Assembly and I have done two I.S. presentations in previous years.

So far I have a couple of activities in draft stage but I feel like I am going slowly considering I was the first Year 7 and sixth person to get a Green Light.

I am glad I choose this as my topic and I have learnt many interesting facts about Wind Power, especially about how many animals die to turbines. I did not do any work these holidays but I am considering building a model wind turbine over the Term 3-4 holidays. I felt like I hit a brick wall in Term 2 after I got my green light and I got caught up with Weekly Tasks and did not do much work for my Independent Study; but I am progressing faster now and I look forward to sharing my presentation with my peers.

Independent Study - Noah

I'm a bit nervous because I haven't really done much and I think I will have like 15 minute presentation while the others having 30-1h presentation. I'm probably going to go into next term and not be ready and have to present at the end of term (last day.)

 I'm not really looking forward to presenting my project I feel as though I'm going to stuff up. If we could just focus just on I.s and nothing else then I would be more confident presenting. 

Independent Study - the 3rd 100 - Matthew S

What are your Independent Study goals for the next two terms? To complete it. What have you learnt from your topic already? A lot How motivated were you to complete some work during the holidays? I was motivated. Have you got enough resources? Yes I do. Are you feeling stuck? No I am not.  Are you looking forward to sharing your topic with your classmates? Yes I am.

Independent Study - the 3rd 100 - Mr T

Good morning boys.  We are over halfway through the year.  In 11 weeks the first of us (yr 8s you are the first in the queue) will be standing up the front of the classroom delivering your presentation.  It may seem daunting, it may seem very close, it may seem like the last thing you want to do but every single one of you will deliver.  You will be THE expert in the classroom on your chosen topic.  I am very interested in what you think you need to do to be at your very best (presentation and booklet).  I think it is healthy to be regularly evaluating your goals.  I have my own goals for Independent Study (and they shift from year to year, group to group).  Some of my goals: check in with every boy (one on one) at least once every two weeks, improve how we reference our work, complete a montage of videoed presentations to demonstrate (especially for yr 7s) what a presentation looks/feels/sounds like, and provide a few stepping stones in the form of activity deadlines (eg first one - in draft form - by today).  What are your Independent Study goals for the next two terms?  What have you learnt from your topic already?  How motivated were you to complete some work during the holidays?  Have you got enough resources? Are you feeling stuck?  Are you looking forward to sharing your topic with your classmates?