This term’s KS3 independent learning competition saw teams of students researching information about Charles Dickens to tie-in with the British Heroes Focus Week. Year 8 students had a head start on this topic having studied works by Charles Dickens, including ‘Great Expectations’ or ‘Oliver Twist’, in their English lessons in the autumn term. In terms of cross-curricular links, Year 8 students will then go on to study the Industrial Revolution and Victorian London in History lessons in the spring term. Having studied the same curriculum last year, Year 9s should have a good knowledge foundation too, but how much could they remember?
Students used their independent research skills to find out a range of interesting facts about Charles Dickens, for example, the fact that he had 10 children of his own, and that he travelled far and wide during his life time. The competition was fierce, with teams from each House taking part.
Helena Cresswell, School Librarian, said: “The students have been using library resources at lunchtime to complete their research and I have been impressed by their efforts.”
It was a very close call on the day, and the tie-breaker question had to be played to decide the winners. In the end, the competition winners were the Year 8 team from Seward House (8S2), comprising Oliver Simcox, Dan Hood and Kian Edwards. Their efforts earned them 20 House points each.
Following closely behind in joint second place were the teams from 8D1: Callie Meakin, Lily McRobinson and Oliver Roberts and 9G2: Georgia Griffiths, Addison Everiss and Sasha Chambers.
Sam Sullivan, Assistant Headteacher, said: “All teams performed very well, but it is clear the Year 8s had the slight edge – those English lessons obviously gave them an advantage! Well done to all who took part and represented their House.”
