Transforming, Learning in Disguise

Transforming material when studying and learning is a highly effective technique that can enhance understanding, retention, and the ability to apply knowledge in various contexts. This approach involves actively engaging with the material and converting it into different forms or representations rather than simply memorising or passively consuming it. Here are some benefits of transforming material, along with suggested methods:

1. Deeper understanding: When you transform material, you are forced to comprehend it at a deeper level. By rephrasing concepts in your own words, creating visual representations, or explaining them to someone else, you actively process the information, making connections and uncovering gaps in your understanding.
2. Better retention: Transforming material reinforces learning and helps cement the information in your long-term memory. By processing the material differently, you create stronger neural connections, making it easier to recall the information later.
3. Development of critical thinking skills: Transforming material requires analysing, synthesising, and evaluating the information. This process fosters critical thinking skills, as you must identify the main ideas, organise the information logically, and consider alternative perspectives or applications.

Suggested methods for transforming material:

1. Summarising: After reading or studying a text, summarise the main ideas and key points in your own words, either in writing or verbally. This process helps you identify and internalise the most important concepts.
2. Creating visual aids: Transform textual information into visual representations, such as mind maps, diagrams, flowcharts, or infographics. Visual aids can help you organise and connect ideas more memorably.
3. Teaching or explaining: Explain the material to someone else in person or by recording yourself. This method forces you to articulate the concepts clearly and address potential gaps or misunderstandings.
4. Writing practice questions or examples: Develop practice questions, examples, or scenarios that illustrate the concepts you have learnt. This exercise reinforces your understanding and allows you to apply the material in different contexts.
5. Applying the material: Look for opportunities to apply the learnt material in practical situations, such as solving problems, completing assignments, or participating in discussions. This approach solidifies your understanding and helps you identify areas for further clarification.

Experiment with different techniques and find the ones that work best for you. Active engagement and meaningful transformations are key to effective learning and retention.

Maths Student of the Week

Ava 7M - for really great participation in classwork and extension problems as well as always bringing lots of positivity to the classroom.

Well Done!

Printmaking workshop at Raven RowGallery

On Saturday 18 May a group of Year 12 artists spent a highly creative morning working with Jake Garfield a London-based artist who works primarily with printmaking. Jake leads collaborative group projects with institutions, including Whitechapel Gallery and the Tate. He also teaches at the Royal Drawing School and the Royal Academy.

Jake was a student in our Sixth Form from 2006 to 2008 before doing an art foundation at Camberwell, a BA in Fine Art at Brighton University and MAs at the Royal Drawing School and the Royal College of Art.

At Raven Row Gallery in Spitalfields we had a philosophical discussion about the particular place of printmaking in visual culture before getting involved in a practical workshop. We made monoprints based on our observations of each other. It was an excellent day.

Year 7 Netball Camden Shield

Year 7 netballers played a tournament last week at Acland Burghley school for the Camden Shield 2024.

We played against five other Camden schools, winning 3 out of 5 games, drawing one with one loss. Points are to be awarded and results announced soon!

Well done to everyone who took part, great team spirit shown and thank you Marianne for volunteering to help another team by stepping in as their GK as they were short of players! 

Ms Gill
PE Teacher

Year 8 Trip to The Globe Theatre

On Wednesday 22 May, three Year 8 English classes went to see Shakespeare’s comedy 'Much Ado About Nothing' at The Globe Theatre.

We were standing for the whole of the performance in the pit below the stage, where we are known as ‘groundlings’. The stage was beautifully set, with your eyes feasting on vibrant colours that contrasted heavily with the drizzly grey day. The drizzle turned to relatively heavy rain, and where we stood was completely exposed to the elements, giving us the true Shakespearian experience! Despite being soggy and a bit cold, the play transported us to a wonderfully colourful setting, surrounded by baskets of real fresh oranges, which made it feel rather Mediterranean and warm. The actors were brilliant, delivering their lines so that you were eager to hear more. From the darkly villainous Don John, to the light-hearted, merry Beatrice (who at one point needed the audience’s help to climb onto the stage), everyone felt connected to the characters, whether they showed it by giving a jolly laugh or a whole-hearted ‘Boooo’.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience (even the rain couldn’t ruin it) and I would most definitely jump at any chance to see it again.

Cecily 8R

Virtual Pet Show at the CASCA Summerfest

We want photographs of your pet.

The photos will be screened during the Summerfest

Prizes will be awarded for:

• Best dog
• Best cat
• Best pet other than cat or dog
• Funniest photo
• Overall best in show

• Entry costs £1 per photo. 
• You may submit as many entries as you like.
• Entries should be emailed to Ms Green, sgreen@csg.school

Please provide the following information with your entry:

• Name of owner
• Name, sex, and approximate age of your pet. 

You may also add a short caption to be included with the photo e.g.  “He loves to eat my homework!” 

You will also need to ensure that the entry fee is given to Ms Green.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 19 June by 5pm.

LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED