In addition to Health and Career Education (HCE), all students will take courses in Foods and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles, and Information Technology. Students in Grade 7 will be taught the FRIENDS Programme, as well as Study Skills. The Grade 8 students will participate in a Debating course and will be taught basic first aid skills.
In the Foods course students will develop an understanding of the principles of healthy eating and practice basic food preparation techniques. There will be opportunities to follow recipe instructions and prepare delectable treats! Table etiquette and food safety will also be components of this course.
In the Textiles course, students will learn to use a variety of tools and equipment to repair and construct items made with a variety of fabrics. Both hand and machine sewing will be taught, and students will have ample opportunity to express themselves creatively using fabric materials. Basic textile terminology, learning to read clothing labels, and fabric care will all be components of this course.
In this day and age, it is essential that students are readily familiar with the use of computers and computer technology. Grade 7 and 8 students will be taught a formal Information Technology course, with the Grade 7 students focusing on video production and the Grade 8 students on sound recording and animation.
The FRIENDS programme is a school-based early intervention and prevention programme proven to be effective in building resilience and reducing the risk of anxiety disorders in youth. Students will work interactively to better understand what makes them tick, using cues to find out how others are feeling, and learn coping step to explore solutions to difficulties. The term FRIENDS is an acronym for steps in this process, but also indicates the importance of building a positive social network and learning to be our own friend.
The goal of the Study Skills course is to assist students in the development of good study habits, which in turn will enable them to be effective, efficient and confident learners. In addition to study skill instruction, time will be used to develop individual learning style profiles.
As for First Aid, Grade 8 students will be given a two-day training session on standard and emergency first aid, and will receive a certificate at the end of the session. Although we hope these skills need not be put to the test, it is nevertheless invaluable knowledge to have.
Finally, Grade 8 students will participate in a Debating course in which they will engage in a variety of debate formats whilst learning the skills necessary to perform effectively in a debate situation. Topics included in this course will be overcoming the fear of public speaking, developing an effective speech, and using the voice as a tool in speech presentation.
Saint Margaret's School
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