Pastures New

On Friday, I ventured to Shepherd Hill Regional High School, which is a larger school in a different district, as I'd been asked to present to a class of students who have been following my exchange. Situated outside of a town and serving several, Shepherd Hill has a very different demographic to Northbridge and so I took the opportunity to observe some lessons whilst I was there, including a Science lesson, as one of the teachers I'd been scheduled to observe was absent. It's a rare opportunity for a teacher to observe in a cross-curricular capacity and I found this lesson just as interesting and useful as the English lessons I've sat in upon.

In some schools in the US, Drama doesn't really have much of a profile and Drama as an elective subject has only recently been introduced at Shepherd Hill, though they couldn't have a more enthusiastic or able teacher. We engaged in a lengthy discussion about the subject - he was surprised at how our Key Stage three students are given a Drama allocation as part of their normal timetable and are taught the skills that we teach them at that age - and I was treated to a tour of the theatre. Mrs Williams will be pleased to note that the Drama teacher and I will be remaining in contact, sharing resources and collaborating upon my return to the UK!

My presentation was well received; the students had prepared many questions for me and I enjoyed sharing my culture with them.

It's an interesting school, filled with magnificent murals all along the corridors, which create a welcoming atmosphere, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being there. Thank you, Miss Ganger for inviting me :)