It's already been a busy year

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The Ideal Teacher

OK, I will start by saying that this is neither a long project nor a copied one from the Internet. In this essay I just want to express some points of view.

The ideal teacher for me:

A teacher must not judge you on grounds like: how long your hair is, the fact that you are making jokes from time to time, what kind of computer games you are playing or what kind of music you listen to. NO! A teacher must judge you on what you have learned, but the big problem is that certain kids DON'T LEARN.

Many have asked themselves : why don't kids learn? why do they think everything is boring?

And here's my answer: a teacher must find ways to determine kids to learn, to find and to discover interesting things, because, you know...that's what teachers are meant for. Why bother feeding us stuff we already know and we can learn from the internet?

Let me give you an example : at Geography, we are supposed to learn about a certain country and nobody is paying attention. If the teacher would say : “ You know, Calin, the action in this movie or that video game is taking place in this country and I am just trying to make you discover it and learn more about it ...” , oh boy, I swear I would have only A grades at Geography!

 To a certain extent, too many of our teachers are like robots: they enter the classroom, write on the table without trying to explain and then leave the classroom.

For teachers, my slogan always was : “ You do not care about me? I do not care about you, either!”

I have to admit that probably I am either courageous or stupid, disrespectful or... whatever, to say those words. And I know : my opinion can trigger certain consequences, but I am ready to assume the risk, or quite frankly, I don't care.

Some teachers are good, but too many are there just for being there.

That is my opinion.

Calin-Alexandru Hasnas”
  

Sophia Andersen - See The Light (Original Song)

students have opportunity to raise their cognition Level

Pryanka Shah talks to Jacqueline Daniell about recent achievements in MyCognition.

We are pleased to announce that in July a study using our specialised video game to improve cognitive health in 600 students was published by the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) at their Forum in Milan. This is a very significant event because it is the first time that the FENS Forum has accepted an abstract on the improvement of cognitive health using video games. This notable achievement solidly underpins the approach of building evidence to show the positive benefit of our products to students and schools.

This is the abstract of the study.

Working memory and executive functioning are improved in school students using an applied action video game

Introduction
Claims have been made that computer games can improve cognitive health, but few studies substantiate this finding. We attempted to provide robust evidence of the transfer of cognitive ability from a computer game to an independent assessment of cognition.

Method
We used a specially developed validated cognitive tool comprising 10 tests, MyCognition Quotient (MyCQ), which can determine an individual’s cognitive abilities, based on the five main cognitive domains (Attention, Psychomotor Speed, Working Memory, Executive Functioning, Episodic Memory).

The tool feeds the results into our specially designed, applied computer video game, which we developed, it is tailor-made to train the domains that require improvement. Six hundred students (11-13 yrs.) from a Netherland's school enrolled in the study. All were tested, but only 300 received game training. After 4 weeks training (minimum 60 minutes per week) all students were tested again. After a further 4 weeks of training all of the students were tested again.

Results
The study showed positive effects at 4 weeks in all cognitive domains, with statistical significance in Working Memory and Executive functioning.
 

Domain	Mean Difference	p-value	Cohen’s d
Working Memory	-0.266*	0.0102	-0.202
Episodic Memory	-0.109^	0.3277	-0.077
Attention	0.093^	0.4818	0.055
Psychomotor Speed	0.212^	0.1139	0.125
Executive Functioning	-0.150*	0.0240	0.178

 

* significant difference (p=<0.05)
^ trend in favour of active

At 8 weeks the results were less compelling due to poor compliance, but a dose response (duration of training per week/cognitive health) was observed across all domains.

Conclusion
More work is required, but in this large study using an independent assessment of cognition, we were able to show the transfer of cognitive enhancement in at least two domains following personalised cognitive training. A qualitative assessment suggested that teachers and students saw benefits that were transferred to curriculum studies. Large scale follow-ups and further studies using this cognitive assessment tool and another applied video game are underway. Compliance was noted as a big issue and future games will be more engaging to ensure training beyond four weeks.

If you have any questions regarding this study or any aspect of our work, please contact myself, or one of our team.

Many thanks,
Priyanka Shah | Education Coordinator 
My Cognition

Some parental thoughts, thanks, feedback and paintings!

Cogniative Training brought into InterHigh Curriculum

Many of you will know that InterHigh has now introduced Cognition Training into its curriculum for years 7 to 10. Students have the opportunity to undertake cognitive assessment to ascertain their level of cognition. They can then go on, if they wish, to undergo some training to raise any levels in any of the areas assessed. InterHigh is working closely with a cognitive health company to provide studies in how raised cognition levels in students provide not only higher learning outcomes, but also improved brain functions in all areas of life.

We now offer this facility to a number of students who have already been enjoying the experience.....

"I, like many other students was extremely excited when I first saw the cognition training. I was also anxious as I didn't exactly know what it was going to be or whether it would be as fun as it seemed. When I decided to give it a try I was pleasantly surprised at how fun it truly was. The first game was rather simple. Press the spacebar when a red circle appeared on the screen. This was a simple task but was extremely surprising how our brains worked when playing it. I found myself becoming more and more competitive to click the spacebar as soon as one came on much quicker every time. It was really fun because even though it was a brain challenge actually designed to help improve how efficiently your brain works it was more like a really fun game. The next game was the one of the most fun games and brain trainer I had ever played (and yes I have played a lot of them). This one was where you had to press one button for if you saw a triangle and press a completely different button if you saw a circle. I have to admit that it was extremely fun to do as I found myself wanting to play it even more. I was actually pretty sad when the game ended.

Another training game I liked was this game which I had to memorise the words and then I had to click whether I had seen the word in the words that I got shown. This game was extremely fun and it was a really tricky one for the brain. It really got your brain thinking and working to see if you had seen this word before. After playing the game I actually felt like I could remember things better than I could before. I liked every single one of the games and I was extremely sad when it ended. I mean I am the kind of the person who gets bored of games very quickly so I was surprised when I wanted to continue playing even after they ended. I also wish we could do them every minute of every hour of every day. They are a really clever design as they really do improve your brain functions and they do really get your brain working. Which is a good thing as it helps students focus on their school (if they did them in the morning) or helps them focus on their homework (if they did it later on). They got your brain working and think but wasn't boring. What else do you want?

I am extremely excited for the new cognition games coming onto the site soon as I feel they will improve not only my brain but other students too. Even if you have perfect memory, speed or anything it is still really fun to do. You can time how quick you can do it and see if you can beat your friends. Or you could even see who is better at the challenges compared to all your friends. It is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. I enjoyed it and I know several people who liked it. The only true problem being there isn't enough. All I can say is COME ON SEPTEMBER so we can try out the new games and challenges that cognition brings us"
Angell wright - InterHigh Student

Register for InterHigh School's online reunion, 10 years Old!

normal school vs online

InterHigh Broadway Weekend - Why we love it

My First InterHigh Weekend

                                                            My Interhigh Weekend
  

Thursday 10th of April.

I arrived at Christ College Brecon feeling apprehensive but quite exited at the prospect. Will anyone want to do the Performance Class after the first session?? They may spend a short time and realise they would rather do something else instead. Being introduced to everyone is always nerve jangling as I am quite a shy person but everyone made me feel at ease and even followed my volume control conducting! That's always a great start.  YUMMY Dinner sets up the evening and feeling strong we stepped into the Studio to see who we would be working with. 25 students raring to go even after a long journey, jet lag and full tummies, perfect and just what Emma,Gareth and I were hoping for. Made sure everyone could count to 5 forwards and backwards, and sing in tune too which helps and also realised someone wasn't very good at guessing age`s. Although it was very kind thinking I was 34. Time to finish for the end evening already after Emma had weaved her magic and made everyone tired with her routines. I was shattered just watching.    

 

                                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 11th.

Day before the show!!!! How will we fit in 3 songs, and 3 dances into 1 day. Just a minute this is Inter High.. they can do magic. Ok let's get into it. Sing dance relax sing dance relax, lunch sing dance relax sing dance send the musical director off to the Studio to rehearse the Flash Mob.. ssshhhh!!Don't tell the students, but Liz I am rubbish at keeping secrets, it's ok you won't have time to tell them! Back to the theatre, how are the show cast learning so quickly... because it's Inter High. They can do magic!!! Dinner, one to learn. Oh my God a penguin in my parlour, 10 minutes and its learned. I CANNOT BELIEVE THE AMOUNT OF WORK THESE INCREDIBLE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN ON BOARD TODAY I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. There have been tears of absolute joy and pride from certain members of the teaching staff ready, I was ok of course I just had something in my eye... on several occasions. Especially listening to the solos I am sure it's in my breifcase somewhere is a great way to cover tears of joy and pride, I hope! Time for bed, still a few words to be learned  wonder if the performers will do their homework??? No need to ask that question, this is InterHigh they just do it. I certainly need my bed after the excitement and hard work of today. How do they keep going. Emma, Gareth and I have asked for so much and the students have just given it in bucket loads. 

     

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday12th                                             

SHOW TIME!!! Saturday's here already. Ok John no tears today we have lots to do, enter Razzle Dazzle and Frazzled!!!! Can they really pull this off, yes you guessed it .... of course they can, this is InterHigh. Tech run, where's this track where's the Mic more light here we can't see, Tech crew sorting sound and lights, backstage flying around like roadies at a rock gig. Costumes being made buttons patches all sorts. On stage do this do that stand there sing louder smile etc etc. InterHigh students ok ok ok ok no problems yes John yes Emma yes yes yes!!!! Why are they panicking????? Well done everyone go get lunch!! Maybe I can eat something now having been unable to eat breakfast.... struggled but had a little bit. Pizza it is then. Dress rehearsal. Little chat. Oh and an impromptu duet with Alex. And here we go!!!! Well says Gareth, that went rather well. What did you expect.... ok you know the rest, this is----------, home to try make myself look smart really exited by what is about to happen........... everyone looks ready all technical prep done. Enter dressing room for last talk producer filling up M.D leaving room to check all prepared, what do you mean awe they are both crying, we had something in our eyes! AND HEAR WE GO!!!!! One FANTASTIC performance and another and another, we are really about to give a little love, where did that time go. Wow that was fantastic. Interval, and Razzle Dazzle em!!! Another wow from me and the audience. Time for a quick toot ready for the finale. Just a minute some of the parents are on the stage they think it's all over. Not quite yet, two to go. Amazing dance routine and here comes that Penguin again. InterHigh School get a standing ovation!!!!!!!!!!! And fully deserved too.   

   

 

                                      

So students I will now share this with you, what you did and the way you did it I really didn't think possible!!! You made your teachers and staff look on in amazement as you performed supported back stage and with the technical aspect and the fab costumes. I was so proud to have been part of something so special. To watch you all give your everything you had and more, never once did I hear a moan or anyone make a negative comment. You all were an absolute credit to not only your school but to YOURSELVES… I have worked with youth groups for many years, and have never worked with a group who gave so much. You amazed the audience and your teachers and staff. Please remember what you have accomplished on InterHigh school weekend and be proud of it. You will all hold a very special place in my memory and my heart and if I am lucky I may even get to work with you again one day. Good luck to each and every one of you in whatever you do. You have all been amazing to work with.                                                        

I have learned something this weekend and hope you all remember that in this circle of life give them a bit of the old razzle dazzle and a little love and it all comes back to You!!!!!!!                                                  

John Harris

Performance M.D. InterHigh school.

 

 

Supporting Teachers as well as Students with Dyslexia

A Dyslexic, teaching in a virtual world

When I first came to Interhigh I was concerned about how vulnerable I might feel as a Dyslexic teacher.  How immediate it would be that any of my common mistakes are going to be observed by my students. I am relieved to say that the understanding and support that I have got from this learning institute is astonishing.

My students have learnt not to be concerned about letting me know when I say one thing and write another. I am never ashamed when I make errors and I welcome corrections. I think many students as well as myself have realised that sometimes we learn better from the mistakes we make. It is a wonderful experience to interact so candidly with students in this exceptional environment.

I had got into good routines as a classroom teacher and relied on these practises to get me through the main stream school environment; most of these have also been used or modified here in my newest teaching experience here at Interhigh.

I quickly realised I was not the only dyslexic in the Interhigh community and we have now established a support group for those that have dyslexia and similar concerns.  I have pieced together my past learning and teaching experiences to create a sequential course that I hope will help prepare, support and encourage confidence in our students whatever their background.

As the majority of the population are not dyslexic the way most students are taught especially at a young age is not all too well suited for the particular strengths and weaknesses we have with learning preferences such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. Adapting the way we do some things, can really help us overcome many issues and adapt good strategies, so that we don’t allow issues like dyslexia to stand in the way of achieving our goals.

 

I hope that anyone with concerns will join us in this group and embrace the wondrous world of dyslexia and similar conditions. Together we can discover the benefits and how to get beyond some of our barriers.

Roxanne Pearce

Science Teacher InterHigh