After the 12^th graders learned in the science lab how to build a parallel circuit, they wanted to share their knowledge with others. Using the cooperative learning strategy, they teamed up in small groups with the 8^th graders, which are also working on the electricity unit.

The older students made sure each of the younger ones fully understand the subject they were working on by explaining the process and letting them build it on their own.

Creating a parallel circuit was a simple and great project to perform. Both grades were able to see for themselves how electricity works.
 
Elizabeth Méndez
Science Coordinator

 
Making models of double helix DNA strand and RNA is a great way to learn about how these magnificent structures build our genes.

To help further understand how DNA and RNA are structured, the 7^th graders used common household materials to make their own fully colored models combining science and crafts for a great project.

The students presented their projects to their classmates and shared what they have learned about genetics.
 
Elizabeth Méndez
Science Coordinator

 
Last Friday, our students celebrated “Friends Day”. This was year organized by the Alumni Club, who made the “Milk for Everyone” campaign.  The students from the Club encouraged the rest of the faculty to bring a liter of milk, which could be liquid or powder. It was amazing to see ALL of the students collaborating with this cause.

During that day, different activities were held. From an early arrival, the school took on a unique vibe. The students came dressed in pink, white or red t-shirts and many brought gifts to share in class. Preschool, as usual, made wonderful and very creative arts crafts, from recycled materials, and took them home at the end of the day. Serenades were also given to students and teacher, cheering and making the day unforgettable.
 
Candy Abreu
Admissions Director

 
     The Prep Piranhas 2016 took part in the 27th Anniversary Rotary Club of Grantham Swimarathon on Sunday.  This year we had a mixed team of eight made up from year 3 up to year 6.  With the record of 216 in mind the squad set off at a blistering pace - despite advice from coach Park to "calm down" and "don't get too excited" they ignored his pleas and they set about reeling in the record. 

 After 10 minutes it became clear to the older heads of the team that the record was out of their reach and they should just swim for fun and the pride of being part of a wonderful event.   174 lengths was our eventual total and the end of a very satisfying afternoon's swim.   The hard work now begins as the team members - and coach attempt to gather in the £750 pledged. 

If you could honour your pledges to your team member as soon as possible that would be most appreciated and we can send off our record total to the Rotary Club as soon as possible. Well done everyone who so generously sponsored the team.
 
Mr. Park 
GRANTHAM PREPARATORY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
UNITED KINGDOM

Game-like activities are vital to the enjoyment and successful acquisition of a new language, as is that thing we all claim to lose as we get older: our memory. While we in the EAL department avoid sending pupils away with lengthy lists of key words to learn, we do encourage fun, memory-based activities which achieve that oh-so-special combination of learning whilst having fun! 
 
The proof was in the pudding last week when EAL pupils in Year 9 took part in an Auditory Pelmanism activity. We've all played Visual Pelmanism in the form of "pairs" but take away the cards and add numbers to represent new words and their definitions and it becomes a whole lot trickier!
 
Nichaphat, Kyara and Cristina were victorious, proving that their powers of recollection (and indeed their understanding of our new words) surpassed those of Tomas, Jessica and Mykyta - this time, anyway. Well done both teams for your valiant efforts!
 
Ms Hodgetts and Ms Larby
 
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
SIDMOUTH U.K.