We started term 5 with the third Star Test of the year. The Star Test is a series of circa 35 multiple choice questions that each student in Year 7 and 8 answer. The questions get progressively more difficult as the algorithm works out their reading age. The highest you can achieve is a reading age of 16 years and 6 months and we are delighted to see so many students gaining those high scores and maintaining them. Merits have been awarded to everyone who has worked at improving their reading age. Parents and guardians should have seen the Test Records that were sent home showing all test results to date. This is an excellent way for the boys (and you) to keep track of their progress.
The final Star Test will be in June for the end of year reports.
Remember: Just twenty minutes reading every day will vastly improve your ability and will reflect in better results in all of your subject areas.
Library revamp
We’ve had a revamp in the library, it’s looking fantastic and so many students who have visited from all year groups have mentioned how lovely it looks. There is a new bespoke reception desk which has LED lights on it. This splash of colour makes the room feel inviting and offers a different feel to the classic classroom.
Another change that has been made is the shelving of the books which are now back to alphabetical order. As only the year 7s use the AR numbered system now, we decided it would be more useful to revert to a traditional shelving system. This way all students can get used to searching for a book, great practice for university.
Bedrock
Year 8 students have been using the Bedrock platform since January and we have seen some excellent results in their comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. Merits are given out weekly to those who make the Top 50 progress leaderboard. Please be assured that this covers all levels and awards the students who are putting the most effort into improving their English.
Shout out to all Year 8 parents
However, there are still many who are failing to complete their homework of 20 Bedrock points every week. Everyone has been repeatedly reminded but are still failing to comply.
We kindly ask you to make sure your son completes 20 points on Bedrock every week by Sunday midnight.
New Books
We have added many books to our library over the year and Term 5 has been a bumper term adding new non-fiction, some popular Alex Rider graphic novels and three more titles to the Adventures on Trains series by M G. Leonard. One of the most popular series is Conspiracy 365 by Gabrielle Lord. I read the first part, January and loved it. If your son is a reluctant reader, this book is short and packed with action.
Yoto Carnegie Awards
The GGS Shadowers have been working their way through the shortlist of the Yoto Carnegie Award books. There are some fabulous titles and my personal order of preference is
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys (MY)
The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros (MY)
The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finch (YA 14+)
Medusa by Jessie Burton (MY)
Many of you have asked for reading lists for the year 7s and 8s and I have put together a list of the most popular books. We are in discussion with IT to add a place to the Gravesend Grammar School website for the library where you will be able to find more information. Watch this space!
GGS Reviewers
We reviewed two books this term, The Wishkeepers Apprentice by Rachel Chivers Khoo which everyone agreed was a really good book suitable for 8 - 11 year olds.
And secondly, Pandora Perfect by Roger Langridge and Brett Parson, our first graphic novel and this too got great reviews, suitable for 8 - 11 year olds.
Mrs Weekes read in Term 5
My favourite book this month was Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, one for mums looking for a good read.
Here’s a list with suggested age level interest of the other titles I read this term:
The Silver Chain by Jion Sheibani (11+ girls)
January by Gabrielle Lord (10+ boys)
The Light in Everything by Katya Balen (8+ boys and girls)
The Trees by Percival Everett (6th form/ADULT)
A Tale for The Time Being by Ruth Ozeki (Adult)
Currently reading: Robin Hood - Hacking Heists and Flaming Arrows by Robert Muchamore (11+ boys) Very good and perfect for year 7 and 8.
World Book Day writing competition
We were delighted to see 50 entries to our first ever World Book Day writing competition and, after lots of discussion, we announced the winners
100 words - Dami Daniel
750 words lower school - Ayan Choudhury
750 words upper school - Lia Piromalli
Runners up are
100 words - Michael Haywood, Aidan Morrison, Samuel Olatunde and Leon Khoo
750 lower school - Lawrence Ogieriakhi, Justin Chenu, Feranmi Oresanwo
750 upper school - Max Gardner and David Adeoya
Please come to the library to collect your prize.
Please find the three winning entries here
