Nate Sextus's Portfolio

31/3/16 As part of Huntley’s appraisal system, I had an in-depth observation were my Headmaster observed me teaching my form class during a Maths Lesson. Obervation He gave in-depth feedback and he also interviewed my class about my general teaching. Reflection

Yr8 Camp at Tongariro National Park involving 60 students. (see image). Engaging with local Iwi (Ngati Tuwharetoa) and their relationship with the land. Learning was made possible through students conversing with local DOC and tourism workers about their roles and the impact it has on the TNP. Also collaborating with fellow Yr8 colleagues on the practical running and individual pastoral care of students while at camp Reflection: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hkUukujfxYQNJ7OLJmsyMLm9EpiRMASlApQJNOg3uNk/edit?usp=sharing

Through engaging in Mathletics via digital technology, I have attained a level on Certificate, whereby Mathletics has endorsed me in using Mathletics in my class; using a range of different tasks and features of its programme effectively. Mathletics hosts webinars, that I have taken part of, which has expanded my knowledge of how to use this technology better. One of the most important aspects that learned was how to create groups, and then differentiate learning according to the curriculum level a student is on.  

Learning can happen anywhere at anytime. As you can see, students are outside reading. Why stay in a class when you can go outside under the shade of a tree. Creating environments that maintain collaborative, safety, and inclusiveness not only improve the learning, but also help develop relationship.

3/3/16 Wellington Scots Sports exchange (see photo). During my time for our sports exchange I took time to talk to many of my students on the bus to get insight into their lives and assess their well-being. One of the students was an international student from Thailand. During this experience he shared his struggles in regards to home sickness and what symptoms he would display when homesick. Thus allowing me to be more aware of not only him but other students wellness.

During week 4 of Term 1 our school value focus is determined by individual classes. In my class, we choose to select the value of 'responsibility'. Through selecting this value we discussed the importance of being responsible for our own gear (such as water bottles, stationery etc). As a class, we also linked the importance of this value of 'responsibility' to learning, whereby students understood (through the weeks process of talking about responsibility) that by staying focused and on top of little things, they can have more student agency on their own learning. Using the Value system in our school was very meaningful as if it is applied to all areas around the school, it becomes their own. They will see it more, and be more aware when they are and are not following it.

1-6/02/16 First week of teaching at Huntley: Using Stage 6&7 Multiplicative and Addition Tests for Math; and using the Burt Spelling Test, Probing, and Gap Analysis to see where they are sitting in regards to NZC levels. From this point I discussed results with colleagues and mentor to differentiate appropriately.