Our students study computing to gain an understanding of computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers. All three aspects of the Computing curriculum are taught at La Garenne: computer science (CS), information technology (IT) and digital literacy (DL). ‘Computational thinking’ is a skill that we teach so that our children are ready for the workplace and will be able to participate effectively in this digital world. Computing is taught by a specialist teacher once a week and computers are used on a daily basis by the students during their everyday lessons. Here are some of our youngest students practising their touch typing skills.

In celebration of National Poetry Day, which was on the 1st October, we enjoyed listening to some poems in our Primary Assembly this morning. The students then separated into their native language group and worked together to perform a poem about autumn.

We talked about remembering to read with expression, intonation, at a good pace and use actions when performing poetry, we look forward to listening to the students performing the poem in next week`s assembly.

Well done to our Stars of the Week; Sasha, Kornie, Oscar and Sven. We are proud of you!

To end the school year on high note, the MYP classes all visited the Grande Dixence barrage during the last week of term. MYP 1 and 2 have been looking at renewable energy and Switzerland is a major producer of Hydro-Electric Power (HEP). A field trip of this type brings home the scale of such projects, going beyond what we can learn from books, photographs and videos. The details below, from the official website, give us an idea of the scale of this project, which is situated at 2’365 metres altitude.

‘Situated at the head of the Val des Dix, Grande Dixence is the highest gravity dam in the world, and something of a record-breaker! The height of its wall, 285 metres, remains unmatched. Its weight, approximately 15 million tonnes, makes it heavier than the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The dam is 200 metres wide at its base. At the top it «slims down» to just 15 metres’.

The Grande Dixence hydroelectric power complex generates some 2 billion kWh of power per year and accounts for 20% of Switzerland’s energy storage capacity. It provides enough electricity to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes and it accounts for 20% of Switzerland’s energy storage capacity. 

The students were able to visit the interior of the barrage and hiked in the surrounding area, with some breathtaking views. Many were adventurous enough to try the zip wire which has recently been set up at the summit of the dam. In all, a great day out to finish off the school year.