Each week, teachers from different sections of BIS share what has been happening in their classrooms and across the school. From creative projects and hands-on learning to new discoveries and meaningful experiences, this is a glimpse into the many ways our students learn, explore and grow.
This Week’s Contributors
- Mr. Dillan, Reception Tiger Cubs Homeroom Teacher
- Mr. Ben, Year 2 Tigers Homeroom Teacher
- Mr. Henry, Secondary Math Teacher
- Mr. Dika, Music Teacher
Exploring the World Around Us: From Bear Hunts to “Tree Friends”
Written by Mr. Dillan, September 2026
Over the past three weeks, our The World Around Us unit has taken the Reception Tigers through the swishy grass, squelchy mud and swirling snowstorm of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Through storytelling, music and movement, our young explorers discovered the excitement of going over, under and through!
Next came a trip into the deep, dark wood with The Gruffalo. Terrible tusks, terrible claws and purple prickles inspired plenty of creative fun! The children explored the Gruffalo’s unusual features through sensory activities and Play-Doh creations, bringing this unforgettable character to life.Now, our adventure is branching out into Tree Friends! Through Peep Plants a Seed, the children began discovering how plants grow and what they need to thrive, exploring how small hands can help care for the natural world.From imaginative adventures to new friendships, our Tigers have been busy exploring, creating and growing together!
Animal Homes: Exploring Habitats
Written by Mr. Ben, September 2026
In Science, our Year 2 Tigers have been exploring the world of animal habitats, thinking about where animals live and what they need to survive. Throughout the unit, students have been developing their understanding through observation, discussion, investigation and creative activities, while learning to look more carefully at the environments around them.
We became habitat detectives, looking for clues that animals might be living in a particular place. Students explored evidence such as eggs, tracks, droppings and places where animals might hide. Rather than simply looking for animals themselves, they learned that careful observation can help us discover what has been happening around us. This encouraged the children to ask questions and think like young scientists: “What does this clue tell us?” and “What animal could have been here?”We then focused on one of our smaller local creatures — the snail. Students considered what a snail needs from its habitat, including food, water and shelter. They looked at places where snails might live and discussed why a snail might choose a damp, sheltered place under a leaf or stone. Students then used a range of natural materials to create their own model snail habitats, carefully thinking about how each part of their habitat could help the snail survive.As their understanding developed, students began comparing different animals and their homes. We explored habitats such as ponds, forests, deserts and gardens, matching animals to places where they could find the things they need. Students were encouraged to explain their choices rather than simply identify the correct answer. Questions such as “Why is a pond a good habitat for a frog?” and “Could a fish live in a dry desert?” helped them understand that different animals are suited to different environments.
For our final activity, the children became habitat designers. Each group chose an animal and used modelling clay to create a suitable habitat, applying what they had learned throughout the unit. They had to think carefully about where their animal could find food and water and where it could shelter or hide. The finished models gave students an opportunity to explain their scientific thinking and demonstrate how the different parts of a habitat work together.
Across the unit, our Tigers have shown great curiosity and enthusiasm as they have observed, questioned, discussed and created. They are beginning to understand that a habitat is much more than simply a place where an animal lives — it is an environment that provides the things an animal needs to survive. Most importantly, students are developing the confidence to look closely at the world around them, ask thoughtful questions and use what they observe to make sense of it.
Year 7 Maths | Building Confidence, One Concept at a Time
Written by Mr. Henry, September 2026
Year 7 have recently finished Unit 1 and Unit 2 of their Maths course, and have completed their first monthly assessment. This marks an important milestone for the students as they settle into secondary school maths and begin to build the foundations that will support them throughout the year and beyond. Throughout these first two units, we have focused heavily on keywords, as understanding mathematical vocabulary is essential for course access. Without a secure grasp of key terms, students can find it difficult to follow instructions, interpret questions correctly, and explain their reasoning with clarity. By embedding keywords into our daily lessons, discussions, and activities, we have aimed to ensure that every student can engage fully with the content and feel confident in using the correct mathematical language.
I am pleased with their progress so far. The class has shown a positive attitude towards their learning, and it has been encouraging to see them grow in confidence as they tackle new concepts and become more familiar with the expectations of the course. Their first monthly assessment provided a useful opportunity to reflect on what has been learned and to identify any areas that may need further attention as we move forward.
To round off the units and celebrate the end of the term, we spent our last lesson creating colourful posters. This gave students a chance to consolidate their understanding in a creative and collaborative way, while also allowing them to showcase the keywords and ideas they have learned. It was a lovely way to finish the term on a positive note, and I look forward to continuing to support their progress in the units ahead.
A Musical Start to the New School Year
Written by Mr. Dika, September 2026
The Music Department was delighted to welcome students back for a new school year filled with music, creativity, and learning. As students returned to the music classroom, they began learning new songs while also reviewing important musical concepts such as notes, rhythms, and beats.
Students had opportunities to develop their singing skills through group singing activities and exercises, building confidence in performing and working together as an ensemble. They also continued to strengthen their aural skills by listening carefully to musical examples, identifying rhythms and pitches, and responding to different musical elements.Sight-reading activities were another important part of the lessons, helping students develop their ability to read and perform music with greater accuracy and confidence.
It has been wonderful to see the students return with enthusiasm and energy, ready to explore, create, and share their love of music throughout the new school year.
Post time:
Oct-05-2026
