ms skye's page

Well, this year has been unusual, to say the least. I haven't blogged in a year but on my way to my other blog, couldn't let this day go by without at least a few words. My students have done an AMAZING job putting together their evidence for the Cambridge exams that didn't happen. (Instead of exams, teachers are giving predicted grades which carry much more weight than usual, based on student performance on various tasks and practice papers. Then Cambridge will do some kind of check, do some audits, look at the global responses and make some final decisions.) I am really, really proud of them. So today, even though my work isn't finished, I'm taking a little break and hoping to play a game with my kids. And then, keep working on predicting their grades as accurately and fairly as possible. Cambridge did say that schools should predict how students would have done had we had a normal school year! Here's to hoping we'll have school at school in Septe...

Graduation Day--it happens every year, and it's special in a different way, every year. It's so wonderful to see the students who have worked so hard for many years be recognized for their accomplishments on graduation day. Congratulations to all of them! Meanwhile, my 10th and 11th graders press on with their May/June session Cambridge exams. I wish them all the best and I'm hoping for great news when the results come in August!

In the past couple of years the essay prompts haven't changed much (since the redesign, as I understand), but that is not a guarantee they will be identical next year. That said, it is still worth being familiar with the current questions and mulling over which one(s) would be most suitable for you personally to respond to. 2015-2016 Essay Prompts Posted on  03.31.2015  in  Admissions and Access ,  Essay Prompts We are pleased to share the 2015-2016 Essay Prompts with you. New language appears in italics: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.  If this sounds like you, then please share your story. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success.  Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Reflect on a time when you challenged a beli...

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English For an overview, click here . -- 2015 Exam SYLLABUS -- 2016 Exam SYLLABUS

Here is the LINK to the story. Questions (9th graders--due Tuesday May 20, 2014) 1. Who are the main characters? Describe them. 2. Describe the story's setting. 3. What brings Rainesford to the island? (Note: this is different from the way it is presented in the movie.) 4. Explain Rainesford's changing impression of General Zaroff. 5. What is the main conflict in the story? 6. What is the climax? Support your conclusion. 7. Is the resolution of the story satisfying to you as the reader? Explain. NEXT:  we'll work on vocabulary. Here's a list of 50 words from the story that you should know! http://quizlet.com/6134342/most-dangerous-game-vocabulary-words-flash-cards/

(From website listed at end of post) Features of a Formal letter There are fixed rules regarding formal letters. Layout ·          full postal address followed by date in top right of letter ·          the name of person or Department and address you are writing to goes in the left hand side above greeting but lower down than your address ·          the greeting is normally 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam' or full title if you are supposed to have met the person or spoken on the phone, or written before. For example, 'Dear Mr Brown' or 'Dear Dr Jones' ·          ending is always 'Yours faithfully' if you have opened with 'Sir' or 'Madam' or 'Yours sincerely' if you have used a name ·          you can print your initials and name after your signature Content Formal letters mu...