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The Language Department
On browsing
through a language website, I discovered some interesting information about
the origins of common English phrases. So how did these phrases evolve? How
many of us use the expression 'saved by the bell'? Did you know that when
our forefathers realised that they were burying bodies before their time,
they began tying the 'dead' person's hand to a cord attached to a bell,
hanging on the branch of a nearby tree. If the buried person revived
sufficiently to ring the bell and sound the alarm, the ‘grave yard shift’
would rush out and dig up the helpless soul. Hence the term, 'saved by the
bell'! Another expression is 'to cut through red tape'. Did you know that
solicitors filed their clients' papers in folders tied with red ribbon to
prevent the contents from falling out? When they wanted access to the
papers, they would have to cut through the red tape.
English is a remarkable language, with its origins rooted in many cultures
over centuries. Montrose Primary thrives on enhancing appreciation of its
official languages: English, Afrikaans and Zulu. This is achieved through a
variety of activities and events throughout the year.
It was with great excitement that we published the first and second editions
of the 2007 Montrose Grapevine. The official school newspaper is written by
children for children and contains 16 pages of 'school news that grabs you'.
The Montrose Grapevine continues to be a valuable outlet for extremely
dedicated and resourceful learners of all ages. Montrose is certainly
developing journalists of the future!
During Idiom and Proverb Week, children learnt the differences between the
various types of figurative language. Did you know that both are sayings
that cannot be taken literally? A distinguishing feature is that proverbs
teach values. Here are examples of both. See if you can identify which is an
idiom and which is a proverb: ‘He is like a fish out of water’ and ‘The
grass isn't always greener on the other side’.
In March, Montrose pupils from grades four to six participated in Poetry
Week. All classes studied a variety of poems with different rhyming schemes
and patterns. Each grade recited and enacted poems during a series of
assemblies that showcased what the children had learnt.
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Montrose hosted its first ever
Interschool Debating Tournament. It enabled participants to acquire
important life skills as well as to meet others in a friendly and open
forum. The competing schools included Bryanston Primary, Montrose Primary,
Craighall Primary, Wendywood Primary, St Stithians and Blairgowrie Primary.
The tournament consisted of four tough rounds, comprising the following
motions: We should build nuclear power stations and not continue to invest
in coal-fired power stations; Zoos have their place in society; and The
Computer Information Age has a positive influence on our lives. The thrust
and parry of the arguments fueled keen competition and excitement.
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Hooked on Books was most
entertaining and proved as popular as ever. Learners took to the stage with
the actors and helped bring the books to life. Productions such as these
promote reading for enjoyment. Copies of the books were ordered beforehand
so that, after the event, children rushed to the library to borrow them. The
theatre troupe selects their material carefully and, as dramatisations are
memorable, there is always a demand for these recommended works.
The Battle of the Books reading quiz is aimed at avid readers in Grades 6
and 7. The purpose of the interschool competition is to present 25
wide-ranging titles that are both demanding and thought-provoking. We
competed against Wendywood Primary and Grayston Preparatory. Our doughty
team showed admirable spirit, particularly in the nerve-racking quickfire
round, which entailed five-point penalties for wrong answers. Fortunes were
gained and lost rapidly and, in the end, Montrose came second. Our
enthusiasm and verve did us proud!
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Book Character Day is one of
the most enjoyable events on the Montrose calendar. Learners selected a
character from a book that they have read and then dressed the part. They
presented speeches outlining their role and described some of the main
events in the book. Several of the older learners compiled book reviews on a
novel of their choice. |
During Montrose
Grapevine Week, all senior primary learners were involved in fun-filled
activities, based on the school newspaper. Pupils used the publication to
learn about the different parts of a newspaper. In addition, articles were
used as a reference tool to complete a variety of educational activities.
Dictionary Week was aimed at helping learners enhance their dictionary
skills. They learnt how to use guidewords and where to look for
pronunciation, definitions, etymology, parts of speech and correct word
usage. Most importantly, children learnt how to alphabetise simply by
looking at the first letter of each word, then the second, third, and so on.
In this way, pupils honed specific research skills, and I am quite sure that
they now feel more confident when using a dictionary. |
| The Mug, Rug and Slipper
Evening was exhilarating for participants and audience alike. The challenge
consisted of two rounds, the 'house round' and 'firing round' and comprised
English, Afrikaans and Zulu categories. Some of the audience members won
prizes for spelling tricky words correctly and for having the fastest
fingers in the dictionary race division. |
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This year, 2007,
saw many language-based activities. The objective was to create ongoing
learning opportunities that were both enjoyable and edifying. Judging by the
achievements of willing and happy participants, consensus indicates that
this goal was achieved.
Mrs Ralph
HOD Languages |
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