Upper Loop Updates: Introducing New T2 LeLabs & important announcements

By Jarret Voytilla / November 22, 2024 / Upper Loop Updates, Learning Designers

Learners showcased their artworks in the Upper Loop ShowTime, which was a resounding success! The event featured progress works, sketchbooks, and completed pieces, highlighting learners’ dedication and growth Showtime is the time for learners to publicly demonstrate and defend their learning! It is the arena where learner autonomy, mastery, and purpose come together in a public showcase! We would like to extend a BIG Thanks to all families for attending this celebration of our Upper Loop community.

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We have a few updates to share with the community this week from our amazing team of Learning Designers.

Announcements

Every Minute Counts! Building Success 1 class at a time.

Problem we are trying to solve: Extended washroom breaks & late arrivals to class.

In high school, every moment of class matters.
Being on time and staying engaged for the full duration of class not only ensures learners don’t miss important lessons but also helps them develop essential life skills like responsibility, time management, and accountability.
Studies from the National Center for Education Statistics show that consistent attendance is directly linked to improved academic performance, as even a few missed minutes can lead to gaps in learning.
When learners are present and punctual, they’re fully able to engage with their peers and teachers, setting a strong foundation for academic success and personal growth.
When learners are constantly late or leaving class for the washroom for extended periods of time [without biological need], they miss out on learning!

Early Dismissal Day is on Wednesday, 27 Nov (Learners will be dismissed at 1:30pm) and Coffee Morning on Design Thinking is also 27 Nov!

Overnight BTW Trips

Families with learners participating in the LENS Learning Lab please keep an eye on your inboxes for payment info! 15-25 November will be the payment window. We will be booking flights before the next ULU!
Families with learners participating in ROR Learning Lab please keep an eye on your inboxes for updated trip and payment info!

November is conVERSO month! 360s have been sent out and we would like to set up some support meetings with families!

You can meet with any LDs face to face on campus or online via Google Meet or Zoom!
If you need help making your bookings, your learner’s Advisory would be happy to assist!

UL conVERSO

UniVERSOtea Mornings 2024-2025

These sessions take place on Wednesdays, 8:00am-8:45am at Connect, Level 2,The HUB

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Learning Labs for Q1

Learning Exploring Navigating & Sharing: Psychology with Matt and Ji Yoon

Driving Question: How Can we use the power of maps to understand, connect, and share the impact of Thailand's environment on mental resilience, human behavior, and/or culture?

LENS

LENS 2

Product Launch

Learners have been actively engaged in building foundational skills for this LAB, combining geography, physical fitness, and technology.

1. Introduction to Geography and Mapping

Explored different types of maps and their components.
Planned a focused project to map VERSO campus, learning to calculate distances and bearings using tools like compasses and trundle wheels.

2. QGIS Software Training

Began learning QGIS, a professional mapping tool, to create digital maps of the campus.
Practiced marking pathways and buildings using plug-ins and coordinates, with ongoing skill development planned.

3 . Trekking Preparation

Started physical fitness activities, including yoga, weightlifting, and cardio workouts, to prepare for the upcoming trekking phase of the LAB.

4. Animation

Learners used Adobe Premiere Pro to create animations on their created maps!

Realities of Religion with Gideon and Yi Lin

Driving Question: How do religious beliefs shape our understanding of life after death and the concept of destiny?

We jumpstarted the Realities of Religions lab with engaging activities designed to explore learners' prior knowledge and perspectives on personal and world religions.
To begin, we conducted a "Speed Friending" activity, where learners shared their personal definitions of religion and reflected on its perceived importance both individually and collectively.
Next, they participated in a Spectrum Activity, determining their level of agreement or disagreement with various statements about religion.
On 20 November, we took a Beyond the Walls trip to the temples of Samut Prakan.
During the visit, learners completed a preliminary exercise in creating a photo essay.
The following day, they curated, edited, and presented their chosen angles and ideas to the class, showcasing their creative and analytical interpretations.

LENS: Learning Exploring Navigating & Sharing: Psychology with Chrissy and Michael

Driving Question: How can filmmaking be used as a powerful tool to humanize social issues and inspire meaningful change in society?

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Art Labs with Gideon and Ji Yoon

MAD Lab (G9-10)

At MADLab, learners delved into color theory by attempting to render still-life and landscape artworks as realistic as possible using colored pencils and oil pastels.
Currently, they are working on completing a class series titled "Four Seasons." Each learner is assigned a specific season and tasked with representing it through thoughtfully selected objects or landscapes, showcasing their understanding of color and thematic expression.

MAD Lab

AP Studio (G11-12)

AP Drawing:

Learners worked on perspective drawings and collages, capturing diverse perspectives around campus, including 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-point perspectives, as well as aerial perspectives and other advanced techniques.
Lessons included a historical overview of the Renaissance, exploring the origins of the illusion of depth in art.
As they reach the midpoint of the AP curriculum, learners are focusing on portfolio building through reviewing and revising their works.

AP 3D Art:

Focused on creating illusions of depth using reflective surfaces and lighting techniques.
Learners explored creative curation to enhance the presentation of their works.

Upper Loop ShowTime

Learners showcased their artworks in the Upper Loop ShowTime, which was a resounding success!
The event featured progress works, sketchbooks, and completed pieces, highlighting learners’ dedication and growth
Showtime is the time for learners to publicly demonstrate and defend their learning! It is the arena where learner autonomy, mastery, and purpose come together in a public showcase!
We would like to extend a BIG Thanks to all families for attending this celebration of our Upper Loop community.