Bayfield's open night

Wednesday the 21st of July was a great opportunity for intermediate students and future Bayfield students to have a look at what Bayfield has to offer, at the school's open night.

The night began with a speech from Mr Slowley and with senior and junior students modelling the new uniform, which will be introduced at year 9 level next year.

Taking the public around the school were the open night guides, who were in teams of two year 13 students and two year 9 students. That allowed people to ask questions and get feedback from students who just started this year and those who are in their last year at Bayfield.

The groups visited each department, making stops on the way to get an insight into Bayfield's course outlines and opportunities.

In the languages room they could see, for example, the opportunities offered in French, German, Japanese, and Te Reo. They  were also challenged with a languages board - translating the word 'hello' into as many different languages as possible.

The mathematics staff explained the range of course outlines, and there were games and quizzes for people to have a go at to win lollies.

In the library, the English department people enjoyed some performance poetry before wandering around to look at the English, media studies and ESOL opportunities at Bayfield.

They had a chance to look at some of the new texts being taught this year, and learn about the radio show that two year 10 classes had put together.

One room that really interested the public was the science room. Future students were able to see some experiments first-hand, and watch the teachers perform chemical tests.

Experiments with starch, dry ice and forensics were demonstrated, and it was very interesting for all.

With the recent production of Spamalot! being such a success, it was understandable that the visitors would be eager to see an item from the show at the performing arts display.

Junior students also gave them a taste of what they do throughout the year, playing theatrical games that help them to improve their creativity and confidence.

The new Bayfield gym was also an important stop. Future students were able to find out about PE and all of the outdoor education activities at Bayfield, and they got to see Bayfield volleyball players live in action.

The students were very enthusiastic and enjoyed the chance to show off their skills.

In the Pavilion, Mr Richmond and Mrs Brocklebank explained the large list of sports and activities on offer for students, and talked about students at Bayfield who have achieved at very high levels both regionally and nationally.

Bayfield High School is extremely proud of all of its students, and we even have students who have competed internationally.

Visitors were able to learn about the Bayfield intranet system for students, and their email use in the information technology room.

Future students could look at animation software, explore the intranet, and look at how Year 9 students learn how to touch type.

Information technology is also integrated into students' lessons also through the use of blogs, wikis, podcasts, videos and much more, and our students are very adept users of such technology.

The members of the public visited the arts department, being impressed by work of art and photography students. Sculptures, painting, and drawing were on display.

Being able to smell the wonderful works of the catering students from the art rooms, the next stop was of course the cooking room.

Catering students dished out some tasty treats including pizza and ice cream, and even award-winning burger patties, which were very well deserved after a long tour of the school.

Elizabeth Young, a year 11 student, won the national section of the NZ Beef and Lamb burger competition in 2010, and will compete for the senior national title later in the year.

In the social sciences room, Mischa Pearce talked about how the subject was compulsory for years 9 and 10. She then talked about history, geography and economics, and the visitors had the chance to read the colourful posters and students' work.

There were also quizzes and activities for visitors to get involved with to win small prizes.

In the technology suite, visitors were impressed with the displays of students' work and the range of technology subjects taught at Bayfield.

People could see the textiles students working on their Wearable Arts competition designs, and the work of the graphics students.

The music department set up a display of all of the instruments that Bayfield can teach and support. Year 8 students relished the chance to try out the different instruments, and the music students also gave demonstrations.

Mrs Dryden and Ms Hosken spoke to them about the many music, drama and dance opportunities available at Bayfield, and the many other inter-school activities there are to take part in.

- By Louise Chandler, Year 13