Addition And Subtraction In Year 2
In Year 2, we have been learning to add and subtract numbers in different ways.
In the first lesson of the week, we had fun learning about Four way sums, also called turn around sums, that can be made up of numbers. Four way sums mean that there are two addition sums and two subtraction sums that can be worked out.
For example:
2 + 9 = 11
9 + 2 = 11
11- 2 = 9
11 – 9 = 2
To help the students work out their sums we learnt the number facts that the answer to an addition sum is always the highest number and the first number in a subtraction sum is always the highest number.
Then we learnt about bonds of 20 or numbers that can be added or subtracted to make 20. We also calculated the answers to Four way or turn around sums with these numbers in our workbooks.
In lesson 3, we looked at how to add and subtract 10’s and how knowing bonds below 10 helps us work out sums of 10. For example, if we know 2 + 5 = 7 it is easy to work out that 20 + 50 = 70.
Lesson 4 was also very fun. The students learnt how to use a number line to add and subtract 3 or more numbers. We learnt that the answers stays the same when we add the same numbers in a different order. For example 4 + 3 + 2 = 9 and 2 + 4 + 3 = 9
During the last lesson of the week, we did a revision activity. Each student was given 3 cards. They wrote 5 sums of 20 on the first card, 5 sums of 10 on the second card and 3 train sums on the last card. We strung the cards onto some wool and tied it at the end so that the cards stayed on. Some students wanted to put the cards up like bunting in their room and some of the students wore their new sum necklace.
The students have really enjoyed learning about addition and subtraction of numbers in fun ways and have certainly learnt a lot during these lessons.
Bronwen Nuthall
Year 2 Teacher
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Faces In Art
In the Jelly Fish class, we have been learning about different parts of the face as well as the function of each of these parts.
Our little students had an amazing time creating different pieces of art to represent their own faces. Some of this art was product focused with the aim being that students create a face with all the right parts in all the right places, an introduction to portraiture.
Other art activities were focused on the process of making art rather than the end result, giving our students the opportunity to select their own materials and create their own artwork which is inspired by an image or object that has been provided. The purpose of this is to provide students with the opportunity to channel their creativity, plan, problem-solve and express themselves without restriction of resources or space.
Activities included drawing a picture of their own face which was inspired by a photograph of themselves, making a face from shapes and newspaper cut-outs and ice painting with primary colours so that we could use sight to observe what happens when these colours mix. Students were captivated by the formation of secondary colours each time the primary colours mixed, this proved to be a great introduction to science within art.
The main purpose of creating Art in the Foundation Phase is not to achieve perfection in a final product, but rather to encourage creativity and self-expression, develop fine motor skills through the manipulation of different materials, and to cultivate a love and appreciation of art.
Candice van der Vyver
Jelly Fish Class Teacher
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Fine Motor Club
It has been a pleasure to host the Fine Motor Club in the Junior Primary this term. A group of keen Year 1 to Year 3’s have been putting effort into strengthening the muscles in their fingers, hands, wrists and shoulders. We always warm up by doing hand and finger “gym”; exercises, strengthening and conditioning. This helps to “wake up” the muscles the children will be needing for our session. These are also useful, fun actions that they can implement in their daily routine, and they can practise doing these before completing tasks like homework or handwriting lessons.
During the course of our first lessons, we have used common items, which they can easily find at home or in their class, to complete 3D shape construction, building and weaving. These processes allow for creativity, whilst subconsciously still strengthening their fine motor skills. Simple items such as playdough, prestick, pasta, matches, pipe cleaners, blocks and toothpicks can all be used in a variety of ways to stimulate your child’s development.
Examples of some fun activities include:
- Making 3D shapes, such as a pyramid or a cube, using toothpicks and Prestick or matches and playdough
- Wrapping pipe cleaners around straws, forks, chopsticks, etc. to create curls
- Threading macaroni/looped cereal onto spaghetti or pipe cleaners
- Place sequins/buttons/small items onto the sticky side of Cellotape (try to make a repeating pattern)
- Balance playing cards/dominoes and build stacks or A-frames
- Pick-up sticks (make your own by painting or colouring in Skewer sticks)
- Make your own playdough/salt dough and build letters and numbers to make spelling and maths practise more interactive
- Instead of using your fingers to pick something up, use a pair or tweezers, a peg or kitchen tongs
- Shadow puppets
- Window tracing
- “Ceiling” art – paste or tape a page under a table/chair (correct length for your child’s arm length), lay down on the floor and draw or write on the page (wonderful for shoulder muscle development!)
- Using a ruler to draw lines or measure
- Using a dropper, teaspoon or syringe to do art/mix colours/explore with consistencies of materials (such as oil and water).
Make these activities into timed races and compete as a family – your loadshedding entertainment is now sorted!
Kim Hahn
Year 1 Teacher
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FOUNDATION STAGE AND JUNIOR PRIMARY FUN SPORTS DAY 2022
We recently hosted our annual Fun Sports Day, where all the Foundation Stage and Junior Primary students were dressed in their class and house colours, disguising the field as a moving rainbow.
It was also an exceptionally important day for Nursery, as it was the first time our students partook in such an event, and it definitely showed. Some of our students jumped over the mini hurdles, instead of under them and some even skipped the obstacle course completely – all for a chance to tackle their tutu-wearing teacher waiting at the end.
When it came to the races, we had a few tears, a few walkers, and even a few crawlers. I could have sworn that we practised the week before, but that’s no biggy – because they did eventually get to the finish line, and I suppose it’s all we could ask for.
We ended the day off with much-deserved ice cream and said our goodbyes to the students, thinking the day was over, and that they would not remember the few short hours we spent in the sun. However, on Monday, I was greeted with big smiles and lots of burning questions about that special day. “Did you see my daddy, teacher?”, “When can we go to the big field again, I want to practice for mommy?”, “Why were you and Teacher Lissa wearing tutus?”, “Where were your school shorts teacher?”
I realized that it may have been a few short moments for us but for our students, as little as they are, they engrained every detail in their heads. They were able to participate in a big kid activity, and they were so proud! So, even though the obstacle course and the races didn’t go quite as planned, they still remembered everyone who showed up to support them, and they laughed about how silly their teachers looked.
So, I think if we can take anything away from that day, is that it was the first of many happy sports days for our students and that it is not the activities that make them memorable – it is the people that cheer on the side lines.
Thank you to everyone who came and cheered for our little ones – they remembered you.
Jo-Anne Dickason
Foundation Stage Teacher
(Photo Credit: Brendan Atti – BIS Year 10 Student)
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IES Sports Day 2022
On Friday, 22 July 2022, Blouberg International School hosted our fellow IES South African schools, Hout Bay International School and Helderberg International School, for an exciting day of sport. The U18 teams of the three schools competed in Soccer, Netball and Chess with some joyous cheers from the supporters.
Even though all matches were played with competitive intent and passionate hearts, we were extremely proud of the sportsmanship displayed by all athletes. It was evident that sportsmanship-values took priority above having good results, a true inspiration for our younger athletes who supported their teams. BIS celebrated victories in all games played. The U18 boys had even more reason to celebrate as they also received their brand-new soccer match kits on Friday.
We are looking forward to visiting Hout Bay International School next year to compete for the trophy.
Louis Marais
High School Sport
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Junior Sports Day 2021
Fun Sports Day!
There was great excitement in the junior campus as the students arrived for Sports Day this past Saturday. The students proudly marched onto the field to the song “We are the Champions”.
We then rotated between the different stations of sprints, potato and spoon race, obstacle course and the sack race. Mr Swart even got the teachers to have their own potato and spoon relay, much to the delight of the students. The highlight of the morning was the sibling and parents’ races, with the students eagerly cheering on their families from the sidelines.
The students returned to their classrooms for a well-deserved treat of an ice-lolly before going home. We would like to say a big thank you to all who participated in this memorable event.
Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher

Foundation Stage Experi-Buddies Inting
The Foundation Stage was very excited to have Experi–Buddies visit us for an inting to teach us more about Space. Experi–Buddies is an educational extra mural program that uses experiments to show young children that the world of Science can be fun.
The students could not wait to put the lab coats on! They learned that Neil Armstrong was the first astronaut on the moon and that astronauts have to wear weighted moon boots to stop them from floating around because of no gravity in space. They spoke about the Solar System and were delighted to learn the planet song.
They all participated in the experiments and took great pleasure in watching the rocket take off outside, when Mentos were added to Coca-Cola and it “exploded”!
Students should do experiments for the same reason that they listen to stories, take part in sport, etc. Experiments encourage them to be inquisitive, creative and build their self-confidence. Experiments also help to teach children to observe, compare and to predict outcomes while having fun!
Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception Teacher
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Learning About Space
For the last two weeks, we have been learning all about Space in the Foundation Stage.
The little ones have been very busy, making beautiful rocket pictures and alien pictures. We even have a few astronauts floating about our classroom.
It is a very exciting topic and the students are always eager to share some of their own knowledge with their friends. It is so encouraging to see their love of learning when they share their stories.
We have even incorporated our sensory play into the theme. Simple flour and oil has magically been turned into “moon sand” by our very imaginative little ones.
It is such an amazing privilege for the teachers to experience every learning opportunity with the little ones. Their excitement and enthusiasm make every day special.
Monique Meyer
Reception Year Teacher and Foundation Stage Coordinator

Measurement In Reception Year
In Reception Year, we have been learning about measurement. First, we learnt about length and more recently, we have been learning about capacity.
The students learnt that capacity means how much space a container has that can be filled. At this stage, we measure with non-standard units and therefore used smaller containers to fill larger containers. The students watched eagerly as the water trough was filled with water. Green food colouring and glitter was added for fun.
They then had so much fun using spoons to measure into cups and cups to measure into larger containers. The students had to count how many spoons of water would fill a cup and how many cups would fill a larger container.
They learnt so much from this activity and had a lot of fun in the process.
Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher
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Learning About the Farm in Pre-Reception
For the next two weeks, the Foundation Stage students are learning about the farm. It is a very exciting theme for them and they look forward to it every year.
The Pre-Reception students have been practicing saying farm animal names, baby animal names and noises that they make. They have been playing fun farm animal games and activities with farm animal toys, creating wonderful farm pictures, singing farm songs such as Old Mac Donald and listening to a collection of farm stories.
They are not only learning about farm animals, but also about all the different farms you get, and the crops harvested from them. They thoroughly like investigating planting seeds and farm machines too. Some students were fascinated to find out those potatoes, carrots and apples, etc. come from farms and then get distributed to the Supermarkets.
We even planted some tomatoes at school and the students are watering them and watching them grow with great anticipation.
Next week Friday, we are ending off the theme by having a Farm dress up day and a Petting Zoo is coming to visit us in Foundation Stage.
The students are enjoying all the activities and are learning so much as they explore and discover new things about the Farm.
Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception Teacher
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