sign language

(Service&Creativity)

On 20th of October, it was thanks giving day and we anually celebrate it in the church that I go to.  In the chruch there are largely four departments and each department has to prepare something to express thanks for what we are given. What we usually do is singing, but this time we did something fresh that wasn't done before - sign language on music 'You Raise me up'. We watched the video on youtube and tried to imitate it. I realised that my hands were not flexible at all and compared to girls my actions seemed to be awkward. Also I always got wrong at confusing parts, so I really practised a lot not to make mistakes on the real stage.
We had only 2 weeks to prepare this and time we actually met together to practice was only 2 days as everyone had busy schedules. All of us were quite good as we practiced individually at home, but the problem was that we played on different tempos. One of the most important things was that we had to synchronize our actions on the right tempo of the music.  So for the last time we met, we really practiced a lot to have a good teamwork.

On the real stage, it was successful. Since the day was between the half-term exam, I couldn't balance the time to practice sign language and study school subjects. Also this was the first time I tried  Sign language, but I practiced a lot and managed to do it quite successfully. Honestly, while practicing, we were weary due to long practice, but we felt really great on the real stage, seeing few people moving to tears.

International Day

Service

 On international day, year 12 made different kinds of activities that can entertain young kids like we did last year and we as year 13 organised the day. So many people did lots of works and as a result the day went amazing. I didn't take such a big important role, but I took year 11b and make sure they participate in activities. As they were not so young,they could control themselves and didn't do ridiculous things. However, when the activities were not interesting to them, they just talked to each other and showed rude behavior to a person who prepared an activity, but generally there was no big problem.  And the day before, year 13 helped to set up the gym for a talent show. I thought it would take quite a long time to move stuffs and organise the gym, but we did it in a blink of an eye. And this year we have changed the formation of the stage. For several years, the stage was set at the corner of the gym, which was very uncomfortable to watch for the audience, but this time, it positioned on the middle and parents could watch performances much more comfortably.

 As I always feel on international day, it is the most enjoyable school day in a year and this is possible, because many people put efforts and cooperate to organize one day and participants also eagerly participate in . After few months, I will graduate from this school, but never forget the amazing memories I had as a participant and an organiser on this great day which show well why this school is 'international'.

Creativity (performance on international day )


 Last year, I played the guitar in the band called High Five, but as some members left to their countries the band was disbanded, so I didn't think of performing this year. A week before International day, Yarrubi and David asked me to perform together. First I thought of turning it down, because I am not such a good player and I was afraid of ruining thier performance. But I accepted to do it and the song we chose was Emeli sande-breaking the law. Fortunately, the song was just consisted of the repetition of four chords. But the fingering part was quite difficult for me to do, so I changed it easier to play. Also, I gave some varieties in guitar strokes to harmonise with David's beat box. Actually last year, when I played the guitar in the band, the guy who played the first guitar always helped me a lot on every song and I played the guitar passively according to what he told me. The song was not difficult, but this time it was a personal challenge and achievement to play the guitar by myself without helps.  We have practiced hard for a week during every lunch time. We all were so nervous before our turn, but we enjoyed it and it was successful!

 

reflection on half term basketball

 I have played basketball for quite long time, but I found several problems that I still couldn't get rid of. For several times, I posted my problems on the blog, but I think I didn't get better much. STILL I can't not dribble properly without looking at the ball. I am a point guard who should pass more and lead games. However, as I always look at the ball when I dribble, I usually can't see ones who are open and I miss a lot of good chances that can directly be assists. Also my shooting is still not good. I know the problem. My shooting form  is fundamentally not in a standard stable form. I should release a shot when I am at the highest point in the air, but I still shoot when I am going down, which reduces power and accuracy as well. Also I need to use finger snaps, not a snap of a palm. I have realised this recently and this is what I need to improve. One more problem is that opponents already know the motions I like to use. I use particular fakes, movements, pass routins and since we have seen each others' play style for a long time, we now can read where opponents move. I can predict others' movement, but my movement is also being read. Personally, I think we have the best members(though the individuals' capability is subtle), but in this term our team took the second place among 3 teams. I am sorry for my team mates and I have to make certain plans that I can improve. Since it is winter now, time and place I can play basketball are limited. Days I can personally practice is 20 minutes before the club on Wednesday starts. During 20 min, I just randomly shoot, but since now I will try to change my shooting form first and get used to it for 10min and another 10 min is for practicing dribbling.

Summary
- More passes
- Dribble without looking at the ball
- Give more varieties in movements,fakes and dribble patterns
- Change a shooting form