And, in typical Newlands Intermediate School fashion, it was a competition.

In Term 3, each class got behind a country competing in the Rugby World Cup, to learn more about that country and to get involved in the atmosphere of the World Cup.

And, in typical Newlands Intermediate School fashion, it was a competition. Countries were selected by the student leaders out of a bag, and classes then got to work making slideshows, decorating classrooms, taking videos, writing songs, learning dances and so much more. We had until the last week of term to perfect our presentation.

Near the start of the preparation, we had a ‘parade’ in the hall. Two to three students for each class stood on the stage with their country's flag and, in turn, introduced their room and country. We all got to dress up in the colours, even if we weren’t going on stage, and it was worth it! After our class was introduced, the rest of us had to stand up and show off our attire.

The most memorable introduction was definitely Samoa, represented by Room 14. They were very loud and very happy to be supporting Samoa, playing music and yelling. Mrs Lowe was very impressed.

In the end, Room 2, supporting Italy, won the competition (if not the World Cup). The judge, Mrs Lowe, praised their facts, but in particular, the pasta-making video. A student in Room 2’s father was Italian and knew all about pasta, so they filmed him making and talking about pasta. Other presentations included Room 10’s Irish dancing and poem, Room 12’s tour of France, and Room 14’s Sasa.

The Rugby World Cup was a great opportunity for all of Newlands Intermediate to learn about different countries and go out of their comfort zone presenting to their syndicate.

 By Clare Geursen