We went for a walk

What a great day! Some time ago, SH had the suggestion that we go on a walk-a-thon to raise money for a local charity. We had a class goal of raising $50 but had only achieved $7 after three weeks. It was a great idea and involved walking around the school - so no special permissions or problems with admin.
No student in the class was forced to go on the walk or to raise money. However, I did say that if they did not they would have to stay at school and do some other work in our Study Hall.
When it came to the crunch, everyone had raised some money - from 50c to an amazing $20! Today was the day of the walk and I incorporated a bit of Maths into it by taking a measuring wheel and working out how far we walked. As I said, all of them participated and were willing to walk the 2 1/2 kilometres. They were so enthusiastic about getting out of class that they wanted to walk it again! They were great on the walk - just a few words early to the stone throwing wannbes was enough to get them to focus on just walking and talking. I got to know a few more of the class as well - a number of them are playing high (ie State) levels of sport including Soccer, Netball and even Football (AFL). A couple are captains or vice-captains of their teams.
When we came back to class, we had about 30 minutes until lunch time. During this time I let them sit where they wanted - I wouldn't have dreamed of doing this 5 weeks ago. Generally, they were great and really focussed on the task at hand (some Maths work sheets).
I don't know where we are headed exactly but overall I am very happy with the direction. Looking forward to Term 2 when we undertake the Great Balloon Race - part of the English Curriculum. I can see links with the Mixtures and Matter units in Science. With the matter unit I was thinking of getting them to study the changes in atmosphere when they go up a 3000 m mountain - the changes in air pressure, temperature, oxygen levels etc. They could also study the consequences of this: the lower boiling point for water, the changes in the way you cook food, the challenges to breathing etc. I don't know to what extent the students will understand how this relates to matter, but I am going to have fun trying. The English teacher was also very interested.