Secondary students of Gateway College Colombo showcase their learning

Innovation, Creativity, Confidence, Enthusiasm ….. these were a few qualities evident among the Secondary students of Gateway College Colombo when they celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the school by conducting an exhibition of high quality on the 27th and 28th of January at the College premises. Hon. Sarath N. Silva, the Former Chief Justice who was the Chief Guest mentioned that the exhibits and the presentations made by the students demonstrated the high degree of learning that Gateway students are exposed to. He further said that he was very impressed with the humility of the students and their respect for the Sri Lankan culture even though they are studying in an International school.

The Secondary section of Gateway College functions under six Departments; Science, Mathematics, Business Studies, Humanities, Information and Communication Technology and Sports. Students of Years 7 to 13 divided responsibilities among them, individually as well as in groups to take part in designing and developing various exhibits, performances and services.

The Department of Science responsible for General Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Human Biology showed the

versatility of the field of Science through conducting experiments in Chemistry and Physics, checking the blood group of visitors, investigating a mock crime scene “CSR style,” with the aid of a forensic pathology lab and by displaying models made by students of all grades.

The Department of Mathematics responsible for Mathematics, Further and Pure Mathematics, recreated an ancient Greek setting - the foundation of Mathematics - and showed the evolution of the field, inventions and tested its practical application through various games and activities.

The Department of Business Studies which encompasses Economics, Commerce, Accounting and Business Studies, took their subjects out of the classroom and into the real commercial world, as students displayed, explained and built prototypes of innovative and functional product ideas, ran a supermarket and various sole trader and partnership businesses conducting real time business and performed various roles that keep economies afloat. There was even a simulation of the stock market.

The Department of Humanities with its wide array of subjects that ranges from Languages and Literature to Psychology, Fine Arts, Music, History and Geography, put Gateway on stage with musical performances, had a history museum, exhibited art work by students, conducted an authentic French café and a Sinhala Gamé Kadé and displayed a graffiti “wall” painted by the students that focused on protecting the environment.

The Department of ICT being at the forefront of technology with Applied ICT, Business Communication and Systems and ICT, showcased virtual reality, the Kinect option, network gaming and students were also able to participate in Robotics workshops. The Department of Sports that teaches BTEC in Sport, displayed the achievements of students in the sports arena as well as the varied aspects of the qualification.

There were also scouting demonstrations such as aerial walk and fireman’s chair by Gateway’s scouts, a popular activity in the school’s afternoon activities programme.