The Year 7s have, once again, been deeply contemplating the intricacies of human thought. One of the fundamental insights we impart early on in their HT journey is the recognition that we, as homo sapiens, possess an evolutionary past. Despite lacking the physical attributes of other species that inhabit our world, such as sharp teeth or claws for defence, thick skin or fur for protection, we stand as intelligent beings who have come to dominate our environment. Our distinguishing feature lies in our unparalleled intellect - a gift bestowed upon us by our remarkably developed brains. The exact evolutionary pressures and mechanisms that led to this profound change still remain somewhat mysterious, even as we make strides in unravelling the intricacies of human thought through advancements in neuroscience and technology; there is still much left for us to uncover and learn.

Understanding our evolutionary heritage has prompted our students to closely observe and appreciate the thought processes of other animals. By comparing and contrasting their experiences with ours, students not only gain insight into the complexities of human thought but also cultivate a heightened ecological consciousness. This attentive examination has led them to embrace the practice of 'umwelt.' Originating from the field of biology and introduced by the German biologist Jakob von Uexküll, the term "umwelt" refers to the experiential world in which an organism interacts and perceives its surroundings, regardless of its level of consciousness.

As part of their umwelt practice, students were presented with a descriptive writing task that encouraged them to step into the paws, fins, or wings of the animal they chose to observe. The objective was to vividly depict life from the animal's perspective.

Their work showcased their remarkable efforts to incorporate a range of literary techniques, such as vivid vocabulary, similes, and onomatopoeia, to breathe life into their descriptions.