Levi's US Trip

Info/Photos can be found at the www.meekernz.net website.  I'll keep this updated with a few of the best pics over the next few days and the holidays.  Remember to post Levi a question as well. (see post below)

Ask Levi a question...

Levi is at the moment hanging out in the state of Washington, USA.  He's having the opportunity to experience American life - family, school, etc.  I'd be interested to hear if you have any questions for him about his time in America.

Post your questions below.

More Character Writing - with illustrations!!

Read some more great descriptive writing in this post.  As well as the descriptions, check out the illustrations that a classmate added to bring the character to 'life'.  Some great writing and awesome artwork :)

Comment on which of the illustrations match up with what piece of writing.

Who Am I?

Check out the character descriptions below - we are working on providing in-depth descriptions of characters.  If you know who it is, leave a comment!! :)

How Far Should A Country Go To Win Gold?

During the London Olympics, China placed second on the overall medal table.  It is no secret they spend tens of millions of dollars developing elite athletes.  In order to get the 'best of the best', China is a country that identify potential athletes at an extremely young age.  They are then put through gruelling training schools where they begin to be 'shaped' into elite athletes.

I've attached a link below to a clip on a gymnastics school.  Have a look....

Chinese Gymnastics Training

I'd welcome your comments below on the following questions (Remembering that China won the second most medals at the Olympics)

1)  Do you think that this type of training is appropriate?  Give a reason for your answer

2)  Should children be training at such a young age? Do you think that there are any advantages to this?

3)  Would you be willing to put yourself through that amount of training in order to reach your goals (or even win a gold medal?)

I look forward to reading your responses.

Keep in touch with Alex!

Keep up with what Alex is up to in Wellington and also let him know what's happening down here.....be cool for heaps of people to post!

Drugs in Sport - Performance Enhancement

As part of our topic around 'Excellence' we are looking at the role that drugs play in elite sport.  I'd appreciate your views on the following questions - we can use them as discussion points in class:

1)  Why do you think athletes would want to use performance enhancing drugs when there is a good chance that they will get caught?


2)  What are some of the 'costs' of using performance enhancing drugs (also think about other people that might be effected.)


3)  What athlete's do you know of that have been caught using performance enhancing drugs in the past?