Secondary 

English

The Sixth Sense

This term, Stage 5 English students have loved learning about all things HORROR! We have been doing a film study of the psychological thriller The Sixth Sense. Both Anna Armstrong and I have been incredibly impressed with the enthusiasm students have shown in the unit so far. All students have contributed willingly and with careful consideration to verbal discussions, politely arguing their opinions and backing them up with specific evidence from the film. 

Students also enjoyed watching brief excerpts from Jaws and Baby Driver and analysing their use of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. If you're not sure what these sounds involve, ask one of the students - their knowledge was impressive! 

Other activities have included interactive online quizzes, written responses regarding the film's resolution and various vocabulary extending exercises. The assessment task requires presenting a speech on the film and allows students to select one of six options of a topic that interests them. For example, students could pretend to be Toni Colette, and explain how her role in the film extended her range as an actor. 

I've enjoyed facilitating the students to have such intellectual discussions, and am impressed with their ability to analyse the use of various cinematic techniques. I look forward to listening to their speeches in Week 5. 

Ali Thomas

English and History Teacher 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

This semester Stage 5 mathematics  students have been using Desmos, an online graphing calculator to investigate parabolas (Image 1) and non-linear relationships. They have been using Desmos in class previously to investigate linear relationships, using the student and teacher functions available in Desmos (Image 2 and 3). 

The students have enjoyed seeing their graphs form as they input data and being able to create numerous lines in different colours on the same cartesian plane. Students make judgements on the shape and size of the graph and make connections between the non-linear equation and the graphical representation.

Elizabeth Moorby I STEM Teacher

Technical and Applied Studies (TAS)

Students in the technology faculty are working hard to complete projects across timber and metal areas.

Stage 5 timber technology students are working on a carry tray that consists of a different joint technique in each corner and includes some lathe work for the handle. This project is great for developing accurate measuring and marking-out skills. Cutting the joints needs complete focus to ensure accuracy and detailed hand tool skills for fine finishing of the joining techniques. All students are working through the joints at different stages and producing quality work.

Stage 5 metal technology students are working on fabricating a fire pit. This project requires the skills of accurate measuring and marking and cutting all components on the cold saw. Sheets of plate metal are cut using thermal cutting techniques to produce the firebox portion of the project. Once all components are cut and prepared they will be carefully tack-welded together and checked before finally welding all surfaces with a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. Students get to design a logo or cut out to personalise their project.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Stage 6 VET manufacturing and engineering students are completing a cantilever toolbox that is fabricated out of sheet metal material. Students are developing skills in project management, safe work method statements, standard operating procedures, communicating in the workplace and the associated practical skills of marking, cutting, folding and joining sheet metal.

All students appreciate the consistent time in the workshops after a very disrupted year of learning.

Stewart Blomfield I Head Teacher TAS/VET

Stage 4 Mandatory Technology

Students in Ms Williams' Stage 4 mandatory technology class have been studying the benefits of various textiles. A focus has been on evaluating the properties of various materials when designing and constructing clothes. 

After considering how a life without textiles would be difficult, students worked in groups to design, construct and display a clothing ensemble made entirely from non-textile materials.  Students demonstrated great creativity when using cardboard, paper products, foil and  plastics to create their innovative designs.

A fun in-class fashion parade followed.

All students enjoyed the task, and are to be congratulated on their collaborative efforts. 

Pam Harris I Stage 4 Teacher (relieving)

Careers

Please click on the attachment to view the 2021 TAFE Handbook 

Information for parents of Year 12 students