Department News

HSIE Department

It has been an incredibly busy term for our Humanities students this term. On behalf of the staff, we would like to express how incredibly proud we are of the commitment, enthusiasm, and achievements of our classes in the HSIE Department. Their dedication to learning, community, and understanding the world, continues to flourish.

This term began with all of year 10 undertaking a mammoth Canberra overnight excursion. Within these adventurous two days, students explored various nationally significant sites including the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum and the Institute of Sport. We are pleased to hear the positive feedback of their experiences and look forward to rerunning it next year.

More recently year 12 Economics was able to attend a full study day at UBS. Rose Caddle reports below:

On Tuesday the 23rd of May, year 12 Economics received the opportunity to attend a HSC conference hosted by UBS which is open to all students across NSW. The event was an exceptional chance to cover key topics in the NSW HSC Economics syllabus and macroeconomic themes currently affecting the Australian economy. Our class thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to meeting members of what we consider “economics royalty” in our future career pathways.

Students heard from industry experts on a range of topics, including:

• George Tharenou (Australia Chief Economist, UBS)
• Mahjabeen Zaman (Head of FX Research, ANZ)
• Ross Gittins (Economics Editor, Sydney Morning Herald)
• James Holloway (Deputy Head of Economic Analysis, The Reserve Bank of Australia)

Year 12 Economics class Brigidine College Randwick with Ross Gittins at the UBS Economic Conference. 

As the HSIE team moves towards term 3, I wish our staff and students all the best in their assessments, fieldwork, business reports and source analysis. Special mention to year 9 commerce and their upcoming market day - make sure you get your preorders in!

David Martin

Head of HSIE

Mathematics Department

As Term 2 draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to commemorate the remarkable and fulfilling journey undertaken by our College's Mathematics department this term. Additionally, we have some thrilling news to share with you.

Our Year 12 Mathematics students were fortunate to participate in workshops led by Stuart Palmer and Morris Needleman, where they gained invaluable advice and tips to aid their preparation for the forthcoming Trial examinations and HSC. Stuart Palmer and Morris Needleman are highly esteemed educational consultants known for conducting professional development workshops across NSW and beyond. Their presentations transcended mere formulaic instruction, providing our students and teachers with profound insights and benefits derived from their extensive expertise and profound understanding of HSC Mathematics. 

Mathematics Standard students in Year 12 delved into the exploration of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man's applicability to a typical Brigidine College student by studying bivariate data. Collaborating in groups, students undertook the task of measuring their peers' height, arm span, and shoulder width to examine if these measurements maintain proportionality. 

In an engaging endeavour, Year 9 students have been actively collaborating to solve real-world problems using Trigonometry. Working in pairs, students are presented with a problem that requires their joint effort to find a solution. They then have the opportunity to present their findings to the class, elucidating their thought process and reasoning to their peers. This collaborative approach fosters motivation and encourages students to take ownership not only of their own learning but also that of their classmates.

Maya Mabey     &        Gus Lyon 

Head of                         Assistant Head of          

Mathematics              Mathematics 

TAS & VET Department

Semester 1 has been a fun-filled time for our young designers and foodies. There have been a number of enriching activities taking place at the College. Let’s take a look below!

Year 8 Smart Farmer Dairy Cow

On Tuesday 6 June, Year 8 Technology students participated in the Smart Farmer Mobile Dairy Incursion, which involved a visit from farmers and dairy cows to Brigidine College. The incursion included a demonstration of how a dairy farm is managed, innovative and sustainable milk production processes, a hands-on experience with animals and the use of technology in the dairy industry. 

Good Food & Design TAS Show

On Thursday 8 June, Year 7-11 Design & Technology students hosted the annual ‘Good Food & Design TAS Show’ at the College. The evening consisted of appetisers and canapes served by Year 11 Hospitality students; sweet treat night food markets, offered and prepared by Year 10 Food Technology students and a runway showcase of Year 7 to 11 wearable design projects.

Year 12 Hospitality

Year 12 Hospitality student Charlize Ashby won the regional round for the NSW Training Awards VET in Schools student of the year category. The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. The Awards provide a unique opportunity to celebrate achievements and hard work. Nominating an individual for an award can open many doors and potentially become a stepping stone in their careers.

Year 12 Hospitality catered for a staff lunch with salad bowls they designed, planned and prepared as part of their “Prepare appetisers and Salads”  competency task assessment. 

Year 11 Hospitality

Year 11 Hospitality catered for a staff lunch by designing, planning and preparing a range of sandwiches as part of their “Prepare & Present Sandwiches”  competency task. 

The students were given the opportunity to select a sandwich of their choice and in groups prepare, package and deliver their delicious creations. Take a look at what was on offer!

TAS Staff Updates

A very big welcome to Ms Rae Murray, who has joined the TAS Department this term. We are thrilled to be working with you and hope you have settled into life at Brigidine.

Sadly we farewell a member of the TAS family, Ms Bedelia Melville. Bedelia has been at the College for over 8 years, working within numerous faculties. She has been an asset to the TAS Department, and we wish her all the very best in her new position at Bethany College. 

Kylie Little & Alethea Oliver

TAS & VET Coordinators