Year Nine
Business Studies
In 2024 Term 3, Business Studies has been introduced as part of Saltwater College’s enhanced elective programs in Year 9. During the first three 3 weeks of lessons, we focused on the importance of teamwork in the workplace. We discussed how effective teamwork can lead to improved productivity, increased creativity, and better outcomes for the organization.
We then moved on to evaluate the current employment market, taking into consideration factors such as job trends, skill demands, and salary expectations. By analysing this information, students were able to gain a better understanding of the types of jobs available and the qualifications needed to secure them.
Next, we delved into the process of structuring a resume. Students learned how to showcase their skills, experiences, and achievements in a clear and concise manner. We discussed the importance of tailoring each resume to the specific job they are applying for and how to make a strong first impression on potential employers.
Finally, we explored the art of attending a job interview. Students learned how to prepare for an interview by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and ensuring they are dressed professionally.
Overall, these lessons provided students with valuable insights and practical skills to help them succeed in the employment market by equipping them with relevant skills to pursue their career goals. We look forward to continuing to support them in their journey towards success.
English
Dear Carers and Families,
We are excited to share updates from our Year Nine English class. Our students have been deeply engaged in exploring the theme: 'Adolescent identity may present an important point of view for adult culture through the craft of language.'
Students have focused on writing short stories, learning about various genres, building physical and cultural settings, and developing characters using PAMIA (Personality, Appearance, Motivation, Interactions, and Arc). They have also learned techniques to create engaging plots.
By reading "Underdog" LoveOzYA Short Stories, students connected with themes of adolescent identity, relating to characters and scenarios similar to their own experiences. These readings inspired them to write their own short stories, reflecting their unique perspectives.
We are proud of their creativity and encourage you to ask your child about their stories and the themes they explored. Your support and interest are invaluable as they continue to develop their skills and express their identities through language.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mathematics
The third term started as a busy term with the Year Nine students immediately starting to work on Theory of Pythagoras. The students began the unit by exploring what the theorem is all about. They then used to theorem to calculate the measurement of the unknown line. Students had consolidated their understanding of the concept, and its application, as was evident in their post-assessment task.
This understanding formed the basis for study of trigonometry. New technical vocabulary used to describe the sides in trigonometry were introduced to the students. Students gained a better understanding of the concepts of opposite sides, adjacent sides, sine, cosine and tangent ratios. To consolidate their understanding of the ratios, students were encouraged to remember the abbreviation, “SOH CAH TOA”. This abbreviation helps students to commit these ratios to memory.
Students then used these ratios to calculate the unknown measurement of the sides. As we progress through this unit students will use these ratios to calculate the unknown angles. To motivate students in seeing the relevance of trigonometry in everyday life, they were given real life worded problems in which they needed to draw on their new knowledge and solve these challenges.
As we progress through the year, we notice that students are becoming more focused and taking ownership of their own learning in mathematics.
Science
The Year 9 students embarked on an exploration of Evolution this term, delving into the contributions of various theorists that shaped the Theory of Evolution as we understand it today.
To deepen their understanding, students participated in group challenges designed to illustrate the principles of natural selection. Each group faced a unique disadvantage, such as using only one arm, wearing an eye patch, being unable to speak, or dealing with a time penalty. Through these constraints, students discovered the necessity of adapting their techniques to succeed.
Each task had a time limit of 10 minutes, culminating in the final and most challenging activity: building a tower within a 20-minute timeframe. This task required students to develop innovative communication strategies to overcome their obstacles and achieve success.
Visual Art
We are excited to share the progress our students are making in their exploration of identity through our latest unit of inquiry. This engaging unit focuses on the Statement of Inquiry: "Identity can be shaped and formed in relation to our context and may be expressed through the Arts." Our students have embarked on a transformative journey, diving deep into how identity influences and is reflected in artistic expression.
Throughout this unit, students have been grappling with several conceptual questions designed to deepen their understanding of how identity is intertwined with art. These questions include:
- How is identity used to express a narrative?
- How does the integration of different artistic mediums in visual art contribute to the depth of storytelling?
- Why does understanding the role of identity within storytelling help artists communicate more effectively?
- How does the exploration of narrative in art enhance our appreciation of relationships between different elements?
By addressing these questions, students are not only examining how personal and cultural identities shape artistic narratives but also how various mediums can enhance storytelling. They have been encouraged to look at how different artists use their personal experiences and societal contexts to craft compelling stories through their work. One of the key outcomes of this unit is a heightened appreciation for the relationships between different elements in art. As students explore how narrative and identity intersect, they are gaining a deeper understanding of how various artistic elements work together to create a richer and more impactful story.
We look forward to seeing how these insights will continue to shape their artistic journeys and contribute to their overall growth.
Drama Class: A Thrilling Introduction to Performance and Storytelling
This semester marks the introduction of Drama to the Year 9 elective program, offering students an exciting journey into the world of performance through storytelling.
The introductory lessons of this Drama class aim to teach core performance skills while also sparking students' creativity and enhancing their communication abilities.
The lessons began with an engaging breakdown of specific performance skills and their significance in the storytelling process across cultures and history. Students learned how stories have been a crucial part of human communication, serving as a means to entertain, educate, and preserve traditions.
In small groups, students were tasked with creating their own short narratives. They brainstormed ideas, developed characters, and outlined plots, paying close attention to the settings in which their stories would unfold. This collaborative exercise allowed students to appreciate the importance of each element and how they work together to create a cohesive and engaging story.
The highlight of these lessons was the performances the students created. Each group had the opportunity to present their stories to the class. Through dramatic expression and dynamic storytelling techniques, students brought their narratives to life. They experimented with voice modulation, body language, and facial expressions to capture the attention of their audience and convey the emotions and nuances of their stories.
The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the students were truly inspiring, and it was evident that they had embraced the learning intentions of the class. We look forward to seeing how these budding performers and storytellers continue to develop their skills and creativity in future drama lessons. Keep an eye out for more exciting updates from our Year 9 Drama class!
Food Technology
Welcome back to another exciting Semester of Food Technology. In Year Nine, our young chefs have wasted no time diving into the kitchen creating delectable dishes that not only tantalise the taste buds but also promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Students have been hard at work creating two delightful recipes: Oriental Chicken Kebabs and Vegetable Pasties. These culinary adventures have not only ignited a passion for cooking but also emphasised the importance of eating well and feeling well. The Oriental Chicken Kebabs introduced them to the art of marinating but also highlighted the importance of incorporating lean proteins and a variety of vegetables into their diets. The colourful skewers served as a visual feast, showcasing the beauty of a balanced meal.
In the heart of our Year Nine Food Technology curriculum lies a crucial lesson- the connection between eating well and feeling well. We believe that by instilling healthy eating habits from a young age we can empower our students to make informed choices that contribute to their overall wellbeing.
Through hands-on experiences students are not only honing their culinary skills but also gaining a deeper understanding of the nutritional value of the food they consume.
As we progress through the term, we look forward to exploring more exciting recipes and culinary adventures with our Year Nine chefs. Together, we aim to cultivate a love for cooking, a passion for nutritious meals, and a commitment to eating well and feeling well.
