STAGE 4

YEAR 7

ENGLISH

Words as Weapons 

Year 7 students are exploring the power of language in their poetry unit, Words as Weapons. They are studying a range of poems and discovering how words can be used to persuade, challenge, and inspire. Some classes have been horrified by the creatures in ‘Jabberwocky’ while others have considered the power of protest through ‘If We Must Die.’ As they progress, they will experiment with transforming poetry into imaginative paragraphs, building their creative and analytical skills. This will lead to a short answer assessment task, where they will develop their ability to analyse texts effectively. 

HISTORY

Digging into the Ancient Past 

This term, our Year 7 students are stepping back in time with their first high school History topic: Investigating the Ancient Past. They’ll find out how historians and archaeologists uncover stories from long ago using artefacts, written records, and even mysteries that still puzzle experts today. They are now applying this learning as they move into learning about Ancient China. It’s a fascinating way to kick off their history journey – and they’re already asking great questions! 

MUSIC

Keeping the Beat with Bucket Drumming! 

Our Year 7 Music students have been making plenty of noise – in the best way possible! This term, all classes have been busy developing their rhythmic skills through bucket drumming, working towards different levels of achievement as they build confidence and coordination. 

Alongside their practical drumming, students have been deepening their understanding of duration and note values, demonstrating their knowledge of rhythmic notation through written activities and performance. From steady quarter-note beats to more complex rhythmic patterns, they are showing fantastic progress in both theory and practice. 

It’s been an exciting and energetic term in the Music classroom, and we can’t wait to see our students continue to develop their rhythmic skills in the weeks ahead! Keep up the great work, Year 7!

ITALIAN

Learning Through Play!  

Year 7 Italian students have been enthusiastically developing their listening and speaking skills, learning how to introduce themselves and their families in Italian. Through interactive activities, role-playing, and engaging conversations, they are building confidence in using the language in real-life contexts. 

The classroom has been full of energy as students learn through games and active learning, making their language journey both fun and immersive. Their enthusiasm and participation have been fantastic, and we look forward to seeing their Italian skills continue to grow! Bravissimi, Year 7! 

TAS MANDATORY - FOOD & AGRICULTURE

This term, our Year 7 and 8 students have been diving into the Food and Agriculture focus area of Technology Mandatory. Through hands-on cooking lessons, they’ve mastered cornflake cookies, tomato pasta, and fried rice, developing essential food preparation skills. Beyond the kitchen, students have explored food and fibre production in Australia, Aboriginal land management practices, and the workings of a bush tucker garden. By blending traditional and modern agricultural knowledge, students are gaining a deeper appreciation for sustainable food sources and Indigenous perspectives. It’s been a delicious and insightful journey, fostering both practical skills and cultural awareness! 

sources and Indigenous perspectives. It’s been a delicious and insightful journey, fostering both practical skills and cultural awareness!

YEAR 8

ENGLISH

Identity 

Year 8 students are diving into the theme of Identity through their novel study. Some students are looking at the complex identities in social groups through ‘The Outsiders’ while others are having fun learning about the horrors of the teenage experience through ‘Lockie Leonard’! They are examining how characters navigate their sense of self and reflecting on these ideas in their own lives through journal entries. This personal engagement with the text will help them develop insights that they will later apply in a short answer assessment task, strengthening their analytical writing skills. 

HISTORY

Indigenous Peoples and Colonisation 

In Year 8 History, we’re exploring the impact of colonisation on Indigenous communities around the world – including right here in Australia. Students have learnt about the experiences of the Maori people and compared them to British colonisation in Australia. It’s a big-picture look at how contact changed lives and cultures, and it encourages students to think deeply about different perspectives and lasting effects. We’re really looking forward to the discussions this topic will spark! 

VISUAL ARTS

Exploring the Elements of Art 

Year 8 Visual Arts students have been honing their creative skills while exploring the elements of art. Through hands-on activities, they have been developing their understanding of line, color, shape, texture, and form, building a strong foundation for their artistic expression. 

Currently, students are beginning an exciting painting project inspired by Australian street artist Mulga. Drawing from his bold colors, intricate patterns, and imaginative characters, they are experimenting with their own unique styles while refining their painting techniques. 

It’s been a fantastic start to the term, and we can’t wait to see their vibrant and creative works come to life!