STAGE 6

YEAR 11 & 12

ENGLISH

Senior English Support 

Senior students are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities available to strengthen their English skills. Study sessions run by A. Miller, A. Noone, and S. Golding provide valuable support. Further, students can access additional support whether it be during lunch breaks, before school, or after school in the study centre. Please encourage your child to make the most of these sessions to refine their writing, prepare for assessments, and set themselves up for success this year! 

HSIE

HSIE Hacks: Tips & Tricks for Senior Success 

Whether you're knee-deep in historical sources, analysing legal cases, or mapping global trends, these tips will help you stay on top of your HSIE game (without losing your mind). 

🔍 1. Know Your Glossary Like Your Life Depends on It 

Whether it’s “significance,” “contestability,” or “sustainability” – those key terms are everywhere. Get comfy with them early and use them confidently in your writing.

📝 2. Answer the Actual Question (Not the One You Wish Was Asked) 

Sounds obvious, right? But it’s easy to go off on a passionate tangent. Make sure you’re sticking to the keywords – “evaluate,” “explain,” “assess” all mean different things. Break the question down before you jump in! 

📚 3. Case Studies & Sources = Your Besties 

In HSIE, evidence is everything. Drop in those case studies, stats, or historical sources to back up your points. Make it specific and show off that you actually know your stuff. 

⏰ 4. Start Early-ish (or at Least Not the Night Before) 

Look, we get it – procrastination happens. But HSIE assignments and essays take time. Give yourself room to plan, draft, and refine. Even one or two days ahead can make a huge difference. 

🧠 5. Use Visuals to Study Smarter 

Timelines, mind maps, colour-coded tables – whatever works for your brain! HSIE has a lot of content, so chunk it up visually to make it easier to remember. 

🗣️ 6. Talk It Out 

Explaining a concept to a mate (or even your dog) is actually a great way to check if you really understand it. If you can teach it, you’ve nailed it. 

💬 7. Essay Planning = Secret Weapon 

Before you write, plan! Just a quick structure – intro, points, evidence, conclusion – will help your essays flow and keep you from waffling. Bonus: markers love clear structure. 

📖 8. Read Widely (But Wisely) 

You don’t need to read everything – but go beyond the textbook when you can. Watch a doco, skim a credible article, check out speeches or case law. It gives you fresh examples and makes your responses stand out.

🎯 9. Past Papers = Gold 

Doing past HSC or trial questions under timed conditions is one of the best ways to prep. You’ll get used to the question styles, and you might even see a pattern… 

🧴 10. Keep It Balanced 

HSIE is important – but so is your mental health. Take breaks, drink water, go outside, laugh, breathe. You’ve got this. 💪 

SCIENCE

Year 11 Biology - Exploring Cell Size and Diffusion 

 Our Year 11 Biology students recently conducted an experiment exploring how surface area to volume ratio affects the rate of diffusion. Using agar cubes and indicator solutions, they observed firsthand how cell size impacts nutrient and waste exchange. 

This hands-on investigation deepened their understanding of why cells remain small for efficient diffusion.  Well done, Year 11! 

Year 12 Investigating Science – Exploring Temperature and Reaction Rates 

Our Year 12 Investigating Science students have been conducting an experiment to explore the relationship between temperature and reaction rate. By observing chemical reactions at different temperatures, they gained insight into how heat energy influences molecular movement and reaction speed. This hands-on investigation helps students apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios, deepening their understanding of reaction kinetics and experimental design. 

VISUAL ARTS  VISUAL DESIGN

Creativity in Full Bloom🎨✨ 

 For Year 11 Visual Arts, the focus is on landscapes and how artists have depicted the environment. Students are examining the work of different artists, exploring themes of nature and the world around us, and applying their insights to their own landscape artworks. 

In Year 12 Visual Arts, students are in the midst of creating their body of work, which involves deep exploration and personal expression through their chosen mediums. Alongside this, they are refining their essay writing skills, analysing and reflecting on their artistic journey and the themes they’ve chosen to explore. 

With such exciting and diverse projects underway, our Stage 6 students are truly showcasing their artistic talents and pushing the boundaries of creativity! 🎨🖌️✨ 

 VISUAL DESIGN

Year 11 Visual Design students are currently working on a dynamic project focused on food trucks and creating a graphic wrap for a food truck. They’re exploring branding, design concepts, and visual communication to create eye-catching, functional designs that reflect the unique style of a food truck. 

In Year 12 Visual Design, students are diving into interior design, taking on the exciting challenge of a room makeover. They are using design principles to transform spaces, focusing on coloUr, layout, and functionality while expressing their creativity and style. 

TAS - HOSPITALITY

Year 12 Hospitality  

Our Hospitality students have been busy producing non-alcoholic beverages, like mixed berry smoothies, love potions, and pineapple punch. Their barista skills are also progressing, with plenty of practice steaming milk, extracting espresso, and perfecting the art of coffee making. 

Alongside their practical work, students have been completing their assessment on Sourcing and Using Information in the Hospitality Industry, gaining valuable insight into emerging technologies, industry trends, and workplace expectations. 

Excitement is building as they prepare for work placement in Week 1 of Term 2. This hands-on experience will see students step into cafés and restaurants, applying their skills in a professional setting. It’s an exciting opportunity to learn from industry experts and take their training to the next level. With plenty of practice and enthusiasm, our students are well on their way to obtaining their Certificate II Hospitality.