Year Eight
Health and Physical Education
In Health, Year Eight students have been developing their knowledge on how physical activity can improve their social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual health. By understanding the benefits, students have gained an insight into how to improve their physical health and personal wellbeing through various exercises. The students have discussed the importance of mindfulness and how it can positively impact our mental health. They have learned how to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily lives. Students have explored different exercises aimed at enhancing our health and reducing the risk of Cardiovascular Disease.
The Year Eight students have been furthering their skills in Athletics over the last couple of weeks. They have practised their take-off technique for greater distance in long jump.
The students have also been working on their footwork and stance when preparing to throw the discus. All students were engaged and did
their best. They were very involved in trying to achieve their best result.
Science
The Year Eight students have actively immersed themselves in exploring the intricacies of cell structure. Through their studies, they have adeptly distinguished between animal and plant cells, delving into the nuanced details of their structures and organelles. This exploration has not only deepened their comprehension of cellular intricacies but also broadened their insight into the distinct roles that various cells are responsible for in both plant and animal organisms.
During laboratory sessions, students have elevated their proficiency in utilising microscopes. They have skillfully observed the intricate components of cells, creating detailed cell drawings across varying magnifications. The practical application of their knowledge extended beyond textbook examples, as they examined diverse real-world objects like sand and cotton wool, enhancing their hands-on experience and fostering a more comprehensive understanding.
Following this, students engaged in a hands-on activity where they skillfully prepared a wet mount slide using onion skin. Employing a combination of iodine and methylene blue, they adeptly highlighted the intricate structures
within the cell, providing a clear visualisation. Additionally, they had the opportunity to explore various pre-made slides, further enriching their understanding of cellular structures through practical observation.
English
This term, our students are deeply engaged in exploring the novel "The Hunger Games." Beginning with an enjoyable class viewing of the film, students were actively taking notes and participating in various activities designed to enhance their understanding of the novel.
Collaborative conversations have been a key feature of our exploration and learning, as we worked together to unpack the statement of inquiry and students were encouraged to articulate their interpretations in their own words, fostering a deeper connection to the text.
Our understanding of the novel extended beyond the surface narrative as we looked into the intricacies of character dynamics. Distinguishing between main and supporting characters, students gained insight into the roles, each plays in driving the story forward.
Through discussions on story structure and the significance of key plot points, students developed a greater understanding of the novel's themes. Our exploration of concepts such as justice and identity began with clear definitions and progressed into detailed text analysis. As we approach assessments, our focus is on supporting students in integrating their textual knowledge into their creative responses. By nurturing a comprehensive understanding of the text and its themes, we aim to empower students to excel academically.
Our journey through "The Hunger Games" continues to be one of discovery and growth. We are proud of the dedication and enthusiasm our students have shown so far, and look forward to their continued progress throughout the remainder of Term 1.
