Secondary Happenings
Physics Year 12 Physics at Luna Park
Joel Vinicombe, Physics Teacher
Last week our Year 12 Physics students took part in the annual Luna Park Physics Day, an exciting opportunity to experience the principles of force and motion firsthand. While they have explored the theoretical calculations in class, this excursion allowed them to physically feel concepts such as weightlessness and multiple G-forces in action.
Beyond the thrill of the rides, this immersive outing also serves as the foundation for the students’ first major assessment task of the year. By collecting force and acceleration data from selected rides, they can apply their understanding of physics - developed over Years 11 and 12, to real-world scenarios. This experience challenges students to move beyond textbook problems and think like professional scientists, analyzing real data and drawing meaningful conclusions.
An enjoyable and educational time was had by all!
Vocational Major Excursion - Warren Glen Garden Centre
Nicky Joiner, VCE Vocational Major Coordinator
The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) is now running at DCC! If you haven't heard about it before, let me explain what the program is.
At Year 11 and 12 all students study the VCE, however there is now an option for students to focus on applied learning. The VCE Vocational Major specialises in a real-life learning, which means the things we learn, apply to the workforce in a practical way. It is a fantastic initiative which acknowledges that we all learn differently, and God has given each of us unique gifts.
VCE VM students still achieve their VCE certificate, however, when they finish school, they are ready to move into work or Tafe, rather than straight into university. Students also get the chance to study a VET (Vocational Education Training) subject once a week and complete a second day in a work placement. Kath Delaney and I teach VM and there are five subjects we cover - Numeracy, Literacy, Work Related Skills, Activate, and Faith and Life.
One example of real-life learning was on our recent excursion to Warran Glen to support our first unit of study - Work Related Skills. We have been investigating workplace culture, so we spent the afternoon chatting to the garden centre staff and learning first-hand what goes into running a business like Warran Glen.
We asked the owners many questions such as how they encourage work life balance and create a positive workplace for their staff. The students also enjoyed a yummy afternoon tea in the café whilst speaking with the café manager. This experience has enabled students to apply their knowledge and complete their first assessment task.
As the year progresses you will be hearing more about this program, and it is our hope that VCE VM meets an important educational need in our community. We have a fabulous group of 10 students who are piloting the program, and we are incredibly excited to see what the future of VCE VM looks like at DCC.
Surf Camp
Kylie Thorpe, Head of Cooper House
On Tuesday 4 March, 36 enthusiastic VCE PE students embarked on a three-day surfing and stand-up paddleboarding adventure. The students participated in two 2-hour surf lessons at Sandy Point and enjoyed a stand-up paddle session around Inverloch. By the end of the camp, everyone was confidently riding the waves.
We also took a scenic coastal walk, arriving at a stunning beachside classroom where we learned about musculoskeletal surfing injuries. Each night as a community, we were treated to a breathtaking star show, marvelling at the beauty of God's creation.
The students are to be commended for their exemplary conduct throughout the camp. All the external providers praised our students for their politeness and outstanding behaviour.
As staff, we were grateful for their willingness to help with cooking, setting up, packing up campsites, and general care of their community.
It was truly a blessing to share this time together.
