Support Faculty Snapshot

Stage 4 

Stage 4 English students have been learning all about ‘Visual Storytelling’ and how A Picture Tells a Thousand Words.  We have been looking at visual techniques used in pictures by exploring layout, salience, vectors, angle and perspective and colour and tone, and how these tools add depth and creativity to images, specifically in picture books. 

Stage 4 Science students worked together collaboratively exploring circuits; using simple materials such as; electrical tape, cork, copper wire, and batteries to power a small light bulb and motor controlling a spinning mechanism with a piece of plastic straw as a propeller.  Stage 4 Life Skills Science have been learning about energy and ways we use it in our homes as well as how we can conserve energy. They have been practising their literacy skills by highlighting key points and  practising their note taking skills. 

This term, Stage 4 HSIE students have been exploring the fascinating world of landscapes and landforms in their Geography lessons. Students are encouraged to observe and identify geographical processes in their surroundings by looking for evidence of erosion, weathering and deposition. As part of their learning, they conducted fieldwork around the school grounds, observing first hand the effects of weathering and erosion in our own environment. A highlight of the term was using Oreo cookies to model tectonic plate movements, combining learning with a fun and tasty experience! 

In PDHPE we have been looking at positive relationships and what this entails both from a perspective of personal rights and responsibilities to achieve this. In practical lessons, we are doing striking and fielding games including T-Ball and kickball. 

Stage 4 Mathematics have been finishing Angles. They have enjoyed the practical component of the topic and using protractors, for some students for the first time. Our next topic Length has started and we have estimated and measured lots of items around the classroom. Looking forward to going outside to do some measuring next week. 

Stage 4 Technology classes have been participating in practical activities and following a design process to produce a reusable shopping bag. We look forward to showcasing their finished designs in the next newsletter.  

Stage 5 

Across the term, Stage 5 have worked solidly toward their school certificates gaining new experience and solid portfolios of work in all their subjects and electives.    

This year we have sent more of our Stage 5 students out into the workforce for work experience than ever before. Nearly all students have participated their first, with more to come. We often get great feedback about how the students are work ready. 

In Health, the students have been learning about risk and keeping safe.  

In maths they have returned to circle geometry and trigonometry refining their skills and knowledge.  

In English, the students are currently looking at visual literacy techniques. 

Stage 5 Science students detected starch and glucose in plant leaves by conducting an experiment. The students used a mortar and pestle to grind the green geranium, and parsley leaves then placed a drop of iodine, starch and glucose solution with a pipette onto an indicator strip, turning any starch present black. The students also participated in an experiment, comparing thermal conduction of different metals and how to model a thermometer using the expansion and contraction of a liquid. 

Stage 5 Visual Art students participated in creating a cane insect sculpture using three-dimensional building skills and learning about scaling and proportion from a researched insect of their choice to an enlarged artwork. 

Stage 6 

 In SLR, students have been enjoying various sports, including; badminton, pickle ball and cricket.  

Whilst in Technology, they have been putting their practical skills to use through the creation on a solar powered plane 

In English, Stage 6 have been refining their portfolios of work. These include analysing their previous pieces of work which included poetry, essays, blogs and articles 

In Maths, they have been practising money skills. This is instrumental in helping them transition to the next phase of life where most are looking at entering the workforce soon. 

 Work Experience/Excel Program

The students from Stage 5 and Stage 6 have had the opportunity to participate in work experience programs, where they have been representing Camden High School with pride.

Some of the work experience adventures include:-  

Matthew and Logan enjoyed working with the guys from Carrington Aged Care.  

During their week, the boys mulched, blow vacced the leaves, turfing and leveling out the dirt to flora trees and plants. 

Kyndra completed her work experience at Carrington Aged Care in the Leisure and activities department. While she was there, Kyndra helped organise Bingo, their monthly birthday party, Olympic game activities and morning and afternoon tea and lunch.  

This is something Kyndra will be looking into for her Tafe studies in the future. She enjoyed her time there.  

Matthew and Kyle had the opportunity to do their work experience with BMW Motorbikes in Narellan. The boys had the privilege to see the motorbikes that were used in the Mad Max Movie and saw the bike Chris Hemsworth rode too.  

We received great feedback on your week there. 

Sam in Year 12 completed his work experience at the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargo last week. He was able to build an enclosure for the animals, putting in new uprights for the possums and gliders. They were so impressed with Sam, they told him he was welcome to come back anytime. This is a wonderful place to visit with family and friends. 

Four of our Stage 5/6 students had the opportunity to do their 5-week Excel program at Macarthur Centre For Sustainable Living. The boys obtained so many new skills with this program. Such as, teamwork, looking after the animals, weeding, mulching, painting, building, gardening , outdoor work and the social aspect was second to none. Building new friendships was fantastic to witness. We also had two of our stage 5 girls do the Excel program at Best & Less, where they would reorganise stock, cleaning and fixing up displays, the girls did so well.