Years 7-9
Year 7 Mathematics
Year 7 students have started Semester 2 positively and are exploring different facets of Algebra such as recognizing and using variables to represent formulas algebraically and substituting values into formulas to determine an unknown. Shortly, they will be applying the associative, commutative and distributive laws and will be formulating algebraic expressions using constants, variables and brackets.
You can help reinforce your child's learning by asking questions such as:
- What is a variable?
- What is a constant?
Year 8 Mathematics
Year 8 students are excited to begin their Linear Algebra unit where they will be creating, expanding, factorizing, rearranging and simplifying linear expressions. Over the coming weeks, they will also be graphing linear relations on the Cartesian Plane, solving linear equations and verifying solutions using substitution.
Here are some simple ways to continue the learning at home:
- Discuss and model situations involving linear functions, including practical contexts such as taxi fares involving flag fall fees, motion in a straight line at a constant speed or even water leakage from water tanks.
Year 9 Mathematics
Year 9 students are diving into the often-daunting world of Non-Linear Algebra and more particularly identifying and graphing quadratic functions, solving quadratic equations graphically and numerically, using the null factor law to solve monic quadratic equations with integer roots algebraically and finding the gradient of a line segment.
You can support your child's learning at home by:
- Unpacking and revisiting vocabulary used in this topic such as Gradient to relate to real world examples.
- Using the online website of https://www.desmos.com/ to graph quadratic functions and investigate how changes to the quadratic formula of
- create different parabolas.
Adam Taylor
Learning Specialist
Years 7-9 Mathematics
Year 7 Science
Our Year 7 students have settled back into Science beautifully and are enthusiastically exploring the different forces that act on objects in our everyday world. They have been learning how to measure force using a spring balance and will soon work together to investigate the friction of different surfaces around the school. Students are also developing their skills in drawing force diagrams to show the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces in real-life situations.
You can help reinforce your child's learning by asking questions such as:
- What are some examples of forces you notice in everyday life?
- What kinds of forces do astronauts experience in space?
If your child is interested in space, you might also enjoy reading the 'Humans in Space' article together.
Year 8 Science
Our Year 8 students are excited to begin their Chemistry unit, where they'll be exploring scientific concepts through plenty of hands-on experiments. They are learning about the particle model and investigating how particles behave in solids, liquids and gases. Students are currently examining how the movement and energy of particles change as heat energy is absorbed or released. Over the coming weeks, they will also compare physical and chemical changes through a range of engaging practical activities.
Here are some simple ways to continue the learning at home:
- Discuss physical and chemical changes during dinner.
- Identify physical and chemical changes while cooking or baking together.
The science behind making chocolate is fascinating! You can also watch the accompanying video together.
Year 9 Science
Our Year 9 students are diving into the exciting world of chemical reactions and are looking forward to a term filled with practical investigations. While there have been plenty of enthusiastic requests to 'blow stuff up,' we'll be focusing on safe and engaging experiments investigating endothermic and exothermic reactions, combustion and neutralisation.
You can support your child's learning at home by:
- Watching a short video of spectacular chemical reactions and discuss the evidence that a reaction has occurred.
- Looking for chemical reactions around the home.
New discoveries in Chemistry are being made all the time. Read more about the fascinating chemistry of a meteorite.
Nicole Warren
Years 7-9 Science Leader