Stage 4

Fish Traps Engineering Workshop – Stage 4  

This term, 60 students from across Stage 4 participated in the Fish Traps Engineering Workshop, exploring how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities sustainably harvested fish using traditional fish traps. 

In this hands-on workshop, students investigated sustainable fishing practices by designing, constructing, and testing fish trap models using 3D-printed materials. They engaged in design challenges that encouraged problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking while making meaningful connections between engineering principles and cultural heritage. 

This workshop provided an inspiring opportunity for students to see how traditional knowledge and modern engineering can work together to shape sustainable futures. 

Year 7 Technology – Food and Agriculture  

This term, Year 7 students have been exploring the Food and Agriculture focus area of Technology Mandatory. Their learning has extended well beyond the classroom, combining hands-on cooking with an investigation into food systems and cultural knowledge. 

In the kitchen, students have prepared a variety of dishes including cornflake cookies, tomato pasta, and fried rice. These practical lessons have helped them build confidence and develop essential food preparation skills. 

At the same time, they have been studying food and fibre production in Australia, Aboriginal land management practices, and the role of a bush tucker garden. By bringing together Indigenous knowledge and modern agricultural approaches, students are discovering how food production can be both sustainable and culturally informed. 

This combination of practical cooking and thoughtful inquiry has made for a delicious and insightful term, one that has fostered both valuable life skills and a deeper appreciation of Australia’s rich agricultural and cultural traditions.  

Year 7's First Dissection

Our Year 7 Science students recently took part in their very first dissection, examining chicken wings as part of their Cells and Classification unit. This hands-on activity allowed students to investigate structural features such as muscles, tendons, and joints, and see how these parts work together to enable movement.

For many students, this was an exciting new experience that brought their classroom learning to life. The dissection encouraged careful observation, curiosity, and plenty of thoughtful discussion about how structure relates to function in living things.

We are proud of the way our Year 7 students approached this practical with maturity and enthusiasm.

Year 8 Technology – Materials – Textiles  

This term, our Year 8 students have been engaged in the Textiles unit of Technology Mandatory, exploring the fascinating world of fashion. With a particular focus on the fast fashion industry, students have examined its impact on the environment, consumer culture, and sustainability. These discussions have encouraged critical thinking about the choices we make as consumers. To complement their theoretical learning, students are applying their creativity and problem-solving skills through practical work on the loom. By designing and producing their own woven materials, they are developing both technical skills and an appreciation for sustainable approaches to textiles and design. 

Year 8 HPGE Day 

During the HPGE day, some Year 8 students engaged in Food Technology, developing advanced culinary skills. They learned to prepare pastry from scratch, make a smooth and tangy lemon curd, and create a glossy Italian meringue. The hands-on activities challenged students while allowing them to work creatively, building both technical skills and confidence in the kitchen. It was a rewarding and delicious day of learning. 

Year 8 Science Excursion to Taronga Zoo

Earlier this term, our Year 8 students enjoyed an exciting and educational excursion to Taronga Zoo Sydney with the Science faculty. The day provided students with the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals up close while deepening their understanding of ecosystems.

Students spent the day exploring the zoo, attending keeper talks, and enjoying the famous seal show. These experiences gave them the chance to see animals in action and learn more about their unique adaptations and the importance of conservation.

It was wonderful to see students making connections between classroom learning and real-world experiences. The enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful questions shown on the day made the excursion both engaging and memorable.