Trails of Discovery

Stem

In the STEM trail of discovery students took part in the Monash Tech School’s Super Skills Program, delving into the fascinating world of emerging science and technology. The focus was on the role of a Cyborg Specialist, where students explored the concept of digital enhancements and experienced what it might be like to live as a cyborg. As part of the program, they developed creative narratives designed to help train future Cyborg Psychologists.

Looking ahead, students will begin working on the De-extinction Geneticist module, which involves using genetic science to help restore extinct species and rebalance our ecosystems. This exciting area of study encourages students to think critically about sustainability, ethics, and the future of our planet.

This term, students explored the invention and mechanics behind the trebuchet, a medieval siege engine known for its powerful throwing capabilities. After learning about the theory and history of this remarkable invention, students worked in teams to assemble their own trebuchets using detailed instructions.

Once built, the real challenge began — testing and refining their models. Students were encouraged to modify key components to improve the design and increase the range at which the projectile could be launched. This hands-on activity combined creativity, critical thinking, and engineering skills, providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

Students also learnt about the invention and theory behind the trebuchet. They assembled a trebuchet following the given instructions and tested their models. They had to modify certain components to increase the range at  which the ball could be thrown.

The Art Box

 In the Art Box, students are working on their PDBArt (Protein Data Bank)  inquiry project that fuses art and science exploration. Initially, they discovered proteins on the data bank  after hearing all about them from structural biologist and researcher Onisha Patel from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.  Each student then went on to discover and research a protein that interested them personally and many have made personal connections.

By the end of term, they will be sending their work off to Cambridge and they will all be able to tell you something about the importance of the protein shapes. 

Its been inspiring to see them working through the design thinking stages, solving problems and developing skills to successfully manage their own inquiry projects. Here's what some of our fabulous the students have to say so far:  

'Its a really fun way to explore a science idea using art. We like how you can spread awareness about something scientific and  really personal through art'. (Cody and Rikki)

Top of Your Game (Basketball)

Throughout Term 2 students spent some time having one-on-one interviews where they reflected on their personal strengths and areas for improvement in the Basketball Trail. After doing so, each student prioritised an area for improvement, set their own personal goal and created an action plan on how they would achieve this. Students were then grouped based on the focus of their goal. During the first 20-30 minutes of each session, students curate and participate in training drills, exercises and small sided games that aim to develop the required skills to hopefully achieve their goal. Each week students complete a training log where they reflect on their progress and devise a plan for the following week. Additionally, students have been drawing on their sportsmanship skills allocating teams for round robins that are of equal ability and that will promote fair game play. Some of the senior students have demonstrated fantastic leadership stepping up to officiate games each week. 

Beyond the Classroom/Pay It Forward

Students have finally been able to carry out some of their fundraising activities over the past few weeks. These were bake sales with he Cancer Council, Fight MND and the Seeing Eye Dog organisation being the recipients. Collectively, $220 was raised with the students giving up their lunch time to sell their freshly baked goods. 

We have also started some of our sessions on ‘life skills’ with basic car maintenance and basic first aid being addressed so far. Students have observed and taken some notes on how to change a car tyre, check and change the oil, check water levels and change wiper blades. Further work on first aid will be completed over the coming weeks as well as cooking with Manningham Council to explore some of the cultural groups within the community.

Coming up next term we will be beginning a relationship with Warrandyte Rotary Club, with students volunteering at the Rotary Op Shop in Warrandyte on a rotating basis during our Trails class time. We will also begin preparing meals for the Op Shop to distribute to families and persons in need, further strengthening our connection to the local community. 

We are also going to explore setting up a Rotary Interact club within the school – this will be an ongoing initiative beginning in the Trail, but being open to the general student body. The purpose of this is to develop leadership within the school at a student level with mentoring provided by members within Rotary. Stay tuned for more information as this progresses.

Lights-Camera-Action

Students involved in Trails of Discovery -Lights/Camera/Action 2025 had a wonderful semester 1. Those who were in this Trail last year continued to explore their own talents and style and refining a range of skills in particular those relevant to Melodrama and Monologue and Improvisation. The wonderful thing to see was how willing they were in mentoring the new students who joined the trail this year.

The newcomers to the Trail on the other hand, brought in fresh ideas to the team and their input has been fantastic. They have embraced the positive vibe and are exploring the world of performing arts and developing their skills in writing their own scripts and performing their own plays, monologues, melodramas.

On the last week of term 1, students went to see the musical Beauty and The Beast at the Majesty Theatre in the city. It was an electrifying day especially for the younger students!!! However, it did not end there. Back at school as a group students decided to impersonate one of the characters from the musical and prepare their own monologues, shedding new light on the character they chose to impersonate. 

Semester 2 looks just as promising. Students have come up with lots of ideas and plus we have our own school production ‘Alice in Wonderland’ happening’!!!! Many of the students in Lights/Camera /Action are involved in the school production hence, the show goes on.