Academic Activities
Science week 12-20th August 2023 (Term 3: Week 6)
Science week is an opportunity to celebrate science and technology. This week encourages us all to be fascinated by the world we live in! The theme for 2023 is INNOVATION: POWERING FUTURE INDUSTRIES. As a community, Hampton Park Secondary College will be celebrating science week in week 6 by offering a range of interactive activities for students to engage in across the week and beyond.
The Great Prediction Competition: 17/7 – 1/8
Poetry competition: 1/6 – 12/8
Escape room: Stop the presses! Monday 14/8 (Registrations close 30/7)
Mentor competition: School wide science kahoot: Tuesday 15/8
Science club experiment demonstration: Thursday 17/8
If students are interested in participating, wish to register for a competition or need assistance with a submission, please speak to your science teachers or Ms. Marshall.
Thank you to everyone that has been involved, and we hope you all enjoy the science festivities!
Tayla Marshall
Science domain leader
Scott Darlow Presentation at Hampton Park Secondary College
As part of Hampton Park Secondary College’s acknowledgment of NAIDOC Week, indigenous singer/songwriter Scott Darlow was invited to perform for our students. At the start of the day, Darlow spoke with our Indigenous students in a private session before performing to the various year levels during the day in our RPAC theatre. Students from Year 7, 8, and 9 were treated to a remarkable experience as they gathered to witness a captivating presentation. With his exceptional musical talent, magnetic stage presence, and compelling life story, Darlow captivated the hearts and minds of the young audience. This recount delves into the memorable moments and key takeaways from Scott Darlow's presentation, igniting a spark of inspiration among the students at Hampton Park Secondary College.
Darlow began by playing the classic Goanna hit, ‘Solid Rock’, a song he recorded with Shane Howard, the original singer. It is a great song that introduces the themes of European colonisation of Australia and how the original inhabitants of the land must have felt when they saw the “white sails in the sun”. In his performance, Darlow was able to play both guitar and Yidaki (didgeridoo) at the same time!
An Electric Atmosphere: Excitement rippled through the air as the auditorium filled with eager students from Hampton Park Secondary College. The buzzing energy was contagious, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The Power of Music: Darlow kicked off the presentation with a captivating musical performance, skilfully blending his exceptional guitar playing and mesmerizing vocals. The students were instantly drawn into the magic of his music. Darlow's songs carried messages of resilience, unity, and the power of self-expression, leaving a profound impact on the young minds.
Storytelling and Personal Triumphs: As the performance continued, Darlow opened up about his personal journey, sharing stories of triumph and overcoming challenges. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, even when faced with obstacles, and urged the students to embrace resilience in their own lives. By narrating his own struggles, Darlow fostered a sense of empathy and connection among the students, inspiring them to navigate their own challenges with courage and determination.
The Influence of Self-Belief and Dreaming Big: An essential message in Darlow's presentation was the power of self-belief. He urged the students to dream big, set audacious goals, and believe in their abilities to achieve them. Darlow shared personal anecdotes and empowering stories, reminding the students that their dreams are within reach if they have the courage to pursue them. He encouraged them to silence their inner critic and embrace the limitless potential within themselves.
Darlow is passionate about Indigenous issues, and he was able to get our students thinking about current issues like the forthcoming referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and the Stolen Generations. He also shared stories about growing up in poverty as part of the Yorta Yorta nation in northern Victoria.
Leaving a Lasting Impact: The school also thanks Scott for generously donating his old drum kit to our Music Department, demonstrating the bond that he developed with HPSC over the last three years.
Darlow sang his latest single, ‘Deadly Heart’, one of his best original songs. Overall, Darlow really connected with our students, entertained them, and, importantly, made them think about Indigenous issues. His music, stories, and motivational messages inspired the young hearts and minds, igniting a spark of possibility and a belief in their own potential. The students left the theatre with a renewed a deeper understanding of aboriginal culture, and through Darlow’s music, personal anecdotes, and empowering messages, Darlow instilled a sense of resilience, self-belief, and unity among the young audience. The impact of his visit will resonate within the students' lives, encouraging them to embrace their individuality, pursue their dreams, and make a positive difference in the world. It was a great way to celebrate NAIDOC Week and Aboriginal culture!
By Sally Carruthers (Cultural Diversity Co-ordinator )
and Geoff Shinkfield (English/History Teacher)