Stage 4

Stage 4 have been really busy this term. In PDHPE the students have been expanding their knowledge of Athletics, practicing discuss, shot put, javelin and high jump. The students have had a lot of fun refining these activities in readiness for the athletics carnival.

In Music the students have been enjoying learning to play chords for the song Riptide on the Ukelele, as well as getting to know different chords and free playing, the students are doing really well.

In English we have been studying ordinary Australians and their extraordinary acts where we have looking at Steve Irwin, Dylan Alcott, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley just to name a few. We have been exploring their lives, and how they achieved their success and the obstacles they had to overcome. This has been a great opportunity for the students to learn more about legendary Australians.

In Science, the students have been learning about rocks and the rock cycle. We have been completing investigations on chemical weathering and physical weathering and exploring different rock forms and their origins. We also enjoyed a sweet treat working on an investigation around the cooling of rocks with a honeycomb experiment. The students always enjoy participating in the experiments and seeing how things work!

In Maths the students have been doing a spectacular job of learning about algebra and have surprised themselves with how fast they have mastered expanding brackets.

Stage 5

Stage 5 have been busy across all KLAs with some of these highlights:

Participated in a practical cooking experience where they prepared and processed ingredients including vegetables and condiments; completing a display of raw vegetables to accompany a variety of dips.

In PDHPE, they have been completing a variety of Athletics activities; javelin, shot put, discus and high jump. This has unleashed a competitive side to beat each other but also their personal best.

In HSIE, stage 5 have been looking at Australians at War with a focus on WWI and WWII. Students have so far started to look at sources, texts and video to analyse causes of war and what life was like for soldiers in the front line.

In Science, students have been exploring the Living world with a focus on homeostasis; state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly. Exploring this has entailed research and experiments such as dissecting kidneys to understand all the parts of that organ that work to achieve homeostasis.

In English, Stage 5 are exploring the hero’s journey, obstacles that need to be overcome and the transformation of a person through dealing with challenges. This is supported through a film study of 'The Lion King' which targets outcomes whilst keeping students engaged.

Stage 6

Stage 6 have had a positive start to the term and are looking forward to learning new ideas and concepts as the term progresses.

In English students have been learning ways to write newspaper articles relating to sport, a topic they have a keen interest in exploring.

Work Studies has seen the students discuss equality in the workplace as well as rights and responsibilities all relatable topics they can use when they enter the wider community.

In SLR students are engaging in resistance training stretches to increase their stamina. All students are looking forwarding to learning some new techniques they can apply to their personal fitness routines.

In Mathematics students are learning about perimeter and look forward to learning ways they can apply this concept in the real world.

Technology has seen the students learn the basics of electrical safety, electric circuits and how batteries work. These simple concepts will assist them in the creation on solar powered cars later in the term. Students have also been working together as a class group to create posters to showcase their knowledge of different topics.

Friendly Fridays

Friendly Fridays have been in full swing this term seeing students participate in a variety of team building activities to strengthen positive relationships amongst peers. We look forward to reintroducing student/staff shout outs back into Friendly Fridays soon. This is an opportunity for students to nominate fellow students and staff and recognise them for something positive they have done for others.

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs – Australian Museum Excursion

All students in support were invited to experience an exciting day out in the city to visit the Australian Museum. Teachers were asked numerous times by students, “When is the excursion Miss/Sir?”. There was great anticipation felt amongst the unit.

We travel by train to Museum station, then we walked to the venue across Hyde Park under the majestic historic trees. The museum featured multisensory experiences that gave us a window into the life and accomplishments of Ramses II (Ramses the Great). There were over 180 artefacts including his royal coffin, animal mummified remains, magnificent jewellery and treasures of the tomb.

In small groups students also explored other collections including First Nations’ cultural objects, fossils and minerals, specimens (minerals, animals and fossils) and conservation of these.

We had a nicely packed lunch provided and plenty of space to enjoy a rest before we walked back to the station. We were all pretty tired on the train ride home again – returning safely to Campbelltown station.

We would like to thank parents and carers for their support for the excursion and for getting students to and from the station. Students are now asking, “Where are we going to next?” So, stay turned, more adventures are ahead. ...

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