Faculty Spotlight

It is time to delve deep as we explore learning in CAPA & PDHPE 7-12

 

                                                                   Leaders of Learning 

                                                             Mr Abood              Ms Sarlog

                                                              PDHPE                    CAPA

Stage 4 PDHPE

Year 7 students have been busy exploring nutrition in PDHPE lessons by creating balanced meal plans tailored to meet the needs of different families. This hands-on task helped students understand food groups, budgeting, and the importance of healthy choices. During practical lessons, students have been learning the fundamentals of volleyball, including serving, setting, and digging. Their growing skills and enthusiasm were evident on the court as they developed confidence and enjoyment in the lessons.

Stage 5 PDHPE

Year 10 students have been developing important real world skills in their PDHPE lessons. In Health, they have focused on career readiness by creating professional resumes and practising job interview techniques, building their confidence and communication skills for the workforce. In practical lessons, students have embraced creativity and collaboration by choreographing their own group dance routines as part of their assessment. These activities have encouraged self-expression, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of movement and performance.

Stage 6 Health & Movement Science 

Year 11 Health and Movement Science students have been engaging with the new syllabus through an in-depth exploration of The Body and Mind in Motion topic. As part of their learning, students completed a depth study and collaborative task on an area of personal interest within the unit. This allowed them to investigate complex concepts such as biomechanics, motor learning and the psychological impacts on movement. Through research, collaboration, and presentation, students have developed critical thinking and communication skills while deepening their understanding of how the body and mind work together in physical activity.

Mr Abood

Leader of Learning: PDHPE 7-12

Creative Arts : Term 2 Highlights 

Term 2 has been inspiring and productive in the Creative Arts Department, with students from Years 7 to 12 engaging in a wide range of creative pursuits. From imaginative art-making to collaborative performances and original musical compositions, our students have continued to develop their skills and express their creativity with confidence and enthusiasm. 

Year 7–8 Highlights 

In Year 7 Visual Arts, students extended their understanding of the Elements of Art by designing imaginative creatures and crafting original stories to accompany their artworks. This integrated approach allowed them to explore both visual and written storytelling, with a strong focus on creativity, experimentation, and personal expression. 

Year 8 Music students delved into the dynamic world of film music, exploring how composers use musical elements to convey mood and enhance narrative. Their learning culminated in a keyboard performance of selected film themes, highlighting their growing ability to interpret and express atmosphere through sound. 

Year 9 Highlights 

In Drama, Year 9 students devised original performances based on the theme ‘Trapped’, applying dramatic elements studied in the previous term. The unit encouraged collaboration and imaginative problem-solving, as students worked together to develop engaging scripts, characters, and stagecraft. 

In Music, students explored the vibrant rhythms and instrumentation of Caribbean and Latin American music. Using Noteflight, they composed 32-bar works that reflected the unique energy and style of these musical traditions, deepening their understanding of composition and notation. 

Photography, newly introduced in Stage 5, provided students with a foundational understanding of the history of photography and key technical and aesthetic processes. Students experimented with photographic language and explored different styles and formats, building both technical knowledge and artistic confidence. 

In Visual Arts, students enhanced their printmaking skills by creating hand-coloured editions of original prints. From the initial sketch to carving and using a traditional printing press, students experienced the complete printmaking process and developed a strong sense of craftsmanship. 

Year 10 – Highlights  

Year 10 Drama students have taken on a special project: a student-led production for Bullying Awareness Week, to be performed for a Primary audience. Taking on a variety of theatrical roles—director, lighting designer, actor—they demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and empathy. We look forward to their performance in Term 3. 

In Music, students composed original Reflection Hymns for a Maronite Catholic Liturgy, writing lyrics that reflect a chosen spiritual theme. These compositions were deeply personal and expressive, and we hope to see them featured in a future College Mass. 

Visual Arts students drew inspiration from contemporary artist Claes Oldenburg, known for transforming everyday objects into playful sculptures. Using refined hand-building ceramic techniques, students created imaginative sculptural works that demonstrated both skill and creativity. 

Years 11 & 12 Highlights 

Year 11 Drama students worked on solo monologue performances, developing complex characters and applying dramatic techniques to captivate an audience. These performances gave students a valuable glimpse into the expectations and standards of the HSC. The Preliminary Drama students recently collaborated and coached primary students, allowing them an opportunity to display their theatrical talents.   

In Year 11 Music, students composed original pieces based on their study of music from different cultures. These compositions ranged from traditional influences on modern interpretations, reflecting their understanding of musical concepts and global diversity. 

Finally, our Year 12 Music and Visual Arts students have been working diligently on their HSC performances and Body of Work projects. Their dedication, creativity, and resilience are commendable, and we wish them every success as they prepare for the final stages of their HSC journey. 

Recently, the College hosted a masterclass workshop with Australian theatre royalty Jason Arrow recently seen in the Australian Hamilton production. He presented an enriched firsthand experience that prepared our Year 9-12 Drama and Music students for both further study and gave them real-world insight into creative industries.  

We are incredibly proud of the commitment and enthusiasm shown by all our Creative Arts students and College Memory Makers this term. Their work continues to enrich our school community and reminds us of the power of the arts to inspire, challenge, and connect us all. 

Ms Tanya Sarlog

Leader of Learning: CAPA Y7-12