Specialists
Secondary 7/8 Term 2
Digital Tech
Secondary 7/8A, E, G & H really enjoyed making their stop motion movies in Term 2. They planned, filmed and edited short movies using interesting backgrounds and plasticine. Students added special effects including sound and titles. They shared their movies with each other and discussed the importance of asking permission before taking or sharing images and videos.
The students also create a learning portfolio in PowerPoint.
It was a fantastic term for the 7/8s!
Music
Secondary 7/8 students have experimented with some digital music technologies, including using the DJ decks to play and transition from track to track. As well as this, modern technique classes have spent some time on instruments working on band songs and some time on laptops composing beats.
PE
This term, students enjoyed learning more about basketball. Students tried their best to learn new skills and demonstrate them during modified games. They practised working together in teams and using communication with their peers. They also completed further fitness testing and compared their results with those in term 1.
Students from Year 7-12 also participated in School Sport Victoria Cross Country events this term. Each Monday, many of these students trained during their lunch break, which helped increase their capacity to run for extended periods of time. Congratulations to all students involved in this program. We look forward to seeing some of these students compete at the State final on 24th July.
Social Competencies
The Secondary 7/8 student cohort has continued exploring and understanding what they require from their learning environment and from themselves as learners. They have focused on maintaining useful strategies, such as guided meditation, the use of fidgets, and additional movement breaks, to support their readiness for learning. At the end of each session, students engage in discussions about what they felt went well in their learning.
Year 7/8 students have continued with the Drug Education unit, focusing on understanding that medicines are dangerous substances if not used correctly. They learned the importance of seeking a trusted adult for support when using medicines. They explored how to read and interpret important information on medicine labels, including details such as who has been prescribed the medication, its intended use, dosage instructions, and proper storage. The unit concluded with an investigation into the impact of legal drugs, such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco on the human body and mind.
Additionally, students explored the topic of Cyber Safety. They examined the definition of online safety and created their own list of online ‘values’ they expect from themselves and others. They also discussed useful strategies if their values are not being respected. As part of this unit, students identified what constitutes cyberbullying and emphasised the importance of seeking adult support when facing unsafe online situations.
Visual Arts
Our term 2 program focussed on diverse cultural backgrounds. Students created artworks inspired by artists, emphasising storytelling and purpose. They also reflected on art through constructive feedback, deepening their appreciation of each other's art. A highlight was our watercolor projects inspired by local artist Pete Cromer and New Yorker; James Rizzi, whose vibrant styles inspired our students.
Creative Media
The students in Secondary 7/8D, 7/8B, 7/8C and 7/8F have been enjoying using the iPads to develop their photography skills this term. They have learnt about lighting and costumes and had a great time using the T.V studio and radio room in the discovery centre. Students have used recording equipment to produce their own podcasts where they interviewed each other and asked fantastic questions to find out more about each other.
Food Tech
This semester has focused on Healthy Options. We have made fantastic choices to substitute foods that we don’t think are healthy for something tasty as well as healthy. We have made visual boards to show our understanding of ‘healthy ‘and ‘unhealthy’ for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Students made porridge, smoothies, sandwiches and pancakes. We will celebrate the semester by making pizzas.
The students and staff have enjoyed the teaching and learning and most of all the making and eating!
Science
Students in Secondary 7/8A, 7/8E, 7/8G and 7/8H have participated in weekly demonstration and experiment sessions.
This term students have explored concepts of physical reactions, chemical reactions, osmosis and Bernoulli’s principle. Experiments have included Rainbow Jellybeans, Walking Water, Observing Xylem in Celery, Boom Bags and Floating Table Tennis Ball. Students really enjoyed seeing the table tennis balls float in the air like magic!
To finish off our awesome semester of learning, students will be participating in the Coke and Mentos experiment at the end of the term.
