Senior School

Senior School Report

As we reach the midway point of Term 2, it has been a privilege to witness the progress and achievements of our students and staff at our brand new school. It has been an exciting start to the term, marked by a hard and fast pace as everyone settles into the rhythm of learning and growth.

Our students have shown tremendous progress in embracing the "Ready to Learn" routines, which are crucial for their academic success. With the initial settling-in period behind us, the focus has shifted towards establishing strong learning habits that will support their journey through Years 11 and 12. It is encouraging to see the commitment of our students as they ready themselves for the rigors of VCE standards.

Our teachers have been pivotal in this transition, working tirelessly alongside our students to cultivate effective study routines and a deeper understanding of the curriculum. Their collaborative efforts are setting a solid foundation for the academic success that lies ahead.

I am also particularly proud of our student leadership team, who have already met several times this term to discuss key initiatives. Their enthusiasm and dedication are evident in their discussions about new uniform items, innovative ideas for our first-ever formal at Bemin, and the development of clubs aimed at fostering a positive and inclusive environment that celebrates student voice and engagement.

As we move forward, our Year 10 students are gearing up for their first set of exams in Week 8. This is a significant milestone as they prepare to navigate their VCE programs, which will inform their decisions about Year 11 and 12 subjects, pathways, and potential careers. Their enthusiasm and determination are commendable, and we are confident they will rise to the challenge.

I want to thank our entire school community for their support during this foundational period. As we continue to build our school culture which values aiming for excellence, respect, innovation and community, I look forward to seeing our students continue to thrive and achieve great things as the year progresses.

Aaron Dass

Assistant Principal – Senior School

Exciting Launch of Senior School Homework Club

We are pleased to announce the successful launch of our very first Homework Club at Senior School! To celebrate this exciting milestone, we welcomed our students with delicious hot chips and a warm, inviting space designed to make studying more enjoyable and productive.

The Homework Club provides a dedicated environment where students can focus on their school work, with plenty of teachers on hand to offer guidance and support. This initiative aims to help students stay on top of their coursework, develop strong study habits, and achieve academic success.

The Homework Club runs every Wednesday from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM in the library at the senior campus. We look forward to seeing many of our students take advantage of this fantastic resource and make the most of the support available to them. Join us at the Homework Club and make your homework time more effective and enjoyable!

Learning at Senior School

Science

In Year 10 Science, students have been delving into the fascinating world of genetics. They’ve learned about DNA structure, inheritance patterns, and how to develop pedigree charts. Hands-on experiments have allowed students to practice essential lab skills, deepening their practical understanding of genetics and its applications.

Mathematics

In Year 10 Mathematics, students have been focusing on algebra, specifically linear equations and graphs. They are learning to apply these concepts to develop models that explain relationships between variables. This foundational knowledge in algebra is crucial for their future studies and real-world problem-solving.

English

In Term 2, Year 10 students delved into creative writing and analysis, understanding language's impact and analysing values and beliefs in texts. They honed skills in structuring paragraphs, analysing text structures, and discussing narrative elements. Additionally, they compared 'voice' in texts, evaluated representations, and assessed social and ethical positions across various media.

Year 10 Humanities: Business and Geography

In Term 2, Year 10 Humanities students explored business and geography topics, developing skills in language analysis, text interpretation, and critical thinking. They learned to understand the impact of language use, analyse values in texts, and arrange information effectively. Students also delved into business content, generating options, conducting cost-benefit analysis, and examining innovation in competitive markets.

Health/PE

In Year 10 Health/PE, students have been learning about Lacrosse and Futsal, covering their history, rules, and skills through practical engagement. Students have also been exploring vital mental health topics like mindfulness, self-esteem versus self-confidence, and coping strategies. Understanding positive thought patterns and recognizing common mental illnesses were emphasized, as well as knowing where to seek support.

A Snapshot of Learning in Electives

Ethical Eats

In the Ethical Eats elective, students developed practical hospitality skills through various recipes and explored food production and sustainability concepts.

Fabric Finesse

In Fabric Finesse this term, Year 10 students delved into machine sewing and textile history. They learned about materials and tools for safe sewing, designed and crafted a reusable tote bag, and researched textiles artists and fashion designers. The elective culminated in students sewing the bag closed, demonstrating their newfound skills in a practical project.

Design Mixology

In the Design Mixology elective, students worked on long-term projects, learning about the design process and workshop safety, culminating in building lidded boxes using diverse tools and techniques.

Picture Perfect

In Picture Perfect, Year 10 students explored a design brief, researched concepts, and annotated imagery. Additionally, students experimented with logotypes, sketching techniques, and shapes, integrating them into their designs. They also created variations of logos and patterns, culminating in the development of a packaging net for a tea brand. This immersive experience has nurtured their creativity and design capabilities.

The Game plan

Over the next 3 weeks Year 10 The Game Plan elective students have been given the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge of coaching into practice by collaborating with their peers to create and run a coaching session for the Year 7 students. The first two groups have set the bar high by not only leading by example and demonstrating the school values but by putting in the upmost effort with the goal of ensuring the year 7s had a wonderful experience. The year 10 students were excited to see the Junior Campus for the first time and were very impressed by the outdoor amenities. We are looking forward to more opportunities for our year 10 students' leadership skills to shine.