Secondary Department

Year 7 Geography

Year 7 Geography have been studying landscapes and landforms and last week got to work as geologists and palaeontologists. Mr Wood brought in some rocks (siltstone) from the Arding area for the students to break open and discover fossils. Many fossilised leaves and stems were found, which caused great excitement amongst the budding palaeontologists. Mr Wood contacted Nancy Vickery, a geologist from UNE, to find out more about the rocks. They are between 27-37 million years old and were created on the floodplain of a river.

Music Students Shine at the Armidale Eisteddfod

The end of May through to the start of June was a time to shine for Uralla Central School’s Music students at the Armidale Eisteddfod. It was a wonderful celebration of effort, talent and growth, with many students stepping out of their comfort zones and giving it their all.

Congratulations to Skyler, who gave a confident clarinet solo performance and placed 2nd in the novice section. Skyler’s hard work also led to an exciting invitation to join the Armidale Youth Winds, run by NECOM - well done!

Elle also impressed the adjudicators with her long-term preparation of a challenging piece by J.S. Bach, earning 2nd place in her section. You should be incredibly proud of your dedication and musicianship, Elle.

Lilla delighted the audience with a heartfelt acoustic guitar piece composed by her dad, Mr Dawson, and came away with 1st place. Your performance was truly enjoyed by everyone - congratulations!

In the contemporary band section, 15 students from Uralla Central formed three bands, bringing their own style and flair to the stage. The lead-up was full of energy and excitement, with outfits planned and a fun group trip to KFC beforehand. On the night, some students performed exactly as rehearsed while others battled nerves, but every single student gave their best and gained valuable experience. Most importantly, they committed to something, worked hard, and grew in confidence through the process. The senior band earned 3rd place, and the other two bands received 'Highly Commended'- a fantastic result across the board.

A big thank you to all the parents and carers who helped make this experience possible by providing transport and cheering in the audience. We are so proud of all our performers!

Educational Pathways Program

The Educational Pathways Program (EPP) held successful regional roundtables in Armidale and Tamworth on 28 and 29 May. The events brought together school leaders, students, parents and local businesses to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) opportunities for students in regional, rural and remote (RRR) schools.

Shannon Mudiman, Leader of the Educational Pathways Program, said the events provided valuable firsthand insights. "It was incredibly valuable to hear about local successes and challenges. We have come away with many practical ideas to strengthen program delivery in these areas.”

Year 11 Uralla Central School student Hannah Khan and her mother, Allison Broadbent, were interviewed by Alison Dundon, SBAT Engagement Officer, about undertaking a school-based traineeship (SBAT) in Health Services Assistance within an ATAR pathway. Hannah and another Year 11 Maddison Myers, are working within the Hunter New England Health District, studying at TAFE and completing their HSC. The EPP team would like to thank Hannah for stepping in at the last minute to fill a gap.

UCS currently has seven SBATs working across a range of industries. Any students, parents or potential employers wanting to learn more about the SBAT program should talk to Mrs Taylor or our new EPP SBAT Engagement Officer, Matthew Myhill.

Congratulations to four students from UCS for participating in the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) Start Your Future program in this term. Weekly taster lessons are delivered at TAFE as an introduction to industry and future vocational education. Christian Dulay participated in the Automotive class which ran for four weeks. Chloe Atkins and Indie Anderson will conclude their studies of Early Childhood Education and Care next week; and Josh Goldspink has been attending TAFE in Tamworth for Metal Fabrication and Welding. Expressions of interest for the Term 3 program close on Thursday.