PDHPE

Welcome back to Term 3!

This term in PDHPE we have a variety of learning opportunities occurring across each of our Year groups.

Year 7

This Term Year 7 will be exploring the theory unit “Turn around a put down”. This unit entails positive relationships and explores strategies to navigate bullying.

For practical lessons the cohort will be immersing in dance and gymnastics based activities in a unit called “Jump to the Beat”

Learning Task for the Term - Jump to the Beat: Dance.

Year 8

This Term Year 8 will be studying the theory unit “Did you know” which explores drug use, with a focus on vaping. For practical lessons the cohort will be immersing in dance and gymnastics based activities in a unit called “Jump to the Beat”

Learning Task for the Term - Jump to the Beat: Gymnastics

Year 9

This Term Year 9 will be exploring the theory unit “RUOK” which delves into Mental Health. For practical lessons the cohort will be immersed in a variety of International Games from around the World!

Learning Task for the Term - RUOK written task

Year 10

This Term Year 10 will be exploring the theory unit “The Party”. For practical lessons the cohort will be immersed in a range of invasion games.

Learning Task for the Term - Road Safety (end of last term)

Year 9 Child Studies

This term, the Year 9 Child Studies class is completing a unit of study called "Play and the Developing Child". The students have been exploring the importance of play in a child's development, with a special focus on nature play. As part of their studies, they have investigated how unstructured, outdoor play supports physical, cognitive, and social growth in young children.

To put their learning into action, the class recently participated in a hands-on nature play activity, where they designed and engaged in a range of play-based experiences using natural materials, experiencing firsthand how the environment can inspire creativity and collaboration.

The activity highlighted just how powerful play can be in shaping a child’s learning and wellbeing, and gave our students a greater appreciation for the role of nature in childhood development.

Mrs Camilla Clydsdale

Leader of Learning, PDHPE

Science

Welcome to Term 3!

Welcome back to Term 3! As we head into the second half of the year, our science classrooms are buzzing with curiosity, discovery, and the occasional Bunsen burner. Here’s a look at what each year group is diving into this term:

Year 7 – The Wonderful World of Living Things Year 7 have begun exploring the rich diversity of life on Earth through the study of classification. Students are learning how scientists organise living things into groups based on shared characteristics, beginning with the broadest categories and narrowing down to individual species. They’re comparing vertebrates and invertebrates and learning how to identify different groups of organisms using classification keys. This unit lays the foundation for understanding biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Year 8 – Exploring Energy Our Year 8 students are launching into their study of energy. They’re learning about the different forms energy can take—such as heat, light, sound and kinetic—and exploring the fundamental principle that underpins all energy transformations: the Law of Conservation of Energy. Through hands-on experiments and class discussions, students are starting to see that energy is never lost, only transformed from one form to another.

Year 9 – Energy and Efficiency Building on their prior knowledge from Year 8, Year 9 are revisiting the nine major forms of energy and taking a deeper dive into how energy transformations happen in real systems. They are now exploring the concept of efficiency—how much useful energy is obtained from a system compared to how much is put in. This topic links directly to the Law of Conservation of Energy and encourages students to think critically about how energy is used in everyday technologies.

Year 10 – Atoms, Radioactivity and Independent Research Year 10 are uncovering the mysteries of the atom as they learn about historical and modern models of atomic structure. From Dalton to Rutherford to the modern quantum model, students are seeing how scientific understanding evolves over time. They’re also delving into radioactive decay, learning about alpha, beta and gamma radiation and their effects. In addition, students are now beginning their Student Research Project (SRP)—an exciting opportunity to independently investigate a scientific question of their own choosing. We look forward to seeing the creativity and critical thinking this project inspires.

Year 11 – The Final Push Before Exams Our Year 11 students are working through their final topic for the Preliminary Course before they sit their end-of-term exams. This term is a crucial one as they consolidate their learning and prepare to transition into Year 12. Students are encouraged to revise consistently and ask questions regularly to ensure a strong finish to their preliminary studies.

Year 12 – Revision and Trial Exams With the HSC Trials just around the corner, Year 12 are deep into revision mode. They are reviewing content from the entire course, refining their exam techniques, and completing practice questions to help prepare for the challenge ahead. The next few weeks are critical, and we commend our senior students for their determination and focus during this time.

We’re looking forward to an exciting term of scientific discovery and achievement. Stay curious, ask questions, and keep exploring the world around you.

Mr Daniel Fittler

Leader of Learning, Science

TAS

New Stage 4 Technology Syllabus for 2026

O’Connor TAS teachers have been busy writing & trialing new programs for the new Stage 4 Technology Syllabus that will be implemented in 2026. Below is a basic overview of how O’Connor is organising Stage 4 Technology in 2025 & hopefully it will be very similar in 2026.

Organisation of Technology 7–8 (from the new syllabus document)

The organisation of the Technology 7–8 Syllabus illustrates the important role of practical experiences and design and production processes in the development of technological knowledge, understanding and skills. Content has been grouped in focus areas to enable the integrated relationship between technologies to be explored through design projects.

Mr Jon Hawthorne

Leader of Learning, TAS

Mathematics

It’s been a busy and exciting term so far in the Mathematics KLA at O’Connor Catholic College, with students from all year levels engaging deeply in a wide range of mathematical concepts and challenges.

We were proud to see 60 students take part in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) this term. The AMC is one of the largest and most prestigious problem-solving competitions in Australia, and it was fantastic to see so many of our students step up to test their mathematical thinking. We look forward to receiving the results later this year and celebrating their achievements.

Over the past two weeks, we have also held our Years 7–9 Parent Student Teacher Nights. It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers in attendance, engaging in conversations about their child’s progress, strengths, and areas for growth in mathematics. The support and collaboration between home and school is a vital part of student success, and we thank our families for their commitment.

In the classroom, our students are working hard and developing essential mathematical skills:

Year 7 have been focusing on solving equations, building strong foundations in algebra and learning to apply problem-solving strategies to real-world contexts.
Year 8 have continued this journey, deepening their understanding of algebraic equations and moving towards more complex problem types.
Year 9 are currently immersed in the world of Measurement, calculating areas, volumes, and surface areas, and applying their knowledge to practical scenarios.
Year 10 are following two differentiated pathways:
- The Pathway to Advanced and Extension classes are tackling quadratic equations, learning techniques such as factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula.
- The Pathway to Standard classes are focusing on Linear Equations and Graphs, building strong skills in interpreting, creating, and applying graphical representations.
Year 11 students are now well into their senior courses:
- The Advanced Mathematics class has been introduced to Calculus, including key concepts such as limits, differentiation, and gradient functions.
- The Standard Mathematics class is currently studying Data and Statistics, developing their ability to interpret, analyse, and present data accurately.
Year 12 are in the final stages of their HSC journey. Both Advanced, Standard and Extensi students are currently revising and preparing for their Trial HSC Examinations, which will be held in Weeks 5 and 6 of this term. We wish them every success as they apply themselves to this important milestone.

This year, Year 7 students have been taking part in a targeted Numeracy Initiative designed to strengthen foundational skills and confidence in mathematics. Through the Focus 5 approach — a short, daily practice of five targeted questions — and the use of Smarter Math Numeracy, students are encouraged to complete two dedicated numeracy sessions each week. These regular, bite-sized practice opportunities are already helping students improve their fluency and problem-solving abilities.

Mathematics continues to be a subject of challenge and growth at O’Connor. We encourage all students to persevere, ask questions, and support each other as they develop their skills and confidence. As always, thank you to our dedicated Mathematics staff for their ongoing commitment to student learning.

I leave you with some pictures of our students challenging themselves during the AMC.

Mr Mark Harris

Leader of Learning, Mathematics

CAPA

Creative and Performing Arts at O’Connor.

Congratulations to Jake Siddell in Year 7 for being awarded the Artist of the Month before the Winter holidays for her self portrait drawing.

Our extra-curricular groups are up and running. Please make sure you come along to all rehearsals. These programs aim to extend and enrich the opportunities offered to students in the classroom.

Drama Club. Tuesday. Break A, Drama Rooms with Miss Plane

Advanced Trumpet. Tuesday Break A, MPA1 with Mr Myers

Jazz Band. Tuesday Break B, MPA1 with Mr Myers

Vocal Ensemble. Wednesday Break B, MPA1 with Miss Sampson (invitation only)

Advanced Saxophone. Thursday Break B, MPA1 with Mr Myers

Concert Band. Friday Break B, MPA1 with Miss Sampson

The music rooms are not a social hang-out area. Priority usage of the music rooms is given to elective students and school approved ensembles. Three people maximum are permitted in the practice rooms. No food or drink is permitted in the music rooms.

A reminder that private Instrumental lessons are offered during school hours upon arrangement. These are delivered by visiting tutors from NECOM. Private Lessons are available for piano, guitar, drums, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, and cello. Lessons start from $420 (9 x 30 min lessons/ term) payable to NECOM.

For further information in all these matters, contact Mel Sampson (Leader of Learning, CAPA) via email: msampso1@arm.catholic.edu.au

Please enjoy a look at what has been happening in the music and art class rooms so far.

Mr Bruce Myers

On behalf of the CAPA team.

English

This term English is hosting Book Week in Week 7 so that all our students can participate in celebrating the importance and joy of reading. We are encouraging all students to dress up as their favourite book characters, or join with a team in order to work together to create something amazing.

Year 7 English

In this term, Year 7 English has moved into a non-fiction unit ‘Contemporary Human Experiences’ which is exploring the real and challenging stories of people who have lived in the world. They have examined The Diary of Anne Frank and considered how her story has been shared widely. They have examined a graphic novel adaptation and are working towards creating a visual representation of another real person’s life, considering the experiences that they have gone through.

Year 8 English

In this term, Year 8 has begun an exploration of crime fiction in the unit ‘Who Dunnit?’ Exploring how crime fiction began with Edgar Allan Poe and has continued as a dominant genre throughout the ages. They will be exploring key characters like Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot before starting to explore modern fiction and asking the question as to why do people listen to true crime stories.

Year 9 English

In this term, Year 9 English begin their in depth exploration in William Shakespeare’s famous work ‘Macbeth’. With an exploration into the play, its themes and the central ideas of power, they will be using his text as inspiration for a creative piece of their own.

Year 10 English

In this term, Year 10 English is examining the drama ‘Beautiful Words’ by Sean Riley which explores the big questions of immigration through different time periods in Australia. Students have recently begun examining Part 1: Zugang which explores the story of Old Roman who has come to Australia after experiencing the concentration camps of World War Two. Students will be crafting vignettes focusing on human experiences and reflecting on the way that they write for purpose in their assessment task.

Miss Lauren Donnelly,

Leader of Learning, English

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