Support Faculty Snapshot

Stage 4 

Stage 4 students have been exploring the design process in technology and are now going to utilise this knowledge to create their own solar powered car. This practical experience provides the students to read the instructions of what they need to do, and to use their trial and error and experimentation skills when figuring out how to put the car together in order to make it work. 

During PDHPE lessons, stage 4 students have been exploring cultural diversity and games. This has students demonstrate their unique selves and respect for the differences they all have.  We have also been learning about first aid and what we can do to assist others and ourselves in times of need. 

In English the students have begun their last topic of the year, which is a series of short stories, '500 Minutes of Danger'. The students have been reading the stories Acid Rain and Quicksand, and whilst doing these activities the students have been able to further expand on their reading skills as well as recalling what the story was about and any hidden meanings in it when answering questions. The B class also enjoyed doing a experience based on the story Quicksand - which involved making their own 'quicksand' using cornflour, water and blue colour dye - and they enjoyed letting it run through their fingers. 

In Science, Stage 4 have been looking at classification of living things. We have been learning about the five kingdoms Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista and Monera. We have also been learning about cell structure and doing experiments by looking at cells through the microscope, such as looking at the water from the dam at school. They were lucky enough to see what this looks like in the real world through the excursion to Bargo Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Stage 5 

Stage 5 students participated in a practical baking experience where they prepared an Oreo style chocolate cookie with an icing-sugar based centre. 

Stage 5 have been looking at their final unit for English for 2024 - 'World of the Novel'.  We are consolidating all our learning acquired this year by looking at the novel, 'Holes'; deconstructing the novel, answering questions, listening to and reading the novel and watching the movie as an accompaniment.  We are enjoying this as the final area of study for the year as it gives us an opportunity to put all our knowledge learnt into practice as we unwind, 'chill' and read while also practically applying our learning.  As always, we enjoy our learning in English as we grow our knowledge while we have fun. 

In Life Skills Maths the students have been doing a fantastic job of exploring their knowledge of measurements and length, the students have also been putting their understanding of measurement when using measurements to make things such as models and habitats. 

In Science Stage 5 have been learning about Chemical worlds, where they have been exploring, elements and compounds and identifying what we will observe when a chemical reaction is taking place. Students have been making models of some elements to help them understand the structure of chemical changes. More recently we have been testing chemicals to see if they are acids and bases, and how one can neutralise the other. 

In PDHPE stage 5 have been playing cultural games which include traditional Aboriginal games such as Dabi,  we are now moving into modified games such as ultimate Frisbee/end zone. During theory lessons we have been studying The Kindness Project where we have been looking at identity, being respectful and ways to access support services. 

Extra/Whole Faculty 

Bargo Wildlife Sanctuary

To finish of the year, the support students went on an excursion to the Bargo Wildlife Sanctuary, where we had a fantastic day and learnt all about the different animals and acquired new knowledge about the animals. 

The students did a great job of participating in experiences such as feeding the kangaroos and emus where they would get close to the animals and let the kangaroos eat out of their hands, whilst the emus eat out of red cups. We also had a look at the koalas and learnt interesting facts about koalas. We had a look at the Nocturnal animals which included the frogmouth, as well as possums named Mario and Luigi and Sugar Gliders named Cosmo and Bloom. We learnt interesting facts about the animals, were able to pat the animals and even be witness to the frogmouth flying over us back to the perch. Other exciting moments included the sugar gliders jumping to the ranger and to some of the students, and also climbing over their shoulders and around their backs. 

After lunch we met the reptiles, these included three lizards - a blue tongue named Bubble Gum, a shingle back named Spot and a bearded dragon named Grace. The students had fun patting the lizards and feeling the different textures of their skin. We then met a diamond python named Neil who peacefully slithered around the ground. The students had a turn to touch the snake, and some of the teachers were very brave to hold the snake in their arms or around their necks. Our last visitor of the day was a saltwater crocodile named Nali who we found out has 66 sharp teeth; the students also got to feel the different texture of the crocodile. 

A great time was had by all, a big thank you to Mrs Heath for organising such a great day!!!!