SECONDARY (7-12)

As part of the Year 7 & 8 Materials Technology curriculum, students have been learning about the design process and how it is used to solve problems through creativity, testing and improvement.

Inspired by the complex machines of Rube Goldberg, students were challenged to design and construct a medieval trebuchet using only the materials provided. Throughout the project, students applied each stage of the design process, testing their creations and making modifications to improve performance.

The results were impressive, with some students successfully launching their ammunition distances of up to three metres! A fantastic hands-on learning experience that combined design thinking, problem-solving and engineering skills.

🧪🎨 Year 9 students have been exploring chemical reactions and last week turned their attention to the neutralisation of acids and bases. Combining science with creativity, they let their imaginations run wild to create some fantastic neutralisation-themed artworks as part of their investigation. 

A fun and engaging way to bring chemistry concepts to life! 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

As part of the Year 9 Textiles curriculum, students have been exploring sustainability in the Materials Technology world. Throughout the term, they have investigated the concept of fast fashion and the significant environmental impact it has through excessive consumption, waste, and resource use.

Students have examined ways individuals can help reduce the effects of fast fashion by donating, upcycling, reusing, and repurposing clothing and textiles. To put their learning into practice, students were challenged to follow the design process and develop a product that could be transformed from a second-hand item into something new and purposeful.

Working with a budget of just $5 and utilising materials already available in the textiles room, students designed and planned their projects before heading out on an excursion to local opportunity shops on Friday 29 May to source their chosen items.

Since then, students have been busy refining and creating their upcycled designs during class time. Their completed projects were showcased earlier today.

STUDENT VOICE:

On Friday 29th May, the Year 9 textiles group went on an excursion around Shepparton and Mooroopna to buy items that we are going to upcycle and improve. The students had a budget of $5 that was provided by school. The students had a fun time searching through the stores, finding good deals and items to buy.  - Amanda

I had fun going to the Op shops to get something for my project. Maccas and the Kebab shop was very nice to go to and eat. - Yousuf

The textiles group went to the op shops in Shepparton and Mooroopna to get stuff for our textiles project to recycle. We had lots of fun and got to see some amazing pieces. - Diya

I had so much fun learning how to budget wisely. It was really fun trying on lots of clothes and it felt like a shopping spree. What makes it better is that it was for textiles so we can alter the clothes to suit ourselves! - Alyssa

Year 12 Biology students have been currently undertaking their Unit 4 Extended Investigation, exploring aspects of biochemical pathways through the design and implementation of a scientific experiment. Students are investigating factors that influence enzyme activity, photosynthesis, or cellular respiration, applying their understanding of biological processes to collect and analyse data.

Students have shown great enthusiasm and initiative in developing their experimental designs and are achieving some excellent results. This investigation provides valuable experience in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and data analysis, while deepening their understanding of key biological concepts.

🎢🔬 Learning in Action at Luna Park! 🎢🔬

In Week 8, our Year 12 Methods and Physics students travelled to Luna Park Melbourne to put their classroom learning into practice.

Throughout the day, students investigated how the motion and shapes of rides could be represented using mathematical equations, while also applying their understanding of forces, acceleration and motion to explore the physics behind each attraction. By analysing real-world examples, they were able to connect the concepts they have been studying this year to practical situations beyond the classroom.

Experiences like these help develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in Year 12 and beyond. Best of all, students had plenty of fun while learning! 🎡📚⚙️

The Year 7 Food Technology class prepared delicious tacos while developing a range of practical food preparation skills. Students learned and practised techniques including slicing, dicing, measuring ingredients, frying and assembling their tacos. Through this hands-on learning experience, they gained confidence in the kitchen while applying food safety and preparation skills. The end results were both visually appealing and full of flavour, with students thoroughly enjoying the tacos they created.

With the wet weather keeping everyone indoors yesterday, Year 7 students adapted their PE lesson by participating in a yoga session. Students explored a range of stretches and poses, focusing on flexibility, balance and wellbeing. They then worked collaboratively to design their own stretches and balance exercises, which their classmates had the opportunity to try and evaluate. They finished off with a plank challenge. It was a fun and engaging way to stay active while developing creativity, teamwork and an understanding of the importance of physical wellbeing.

Our Year 12 students enjoyed a fun break from their studies last week, dressing up for the theme "Dress as Your Future Career."

From lawyers and business professionals to tradies, teachers and medical professionals, mechanics and even firefighters, students embraced the opportunity to showcase their career aspirations with creativity and enthusiasm.

It was fantastic to see our Year 12s let their hair down, have some fun, and celebrate their future ambitions during what is a busy and demanding year of study. We loved seeing the variety of career pathways represented and wish them all the best as they work towards achieving their goals. 

Year 7 students Jaylin and Seth have been hard at work removing prickly weeds from our soccer and football grounds. Their efforts are helping to improve our sporting facilities and create a safer, more enjoyable space for everyone to use.

Thank you, Jaylin and Seth, for your hard work, initiative and contribution to our school community. We appreciate your efforts! 👏⚽🏉

An impressive number of students were recently recognised for their achievements throughout Semester 1. Awards were presented for academic excellence, consistent effort and commitment to learning, as well as positive contributions to the classroom through exceptional or improved behaviour.

We are incredibly proud of all students who were acknowledged and congratulate them on their hard work and dedication. As Semester 1 comes to a close and we near the end of Term 2, we encourage everyone to continue striving to be the best version of themselves and to make the most of every learning opportunity. Well done to all award recipients! 

Our Year 11 VCE-VM students, Lateekah and Ruby, recently took on a leadership role with a Year 3 class as part of their Personal Development Skills studies.

As part of the task, they were required to plan and facilitate an activity that promoted teamwork and collaboration. They chose the popular Marshmallow Tower Challenge, where students worked in teams to build the tallest unsupported tower using marshmallows and dried spaghetti.

The activity was a great success, with the Year 3 students highly engaged and enthusiastic throughout. Lateekah and Ruby provided clear instructions, encouraged participation, and supported the students as they worked together to solve the challenge.

Congratulations to the winning team, who were thrilled with their impressive tower! To top off a fun and successful session, students were rewarded by getting to eat the marshmallows at the end of the activity.

Well done to Lateekah and Ruby for demonstrating outstanding leadership and helping our younger students develop their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Year 9 student and barber, Ridha has generously brought in his kit and treated staff to a fresh new cut for the last day of term! Well done Ridha, what great skills you have!