Highlights from our classrooms

It has been a vibrant and productive term across all our classrooms. Students have explored new ideas, taken on challenges, and built their confidence across a wide range of subjects. Here is a snapshot of what learning has looked like this term:

English

This term, English students travelled to the "Land of Gup" as they studied Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories. The text served as a rich foundation for developing sophisticated literacy skills, specifically focusing on how to annotate texts and embed quotes seamlessly into their writing. Love (7D) shared, “we annotate the book and it helps me to really pay attention to what I'm reading.” This reflects the growing confidence students are building as thoughtful and active readers.

Beyond the mechanics of writing, the class explored the nuances of humor and the foundational elements of the fantasy genre. Students also explored what makes a fantasy story exciting, including the idea of a hero’s journey and how characters grow through challenges. Elena (7D) adds that having opportunities to read aloud as a class has been a highlight for her, "we all get a turn and act like a team in that class."

Mathematics

In Mathematics, students strengthened their understanding of numbers and how they work. They practised different ways of breaking apart and working with numbers, and explored concepts like square numbers and square roots.

They also investigated patterns in numbers, including factors, multiples, and prime numbers, while learning how to read and interpret data clearly.

Quanta (7B) reflected proudly, “I got a high mark on my test by being careful, following instructions, and concentrating.” This highlights the focus and persistence students are developing in their learning.

Humanities

To begin Term 1, students journeyed into Ancient Australia, focusing on the concept of ‘Deep Time.’ They explored how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples remain custodians of one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures - a legacy defined by complex social structures, rich belief systems, and innovative technologies developed over tens of thousands of years. During this unit, students honed their source analysis skills, learning how to effectively use evidence to explain the intricacies of ancient societies.

Our second historical investigation transported students to Ancient India, one of the world’s earliest and most influential civilizations. By focusing on the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Mauryan Empires, students examined key features of Indian society, including its unique geography, social hierarchies, and significant cultural achievements. Throughout this study, students continued to refine their historical writing while building a foundational understanding of chronology and the use of timelines.

Here are some of the amazing pieces of work our students have produced across the term:

Science

Our junior scientists have had a hands-on term exploring the intricacies of the natural world. They began by stepping into the field, collecting data in our own gardens to identify various plant species before zooming in on the microscopic level to master the use of microscopes. A highlight for many was the "sweet" application of logic, using dichotomous keys to identify jellybean flavors (a necessary sacrifice for scientific inquiry!). 

Students also examined the physical adaptations of lizard scales, parrot feathers, and carnivorous plants to understand survival in the wild. To visualize the complexity of nature, they physically built themselves into a giant food web of native Victorian species and used Jenga to model the delicate balance of ecosystems. Finally, they applied their skills as ecologists to conduct a real-world assessment of a local wetland ecosystem’s health.

Zain (7A) reflected, “I found science really interesting because we were learning about different plants and animals… and looking at cells using microscopes.”

From building food webs to investigating ecosystems, students developed a deeper understanding of how living things are connected.

Health and Physical Education

In HPE, students focused on both physical activity and personal wellbeing. They learned about healthy habits, including nutrition, exercise, and ways to support mental health.

In practical lessons, students developed their movement skills through a range of activities, finishing the term with athletics.

Hannah (7B) captured the impact of these lessons perfectly: “I love PE because we get to move around and get motivated. I always feel more alive and have energy after.”

French

In French, students have built a strong foundation in both vocabulary and essential grammar. They learned how to greet others, introduce themselves, and use numbers and simple vocabulary.

They also started to understand how the language works, including how verbs change and how to use different forms of “you.”

As Jesiah (7C) shares, “I have enjoyed French the most because we are getting to learn a new language.” It has been wonderful to see students embrace the challenge with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Arts and Technology

Students have enjoyed either  Drama, Media, Art or Food Technology in their Art/Technology rotation this term, in addition to their weekly Digital Technologies class. They will take up a new subject in Term 2.

In Media, a highlight for many was stop-motion animation. In Drama, students learned about the origins of theatre in Ancient Greece, and devised small group performances of their own. In Art, the foundations of Art practice were explored by learning about Color Theory, the elements of Art, various techniques and mediums and taking inspiration from artists such as Keith Haring. Food Technology has had a practical focus from the start, and students greatly enjoyed the move to our new Kitchen mid-term. Amongst the recipes they have cooked were sushi and rice paper rolls; waffles; healthy smoothies; muffins; baked goods such as sausage rolls; and apple crumble.