Specialist News
STEM Update
What are our students learning in STEM this term?
Prep
Prep students are beginning an eight-lesson unit on Digital Technologies, focusing on digital systems and data. They will identify common digital systems (e.g. tablets, smartboards) and learn to distinguish between hardware and software. Using tablets, they’ll practise taking and editing photos to explore how technology helps us communicate. Later in the term, they will design and build a model of a digital system and explain how it works. This unit supports creativity, safe technology use, and foundational skills in design and communication.
Year 1/2
Year 1/2 students are learning how digital systems support work, communication, and problem-solving. They will identify hardware and software components and explore how data can be represented using words, numbers, and symbols. Through hands-on tasks like designing digital tools, creating a calendar, and labelling digital devices, students will develop problem-solving and communication skills. The unit concludes with a scenario-based assessment where students will design a digital solution to an organisational problem.
Year 3/4
Year 3/4 students are exploring how digital systems and data solve real-world problems. They will investigate input/output peripherals, understand how data is collected and shared, and explore differences between data transfer (wired) and transmission (wireless). Students will use spreadsheets to organise and present data using charts and graphs. Their learning will culminate in a practical assessment, applying their knowledge to solve challenges involving digital systems and data.
Year 5/6
Year 5/6 students will focus on online safety and responsible digital collaboration. They will learn how to behave respectfully online, protect personal information, and maintain a positive digital footprint. In groups, students will plan a collaborative project proposing a location for a new community skatepark, using digital tools to organise files, create timelines, conduct research, and co-author a report. In the second half of the term, they will investigate artificial intelligence (AI)—how it learns from data, how to recognise deep fakes, and the ethical issues surrounding facial recognition. Students will finish the unit by developing AI safety guidelines and reflecting on digital privacy and data use.
We look forward to a fantastic term of learning as students continue building confidence and capability in the digital world.
News from Visual Arts
Calling all young artists!
The Glen Eira Council is once again hosting its annual Youth Art Exhibition, and this year’s theme is “Time and Space.” This much-anticipated event celebrates the creativity and imagination of young people across the community.
We’re excited to share that many of our talented students have already entered the competition, and their work will be showcased at the Glen Eira City Art Gallery. The exhibition not only gives students the chance to have their work displayed in a professional gallery, but also the opportunity to win exciting prizes!
Entries close on August 15, so there’s still time to get involved. Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, or create digital art, this is a fantastic chance to express yourself and be part of something special.
https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/services/youth/youth-programs/your-event/youth-art-exhibition
Miho Suzuki-Bevan
Art Teacher
