Teaching & Learning

English Language

Year 11 English Language students have been learning about the Proto-Indo-European language tree.

As part of an in-class task they looked into the genetic relatedness of English and other languages throughout history. 

It culminated in language leaves being added to an in-class language tree. 

Lydia Burns

English Language Teacher

Australian Maths Challenge

The Australian Maths Challenge took place during 8 May - 5 June this year. Students received a problem book containing six maths problems (see below for an example problem) and had to provide solutions to as many problems as they could. This year, we had 40 students compete (more than ever before) and we had some outstanding results:

The following students received a Credit Award:

Nelly F (Year 7)

Morgan R (Year 7)

Ria M (Year 8)

Frankie S (Year 8)

Hamza A (Year 9)

The following students received a Distinction Award

Sonia L (Year 7)

Dante V (Year 7)

Julian L (Year 8)

The following students received a High Distinction Award

Kilian H (Year 9)

Owen L (Year 9)

Xavier G (Year 9)

Both Owen L and Xavier G achieved a perfect 24 out of 24 marks. 

Liam McMahon

Maths Learning Area Leader

Art

Artist focus - 7D have been focussing on the art elements of colour, shape to create an artwork in the style of Matisse.

Belinda Pringle

Art Teacher

CHES Reflections

Year 10 CHS Students reflect on their experience studying at the Centre for Higher Education Studies in Semester 1

At Year 10, students have the option to apply to do an enrichment subject after school hours at CHES.  CHES also offers university subjects which can be completed in Year 12 from a range of universities as well as some VCE subjects not offered here at CHS. The majority of classes are held online in addition to several in-person seminar days. 

The Enrichment subjects at CHES are designed to extend Year 10 students and allow them to access content they may not be able to in their regular classes. During Semester One, 7 of our Year 10 students completed a subject, and they have all emphasised how wonderful the experience was. Many students enjoyed the rare opportunity to work with students from all across Victoria, to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge their creative and critical thinking. 

Their presentations on the CHES Celebration Day were inspiring, and it was wonderful to hear how rewarding the experience had been for our students. Many of the students have enjoyed the experience so much they are considering further study at CHES, including some who have opted to take another enrichment class in Semester 2. Congratulations for their wonderful efforts. 

If you wish to find out more about CHES, check out their website or email the Year 10 SST Team. 

Shuaib H, Mathematical Investigations

During my time at CHES, I studied Mathematical Investigations. In this topic, I explored mathematics in greater depth and applied different concepts to solve a problem or investigation question of our choice as our final project. The best part about CHES was the freedom to choose my own topic to research. One of the highlights was definitely the final seminar, where I got to see many different students’ final projects, not only from Maths Investigations but also from the other electives. CHES really challenged my thinking, by making me identify patterns and develop a rule or equation to solve the problem. Working with students from other schools was great; it allowed me to see how other students would approach solving different problems. Overall, it was an interesting and excellent experience that allowed me to apply maths to real-world situations. 

Harriet S, Research Matters

I studied Research Matters as an enrichment elective at CHES in semester one. It was an excellent way for me to develop my research skills through learning about things like systematic literature reviews, APA 7 referencing and PRISMA diagrams. I also got better at keeping myself motivated because our final projects had to be completed independently. As an excursion, my class got to visit GTAC and extract then amplify tick DNA, which was then used for gel electrophoresis to help identify species. Over the semester, it was great to work with and get to know students from all around Victoria and hear about their many interests in areas like law, sport science, education and astrophysics. 

William T, Introduction to Algorithmics 

Over the last semester, I participated in an extracurricular higher education subject at the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES). I was enrolled in the Introduction to Algorithmics program with students from all over Victoria. Algorithmics is the study of algorithms, which can be described as systematic problems, this mainly involved using mathematics and the Python coding language. I found this subject very interesting and challenging as it pushed me into learning areas otherwise unexplored in my base school. The main benefit of learning through CHES is the accessibility for anyone who has an interest in a subject their school doesn’t offer. Despite all this, I regret to say that the learning format didn’t work for me as I felt a lack of engagement with the subject when participating in online classes. Regardless of my lack of enjoyment with the online learning, I did enjoy the multiple excursions as I got to engage more with my peers and the course topic. Overall, CHES is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants more than their school might offer and is willing to commit to an extra lesson outside of class.

Gabriela U, Mind Over Myth 

CHES has been an incredible experience. Last semester I studied Mind Over Myth, where we explored various ethical dilemmas, biases, assumptions, and strategies for constructing strong arguments. Beyond the coursework, it allowed me to connect with peers who share my passions and ambitions. I made lasting friendships, expanded my network, and participated in enriching extracurricular activities, including Model UN and the first-ever Victorian Maths Camp. This semester, I am excited to build on that foundation through Mathematical Investigations. I cannot recommend CHES highly enough. It has been an incredible experience, and I encourage everyone to apply!"

Mietta Robertson

Year 10, Careers and Pathways Leader

Student teaching students! 

We have had the pleasure of having CHS's talented golf player, Dalena Vo (year 8) helping in the Year 8PE Target Games unit. Dalena has been teaching some classes the basics skills, including the correct grip and the key steps to achieve a successful swing to make contact with the ball. We look forward to building on the knowledge taught by Dalena to continue to improve our golf skills and unit.