Teaching and Learning

As we come to the end of the term it is an excellent time to reflect on the variety of activities in which our students have been engaged. Students have had the opportunity to be challenged by new ideas and concepts in class as well as venture out into the world to continue their learning through hands on experience. Whether it be a Physics excursion, Year 9 and 10 Dance and Music heading to Sydney to watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Wilderness trips, or the Chrism Mass excursion to St Francis Xavier Cathedral - Wollongong, these opportunities enrich the lives of our students.

It is no surprise that as an English teacher I value highly the power of reading books to also enrich the lives of every person. I would like to challenge each member of the Chevalier community to find the time to read a book over the coming holidays. Richard Branson the celebrated entrepreneur and businessman made this contribution to a book titled A Velocity of Being – Letters to a Young Reader:

Enjoy the break and look forward to returning to Term 2 invigorated, with curious minds ready to engage with learning.  

Year 12 Design and Technology SHAPE@Powerhouse Visit

On March 15th, the Year 12 HSC Design and Technology students attended a seminar at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. The focus of the seminar was to provide students with information on how to approach and complete their Major Works for the HSC. Students received expert advice about the design process. The NESA speakers provided insights on how to produce a design folio to demonstrate the development of a project.

Students were then given a guided tour of the SHAPE exhibition, which showcased the Major Works in the Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and the Textiles and Design courses from last year’s HSC students. 

Lastly the students attended a workshop run by an Industrial Designer. The workshop was informative and engaging, with students learning valuable information. They also gained a deeper understanding of how design and technology can be used to create a variety of solutions to problems in the real world.

Overall, the visit provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the Major Works process and receive valuable insights from industry experts.

Year 12 Hospitality Excursion

On Tuesday March 21st the Year 12 Hospitality class attended an excursion to the NOVOTEL Hotel in Wollongong. The purpose of the excursion was to provide the students with an opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge about the hospitality industry, which is part of their HSC course and their RTO certificate.

The students were given a site tour of the Front of House and Back of House areas, led by experienced hotel staff members who shared their expertise and answered the students' questions. This tour gave the students a unique insight into the inner workings of a busy hotel and allowed them to see first-hand the various departments and the roles and responsibilities of different staff members.

After the tour, the students participated in a mocktail workshop, where they learned about the art of creating non-alcoholic cocktails. The workshop was conducted by a skilled bartender who demonstrated the techniques used in creating a variety of mocktails. The students had the opportunity to create their own mocktails, using fresh ingredients and following the bartender's instructions. The students thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and appreciated the opportunity to learn about the art of mixology.

Following the mocktail workshop, the students participated in a simulated Restaurant Service experience. This was conducted by experienced restaurant staff, who demonstrated the proper techniques for food and beverage service in a fine dining restaurant. The students had the opportunity to practice these skills themselves, which allowed them to gain valuable experience in a simulated restaurant setting.

After the workshops, the students enjoyed lunch at the NOVOTEL Hotel, where they had the opportunity to sample some of the hotel's cuisine. The students were impressed by the quality of the food and the excellent service provided by the restaurant staff.

Overall, the excursion was a great success, providing the students with a valuable and enjoyable learning experience. The students gained a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry. The excursion also provided the students with an opportunity to develop their practical skills, which will be beneficial to them in their future careers in the hospitality industry.