Year Eight
Mathematics
As Term Two comes to an end, students have been guided through the subject area of Real Numbers in various topics.
Students have delved further into Rational & Irrational Numbers. This involves working on Fractions, including Equivalent, Simplifying, Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying & Dividing problem related Fractions.
Besides completing their tests through Essential Assessment, students will also be given opportunities to focus on areas specific to their learning needs where they work on their My Numeracy Goals.
Students also enjoyed occasions where they can work collaboratively and see the importance of how this knowledge applies to the real world or business setting.
Music
As the school year progresses, our secondary music department is abuzz with excitement and activity. At the start of the year, we were thrilled to introduce a range of new instruments to our program, including guitars, keyboards, a drum kit, and ukuleles. These additions have opened up new musical opportunities for our students in Years 7-9, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
The introduction of these instruments has been complemented by the arrival of two talented instrumental staff members. Mr. Smith has joined us, bringing his expertise in guitar, drums, bass, and ukulele. His dynamic teaching
style and vast experience have already made a significant impact on our students, many of whom are quickly mastering their chosen instruments.
Joining Mr. Smith is Mr. Silva, who specialises in voice and piano. His passion for music and dedication to nurturing young talent is clear in our department. Mr. Silva's lessons are always engaging and inspiring, and it's been wonderful to see students thrive under his guidance.
The enthusiasm for these new lessons is evident, with spaces filling up rapidly and most already nearing capacity. It's clear that our students are eager to take advantage of these new learning opportunities, and we are delighted to see such high levels of participation and enthusiasm.
One of the most exciting outcomes of these new additions is the emergence of a new school band. This group of talented students has come together to explore their musical creativity, blending the skills they've acquired in their lessons. Their rehearsals are filled with energy and collaboration, and they are quickly developing a unique sound that we can't wait to share with the school community.
Overall, the start of this school year has been a fantastic time for our secondary music department. With the new instruments, the expertise of Mr. Smith and Mr. Silva, and the enthusiasm of our students, we are looking forward to a year filled with musical growth, creativity, and performance. Stay tuned for updates on our new band and other exciting musical projects throughout the year!
There are a few spots left if your student is keen to further pursue musical endeavours.
Id like to thank the school community for your ongoing support.
Humanities
This term, our students embarked on an exciting journey through the world of Geography. We began by exploring the fundamental question: What is Geography? Students discovered its relevance to their everyday lives, setting a strong foundation for the term.
Basic Geographical Skills and Concepts: We progressed to understanding essential geographical skills and concepts, helping students differentiate between the concepts of place and space. This understanding is crucial as it forms the basis for analysing various geographical phenomena.
Exploring Landforms and Landscapes: Our journey continued with an introduction to different landforms. Through a mini-inquiry project, students compared and contrasted various landscapes, deepening their appreciation for the diversity of our planet. This inquiry was further enriched by exploring underground landscapes and the cultural significance of various terrains.
Preserving and Maintaining Landscapes: Students learned about the importance of preserving and maintaining landscapes. This topic highlighted the impact of human activities on the environment and fostered a sense of responsibility towards conservation efforts.
Diverse Landscapes: The exploration of landscapes extended to specific types such as water, desert, mountain, and rainforest landscapes. Engaging online exercises on Jacaranda helped reinforce their understanding. Students found this segment particularly enjoyable and educational.
Urban Landscapes and Society: The unit concluded with an examination of the ever-changing nature of urban landscapes. Students studied the impact of societal changes on urban areas, culminating in a Summative Quiz that assessed their understanding of the term’s content.
Current Focus: Liveability: Our current focus is on the concept of liveability. Students are investigating the factors that contribute to making a place liveable. This includes understanding the role of the community and the concept of a 'third place' - a social surrounding separate from home and work.
Designing the Ideal Third Place: Students are thoroughly engaged in designing their blueprint of an ideal third place. This project allows them to apply their knowledge creatively, considering elements that enhance community liveability and connectivity.
So far, this term has been filled with enriching activities and explorations, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of Geography among our students. Their enthusiasm and active participation have made this term a rewarding experience for all. We look forward to continuing our geographical adventures and uncovering more about the world around us.