Year Seven

Dear Year Seven Families,

Welcome to Term 3 Week 2.

Humanities

This term, our Year 7 Humanities students have begun their new history unit on ancient civilisations. The unit began with an exploration of the fundamental question: Why do we study history? Students engaged in thoughtful discussions about the importance of understanding our past to make sense of the present and to shape a better future.

To build a strong foundation in historical inquiry, students have been introduced to key historical skills. They have practiced creating timelines, ensuring that events are placed in chronological order, which helps them to visualise the sequence and context of historical developments. Additionally, they have started to analyse primary and secondary sources, learning to distinguish between different types of evidence and to evaluate their reliability and significance.

Our first ancient civilisation of study is Ancient Egypt, a topic that has sparked great enthusiasm among the students. They will explore various aspects of life in ancient Egypt, including the impressive pyramids, the intricate social hierarchy, and the daily lives of its people. Through examining artefacts, hieroglyphics, and historical records, students will gain insights into the rich and complex culture that flourished along the Nile River.

As we continue this unit, students will further develop their skills in historical analysis and interpretation. They will be encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and draw connections between the past and the present. We look forward to seeing their curiosity and understanding deepen as they uncover the mysteries and marvels of ancient civilisations.

Financial Literacy

In Financial Literacy, we are discussing the value of money and why we need it. We have started to investigate the difference between wants and needs. During this term we will be looking at identifying an individual ‘want’ and how we are going to get these. We explored part-time jobs that we can seek in a couple of years and the hourly wages that we will receive. We are also learning about interest rates and savings.

Physical Education

We are delighted to be back for another exciting term of PE and Health. In Year 7 Health, students will be continuing to learn about growing up with a particular focus on how we can make sensible choices. Students will explore a module of self defence whilst discussing ways in which they can look after each other as their independence grows.

In PE we are playing ultimate frisbee, a fast paced and widely popular sport which students have loved so far. We have spent our initial lessons learning the basic skills and rules and look forward to being able to progress this to competitive games soon.

MUSIC:

Unleashing Creativity with Soundtrap: Students Compose Original Music

In today's digital age, the intersection of technology and creativity is providing exciting new opportunities for our students. This semester, our high school music department has been harnessing the power of Soundtrap, an innovative digital audio workstation, to enable students to create their own original pieces of music.

Soundtrap is an online, collaborative music and podcast recording studio that offers students a wealth of tools to record, edit, and produce their own tracks. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of virtual instruments, loops, and effects have made it a perfect fit for both beginners and more experienced musicians in our school.

Exploring and Creating Complex Works

Since integrating Soundtrap into our curriculum, students have been exploring the platform's extensive features to create some truly complex and amazing works. From layering sounds and experimenting with various genres to fine-tuning rhythms and melodies, the creativity and dedication displayed by our students have been remarkable.

Showcasing Student Talent

We are thrilled to share some of these original compositions with you. The works produced on Soundtrap reflect not only the students' technical skills but also their imaginative and artistic growth. Here are a few highlights:

Hanz Zimmer Fusion - Combining traditional classical elements with modern electronic sounds, this piece showcases intricate rhythms and a seamless blend of genres.
Ambient Soundscape - A soothing composition that uses layered loops and ambient effects to create a tranquil and immersive auditory experience.
Rock Anthem - Featuring powerful guitar riffs and dynamic drum patterns, this track captures the energy and spirit of classic rock music.
Electronic Dance Track - An upbeat, high-energy piece that incorporates pulsating beats and catchy melodies, perfect for the dance floor.

Please follow this link to hear the Rock Anthem composed by one of our talented Female year 9 students. https://youtu.be/y4uAZE5EMFM

Collaborative Learning

One of the most exciting aspects of using Soundtrap is its collaborative capabilities. Students have been able to work together on projects, even from different locations, sharing ideas and building on each other’s strengths. This has fostered a sense of teamwork and community within our music program, as well as provided valuable lessons in communication and cooperation.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to explore the possibilities of digital music production, we look forward to seeing even more innovative and inspiring works from our students. The integration of Soundtrap has opened new doors for creative expression and technical skill development, and we are excited to support our students in their musical journeys.

We invite you to listen to the amazing compositions our students have created and celebrate their hard work and creativity. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming performances and showcases where these original pieces will be featured.

Thank you for your continued support of our music program!