Year Eight
Health
In Health, the Year 8 students have enjoyed learning about “Body Systems”. They have been exploring the “Cardiovascular System” discovering how the heart, blood vessels, and blood work together to transport essential nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. From understanding the heartbeat cycle to learning about the different types of blood cells, our Year 8’s have gained valuable insights into what keeps our bodies functioning. We have also been researching how regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Physical Education
Our Year 8 students have been actively engaged in exciting rugby fitness activities, developing their skills and understanding of the game. These rugby fitness activities are not only enhancing our students' rugby skills but also promoting overall fitness, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Here is an insight into each rugby activity. These include spiral passes, criss-cross passes and the game of rugby touch:
Rugby Touch: Rugby Touch is a non-contact version of the game of rugby that focuses on communication, speed, and teamwork. In Rugby Touch, instead of tackling, players touch their opponents to stop play. This format allows students to develop their passing, dodging and strategic thinking in a fun and safe environment.
Spiral Passes: Students have practiced this essential rugby skill, which involves spinning the ball to achieve greater accuracy and distance. They have been practising this drill through partner activities and it has been wonderful witnessing their progress of cooperation and skill development.
Criss-Cross Passes: Another exciting skill the students tackled is the criss-cross pass. This technique involves two players running towards each other and exchanging the ball mid-run, creating opportunities for breakthroughs. Practicing criss-cross passes has improved our students’ coordination, timing, and communication on the field.
Spanish
¡Hola a todos!
Year 8 Spanish classes have been buzzing with excitement as we delve into the enchanting world of the movie "Chupa". This heartwarming film has not only entertained us but also provided a fantastic opportunity to enhance our Spanish language skills.
Movie Synopsis: "Chupa" tells the story of a young boy named Alex who discovers a mythical creature, a Chupacabra, living in his grandfather's shed during a summer visit to Mexico. As Alex and his new friend embark on thrilling adventures, they must protect the Chupacabra from those who wish to capture it. The movie beautifully weaves themes of friendship, family, and courage, all while immersing us in Mexican culture and the Spanish language.
Class Activities: While watching "Chupa", we have been engaging in various activities to improve our listening and comprehension skills. Students have been:
- Taking notes on key vocabulary and phrases used in the movie.
- Participating in discussions about the plot, characters, and cultural elements.
- Responding tocomprehension questions and personal reflections.
Why "Chupa"?
This film is an excellent resource for Year 8 students as it combines an entertaining storyline with valuable cultural insights and language practice. It helps students understand the context in which certain phrases are used and offers a glimpse into everyday life in Mexico. The film included many aspects of Mexican culture, such as mariachi music, traditional food, lucha libre, and the experiences of Mexican migrants living in the USA.
Chupa is available to watch on Netfix and is a great movie to watch with the family. Feel free to share your thoughts on the film or any questions you have about our activities. We'd love to hear from you!
¡Hasta luego!
Visual Art
The Year 8 students have been working diligently this semester to develop a work that communicates a meaningful message on a topic they are passionate about. This unit tied into their literature study on "The Hunger Games," allowing them to choose a range of themes from the novel to inspire their artwork.
To support this process, students developed a clear understanding of the differences between street art and graffiti, and how these art forms can be powerful tools for communicating key issues in our world. They engaged in a variety of printmaking methods to create their works and conducted their own investigations into different art-making techniques to effectively emphasise their messages to the wider community.
I am so proud of all the students this semester and what they have produced.
English
In the final weeks of Term Three, year eight have been expanding upon their understanding and exploration of informative texts by producing different types of texts like procedural reports, formal reports, and journalistic reports.
Connecting to the world
To connect to their studies in Humanities, students have been creating information reports on the liveable cities they have built in their Geography lessons. Using their formative writing skills learned in English, they are writing news articles and documentary scripts to discuss and broadcast their tactful inclusion of sustainability practices, access to affordable housing, and accessible leisure spaces that they have built in their urban spaces.
Science
In Year 8 Science, our students embarked on an exciting journey through the complexities of the human body, exploring the 11 distinct body systems. They delved into the intricate functions and interactions of these systems, from the respiratory to the nervous system, gaining a deeper understanding of human biology. The highlight of their study was the creation of group presentations, where students collaborated to bring their knowledge to life. These presentations were not just informative but also fun, showcasing their ability to make complex topics understandable and engaging. The classroom buzzed with energy as students demonstrated their knowledge and practised their public speaking skills, making science come alive in a whole new way. As we look forward to next term, the excitement continues with a deep dive into chemistry. Students will explore the periodic table and the building blocks of matter – atoms, opening the door to another chapter of scientific discovery and adventure!
