Specialists
Secondary 9/10
Term 1
Digital Tech
In the Digital Technology unit called ‘Minecraft Extend’ the Secondary 9/10 students are building on their existing Minecraft skills to create their own worlds. So far we have worked together to build a class village where the students have chosen their own style of house to build, from castles, wooden style, modern style or treehouse. While building, the students have been learning how to use add detail to their builds, how to choose types of blocks to fit their style and to use some advanced Minecraft blocks such as redstone, dispensers, pistons and NPCs (non-playable characters). It has been a fun and focused start to the unit!
Music
Music elective groups have produced some excellent band work on songs of their own choosing. Different classes have selected a range of pieces, including Die on This Hill by Sienna Spiro and Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, and have been refining their ensemble performance skills. Students are showing growing musical independence as they adjust arrangements and rehearsal strategies to suit their groups
PE
Students who selected the Invasion Games elective were introduced to the shared features of invasion‑style sports, including key strategies such as maintaining possession of the ball. They enjoyed applying these strategies during modified games and throughout our basketball unit, where play was often paused for reflection and improvement. Students showed increased strategic thinking as they adapted their approaches to each game situation.
Social Competencies
Years 9/10 students explored the Concord School values—Be a Learner, Be Safe, Be Responsible and Be Respectful—and discussed how these apply at school, in the community and online. They shared ideas through drawings, discussions and supported activities.
Students also began their Drug Education unit, learning the difference between medicines and drugs. They explored over‑the‑counter and prescription medications, recognising packaging features and identifying basic dosage and storage information. To support independence, students learnt how to find a GP near their home and when they might need to visit one.
Visual Arts
Secondary 9/10 students began with Pop Art‑inspired name pieces using vivid colours and repeated shapes to refine their early‑year skills. They then shifted into sculptural work, drafting and adjusting their own concepts using reusable clay before moving on to traditional wet clay. Students supported each other throughout the process, sharing ideas and solving design challenges together. Their creativity, growing assurance and enthusiasm for exploring new techniques have been a real highlight.
Creative Media
This term, the Secondary 9/10 students have been exploring creativity through photography and digital design. They learned different photography concepts while using iPads to take their own photos, experimenting with angles, framing and composition.
Food Tech
Students in Secondary 9/10 have been learning about International Cuisine. Throughout the term, they prepared and cooked a range of dishes from around the world, including Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry from Asia, Sushi from Japan, Tacos from Mexico, Chicken Shawarma from the Middle East, Fish Patties from Thailand, Hamburgers from the USA, and later this term, Spaghetti Bolognaise from Italy. Students have really embraced the program and enjoyed learning about the cultural origins of each dish. Their growing confidence and enthusiasm in the kitchen have been wonderful to see.
Science
This term, students in the Secondary 9/10 Science elective Life on Earth have been exploring Biology. Our topics have included classification, vertebrates and invertebrates, living and non‑living things, the basic needs of living things, microorganisms and cells. Students have watched a range of videos and taken part in hands‑on activities, including classifying invertebrates and vertebrates encased in PVC and growing seedlings. They are looking forward to observing cells under the microscope and learning about prehistoric and endangered animals next term
Outdoor Education
In Term 1, students participated in our Bike Education Program. Throughout the term, they developed their bike‑riding skills while learning important road‑safety rules. Students were introduced to the ABCD check to ensure their bikes were safe to ride and practised using correct hand signals when on the move.
During the program, students worked together as a team, encouraging and supporting each other while building their confidence on the bikes. Their physical endurance and fitness improved through regular riding sessions, and they approached each challenge with increasing assurance. A highlight for many was racing against their peers and completing the time trials, which proved both exciting and rewarding.
Overall, the program was a great success, helping students strengthen teamwork skills while learning to ride safely, responsibly and with growing independence.
