Highlights from our classrooms and beyond

Term 2 has been an exciting and rewarding term across all our classrooms. Students have continued to deepen their learning, embrace new challenges, and demonstrate resilience and creativity in a variety of learning experiences. From developing new skills to celebrating achievements both inside and outside the classroom, here is a snapshot of what learning has looked like this term:

English 

In English this term, students explored the rich history of storytelling and language, discovering how English has evolved over more than 1,500 years through influences from cultures and languages such as Greek and Latin. Through the study of myths, legends and poetry, students examined how authors use literary devices to create meaning, engage audiences and communicate ideas across different historical and cultural contexts. Students also developed their understanding of word origins, spelling patterns and vocabulary through the exploration of etymology. As part of their learning, students researched ancient myths and crafted their own creative stories inspired by mythological traditions, applying the writing process of drafting, editing and refining their work. It has been exciting to see students demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and growing confidence in both their reading and writing skills.

Mathematics 

In Mathematics this term, students developed their understanding of key number, algebra and geometry concepts through a range of engaging learning experiences. They explored integers and directed numbers, learning how positive and negative values can be used to represent real-world situations and solve problems. Students investigated the properties of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects, using mathematical language to classify and describe their features. They also examined angle relationships, including angles on a straight line, around a point and within triangles, applying their reasoning to determine unknown angles. In algebra, students built confidence using variables, writing and simplifying expressions, substituting values into formulas and solving one-step linear equations. Throughout the semester, students strengthened their problem-solving and reasoning skills while making connections between mathematics and other learning areas, including Science.

Humanities 

In Humanities this term, students journeyed back to Ancient Rome to explore one of the most influential civilisations in world history. Through the investigation of historical sources, students examined the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire, with a particular focus on the role of Augustus Caesar in shaping Roman society. They explored key aspects of Roman life, including social structures, beliefs, values and significant historical events, while considering how the legacy of Ancient Rome continues to influence modern law, government, language and culture. Students also developed important historical inquiry skills by researching sources, taking effective notes and constructing evidence-based responses. It has been exciting to see students strengthen their critical thinking and source analysis skills while deepening their understanding of the ancient world and its lasting impact on society today.

Science 

It has been a busy and exciting term in science as students explored the topics of forces and simple machines through a variety of hands-on activities and investigations.

Students used electrostatic forces to move aluminium cans without touching them, explored air resistance with paper rotocopters, tested the friction of different ramp surfaces, learned how to measure forces using newton metres, and investigated how simple machines can make work easier by changing the size or direction of a force. A highlight for many students was using a ball thrower to explore levers and measure how they could increase the distance a tennis ball could be thrown.

Students also enjoyed a visit to the museum, where they explored the Dynamic Earth exhibition. This excursion provided a fantastic introduction to the Earth Science concepts we will be studying next term and gave students the opportunity to see real-world examples of many of the ideas they will soon be learning about in class.

We are proud of the enthusiasm and curiosity students have shown throughout the term and look forward to continuing their scientific journey next semester.

Health and Physical Education 

This term, students have been actively engaged in both Health and Physical Education, developing valuable skills that support their wellbeing and participation in school and community life. In Health, students explored topics including understanding themselves and their relationships, communication and conflict resolution, bullying and cyberbullying, and respectful relationships. Through discussions and practical activities, they examined resilience, empathy, consent, and the influence of power and gender stereotypes on relationships. In Physical Education, students participated in a range of invasion games such as basketball, netball, and soccer. They refined movement skills, applied game strategies, and developed teamwork, leadership and decision-making skills while learning the importance of fair play and inclusive participation. It has been wonderful to see students growing in confidence, collaboration and respect across both learning areas.

Dominic W (7C) enthusiastically remarked, "Sport is amazing, Sport is the best".  

French

In French this term, Year 7 students explored France and the many francophone countries around the world. They learned vocabulary related to colours, nationalities, and numbers from 1 to one million, enabling them to discuss population figures, languages spoken, and traditional foods in selected French-speaking countries. Students also learned about La Journée Internationale de la Francophonie, celebrated worldwide on 20 March. As part of their learning, students enthusiastically created colourful and engaging posters about their countries of origin. This project provided an excellent opportunity for them to showcase the vocabulary and grammar they have developed since the beginning of the year, including introducing themselves, describing nationalities, discussing population figures, and using a wide range of numbers in French. It was wonderful to see their creativity and pride shine through as they combined language learning with personal interests, producing vibrant displays that reflected both their growing confidence in French and their cultural backgrounds.

Arts and Technology

Students have enjoyed either Drama, Media, Art or Food Technology in their Art/Technology rotation this term, in addition to their weekly Digital Technologies class. They will take up a new subject in Term 3.

In Dramathis term, students have explored both Ancient Greek Theatre and First Nations Contemporary Theatre. One of the highlights of the semester was designing and creating their own Ancient Greek masks and performing original scenes inspired by an extract from Medea. Through these activities, students developed their understanding of the conventions of Greek theatre while building their creativity, collaboration, and performance skills.

Our students have made an excellent start to their Digital Technologies journey this term. They have been developing their understanding of digital systems, data representation, and computational thinking while building strong problem-solving skills.

Next term, students will progress into the exciting world of programming. They will learn how to design and create algorithms, write pseudocode, and develop flowcharts to plan solutions to real-world problems. These foundational skills will prepare them for coding in Python, one of the world's most widely used programming languages.

Students are looking forward to creating their own programs, solving challenges, and bringing their ideas to life through coding. It promises to be an engaging and rewarding learning experience as they continue to build their confidence and creativity in Digital Technologies at Kolorer College.

Excellence in Literacy and Learning

The library continues to be a vibrant and welcoming space where students explore new ideas, nurture their curiosity and develop a lifelong love of reading. From discovering new authors to immersing themselves in popular graphic novels, students are embracing the joy of learning and reading for pleasure. Through ongoing collaborations with teachers and a commitment to supporting literacy across the College, the library remains at the heart of our school community, inspiring creativity, imagination and a passion for knowledge.