Stage 4

Late last term four of our support students went to Yr7 Camp at the Tops at Stanwell Tops, the students had a great time, experienced new things and stepped out of their comfort zone when doing the activities. The students enjoyed Archery, Tree Line, The Giant Swing, Survivor, The Leap of Faith and Go Karting. All the students were very brave and had a go at the activities. They also had a great time doing night activities and spending time with their mainstream peers.

Our poets are polishing up on their literary skills in stage 4 English. We are revisiting our literary device library including metaphors, similes, imagery, alliteration...the list is endless. We are rocking up an English storm as we listen to different songs and dissect the lyrics, discovering all the devices hidden in the words. What a great opportunity to revise important concepts in English as we sing, listen, have fun and head into our final stretch for the year. Our year is sure to end on a high as we look at our exciting final topic for the semester and year in a couple of weeks ‘500 minutes of danger’. We can hardly wait!

Stage 4 continue to do amazing work, with many outstanding results completed in their Mathematics Assessments. The students have been busy learning to use fractions and decimals, with percentages still to come later in the term. We will be challenged with Equations to finish 2024.

During technology lessons the students have been studying engineering, where we have constructed bridges using paddle pop sticks. The students did research on the laptops to get an idea of how they would construct their bridges. They then worked as part of a team to construct their bridges using their creative, thinking and problem solving skills to make the bridges. Once the bridges were completed we tested them out to see what weight they would hold. The students have now moved on to making solar powered cars and working through their portfolios for their assessment.

Stage 5

Our stage 5 students have been learning all about singing and protesting in English. We have been listening to music, analysing song lyrics, investigating and understanding what people are protesting about and why. Things have been fun in class as we dim the lights, turn up the music, plug in those disco lights and get down and ‘boogie’. It's always fun and games, and of course learning, in English! We will end our term and year in a couple of weeks as we unwind and look at our second topic in semester II, conveniently snuggling into our grand finale’ area of study ‘Escaping into the World of the Novel’.

(

Science, Stage 5 have been exploring different types of energy including sound and how the vibration of particles helps sound travel from one place to another using tuning forks. We also tried to create a vacuum with a bell jar to see if sound can be heard when no matter exists. This experiment was relatively successful, and students were able to identify ways in which to improve this investigation for future lessons and investigations.

Stage 5 learnt about compounds through use of a molecular kit. Their compound constructions included: Water, Glucose Methane and Caffeine.

Stage 5 students participated in a practical cooking experience where they prepared and cooked ingredients including vegetables, meat and condiments; completing a warm stroganoff dish.

Stage 5 continue to do great things in Mathematics, with many outstanding results completed in their Assessments. We have been busy learning about chance and probability, with straight line relationships still to come. Students will also explore numbers of varying sizes and how to present them using index notation to finish 2024.

Extra/Whole Faculty

Matt, Rocky, Logan and Kyle represented Camden HS and Sydney South West well at the recent State Finals for all-abilities tenpin bowling. The boys had a difficult time matching the form they showed at the Regional finals which saw them place first in the area. The boys finished a respectable 23rd out of more than 500 schools who competed. Matt was our best bowler on the day scoring just under 250. This will be the last time this team will be able to represent CHS as the majority of the team leave school into the workplace before next year's competition.

Talking Attendance...