Galileo - Term 4

Our final term of Galileo for 2024 has begun with 9G1, 9G2 and 9J2 stepping up to the challenge of a new campus, new homegroups and new experiences with admirable focus and energy. 

The highlight of each week is our trail, which sees the Galileo students undertaking challenges such as rock climbing, the 1000 steps hike, and conducting field research on their UN Global Goal. 

Our very first trail took place at the Hardrock Climbing centre on Swanston St, where students prepared for our Grampians camp by taking turns at both rock climbing and belaying. They showed impressive teamwork and communication by consistently working together, keeping each other safe and helping to push each other to ever greater heights. 

The following week, in further preparation for camp, students undertook the 1000 steps hike in the Dandenong Ranges. One student carefully counted every step and reported that the hike was actually 837 steps - every one of which all of our students managed to climb. The persistence and dedication shown by the Year 9s on this day was incredibly impressive, and we as staff were very proud of their efforts and exemplary behaviour. 

Finally, perhaps the greatest challenge so far has been Discovery Day in Week 4. The students had to organise and conduct an interview with an expert in their Global Goal, as well as surveying members of the public about their topic. Each group conducted upwards of 100 surveys throughout the day and were responsible for arranging their own travel, timetable and workload. Discovery Day was a huge success and the students further developed their skills in independent learning, research and communication. 

We’ve been having a fantastic term with our final Galileo students so far - looking forward to a very exciting camp in Week 6 and what promises to be a very positive end to the year.

Gabrielle DuBois - Galileo Program Teacher