Support Faculty Snapshot
Stage 4
Science:
This term in the Support Unit, students have been exploring our topic 'Observing the Universe.' They’ve been thinking and working like real scientists, asking questions, making connections and building their understanding of how science helps us explain the world around us.
We began by recognising Australia’s First Nations peoples as some of the world’s first scientists. Students learned how careful observation of the land and skies informed navigation, seasons and survival, and how this knowledge continues to expand and enrich Western science today.
Students were introduced to the six branches of science: astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, ecology and geology; and explored how these areas often overlap.
A highlight of the term was visiting the science lab to become familiar with the layout, important equipment and lab safety expectations. Students showed great maturity and curiosity in this new environment.
Currently, students are researching a scientist and their discovery, learning that scientific breakthroughs build upon the work of those who came before them.
We are so proud of their enthusiasm and growing confidence as young scientists!
Technology:
Stage 4 Technology Mandatory students have jumped into the world of engineering and discovered why it plays such an important role in everyday life. They’ve also been busy learning how to safely use a hot glue gun, putting their skills to the test by creating the initials of their names. This is just the beginning, with plenty of exciting, hands-on projects coming up in the weeks ahead!
HSIE:
Students in Stage 4 HSIE are starting the year with History. For the first part of Term 1, we will be “Investigating the Ancient Past.”
This unit focuses on questions such as:
What is History?
Why do we study History?
Students will further examine historical terminology, timelines and chronological order to gain a better understanding of the processes involved to unearth the mysteries of the past.
Stage 5
Maths:
Our Stage 5 Mathematics students have started the year strong with some revision of Stage 4 content, before beginning their unit on financial mathematics. The students have been working hard learning about different methods of earning a living, penalty rates, leave loading and tax calculations. Next week we will begin our net unit of work, which will focus on algebraic techniques.
Science:
We have been learning about energy in Stage 5. We have been exploring energy transformations and learning about how easy it is to calculate energy transformations. We have delved into Sankey diagrams to demonstrate energy efficiency.
English:
Stage 5 English are focusing on the theme of survival and “Writing for your Life.” We will explore texts, such as “The Happiest Refugee” by Anh Do and “Unmasked” by Turia Pitt to gain a better understanding of resilience, narrative voice and personal identity.
Stage 6
Numeracy
As we started our senior year of schooling, we have begun Numeracy, doing Whole Number Operations. We have looked at our Number System historically, Origins of very large and very small values, Expanded numerals, Number patterns and Patterns in real life. And we have revised our numerical operations and applied them to real life scenarios.
Our Stage 6 have transitioned very smoothly into senior school life. They have also adapted greatly to working independently from home on the fortnightly Thursday that they work from home.
Moving forward, we will be working on Data and Graphs, completing our Term 1 Assessment Task before we break for Easter.
Well done Stage 6 Numeracy!
SLR:
Stage 6 SLR students have certainly hit the ground running - quite literally. This term, we have launched into fitness testing, with students assessing their own fitness levels and comparing their results to age-based norms. To date, they have completed the Beep Test, 15-minute run, push-up test, sit-up test, balance assessments, and a range of other fitness activities designed to build awareness of personal fitness and overall physical health.
Food Technology:
In Stage 6 Food Technology we have been learning about food availability and selection and the impact it has food choices. Students have also explored practical cooking techniques putting them into practice in the School Trade Training entre.