Secondary

Boorowa Central School Show Team Success at the Boorowa Show

The Boorowa Show once again provided a fantastic opportunity for the Boorowa Central School Show Team to showcase the hard work and dedication they have put into preparing their cattle this season. This was the third year the team has attended the Boorowa Show, and it continues to be an important event as students prepare to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the coming weeks.

This year the team took five steers to the show, all of which are also preparing to compete at Sydney Royal. Twelve students from the show team attended the event, travelling up on Friday afternoon to stay overnight at the showgrounds. Saturday began early with students washing the cattle and ensuring the animals were ready for the day’s competition.

Students competed strongly across a range of cattle judging and handling events. In the Junior Paraders competition, Harrison, Casey and Mila all placed in their heats, with Mila going on to place third overall in the final. In the Senior Paraders, Ivy and Josh both won their heats before progressing to the final, where Josh was awarded Champion Parader and Ivy was named Reserve Champion Parader.

Students also demonstrated their livestock evaluation skills in the Junior Judging competition. Abigail, Mila and Mylee all progressed through to the finals in their respective age groups. Abigail placed second in the Primary division, while Mylee achieved second place in the Senior division.

The steers themselves competed in the largest class of the day, with a strong field of 15 steers entered. All five of the Boorowa Central School steers were selected into the front row during judging, a great achievement and reflection of the quality of the animals presented. The steer Master Chief was awarded first place and Champion, while Colonel placed third in the class.

The work and dedication students have put into preparing the animals is to be commended. The results achieved across all sections are a testament to the skills, knowledge and confidence students have developed over the past two years. The Boorowa Show provided excellent preparation ahead of the team’s upcoming competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Stage 5 Agriculture Hanging Gardens

Students in the Stage 5 Agriculture class also participated in the show by designing and constructing hanging gardens, inspired by the show’s theme and incorporating ideas drawn from the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Students were encouraged to explore space-saving gardening methods, with many entries incorporating simple hydroponic systems to demonstrate how plants can be grown efficiently in small spaces.

All entries were made in the High School age section, with students competing across the three available classes. The class achieved excellent results, with Boorowa Central School students winning the Most Creative Garden, Water Wise Garden, and Most Consistent Colour Theme, with the winning entry featuring a striking purple colour scheme.

The project provided students with a practical opportunity to apply their knowledge of plant production, sustainability and design while showcasing their creativity to the wider community.

Success in Farm Produce and Horticulture

The school farm also entered a wide range of produce in the vegetable and fruit sections of the show this year. Although the giant pumpkins unfortunately did not produce entries this season, the farm still submitted an impressive variety of produce including potatoes, onions, garlic, apples, pears, grapes, tomatoes, chillies, eggplants, butternut pumpkins, squash, zucchini and herbs.

These entries performed strongly in competition, with the school winning several classes and a number of second placings. The farm was also awarded first place in the Schools Challenge section, highlighting the quality and diversity of produce grown on the school farm.

In the horticulture section, the school entered dahlias for the first time. All three entries performed well, receiving one second place and two highly commended awards.

The success of the farm produce and horticulture entries reflects the ongoing work of students in maintaining and developing the school farm. The school looks forward to next year’s show and hopes to enter even more classes as the program continues to grow.

Year 11 Sport

Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) students have been focusing on developing healthy lifestyle habits that they can continue beyond their school years. Throughout the term, students have explored practical and accessible ways to stay active within their local community.

At school, students participated in structured bodyweight circuit sessions, developing their understanding of strength, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and flexibility. The circuits required no specialised equipment, reinforcing the message that maintaining fitness does not require an expensive gym membership.

To further connect learning with real-world opportunities, students also utilised the facilities at Boorowa Ex-Services Club. Through this, students were introduced to a range of accessible community-based activities including lawn bowls, gym training and squash.

By engaging in both school-based and community-based activities, students have gained confidence, practical skills and awareness of the opportunities available to support lifelong health and wellbeing.

Miss Porch. 

7 Technology Mandatory 

Students explored how engineered systems shape the way we live, move, and interact. A fascinating case study on biometrics sparked rich discussions. But the real hands-on excitement began when our young engineers rolled up their sleeves to create their very own robotic hands. Using simple materials — straws and string — students cleverly mimicked the complex movement of joints and tendons. As they pulled each “tendon,” fingers flexed and curled, bringing their creations to life. 

Our learning journey then took an inspiring turn as we explored the sophisticated engineered products and systems designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Students examined traditional technologies such as propeller toys, intricately woven eel traps, and fish traps — powerful examples of sustainable design grounded in deep environmental knowledge and innovation.

Students created their own versions of the Pandanus toy propellers from Arnhem Land, applying their understanding of aerodynamics and materials. 

Year 7 Technology Mandatory 

This week, our classroom transformed into a laboratory of floating, fluttering, and fascinating discoveries as students explored the magic of Bernoulli’s Principle — the science behind lift, flight, and even levitation!

With nothing more than straws and a bit of curiosity, students set two balloons hanging side by side and made a surprising discovery. When they blew air between them, instead of drifting apart, the balloons moved closer together — as if pulled by an invisible force. Gasps quickly turned into excited explanations as students realised that faster-moving air creates lower pressure, drawing the balloons inward.

The wonder didn’t stop there. Armed with steady breath and determination, students tested whether they could make a ping pong ball defy gravity. As air rushed around it, the ball hovered mid-air, suspended as though by magic. In reality, it was low-pressure air at work — a perfect demonstration of science in action.

Finally, students experimented with simple paper strips. When air flowed across the top, the strips lifted and curved upward, mimicking the very same forces that help kites soar high above us. Suddenly, the connection between classroom experiments and the kite practical project became clear.

Stage 5 Visual Arts 

This term our students stepped into the world of Impressionism, taking inspiration from French artist Claude Monet (1840–1926) and the idea of painting plein air — which simply means painting outdoors.

Instead of working inside the classroom, students grabbed their paints and headed outside to capture parts of our own school environment. From trees and buildings to basketball courts and mosaic flooring, each artwork includes at least one real element from around the school. While they worked from observation, students were also encouraged to use their imagination, experimenting with colour, mood and atmosphere. A big focus was on visible brushstrokes and playing with light and dark tones — key features of the Impressionist style.

We are incredibly proud to share that the artworks created during this plein air session have been submitted as part of the Young Society of Arts’ new exhibition. The official opening is on March 13 in Young, and the works will also form part of the Hilltops “Off the Beaten Track” exhibition. They are now on display in the gallery above The Cinema in Young and are open for the public to view.

We are very honoured to be included in this exhibition and thrilled to see our students’ work on display. If you’re in Young, be sure to pop in and see them for yourself (Open Cinema Hours from 13 March- 29th March.

8 Music 

Year 8 have dived headfirst into the CAGED chord system on guitar, unlocking the fretboard and building real confidence in their playing. They’re putting their new skills straight into action with “9 Ball” by Zach Bryan — bringing big country-rock energy to the classroom while sharpening their rhythm, chord transitions, and performance skills. The room has been buzzing with focus, grit, and some seriously impressive sound!

Stage 5 Textiles 

Stage 5 Textiles Technology students have been building confidence and capability in the classroom, learning how to safely and effectively use sewing machines while fine-tuning their sewing skills. Throughout the term, students have explored a range of decorative and construction techniques, mastering embellishment methods such as chenilling, fabric pizza, patchwork, appliqué, and pleating samples.

It has been wonderful to see their creativity and technical skills develop as they experiment with texture, colour, and design. Students have now begun researching ideas for their upcoming Hang It Up unit, and I am excited to see how their projects evolve as they bring their unique concepts to life.

Stage 5 Music: 

Stage 5 have been battling it out in lyrical rap showdowns as part of our Broadway Musicals study this term! Inspired by Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, students are exploring the rhythmic precision, wordplay, and storytelling that make musical theatre so powerful — all while developing their own confidence and performance flair. Building on their strong foundational guitar skills established in Year 8, students are now stepping confidently into new roles within the rhythm section. They are experimenting with bass, keys, percussion and guitar, working collaboratively to lock into the groove, refine their individual parts, and perform tightly as an ensemble. The focus has been on independence, listening, and playing in time — and the growth in musicianship has been fantastic to see.

Year 11 Hospitality 

Our talented Year 11 Hospitality students have recently showcased their growing culinary skills by successfully creating beautiful and delicious fruit flans. From the baked pastry bases to silky smooth custard fillings, each student demonstrated attention to detail, precision, and creativity.

Well done to our Year 11s for their hard work, teamwork, and professionalism in the kitchen. We’re proud of the confidence and competence they continue to develop as aspiring hospitality professionals!

Year 12 Hospitality 

Year 12 Hospitality students recently demonstrated their versatility in the kitchen by preparing freshly baked cinnamon scrolls and crispy smashed dumplings. The scrolls were beautifully risen with a rich cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting,  while the dumplings were expertly cooked to achieve a golden, crisp finish. A fresh julienne cucumber and grated carrot garnish added colour, texture, and balance to the dish.

Well done to the Year 12 cohort for their skill, creativity, and professionalism in producing such high-quality dishes.