KUTA KAYA

Kuta-kaya Faculty Update 

It has been a wonderful start to the term in the Kuta-kaya, with students settling into their routines and engaging positively in their learning. 

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest teacher, Tayla Grant, who has joined the faculty this term. We are excited to have her as part of our team and know she will make a fantastic contribution to our students and staff. 

Our Year 7 students have been settling well into their classes and are beginning to build positive relationships with their peers and teachers as they adjust to high school life. 

Year 8 students have been particularly enjoying their creative and practical learning opportunities in Art and Mandatory Technology, where they are developing new skills and exploring their creativity. 

Our Stage 5 students are continuing to build independence by attending mainstream elective classes in their chosen areas of interest, allowing them to pursue subjects they are passionate about while connecting with the wider school community. 

Our Stage 6 students are actively engaged in a variety of learning experiences including FSK, Computer Applications, Visual Design, and Work Studies. Alongside their coursework, students are also participating in transition planning, supporting them to prepare pathways beyond school. 

Students are also enjoying a range of extra-curricular activities offered once a fortnight, which have quickly become something they look forward to. These opportunities provide valuable chances for students to try new activities, develop social skills, and have fun with their peers. 

At lunchtime, there has been plenty happening around the faculty, including handball competitions, Lego Club, Connect Four challenges and a variety of other activities available for students to participate in. These spaces have been fantastic for building friendships and encouraging positive engagement during breaks. 

It has been a great start to the term, and we look forward to continuing to see our students grow, connect, and thrive in their learning. 

Kuta-kaya Year 10-12 Transition 

Kuta-kaya students in Year 10, 11 and 12 have opportunities to start choosing their post-school transition pathways. Year 11 and 12 have already been offered in school information sessions around the Mai-Wel Academy Prep and Inclusive Employment Australia programs, with future intake sessions to be planned to occur at school for our seniors. Year 10 and 11 are looking forward to attending the Hunter Disability Expo and Future Choices Expo in the coming months; parents and carers are encouraged to attend these expos to gain crucial information for their child's post-school pathways. Keep an eye out for the letters coming home! 

VET FSK 

For the first time in Kuta Kaya at Kurri Kurri High School, we have offered a Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject that provides a Statement of Attainment towards Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. Students need to satisfactorily complete all competence to achieve this outcome. This exciting new opportunity allows students to begin developing practical workplace skills while still at school. 

Most students enrolled in the course have now achieved their first competency by successfully completing their first task, Steps for Safe Work. During this unit, students developed an understanding of workplace processes and procedures by reading and responding to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). They also completed practical activities, including conducting office safety inspections and audits. They participated in Work Health and Safety (WHS) consultation and reporting. 

These activities helped students build valuable real world skills that can be applied across a wide range of workplaces. 

Students will now move on to their next task, Steps to Success, where they will complete career planning activities and begin developing learning goals aligned with their researched and chosen career pathways.