PDHPE

As we wind down towards the end of Term 2 the PDHPE Department would like to thank Ms. Lucinda Bradford for being with the PDHPE Department since the end of Term 1. When Miss Lillian Fryar resigned, Lucinda took on all of her classes and has continued to do so all term. Lucinda has stepped outside of her teaching zone and embraced all things PDHPE, during a time when not just our school, but the Diocese, State and Nation have been short of teachers. We truly thank you for enabling consistent learning to continue in these classes. We look forward to Lucinda continuing on at the College.

During the cooler weather we have been experiencing over the past few weeks, students in PDHPE classes have been very thankful for the completion of the College Gymnasium. Our new GYM has enabled practical learning experiences to continue during the cold and wet weather we have experienced this term. Pictured below are some Year 9 PDHPE students enjoying modified Volleyball, Badminton and Pickleball.

Captured below are Year 7 experiencing slide hockey for the first time!

Year 10 Child Studies

As part of our Child Studies unit for Year 10 this Term, students have been re-designing the Tiny Town Childcare Centre and using their imagination and creative skills as they re-create designs for the brand new TG's Centre. Pictured below are their designs. They have done a great job!!

Ms. Camilla Clydsdale

Leader of Learning, PD

HSIE

French

This term in French we have been learning how to discuss which foods we like and dislike. We have been learning about breakfast, lunch and dinner foods. We have been practising speaking about food as well as reading and writing about food.

We have also been starting our ‘Connect Amis’ project communicating with a year 8 class in France by sending a couple videos and slideshows with them, sharing facts about ourselves with them.

We have just recently heard back from their class with information about them and their lives. We will continue to communicate with this class from Podensac in France (near Bordeaux) over the next week.

Here is a snapshot of what we have sent them:

Jess, Thomas and Bronte

Mrs Cherie Stoessel

Leader of Learning, HSIE

TAS

It is that time of the year again when students start looking at what subjects that might look to choose for the next school year. First in line for this process is the current Yr 10 cohort, who will be investigating options for Yr 11 2025.

The Technological & Applied Studies (TAS) Key Learning Area offers a wide range of HSC subjects catering for a diverse range of student skills. In 2025 we will be offering:

Design & Technology (2 Unit)

Textiles & Design (2 Unit)

Agriculture ( 2 Unit)

Engineering Studies (2 Unit)

& a wide range of practical VET options.

When focussing on subjects that “cater for a diverse range of skills” the current HSC Design & Technology class are a good example. Recently the Board of Studies asked for a brief 5 word description of their projects. As you can see below there is a “diverse” range.

When selecting subjects considering the 3 W’s is good advice.

It is important to choose wisely !!

Based on:

WHAT you like,

WHAT you are good at,

WHAT you want to do in the future &

NOT what your friends want to do!

SEEK ADVICE: Teachers, Current & Past Students, Parents, NESA sites. Past Exams also give a you a good idea of what you will be studying

Doing your homework is important, particularly researching post school opportunities.

There are many post school opportunities that stem from a study of Technologies. The emphasis of practical skills in all Technologies courses means that students are prepared for further study in a recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) credential at TAFE, or further study in related courses at the University level.

Future Occupations - https://myfuture.edu.au/

Careers Advisory services - https://www.careeradvisory.com/

Career Advice: Australian Government (DSE) - https://www.dese.gov.au/newsroom

Australian Job Search - https://jobsearch.gov.au/

TAFE NSW - https://www.tafensw.edu.au/

Training Services NSW - https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/

Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) - https://www.uac.edu.au/

Textiles

Year 8 Technology

We have just commenced a new rotation in the Textiles focus area with much enthusiasm. The students have been developing mood boards for their design ideas, based on the design brief, which is to design and construct a cushion cover for themselves or someone special in their lives. We have been working through the safety tests in preparation for sewing. Students have had fun learning about the sewing machine, completing some paper sewing and then onto threading and sewing onto fabric. They are displaying great collaboration and problem solving skills. I am looking forward to what this class will create and make.

Year 9 Textiles

This class may be small, but they are certainly enthusiastic, focused and always ready for the learning. We have completed projects using textile arts, making a pencil case, and designing and constructing a bag of their choosing. We have commenced a PJ unit of work, and with winter upon us, long PJ pants are the go to. The students are using the new baby lock over lockers which are proving to be a hit, and these will be very useful for when we make our knitted sweaters to complete our PJ outfit.

Year 11 Textiles

This amazing group of students have completed a textile art unit in which they were given quite a deal of choice in their final project. It involved designing and making a textile item that included textile art techniques. These techniques included felting, patchwork, applique, beading, macramé, weaving, and embroidery just to name a few.

The students are now learning about fabric structures, a very important resource for all of us. Without fabric we would all be very, very cold!!!! They have commenced their second assessment task which involves designing and constructing a textile item that focuses on construction and manufacturing skills.

The beauty of this subject is the individual journeys that these students can work towards as they can run with their own individual ideas which makes it much more enjoyable and unique. I am loving the creativity, passion and enthusiasm that this class brings. They all work together and share their ideas, helping each other where needed.

Thanks for sharing Mrs Channon!

Mr. Jon Hawthorne

Leader of Learning, TAS

CAPA

Wow what a busy term we have had and we still have more to go, over the last three weeks we have had an Art excursion to see the Archibald and a Showcase Night at school, with Founder’s day still to go.

THE ARCHIBALD.

A group of budding artists from Years 8 to 12 traveled to Tamworth in week 8 to see the prestigious 2023 Archibald competition. It’s a portrait prize worth $100,000 awarded to the chosen winner. Students were treated to works small and large, ranging from the tiny intricate 8x6cm self portrait painting by Natasha Bieniek to larger than life artwork by artist Jaq Grantford of Noni Hazlehurst from ABC’s iconic play school.

The junior students started with a portrait drawing studio workshop, before having a guided tour of the exhibition. The senior students had their guided tour and more time in front of the amazing portraits to get to know them a little better. Year 12 students are currently studying The Archibald in class. Everyone had their favorite portrait and they were very different choices. It was a wonderful experience.

Showcase Night

Last Thursday night we had over 30 students participate in the Showcase Night. We had Dance Drama and Music performances on the night. Well done to all who were involved. We will have another showcase night in Term 4.

CAPA events coming up:

Founder’s Day

Every year as part of the Founder’s Day tradition we hold a ‘talent’ concert in the middle of the day. We will have a number of students performing again this year and we look forward to students sharing their creative talents.

HSC Showcase Night

Please save that date for August 15, more information to come early Term 3.

Band Festival

The Concert Band has been invited to perform at the inaugural Armidale Band Festival on September 21. More information to come in Term 3.

Ms. Melanie Sampson

Leader of Learning, CAPA

Maths

As we wrap up Term 2, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress our students have made in their mathematics this term. From mastering fractions and percentages to exploring the intricacies of data and statistics, our students have shown tremendous growth.

All students from 7-10 will receive their academic reports for semester 1 early week 10. I have been impressed with the effort and taken note of the final grades attained.

Stage 4

Our Year 7 students have developed a solid understanding of fractions and percentages, which are fundamental concepts in mathematics.

Year 8 students are delving deeper into percentages, exploring more complex problems and real-life applications.

Stage 5

Our Year 9 students are tackling the strand of measurement, focusing on Pythagoras’ Theorem, right-angled trigonometry and linear relationships

Year 10 students are focused on data and statistics, an area with vast applications in various fields.

Stage 6

Year 11 Mathematics Standard and Year 12 Mathematics Standard assessment tasks were submitted recently. In these investigation tasks the students demonstrated their skills through exploring practical, real-life applications.

In Year 11, students explored Measurement and Probability, demonstrating their ability to apply Maths to everyday scenarios. Meanwhile, Year 12 projects delved into building investments, saving for a deposit and buying a home. This task gave students a real-life application of the topics of Annuities and Statistics.

These assignments not only deepen students' understanding to help them prepare for the HSC exam, but also prepare them for future challenges in managing their finances.

Year 12 Standard has now commenced a unit on Non- Linear Relationships. The class explored the Quadratic Function i.e. y = ax2 + c. As a creative way to explore the effects of changing the coefficient a and the constant c. Students were asked to create the various parabolas using ‘themselves’ as models.

Here are some action shots below:

Year 11 Mathematics Advanced have just completed a Trigonometry task which was focused on the mathematics around goal kicking in Rugby sevens. Mathematics Extension are working on Polynomials and Inverse Functions and will complete a task on this in Week 10.

We have also been able to secure the services of World of Maths and look forward to welcoming the world of Maths team to our college next term.

All of year 7 and 8 will have the chance to take part in several mathematical activities during the visit. This will take place on the 24th of July.

Conclusion

Term 2 has been a remarkable journey of discovery and learning for our students. Their dedication and enthusiasm have been first rate. We look forward to continuing this journey in Term 3, building on the strong foundation laid this term.

Thank you to all the students, parents, and teachers for their hard work and support. See you all in Term 3.

Mr. Mark Harris

Leader of Learning Mathematics

English

Over the holidays, we encourage all of our students to engage in some form of reading. Whether that is a novel, manga, newspapers or some type of multimodal text, reading in all its forms is vital for personal and academic growth.

Reading allows the expansion of vocabularies, it also improves writing skills, fosters empathy and cultural awareness and it helps students understand and appreciate different viewpoints.

Reading can be a powerful stress reliever! Providing an escape from the pressures of school life and contributing to overall mental well-being.

Year 12

Both Standard and Advanced cohorts have been exploring texts in detail, with a focus on the impact on context in shaping meaning.

Year 12 English Advanced students have been exploring the novel, Artist of the floating world by Kazuo Ishiguro. Students have been examining extracts and exploring the impact that context has upon the creation of a text.

Year 12 English Standard have been exploring the composer Oodgeroo Noonuccal, an Indigenous Australian composer, and her suite of poems. Students have been annotating each poem in detail, focusing on how each text connects to each other and context.

Ms. Lauren Donnelly

Leader of Learning, English

Science

A lot has happened during term 2, from exploring the forces that govern motion to delving into the mysteries of chemical reactions, our students are actively engaged in hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire exploration. Let's dive into the exciting activities that unfolded in each year group this term:

Year 7: Unveiling the Forces of Nature

In Year 7, students immersed themselves in the fascinating world of forces. They conducted investigations to understand contact forces like friction and air resistance, comparing these with the intriguing realm of non-contact forces such as magnetism and gravity. Through experiments and observations, students unraveled the fundamental principles that shape interactions in the physical world, setting the stage for deeper exploration in the years to come.

Year 8: Igniting Curiosity through Student Research Projects

Year 8 students embarked on a thrilling journey of discovery through their student research projects. This practical investigation allowed them to develop and hone their experimental skills while exploring topics of personal interest. From designing experiments to analyzing data, students were empowered to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering curiosity and critical thinking along the way.

Year 9: Unraveling the Mysteries of Chemical Reactions

In Year 9, the focus shifted to the captivating realm of chemical reactions. Students dived into the world of chemistry, investigating how different fuels release energy through chemical reactions. Through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning, students gained insights into the factors that influence reaction rates and energy transformations, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of chemical processes.

Year 10: Navigating Newton's Laws and Car Safety

Year 10 students delved into the fundamental principles of physics with a focus on Newton's laws of motion. They explored how these laws play a crucial role in understanding the physics of car crashes and ensuring vehicle safety. Through real-world applications and simulations, students gained a deeper appreciation for the role of physics in everyday life, empowering them to make informed decisions and contribute to safer transportation systems.

As our students journeyed through these enriching experiences, they not only expanded their knowledge and skills but also cultivated a passion for lifelong learning and discovery. With each experiment conducted and the concept explored, they took bold steps toward becoming the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as our scientific explorations continue to unfold!

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the incredible learning that took place in Term 2. We look forward to continuing this journey of scientific discovery in the terms ahead!

Mr. Daniel Fittler

Leader of Learning, Science

Events For Your Calendar