Year Eight 

Robotics and Coding

Elective students attended the Wyndham Tech School for the F1 in Schools State Finals. F1 in Schools is an innovative program that strives to create "a fun and exciting learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in engineering, Formula 1, science, marketing and technology." Students were inspired by project work created by students from schools around Victoria. 

Saltwater students learnt to create their own model F1 vehicles from cardboard. The vehicles were powered by mini gas cylinders and students raced them along the same 20 metre track used for the F1 in Schools competition. 

Students used Design Thinking to innovate and improve their designs. Using Onshape 3D modelling students explored techniques for creating model cars from other materials, such as 3D printed plastic and balsa wood.

Food Technology 

The Students have been very busy preparing and cooking a variety of stir-fry dishes. They were tasked with brainstorming and researching the origins of stir-fry dishes, as well as the ingredients and cooking processes involved.

In the first session, the students had the opportunity to make Nasi Goreng, a popular Indonesian dish that translates to "fried rice" in English. It consists of cooked rice stir-fried with a mixture of ingredients, typically including vegetables and protein. This was a hit with all the students.

The second dish they prepared was Pad Thai, a traditional street food from Thailand. They learned that preparation is key to cooking this type of meal.

The third dish they cooked was Mee Goreng (Noodles), another Indonesian dish, which was also a big hit.

During the last session, the students created their own recipes for a healthy stir-fry. They either developed their own dish or made modifications to their favourite stir-fry recipe. They used various ingredients to create different flavours, including soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, chili, tamarind, brown sugar, lime, and more. Throughout the sessions, the students acquired and refined many cooking skills, including knife techniques, sautéing, preparation, and presentation. Overall, they did a fantastic job!

Science

Our Year Eight Students have commenced an exciting new unit in Science: Earth Science. They've been exploring the Earth's compositional layers and what they are made of. They have delved into the evolution of Earth and created a timeline of events that depict the creation of supercontinents. Students also looked into the theory of continental drift, which pieced together the continents into the ancient supercontinent known as Pangea. It's been a fascinating journey of discovery, and we're looking forward to their continued exploration of this engaging subject.

Physical Education 

Over the course of this Term, Year Eight students have had the opportunity to participate in Baseball Clinic sessions conducted by Baseball Victoria. Students had the opportunity to participate in skill based drills that enhanced their hand-eye coordination, striking and fielding. In the coming weeks, the Year Eights will apply these skills in gameplay situations and further their understanding of the games of both Baseball and Softball. In Health, the Year Eights have begun their unit of Mental Health and Wellbeing. This unit provides students with an understanding of the characteristics of a positive mental health, the types of coping strategies available to assist with mental health issues and resources in their local community that can assist with maintaining a positive metal health. 

Visual Art

As we approach the conclusion of this Semester, our Year Eight Visual Art students have delved into the fascinating world of Street Art. Their journey began by understanding the distinctions between vandalism, graffiti, and  Street Art, cultivating a discerning eye for artistic expression.

Drawing from their English text, "Romeo and Juliet," students explored social issues that resonated with them. This innovative cross-disciplinary approach empowered them to connect Literature and Visual Art, appreciating the profound social commentary that art can convey. With newfound knowledge, they researched Street Artists who used their work as a platform for addressing societal challenges, expanding their horizons and imbuing their art with purpose. This comprehensive exploration has equipped them with a unique perspective on the power of Visual Art in addressing the world's complexities.  Students are now channeling their inspiration, creating digital visual art diaries to document their journey and refine their ideas for their final pieces. We eagerly await the unveiling of their final works, celebrating their dedication to this meaningful exploration of Street art and its role in societal discourse.