Secondary

Stage 5 Science – Waves and Motion

Stage 5 Science students have been exploring the topic of Waves and Motion, developing their understanding of how waves transfer energy. As part of this unit, students recently spent time in the Innovation Centre, where they were challenged to design and build a physical model that could help a younger student understand how a wave works.

Using a range of materials, students worked collaboratively to model different types of waves and demonstrate particle movement and energy transfer. This task required creativity, problem-solving and a strong understanding of the science concepts involved, as modelling waves is a challenging task.

Students were highly engaged throughout the activity and showed great persistence in testing, refining and explaining their models. It was fantastic to see students take on a complex scientific idea and work together to make it clear, hands-on and accessible for others.

Stage 5 Child Studies 

The Stage 5 Child Studies class has kicked off the year by exploring the topic Media and Technology in Childhood, with a strong focus on thinking critically about both the positives and the challenges of technology use for children. Students have examined how media can support learning, communication and creativity, while also considering issues such as screen time, online safety and impacts on wellbeing.

To deepen their understanding, students participated in collaborative group activities using the Hexagon Thinking strategy. This allowed them to visually map and discuss the connections between different aspects of media, technology and childhood, encouraging higher-order thinking and meaningful discussion. The class also used the Six Thinking Hats approach to examine the topic from multiple perspectives, including emotional, factual, creative and critical viewpoints.

These activities have supported strong student engagement and discussion, helping students build confidence in expressing ideas, listening to others and justifying their opinions. It has been a thoughtful and engaging start to the year in Child Studies, setting a solid foundation for future learning.

Year 8 Food Technology and Stage 5 Food Technology

It has been a busy and engaging start to the year for Year 8 Food Technology and Stage 5 Food Technology, with students jumping straight into hands on learning, even before turning the ovens on.

Week 1 saw students get creative in the kitchen through a Mystery Food Challenge. Working in groups, students were presented with 1 cm cubes of various foods and encouraged to use their senses to identify each item before tasting. By focusing on touch, sight, sound, and smell, students quickly discovered just how important our senses are when we eat. There were plenty of laughs, some surprising guesses, and lots of enthusiastic discussion as students tested their instincts.

Following this, both classes moved on to a fruit platter design challenge, where the emphasis shifted to plating, presentation, and visual appeal. Students were given a selection of fruit and tasked with designing a platter suitable for a special event. This activity encouraged creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail, while also introducing key concepts around food presentation and aesthetics.

Stage 5 students have now moved into their first practical cook, preparing Spinach and Feta Gözleme alongside a fresh Turkish salad. Meanwhile, Year 8 students prepared a ‘healthy’ apple crumble, exploring ingredient substitutions and discussing how small changes can improve the nutritional value of familiar recipes. Both cooks focused on teamwork, organisation, kitchen safety and efficient kitchen routines.

It has been a fantastic start to the year, establishing clear expectations, building confidence in the kitchen, and reinforcing that Food Technology is about far more than simply cooking.

Yr 11 Hospitality 

We are delighted to introduce our new Hospitality students, who have made an exceptional start to the year. From day one, they have demonstrated professionalism and enthusiasm, arriving smartly presented in full uniform and ready to embrace the practical demands of the course. Their positive attitude and teamwork were on full display during their first kitchen session, where they successfully prepared a delicious sticky date pudding accompanied by a rich caramel sauce and chicken curry. The standard of work produced was great, particularly for an initial practical lesson, and it was wonderful to see their confidence already beginning to grow. We look forward to watching their skills develop further as they continue their exciting journey in Hospitality.

7 Tech Man 

Year 7 Technology Mandatory 1 has taken off with an exciting start to high school learning. Students are exploring the engineering unit through the dynamic world of kites, using them as a lens to understand how engineering systems work. Along the way, they’ve jumped straight into hands-on problem solving, completing three engaging design challenges: building the tallest tower, constructing the strongest bridge, and designing a paper airplane capable of the longest flight. Through creativity, collaboration, and experimentation, students are already thinking like young engineers.