Learning Pedagogy and Innovation

Gippsland Tech Excursions:

In Week 3 of Term 2, our Year 7 students participated in the Industry Tech Taster program at the Gippsland Tech School. During this program, students explored how the world of work is evolving and identified the key skills they will need as they transition into the workforce. They could engage in activities such as Virtual Reality, Laser Cutting, Robotics, Coding, and HoloLens. The VCE Physical Education class also visited GTS the same week to participate in the VO2 Max program. Students underwent testing using Omnia software to analyse their results and gather data—special thanks to Pat McCarthy for organising this excursion and to all the teachers who attended.

Engaging Students in Mathematics Through AMT Competitions

Our school is proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of competitions organised by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT). These competitions are designed to inspire and challenge students, fostering a love for mathematics and problem-solving.

Throughout the year, students engage in various AMT competitions, including:

• Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC): A nationwide event that tests students' mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The competition features 30 questions, including multiple-choice and integer-based problems, and is available to students from Years 3 to 12.
• Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT): A competition that focuses on developing problem-solving skills through algorithmic thinking. It includes unique three-stage tasks designed to challenge students' logical reasoning abilities.
• Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO): A highly challenging maths competition to identify and stretch talented students. The AIMO paper is pitched at a Year 10 level but may also interest motivated and talented students in Years 7 to 9. 

These competitions assess students' mathematical abilities and encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. Students gain valuable experience that contributes to their academic and personal growth by participating. Thank you to Dianne Hancock for her support and organisation of these competitions.

Senior VM Students- Espresso course

Our Senior VM students have recently completed an espresso-making course, gaining valuable coffee preparation and customer service skills. As part of this initiative, the school has invested in a commercial coffee machine, allowing students to put their learning into practice. They are now honing their barista skills by making coffees for staff, combining hands-on experience with real-world application. This program not only supports vocational learning but also builds confidence and workplace readiness in a fun and practical way.

Staff Professional Learning Day:

On Monday, May 5th, staff had the opportunity to come together for a Professional Learning session with a primary focus on Learning and Teaching. The key areas of focus for the day included:

• DOSCEL Priorities: Specifically, enhancing reading proficiency
• Learning Team Collaboration and Planning: Fostering teamwork among staff to strengthen curriculum delivery
• Curriculum Documentation: Reviewing the Victorian Curriculum Version 2 in preparation for the 2026 implementation
• Collegial Conversations and Teamwork: Collaborating to develop and refine learning and teaching resources

This session provided valuable time for staff to engage in professional development and collaborative planning to support ongoing improvement in teaching practices.