Year Eight
Physical Education - Soccer
This term, our Year 8 students are learning the fundamentals of soccer, encouraging physical fitness but also teamwork, strategic thinking, and perseverance. The students are engaging in a variety of drills and games to develop their skills and confidence.
Our students have started with the basics, learning essential skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. These foundational skills are essential for building confidence on the field. Through fun and interactive drills, students have been practising how to control the ball, maintaining possession, and making passes.
Students have been encouraged to work together and communicate effectively. We're proud of the progress our Year 8 students are making and look forward to seeing their enthusiasm for soccer this term.
Nutrition – Macronutrients and Junk Food
Our Year 8 students have been focusing on the importance of macronutrients and the impact of junk food on their health. Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students are learning to make healthy dietary choices that will benefit their overall well-being.
Macronutrients are the nutrients our bodies need in large amounts to function properly. Students are exploring the three main types of macronutrients:
Carbohydrates –Students have been discussing the body's primary energy source.
Proteins – The students have been looking at various protein sources, including both animal and plant-based options, and its role in muscle development and our overall health.
Fats – Students have been learning about healthy fats found in foods like avocados, nuts, and fish. They have also discussed the importance of moderating intake of unhealthy fats.
We have also explored why consuming junk food is unhealthy and the possible health risks. The discussions we’ve had include how excessive consumption of junk food can lead to issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make healthier food choices.
MUSIC:
Exciting Developments in Our Instrumental Music Program!
Our instrumental music program is thriving like never before! We are delighted to share that student participation has reached near capacity, with only a few spots remaining. This overwhelming response reflects the enthusiasm and passion our students have for music.
One of the standout achievements this term is the formation of our very own Saltwater Band. This talented group of students has been working incredibly hard, and their dedication is paying off. We are excited to announce that the Saltwater Band will be giving their first performance in Week 8. This event promises to be a memorable showcase of their skills and creativity, and we thank everyone in the saltwater community for the ongoing support.
If your child is interested in joining our instrumental music program, now is the time to act! We have a limited number of spots left and even a waiting list for some instruments. To secure a place, please ensure that you submit your forms as soon as possible.
We are committed to providing an enriching musical experience for our students, and we look forward to continuing this journey with all of our young musicians. Thank you for your support in making our instrumental music program a success.
Spanish
Our Year 8 Spanish students have been busy learning how to express their emotions and label the parts of the body in Spanish. Recently, they participated in an exciting interactive activity where they deciphered clues and found hidden answers around the classroom, reinforcing their new vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.
Next up, we'll be diving into how to talk about sicknesses and injuries. Students will also learn how to give advice using the conditional tense. To put their new knowledge into practice, they will simulate a doctor's visit, which will help them build the confidence to ask for help if they ever find themselves sick or injured in a Spanish-speaking country. Exciting times ahead!
Humanities
This term, our Year 8 students have embarked on an enriching exploration of Renaissance Italy, one of the most transformative periods in history. They have explored the art, science, and culture of cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome, gaining insights into how this era shaped modern civilisation. The connection between history and literature has been a key focus, as the students have also been studying Romeo and Juliet in English. By connecting Shakespeare’s timeless play to the broader context of the Renaissance, they’ve gained a deeper understanding of the social dynamics and values of the time.
In history, students have learned about key figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo, analysing how their contributions sparked revolutionary ideas that still resonate today. This foundation in Renaissance thought has enriched their understanding of Romeo and Juliet, as they explored how the themes of love, conflict, and societal expectations in the play reflect the values and tensions of the era. Through engaging discussions and group activities, students demonstrated their ability to link literature and history, showing impressive critical thinking as they connected the characters' struggles to the cultural backdrop of Renaissance Italy.
Creativity has also been at the heart of our activities, with students taking part in role-playing exercises. These activities complemented their study of Romeo and Juliet, allowing them to express their understanding of both visual and literary arts. The enthusiasm and skill they brought to these tasks have been outstanding, with many students excelling in connecting the themes of their English lessons to what they learned in history.
As we wrap up this unit, students will soon embark on a final assessment that ties together their learning in History and English. We look forward to seeing how they continue to merge their ideas in creative and insightful ways, and we’re proud of all they’ve achieved so far!