Teaching & Learning News

HSC

Well done to our Year 12 students who completed their trial exams today. There are only 4 weeks to go until the conclusion of your secondary year schooling.  It can be a very emotional & stressful time as you prepare for final exams & move into the next chapter of your life.  The below link provides some useful tips for students on managing stress.

First Aid

Year 11 students were given the opportunity to complete their first aid certificate through the Educational Pathways Program. It was a whole day course fully funded by EPP & a fantastic opportunity for students without a current first aid qualification. A second course has been offered on 7 September & open to Year 12 or any Year 11 student who was unable to attend the last one.

Agriculture

Mr Jones, Hughie & Year 11/12 Agriculture students prepared THS stud cows for their artificial insemination program at the Ag plot earlier this month. This week Mr Colin Keevers of Alumy Creek Angus, conducted the artificial insemination process & students were able to view this incredible hands-on learning experience!

Industrial Metal

Year 11 students have been working hard completing their major projects. Xavier has been working on a sheep crate & Rayfe a cattle crate rebuild/repair. These projects are a reflection of the abilities of our senior students! Well done.

Mr Sproule's Year 9 students Saara & Saxon completing their welding practical test. Excellent job putting the theory & practical skills together & following the correct safety measures.

Science

Mr Clay & Mrs Parkers Year 7 students model cell assessment were due this week. The students have made an incredible effort putting their practical knowledge into their models.  They look fantastic, well-done Year 7.

Biology

On Friday 18 August Year 11 Biology students attended the Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre as part of the Ecosystem dynamics unit.  Students, just like scientists, learn by doing. The activities on this excursion focused on the new syllabus skills for working scientifically and investigating the key inquiry question: What effect can one species have on the other species in a community? Pre-visit information and activities look at questioning & predicting as well as planning investigations.

At Thalgarrah, skills in conducting investigations are covered. Students investigate the woodland ecosystem, collecting qualitative and quantitative data about various species within the woodland. Students compare two different sites, measuring invertebrate diversity. Large random quadrats are set up to collect information about the various eucalypt species in the woodland. After the trip to Thalgarrah, resources are available to assist students in processing and analysing data and information, problem solving and communicating.

This was a fantastic hands-on learning experience for our students & a great day out. Thank you to the staff at Thalgarra for sharing your extensive knoweldge with our students. Thank you to Mr Armstrong for organising!