Specialists

 

Secondary 11/12 Term 4

Digital Tech

The Secondary 11/12 students started Term 4 by using the 3D pens to see how they can draw their own objects. Then we moved into designing our own choice of 3D object, after learning TinkerCad skills in Term 3. Students chose to make magnets, pen holders, keyrings with some highlights including a Glinda Wand, a car with carport, and a star indented keyring to which the student will later add sparkly resin. All of the designs were creative, and they were delighted to take the final prints home. Students then put photos and images of all their work into a Google Site website. It was a very productive semester!

Music 

Term 4 Reflection

Term 4 has been an exciting and productive time in the music room, with pupils across all year levels engaging in a mix of practical skills, creativity and collaboration. From exploring improvisation and songwriting to working with digital technologies and performing as bands, students have had plenty of opportunities to improve their musical abilities and confidence.

Senior pupils had a practical and creative term. They chose their own contemporary songs to rehearse and perform as a band, which encouraged collaboration and confidence in playing without teacher-led conducting. They also worked with professional DAW software to create and compose music, moving from structured workshops to free composition. The highlight was finishing the term with original beats on the DJ decks – an excellent way to showcase creativity and technical skills.

Looking Ahead

It’s been fantastic to see pupils across all year levels developing their musical skills and exploring new ways to create and perform. A special mention goes to our Secondary Bands, whose commitment to regular practice and live performances has been outstanding. 

Highlights this term included the Community Concert and the Years 9/10 Showcase, where their hard work and growing confidence really shone through. Their ability to perform as tight, well-rehearsed ensembles was impressive and a credit to their dedication. 

Next year, we’ll continue building on these foundations with even more opportunities for creativity, collaboration and performance. Well done to all students for their effort and enthusiasm this term! 

PE

Students who chose the Target Sports elective completed the unit with cricket, trialling different throwing techniques to hit a target. Students also learnt more about recreational activities that involve aiming and accuracy. 

Some students qualified for the School Sport Victoria State Track and Field Championships, where they competed in 100m, 200m, 800m, Shot Put and Long Jump events. Students participated to their best, with some excellent results on the day. 

Basketball Victoria also hosted the Endeavor Cup State Championships, with Concord entering a Division A and Girls team. The girls worked hard all day, finishing 4th overall. The Division A team finished undefeated, claiming the State title after a close game in the Grand Final against Officer School.

Social Competencies

What a productive term it has been, as students completed the final part of our Sexual Health Unit and strengthened their knowledge of online safety and personal wellbeing.

Students explored how to keep themselves and others healthy by developing a clearer understanding of respectful and safe relationships. A major focus was learning about consent and the difference between secrets and surprises. Students learned to recognise when information may be unsafe to keep to themselves and discovered that safe surprises are temporary and positive, while secrets that create worry or discomfort should always be shared with a trusted adult.

Cyber safety remained a key learning area. Students revised what personal information is, why it must be protected and how to stay safe online. They were introduced to two-factor authentication and we examined body image and its impact on wellbeing. 

I am incredibly proud of every student who has taken part in the Social Competencies program this year. Their curiosity, maturity and willingness to engage with challenging topics have made this a rewarding year of learning.

Visual Arts

Senior students continued their Fairy Garden project, creating intricate homes and ornaments out of clay. They also contributed to a collaborative legacy piece—a work that will evolve over time and connect future cohorts. These projects encouraged teamwork and a sense of ownership, as each student added unique details. The legacy piece will serve as a lasting reminder of creativity and collaboration within our Concord Visual Arts program. 

Food Technologies

The secondary 9/10 and 11/12 students have continued to develop their kitchen skills throughout the term. They have used various cutting, slicing, chopping and cooking methods. Students have an understanding of various  seasonal fruits and vegetables and the benefits of using them. During the term they have made numerous dishes that include Crispy Tuna Patties, Warm Chicken Salad, Savoury Meatballs, Tuna and Pasta Salad, Noodle Stir Fry and an amazing Christmas Slice. It is really pleasing to see the students grow in confidence to work independently and in small groups to share the cooking experience. Students have developed a sense of pride in their work and cooking environment, they are independently keeping their work space clean, bringing used utensils to the sink for cleaning, assisting with the drying and putting away the clean dishes. When cooking and cleaning is complete the students happily sit together in the theory room to eat and enjoy the spoils of their labour. Staff and students reflect on the session activity, discussing what we liked or disliked and what we could improve on.

Roberta and I would like to thank all the students for being active participants and engaging with the Food Tech program. We hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2026. 

Science

For the first couple of weeks of Term 4, students in the Secondary 11/12 ‘STEM Lab’ Science elective explored circuits and electricity using various fruit and vegetables combinations to power fruit clocks. We discovered that tomatoes, limes and lemons worked the best due to their higher acidity, but also found that once the clocks were activated, we could swap in potatoes, apples and oranges. We also found out that if we held onto the probe, we could also become part of the circuit! 

For the remainder of the term students worked in pairs to design and build their own boats. Over many weeks, groups tested and made adjustments to their boats. Students completed self assessment prior to a regatta in the final week of classes, where we sailed all the boats and completed peer assessment against criteria. Students were very thoughtful in giving feedback, making suggestions for further improvements to make the boats even better.

Outdoor Education

In the last term of the year, students participated in our bike riding program. They became familiar with bike mechanics and learnt how to apply important road safety rules. Throughout the program, students developed positive relationships with their peers while improving their physical endurance and fitness. They especially enjoyed racing against each other and completing their time trials. A highlight of the program was riding to Bundoora Park, an experience many students were excited for and thoroughly enjoyed.

Drivers Education

Students in the Secondary 11/12 Drivers Education elective have been focussing on what it means to be an empathetic young road user. 

Topics covered so far this Term include common road laws like how to drive around public transport and using roundabouts

Students have celebrated their learning by creating their own games to teach others about important road safety information

Students have been regularly practising their Learners Permit Test and Hazard Perception Test online with some outstanding results, congratulations to those students who achieved their learner permits this semester!