Secondary 7/8 Learning

Mathematics

In Pattern and Algebra students have been; recognising a simple two colour pattern, skip counting, determining which set is larger and using place value patterns to generalise a number sequence. They have played interactive games, worked with number lines, completed worksheets and set tasks on Mathletics.

“We had to get sticks and then we had to use the colours to make the pattern. I thought this was easy because I used squares and stars.” Sierra, SEO

Location activities have seen students moving around their classrooms and the school. Students have learnt how to give and follow directions, have created then interpreted maps, ending up in a location within the school grounds. They have read simple grid maps to show position and pathways and have an understanding of map coordinates.

“This has been fun because we have learnt where famous landmarks are located. The MCG is a national sporting ground and one of my favourite places to visit because Collingwood play and win there.” Sam, SMC

English

Students have all now drafted, edited and published a persuasive text on a topic of their choice. Below is an example that was used to teach the text structure of persuasive text.

Title: Homework should be banned

Shannon, SSO shares his arguments to agree with this title.

“Firstly, we do enough work at school so we shouldn’t do more work at home.Secondly, we should have time to do other activities like playing with your brothers and sisters.Lastly, your family may not have time to help you and you should being having fun with them anyway.For these reasons homework should be banned for all students.”

Ahmed, SSD shares his arguments to disagree with this title.

“I disagree with this because homework is good for learning.It is fun to learn new things. We should have homework so we can get better at different subjects.So, I think homework is important for all students.”

Social Competencies

The Puberty unit has focused on physical and emotional changes for males and females. Students were exposed to the correct terminology for body parts and functions. They were taught about puberty changes being healthy and normal and about appropriate management strategies. The importance of hygiene was covered with emphasis on procedures and products. Changing thoughts and feelings were also addressed. Students were taught to identify ways to cope with one’s feelings including talking to someone, exercising, using music and spending time with family.

Students participated in a true and false activity about Puberty. Each student was given a true and a false card. The teacher then read different statements about puberty selected from the family planning list, some true and some false. Students had to decide if the statement was true or false and hold up the related card. Selected students were asked to explain their given answer. The class then discussed the statement to confirm if it was true or false.

Integrated Studies

Secondary 7/8 students have completed their extensive research into Australian Colonies with all students producing excellent portfolios of their work. I encourage you to attend SSG meetings with your child on Wednesday 1st August so they can show and discuss their learning with you.

“I found it interesting to learn about when the First Fleet came to Australia because it was something new for me. I thought it was sad that the British people were mean to the Aboriginal People.” Nikola, SKH

“I liked learning about the Gold Rush because it was interesting. Going to Captain Cook’s Cottage was fun: I was amazed by how small it was.” Maddison, SKH“

I have loved learning about the Aboriginal people and culture because I am Aboriginal and I didn’t know much about my past or history.” Jai, SCO

Secondary Spectacular

“I am so excited to be playing Tracy in our Spectacular. I am enjoying learning my lines and doing my dancing. It is fun trying on the costumes with Kerrie. I think our Spectacular will be really exciting and fun to watch so don’t miss it!” Mia, SAS

“I like doing the Spectacular dances. I do ‘Jailhouse Rock’ with my class and a special dance called ‘Mr Crabs’ with Travis and some other kids. I like all the dances.” Liam O, SFC

PreCAL Secondary 7/8

What a term 7/8 PreCAL have had!

Throughout English, SFC have worked through comprehension strategies, concepts of print, word level grammar and have been writing scripts and questions for their emergency services documentary. The documentary is in the editing stages and will be completed early next term. Students also practiced their social and speaking and listening skills by identifying and asking staff at information desks and in the stores for help.

In Mathematics the students have worked on addition, subtraction, patterns, time and location which have integrated nicely into their experience day excursions. SFC have used a variety of public transport across the term. In one day they caught a train, tram and bus! The students are looking for and listening to the information on the public transport to ensure they get off at the right stop. They are becoming seasoned travellers and could probably teach you a thing or two about using public transport!

During term two the students also began their dance rehearsals for the Secondary Spectacular – Hairspray! You will be blown away with their dance moves and confidence.

Here’s what the students have said their term two highlight has been:

Amira: “The police visit in school.”

Gabriel: “I liked Epping Plaza. I go there a lot.”

Mary: “I liked the firefighter jacket.”

Emma: “I like all of it. SFC is fun!”

Travis: “I like the ambulance visit. (I got) wrapped up.”

Emily: “I liked the Diamond Creek Police Station. Police car.”

Liam: “I like catching all the buses, trains and trams.”

Jessie: “Talking to people at the shops. Seeing fireman truck.”

Caitlin: “(I like) the trams.”

Trai: “Call ‘000’ in an emergency!”

Ryan: “(MFB) Fire Museum horse (and) trucks.”