The Anchor

Senior Years

Science and Engineering Challenge

On Wednesday 14 June eight teams, consisting of keen Year 9 and 10 science students took part in the annual Science and Engineering Challenge. Ten heats were conducted in South Australia, across metropolitan and country locations. Students from Endeavour College competed against other schools in groups to tackle various engineering tasks.

These tasks involved creating:

  • a car that could travel across the rocky surface of Mars
  • a bionic hand that could lift objects
  • a lightweight bridge that could withstand a heavy load
  • a  string network
  • flat pack furniture that can withstand pets sitting and jumping on it
  • a tower that could stay standing and hold a load during an “earthquake”
  • an electricity grid to supply energy to several cities
  • a hovercraft that could negotiate a maze as well as an uneven surface .

The day concluded with the testing of all of the different schools bridges. The Endeavour Bridge what one of the heaviest and strongest, although the length allowed only 3 metal ingots to successfully cross. Groups also scored very well by winning the Mission to Mars and the Flat Pack furniture creation.

Well done to everyone for their efforts and staying positive and focused throughout the day. Our final placing was third in our heat.

 

Catherine Noack

Science Teacher

P.A.R.T.Y. Program

On Thursday 8 June, 28 students from Year 10 and 11 combined took part in the P.A.R.T.Y program at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, accompanied by Marni Harding, Mr Wooldridge and Mr Pearse. P.A.R.T.Y. stands for “Prevent Alcohol and Risk related Trauma in Youth”.  The core focus of the program is to draw awareness to the risks that adolescents may take, and provides a unique insight in to the long lasting effects of risk taking.

During the day, we listened to presentations from nurses, a doctor, and a paramedic, then we had the opportunity to visit other areas of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, following a historical, real life scenario relating to a road trauma caused by drink driving. We got involved, using equipment and performing CPR on a mannequin. It was an eye opening situation, when we realised that this is what doctors and nurses deal with every day, because of the risk taking behaviour that many teenagers take. At the end of the day, we also met some trauma victims who generously shared their experiences.

Overall, the P.A.R.T.Y program was an experience I won’t ever forget!  It opened my mind up to the risk taking behaviours that can potentially lead to the loss of life and physical and/or mental disabilities, as well as the life changing impacts on your family and friends.  I learnt many valuable lessons from the program, and  I speak on behalf of everyone who participated in the P.A.R.T.Y program that we were all able to take something out of the unique experience.  I am so thankful that Endeavour continues to take part in this each year, and the P.A.R.T.Y program continues to run. 

 

Courtney Leikas

Year 10 Student

Senior Drama Production

Last week the Senior Drama class presented the 2017 Senior Production: Mistakes. This production is the most topical and raw production that I have ever worked on. Headlines ripped straight from the Newspaper or Social Media and put straight into the script. A fast, organic, real theatrical experience for the performer and the audience alike.

We all make mistakes, we say and do things that we shouldn’t and don’t do the things we should. From everyday people like you and me, to our world leaders. Sometimes the effects of our mistakes are small, other times we fail to understand just how deep our failures will impact on a few or the many. We as a society are at a critical timeline, where we must acknowledge our mistakes, and allow them to inform us for the future that lies ahead. We become consumed by such issues that are, to others unquestionably insignificant. The grass is not as green on the other side from time to time.

The students worked so very hard over the past seven weeks learning lines, creating props and costume pieces, set building and promoting the production. Many hours outside of school have been invested. We had two sell out audiences and would like to thank all who came and supported Mistakes.

Jamie Richards

Drama Learning Leader

Work Experience

In only a couple of weeks our Year 10 students will be completing a Work Placement as part of the Endeavour Pathways program.  For many students this will be their first experience of the “world of work” and provide an ideal opportunity for personal development and learning.  As PLP teachers this year, we have been impressed with the thought and effort that students have put into sourcing their placements; many have made a real connection with career interests researched earlier in the course.

 

Over the next week we are asking our Year 10s to ensure they reconnect with their work experience provider to check that everything is in order for their visit.  Whilst on their placement it is important to show that you are an asset to the workplace. Students should be sure to consistently display the following characteristics:

  • Be punctual – arrive before time and keep to break times
  • Be attentive to instructions - listen carefully and do exactly what is asked of you
  • Maintain professional appearance – ensure you meet organisational  guidelines/expectations
  • Be polite – be considerate and courteous at all times
  • Learn as much as you can – practice,  improve and ask questions
  • Expect to have to complete some ordinary tasks including tea/coffee making, cleaning, taking messages – do them to the best of your ability
  • Make sure you understand exactly what you have to do – don’t be afraid to ask questions and repeat the task to your supervisor to clarify when necessary
  • Do not rush tasks – make sure you complete them properly and be sure to follow safe work practices

This is a real opportunity to learn and develop skills that will be transferable to any workplace so make the most every opportunity and enjoy the experience. Please thank the employer and your supervisor for your workplace learning.  A written letter or card is an appropriate way of thanking them a leaving a lasting positive impression. If at any time during the placement you are unable to attend the workplace you must immediately contact your Workplace Supervisor and the College to explain your absence.

 

Annie Fitridge

Pathways Coordinator

Year 10 Solo Night

On the evening of Tuesday 13 June, the Year 10 Music class presented solo performances to a small audience in the Endeavour College Music room. Solos were performed on a range of instruments including bass guitar, trombone, drum kit, saxophone, piano, guitar, flute and clarinet. The students were assessed on their performance, and for most of them this was their first ever public solo performance. Despite their nerves, the students did well, and a few highlights included Joseph Do’s performance of the drum kit solo ‘Oakland Drive’ by Frank Corniola, Matthew Hubner’s ‘A Wily Bossa’ on alto sax and Jessie Guo’s beautifully expressive playing of the piano piece ‘Somewhere in Time’. Well done to all the students involved and a big thank you to Music Leader Angela Vanderklugt for emceeing the night, and to Daniel Wooldridge for assisting with marking.

 

Catherine Stanley

Music Learning Leader​