Secondary 9/10 Learning
Welcome
Wow, believe it or not it is week 7 already! Preparations are well underway for finalising the arrangements for our Forest Edge Camp in the first weeks of Term 3. Please make sure you are sending in the medical and bus arrangement forms which were sent home a few weeks ago. A reminder too that the final payment is due on June 20th. Please make sure you are logging onto Compass to provide consent and pay online for any upcoming excursions, there is one currently up for the classes going to the Queen Victoria Market.
Mathematics
In Maths we have continued to focus upon Subtraction and have practised skills in using tools such as number lines to visually represent subtraction problems. The students have used different types of number lines to show how they can use the jump/hop strategy to solve subtraction problems with a visual tool. We have also looked at multi digit strategies such as the split strategy which the students also used in addition.
Our learning focus on Time has concluded and we have switched focus onto Location. Students have been working with language focused on providing directions and have shared the knowledge they have already about location. Classes have linked their learning in Integrated by using a world map to identify the countries we are exploring using directional language such as North, South, East, West. Students have also begun exploring the use of a compass.
English
In writing the students have been honing their researching skills and have been learning about a country of their choice to plan and write an Information Report about. They have identified the different types of information they require including where the country is located, demographics, languages spoken and the types of food available. We have focused on taking notes and recording information in dot points before putting the information into a planning document and then composing an interesting and engaging information report with some including visual literacy.
In reading we have continued to explore concepts about print. We have looked at a number of different example of texts and explored the different ways information is presented and how the presentation impacts the way we understand the text. We looked at some shape poetry which is written in the shape of the topic of the poem which adds to the impact the text has on us.
Integrated Studies
Our Immigration unit is drawing to a close with students linking their learning in Writing to our Immigration focus through their Information Report on a country. There is another excursion for a different group this time going to explore the cultural diversity at the Queen Victoria Market. Three classes are going to investigate the heritage trail at the market and enjoy an Italian themed lunch at La Porchetta. The students have really engaged in our final term on Immigration and have enjoyed exploring an area of interest to their class.
Social Competencies
In Social Competencies the focus has switched to romantic relationships. Classes have looked at the stages involved in entering a romantic relationship, how to maintain a relationship, how to end a relationship and the elements which contribute to a positive romantic relationship. Classes have explored potential relationship scenarios and discussed if they are healthy and respectful.
PreCAL
English
In reading the PreCAL classes are exploring the concepts of print including the difference between letters and words, words and sentences and the role of punctuation in creating sentences. The students have been using the class created texts related to their experience days to explore which punctuation should be used to complete the text and sorting letters and words into different categories.
In writing the PreCAL classes are full steam ahead with creating their workplace safety advertisement. Students have continued working on the poster they are creating to promote workplace safety for their chosen industry and they are working very hard in the Discovery Centre to record and create the workplace safety advertisement.
Mathematics
In Maths the PreCAL classes are continuing their focus on Subtraction and are practicing taking away small numbers from a group of objects using materials to support them. The students have also looked at number lines to represent the subtraction problems they are solving.
Our learning focus on Time has concluded and we have switched focus onto Location. Students have been working with language focused on providing directions and have shared the knowledge they have already about words we use to give and follow directions. The classes had some fun outside practicing using directional language to move around the school.
STEAM
Our PreCAL classes are continuing to hone their coding skills as they work through the Robotics and Coding focus this term. The team work is wonderful to observe as they work together to code their robots to complete a variety of challenges. The students have been practicing their communication and collaboration skills to successfully conquer the mazes and challenges set for them.
Community Experience
The PreCAL classes have visited a number of different workplaces this term. In the last few weeks they have been to Endeavour Industries and Melbourne Polytechnic. The students were involved in a tour of both locations and were able to see the workplace operating. They asked questions during the visit and focused on identifying the safety aspects that they could see. While on excursion the classes practiced using the directional language they had focused on in class and locating safety signs which were familiar to them.
Duke of Edinburgh
Our Semester 1 focus on learning a new skill and physical recreation are continuing through the Fit For Life program and STEAM. Students have been working on recording their evidence for Duke of Edinburgh for these two components which will be submitted at the end of the year. Our Fit For Life program will continue in term 3 with students being surveyed for their preferences shortly
STEAM
The students have embarked on their last STEAM rotation for Semester 1 with the students exploring the final activity from the programs we are currently running. The survey we ran on which programs they would like to continue in term 3 was extremely successful with the students overwhelmingly voting for Special Effects and Robotics and Coding to remain. We will now develop four new units for Semester 2.
Sam Birrell
Secondary 9/10 Team Leader