Around the KLA's (Key Learning Areas) - HSIE 

HSIE 

O’Connor’s HSIE and LOTE faculty have the enjoyable job of leading students to a better understanding of the world they live in.  This includes both the physical world through the study of Geography and the human world through the study of History, languages (French) the world of law and the world of business.  A large number of the school’s RE and Studies of Religion teachers are members of the HSIE faculty as well. 

The teachers who have the privilege to do this include Mr Garry Osborne - our ‘feature teacher’, Mr Andrew May, Mrs Cheryl Leggatt, Ms Amanda Bell, Mr Frank Patricks, Mr Peter Trinh, Mr Stephen Kirkaldy, Madam Champion de Crespigny and Mrs Cherie Stoessel, Leader of Learning.  

HSC students who are currently studying subjects in HSIE complete courses in Ancient and Modern History and Business and Legal Studies, although this is not an exhaustive list of the HSIE subjects students can study.  Students in year 10 who will soon be electing their subjects for HSC studies can also choose to study Geography, Economics and Society and Culture, as well as the more popular subjects already mentioned.

For year 12 students as they are drawing closer to the end of their courses, completing their assessment and preparing for examinations it is important for them to remember to look after their physical and mental wellbeing as well as making good use of the break from school to consolidate their learning from the semester.  

During this semester, students from year 7 to 10 have been studying Geography.  They have learned how the world’s landscapes and landforms were made, the role and importance of water, environment and sustainability and factors affecting liveability and human wellbeing as well as what we can do as individuals and a community to improve well-being in our local and global community.   

With the change of semester, the learning in HSIE classes will change to History with students in stage 4 (years 7 and 8) focussing on the ancient and mediaeval worlds while students in stage 5 (years 9 and 10) will be examining modern world issues including the world at war and the progression of human rights issues in the 20th and 21st centuries.  

The HSIE staff wish students, parents/carers and the O’Connor community a safe and restful winter break.

8.3 HSIE - Geography

8.3 working on creating a one-pager or sketch note on a hydrological natural disaster in Australia.

A one-pager is a note taking tool that allows students to create a one page document to represent the key elements of the topic.

The one-pager invites the students to use a mix of images and written information to record their ideas.

8.2 HSIE - Geography

Ms Amanda Bell's class have been working on dioramas that depict aspects of the water cycle. 

Year 11 Ancient History

Year 11 were learning about slavery in ancient times this week. 

GALLERY: Year 11 Ancient History at work.

Feature Teacher -

Garry Osborne

PHOTO: Garry Osborne (left), Anthony Kelly, Mark Harris and Melita Roach practicing for Founder's Day. 

What is your full name?  

Garry James Osborne 

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you enjoy?

 Fishing , bike riding, playing drums in bands ,and rugby. 

What schools have you taught at? 

I taught for two years with the Education Dept - Blacktown Boys High, Mitchell High School ( Blacktown) , Griffith High, Leeton High and Manilla Central School

How long have you been at O’Connor? 

Almost 41 years 

Can you tell us about the changes you have seen in your time here?

When I first arrived in 1979 the school was operating under the Open Plan Model. An entire year group in one open area -with up to 5 teachers helping students to do Units in the various subjects -with a hand in date for that particular topic -I was in Humanities and units went for a two to three week period --then lots of marking. The system was good for some students but no others. The senior years had a more traditional model leading up to the HSC. The school at the time had both De La Salle Brothers and Ursuline Nuns with a principal from each order taking turns in leading the school. The school changed its name from O’Connor High to O’Connor College and the brothers and nuns eventually left the College. I have taught hundreds of students in my time here, some of which are the parents of the students I am teaching now. I will leave when grandchildren start turning up. 

What do you enjoy most about O’Connor? 

The staff and the students. The staff have always been welcoming friendly and supportive. I enjoy having my wife on staff and having all of my three children go through the school. In no small measure has the school  contributed to my kids being the good citizens they are today. 

What do you enjoy teaching most? 

Legal Studies, Geography, History and Term 5 Fishing. 

Thank you Mr Osborne

Where Are They Now?

Sarah Osborne has recently been admitted to the Bar after studying law. We caught up with Sarah and she shared what the past few years has looked like for her since leaving school.

What Year did you complete the HSC? 

2011

What did you enjoy most about attending O’Connor Catholic College?

The thing I enjoyed most about my time at O’Connor Catholic College was the school community. I believe I had a unique experience having my family being so involved in the O’Connor community (and living right next to the school), however, whether it was on the sporting field or in the classroom there was a great feeling of support and community from the teacher’s, support staff, parents and students.   

Where are you now? What are you studying/doing?

I am currently living in Canberra ACT working as a lawyer. 

What have been your biggest achievements since leaving school? 

My biggest achievement since leaving school was graduating from university with my undergraduate degree and getting admitted to the legal profession in the ACT Supreme Court. 

Funnily enough, my interest in law actually started when I studied Legal Studies in Year 11 and 12 at O’Connor with (none other than) Mr Osborne. Thanks Dad! 

If you were to give HSC students some advice to succeed in their final year what would it be? 

My advice to students doing the HSC is to be organised and have an equal balance between your study commitments, friends and hobbies. I have been studying for the last six years and I achieved the best results at university when I balanced my time around classes, assessments and exams, was exercising regularly and when I had finished my uni work, enjoyed some well-deserved down time (whether that be socialising or relaxing).

What is one of your most memorable moments from your schooling at O’Connor?

I can’t decide on my most memorable moments so I had to include two!

One of my fondest memories of O’Connor was the CCC hockey tournaments. As mentioned before, I loved the community spirit of O’Connor which really shone through at these tournaments. 

I was also fortunate enough to be elected by my peers as College Captain in my final year at O’Connor. This was accompanied by the opportunity to attend a leadership camp on the Central Coast. At the camp, the leadership team and I learnt valuable leadership skills (that I have used throughout my time at school and now professional career) and made some lifelong friends.

Any advice for O’Connor students? 

Some advice for current O’Connor students is don’t feel pressured to go to university straight out of high school. There are a lot societal expectations and pressures for students to rush to university. If you are uncertain of what you want to study or need some time off study, take some time off a gap year (or even two if you need it). 

Speaking from personal experience, I had two gap years and it enabled me to really consider what I wanted to study at university and has led me down a career path that I love and offers so many diverse and exciting opportunities.

Thank you Sarah.