Secondary 

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

Geography

Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)  students are currently investigating the topic 'Place and Liveability'. They are learning how to use latitude and longitude to determine the location of a place along with Google Maps. Students have just completed a Nearpod interactive lesson called ‘Mapping with Latitude and Longitude’, where they learnt how to locate a place and use both absolute and relative location as well as google maps to find and track a kidnapped diplomat. They were able to find the diplomat at Sea Life - Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium Auckland NZ. Students have also learnt about how the longitude puzzle was solved by clockmaker John Harrison and how his clocks are still in use today 300 years later. And how our iPhones and GPS systems use/sync with the clocks in the satellites to determine our location. 

In this topic, students discuss factors that influence people’s perceptions of the liveability of places, investigate features and characteristics of places that support and enhance people’s wellbeing such as community identity, environmental quality and access to services and facilities. 

Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) 

In Year 9/10 geography, students are investigation the topic 'Human Wellbeing' where students have shared their ideas about what human wellbeing is and how inequality exists around the world. Students have currently been doing an activity called ‘Finding Ourselves’, looking at what the world’s most typical person looks like and that the world’s most typical person doesn’t have a street address. That’s right most people in the world do not have an address for the home they live in. The UN estimates this to be about 4 billion people. Students have had fun trying to describe directions to their home without using street or road names or numbers. 

They have learnt about a new app and how to use it called 'what3words', where every 3 metre square of the world has been given a unique combination of three words which is being used in emergencies, disaster responses to locate people as well as to deliver mail, packages and pizzas to people. The British company what3words was founded in 2013 by two friends in London. When working in the music industry they found just how difficult it was to show up in the wrong place and have musical instruments dropped off in the wrong locations. This led them to come up with a much simpler way using a 3-word algorithm. The app can now pinpoint a location more exactly than addresses do, especially if the place has multiple entrances or encompasses multiple buildings such as our school. To locate room 22 at Boorowa Central School all you need are the 3 words ///interview.pursuer.pumas.

It has now been adopted in many countries around the world to deliver mail and by emergency services around the world. Just a few months ago the app was used by emergency services in Tasmania to find a bushwalker who had broken her leg on flinders Island. The app is now used around the world and has been translated in more than 44 languages.  

Visual Art

Stage 5 visual arts students are continuing to work on their skateboard decks which are really starting to look great. 

Some students are adding a 3D element to their design, while others chose to work in 2D.

Ms Alison Packwood

Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE)

This term Stage 4 are doing a theory unit called 'Positive Choices'. Students are exploring and analysing the issue of drug use and its relevance to the lives of young people. The students have enjoyed engaging in discussion about a variety of issues related to drug use. Currently, we are focusing on Tobacco. Last week we conducted an experiment to discover 'what's in a cigarette'. Students looked at the components of tobacco and also the role of 'burn rings' and filters. They also learned about some of the many chemicals found in cigarettes and made comparisons to products they could relate to. The next focus points are alcohol, binge drinking, and caffeine. 

In practical lessons, we are doing court games with a current focus on volleyball, where they have been developing their skill sets of 'sets and digs' which has been quite challenging and entertaining.

Careers

Please click on the attachment to view the 2021 TAFE Handbook 

Information for parents of Year 12 students

The senior years of high school can be challenging for parents and students to navigate. We can help.

Download our free guide with proven strategies for how to provide emotional support to your child. Our checklist of suggestions has been tested and endorsed by psychologists, counsellors, teachers and parents.