STEM & TAS
STEM
Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre
Early in Term 2, on a perfect autumn day, Marine Studies students From the small Fiddler Rays to the Eagle Rays to the large Smooth Rays, students were able to were fortunate enough to visit the Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre where they experienced the sharks and rays up close. get up close and personal by feeding and patting the rays. Some students were lucky enough to have their toes nibbled on (as the rays mistake toes for squid which they like to eat!)
With the new lagoon opened, students were able to pat the baby Port Jackson sharks, while the Bamboo Sharks took a close-up look of the students.
It was great to receive positive feedback from the staff at the Shark and Ray Centre about the way in which our students behaved themselves throughout the day.
Oakvale Farm
Also in Term 2, 66 lucky Year 8 students joined four STEM teachers on an exciting adventure to Oakvale Farm. This excursion was the launch of this term’s STEM project – where students learn about ecosystems and living organisms.
Students experienced an educational day, attending keeper talks and learning about different species. Students also had the chance to experience some close encounters and hand feeding various creatures.
Mathematics
Year 8 have been learning about Data Analysis – building their skills in calculating summary statistics and using the results to create meaning and draw conclusions. They have also started learning about Linear Relationships and developing their algebra skills.
Year 9 have been learning about Linear and Non-Linear Relationships in a highly creative way. Students have been learning to use an online platform called Desmos and have been using it to create artworks made from mathematics! Have a look at some of the preliminary work in the photos below.
Year 10 have been studying Trigonometry and building their skills for senior maths courses. Trigonometry is a key topic in both Maths Standard and Maths Advanced, and so students are focused on developing a solid foundation of knowledge for next year.
Year 11 students have adjusted to the new ways of working in the senior school and have completed their first and second assessment task. Students are encouraged to start doing some revision each week to prepare and study for the Year 11 exams at the end of Term 3.
Year 12 students in Maths courses have completed three school assessment tasks and should now be hard at work preparing for their Trial Exams at the start of Term 3. Weekly revision and study are recommended for all courses so that students can achieve their best in this fourth and final assessment task.
As always, we would like to remind students to come to school each day prepared to learn. In all Mathematics lessons – regardless of the year group – a laptop, maths book, pens and scientific calculator are required equipment.
TAS
In 2022 the TAS faculty has been busy making changes in all years and subjects. My name is Graeme Lindsay and have taken on the position of Head Teacher TAS from the beginning of this year. The TAS Faculty continues to offer students an array of practical subjects that allows students to develop basic skills before progressing to specialisation areas of their choice, which may lead to employment opportunities as they move to post schooling options. We have been making changes to the practical projects that has allowed our students to produce some quality work in Timber and Metal and students have been enjoying sampling the fantastic dishes that are being produced in food tech. I had the pleasure recently of being part of the Business Breakfast where our great Hospitality students prepared and served an excellent breakfast for 90 guests. The behind the scenes work that goes into an event like this is immense and I would like to thank our Year 10 Food technology students who helped Mrs Kim Wilkes prepare the food and then the Year 12 Hospitality students who turned up at school at 5am to prepare the food for a 7.30am breakfast. To finish out the breakfast all things need to be cleaned and to help with this our Year 11 Food Tech students stepped up to help. It was wonderful to see the collaborative work from 3 different year groups that went into making this event an overwhelming success.
