Excursions & around the School

Our Senior Art and Drama students had an unforgettable day in Sydney yesterday, exploring all the arts the city has to offer! From a drama workshop with professional actors to visits to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of NSW's ArtExpress exhibition, and the newly opened Sydney Modern, they got to experience it all. And to top it all off, they watched a performance of Fences at the Sydney Theatre Company. We are so proud of how our students engaged with every opportunity and conducted themselves in the city.

The Game Changer Challenge is back! 

We had TEN GCC teams working away in the library to address the wicked problem - Invent or innovate something that will change the world & leave a lasting impact! Great work teams, cannot wait to see what you come up with.

Thank you very much to Mr Jamie Suddaby and the Environmental Focus Group students for feeding all our lovely students and staff here at lunch time. 

It was very much appreciated.

Great job to everyone involved!

We hosted the NISEP (National Indigenous Science Education Program) run through the University of New England and assisted by Macquarie University. 15 indigenous leaders from year 9 -11 were trained up in the scientific process to deliver engaging lessons to students in year 7.

This allowed for our older students to connect with and mentor the younger students to form bonds that will last throughout their education here at ASC. It also provided a great way to deliver STEM based activities which was enjoyed by all students. A big thank you specifically to the University of New England for providing the trainers and materials - our partnership is stronger than ever and we look forward to working with them again throughout the year.

Mr Tobie White.

Mathspace @ASC

Mathspace is a Mathematics program that is provided free for all students of Mathematics at Armidale Secondary College. Mathematics students are using this program in class at least once per fortnight to improve their overall numeracy skills, and also to do Mathematics coursework.

Apart from using this program at school, students are also able to use it at home. The website is www.mathspace.co and students can log in using their school email address (they do not need to sign up as they are already signed up). Parents are also able to log in to view their child’s use of the program as well as their progress.

We have engaged with this program at school for several reasons:

• Fill gaps in student learning from previous years
• Consolidate student mathematical skills
• An extra tool to supplement student learning in the classroom
• Access to classwork when students are away from school
• Access to work to accelerate students who are gifted in Mathematics

Every mathematics student should be able to access this program. If, however, your child is having difficulties accessing this program, please ask them to speak with their teacher, speak with me, or send me an email at jayne.lovelock2@det.nsw.edu.au. If you want access to the program to view your child’s learning, please email me with your child’s name and I will add you to their profile.

As always, if you have any queries about what we are doing in the Mathematics Faculty or in your child’s class, please contact me or your child’s teacher.

Jayne Lovelock (Head Teacher Mathematics)

jayne.lovelock2@det.nsw.edu.au

We are beyond excited to let you all know that our Year 9 and 10 teams represented their school so exceptionally well yesterday in the Da Vinci Decathlon.

We are so proud of our students and their teamwork and problem solving.

Congratulations to our Year 9 team who won the competition and will be joining our Year 7's competing at state level.

Year 10 and 11 Investigating Science, and 10 Earth and Environmental Science, went to the arboretum to test the water quality of it. We looked at pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrates and more and will compare it to the wetlands at ASC.

Our aim to determine which water source has the most suitable conditions for insects and animals to live in.

We will post our findings soon so watch this space!

Mr Tobie White...

A very excited group of IEC students enjoyed a day excursion to Uralla on 5th May.  McCrossins Mill Museum provided a rich historical and cultural insight into the area. The students enjoyed exploring the shops and doing some small transactions, practising their English and becoming more familiar with their new currency!

Gold panning was the highlight on a spectacularly sunny afternoon – some just enjoying the tranquility and others more focused on finding gold!

In Concert excursion with Kate Miller-Heidke at Sydney Town Hall with 600 public high school singers and musicians from around the state.

The students were amazing, the concert outstanding and we caught a bit of Vivid also.

The students were Ashton Mace, Rosie Cathcart, Steph Everett, Lola Gaw and Jem Watson.

We would also like to acknowledge Beth Richards for the many hours helping us learn the Music 

Hilary Pearson and Jen Fulloon.

ASC had a special visitor, ex-NRL player Will Chambers. Will shared his story with students and chatted about the importance of school and education when considering a career in footy.

Will spent most of the day at ASC, joining the Year 9 Creating Chances class and enjoying some touch footy with the students. A big thank you to Armidale headspace for this incredible opportunity.

Future Teachers Club Report

On Thursday 25th May, ASC hosted over 450 stage 3 students from around the New England for STEM Day. The STEM day was a collaborative effort of the Macquarie Fields, Uralla, Guyra and ASC Future Teachers clubs which are made up of students who are either motivated to become teachers, or wish to explore the possibility of a career as teachers, while also building a range of skills.

The feedback from Stage 3 Teachers has been overwhelmingly positive and a huge thank you goes out to all the students and staff who supported the day.

Congratulations to all our Future Teachers. They represented our school with respect, responsibility and resilience, and presented some truly engaging and fun lessons. A special mention must also be made of Jacob Lawrence and Jaylee Auld who presented inspirational speeches at the preparation day at UNE around teachers and the roles they play.

A huge thank you to Vicki Kelly (and Coops), and her catering team. They did an amazing job of feeding over 600 students and teachers in a timely and effective way.

Thanks to Erin and Steve in the Science prep room who helped with the logistics of sorting practical equipment for 17 different groups!

A special thanks to the staff - Ms Amos, Mr White and Mr Matchett - who helped the Future Teachers, to prepare lessons and passed on their love of Science education, along with the Discovery team from UNE: Geoff, Anna and Sully.

The Vice School Captains - Tom, Lezkin, Peace and Nicole also hosted a truly epic Trivia Night on the Wednesday before the STEM Day for the MacField and ASC students.

The FTC and Mrs Williams appreciate the support and enthusiasm that has been offered by so many in the community. Without this, the STEM day would not have been possible.

The FTC has had an amazing 2 days, building skills, confidence and making new friends.

Mrs Williams