Mathematics, Science. Health and Physical Education
It is my great privilege to introduce myself and welcome you all to the 2021 school year. My name is Tess Reeves and I am the HOD for Maths, Science and HPE. I am also the Head of Goolman House. I am passionate about positive education practices and ensuring students feel safe and supported at school. My favourite part of being an educator is supporting students in achieving that “ah-ha” moment and seeing the smiles on their faces as a result. All students are capable of finding their version of success and I can’t wait to share in that journey with your child.
What is happening in HPE, Science and Maths?
HPE
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Year 7 |
Personal Identify Students will work towards developing a sense of personal identity. They will discuss how their development is influenced by puberty and other life factors. Practical component – Cultural Games |
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Year 8 |
Sports Nutrition Students will investigate sports nutrition concepts in relation to an adolescent athlete. Students will revise the concepts of food groups, well-balanced diets, water consumption and more. Practical component – European Handball |
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Year 9 |
We Are All Unique In this unit, students will analyse the impact that attitudes and beliefs about diversity have on communication connections and wellbeing. Students will discuss topics related to cultural identify, gender, disabilities and more. Practical component – Newcome ball and volleyball |
General Notices:
- We care about the safety of your children and as a result have a very clear “No Hat, No Play” Please ensure your child is complying with the uniform policy to ensure they do not miss out on these outdoor learning experiences.
- Interschool sport trials will be commencing in Week 3. Mr Dunn will regularly send out information regarding these trials within the student notices section of Daymap.
- We are looking forward to our Cross Country event that will take place at the end of Term 1. If your child wishes to be competitive in this sport, please encourage them to start their training for this event.
SCIENCE
Year 7
In year 7 science we are kicking off 2021 with Biology which will see students exploring the diversity of life on Earth. Your child will be developing food chains and webs, analysing ecosystems and exploring the effect of human and environmental changes on different organisms. So, don’t be surprised if you find your child looking through their garden bed at home to find all the different organisms.
Year 8
In year 8 science, students will start the year studying Chemistry. Students will explore the physical and chemical changes of different substances. This is an exciting term for year 8’s as they get to engage in practical lessons in the science lab. Students will start the term by learning how to safely use a Bunsen Burner and work towards achieving their Bunsen Burner Licence.
Year 9
In year 9 science, students will be learning about Physics. Students will describe models of energy transfer. They will also explore the social and technological factors that have influenced scientific developments and have a go at predicting how further scientific developments may affect people’s lives in the future.
General Notices
- We are lucky enough this year to be welcoming a Science Technician, Savita Saini, who will be supporting our science classes with all practical lessons. Mrs Saini comes to us with a wealth of previous experience and will be able to offer your students engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
- In line with the College’s uniform policy, if students are not wearing the correct leather shoes they will not be permitted to engage in any practical lessons in the science lab. Please ensure your student is always complying with the College’s uniform policy to ensure they do not miss out on these learning experiences.
MATHS
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Year 7 |
Measurement and Geometry Students will start the year exploring the concepts of measurement and geometry. They will revise concepts of classification of shapes, perimeter and area and will learn new concepts including volume, parallel lines and angle theorems. |
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Year 8 |
Number and Financial Maths In unit 1, students will explore the key Number skills within the year 8 curriculum. Students will learn about rates and ratios, negative and positive numbers and rational and irrational numbers. Students will also explore financial maths and the concepts of Profit and Loss. |
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Year 9 |
Linear and Non-Linear Relations Year 9 students will be solving problems involving linear and non-linear equations. Students will be using Cartesian planes to plot linear graphs, calculating gradient and midpoint and sketching linear and non-linear graphs. |
Enrichment Program
We are so excited to be commencing the Maths Enrichment Program in 2021. All students in year 8 will engage in two lessons per week with a targeted focus to improve their numeracy skills. These sessions will support students in understanding the foundational numeracy skills that are necessary in their life, they will explore maths in real life contexts and just have more time to find confidence within the Maths classroom.
General Notices
Please ensure your child has a scientific calculator and brings this to school for every mathematics lessons. To ensure our students are proficient in mathematical communication, we will not be using laptops every lesson – for this reason they are still required to provide a personal calculator and cannot rely on the laptop for this.
Tess Reeves
HoD