Mathematics, Science. Health and Physical Education
In the Maths, Science and HPE faculties, Week 8 finds all staff and students very busy as we are working towards the completion of all assessments and preparing for Term 2.
Maths
In mathematics, all students should have now completed their first exam for the year. It was great to see many students had spent time at home to revise and prepare for the exam, as well as, attend homework club and additional tutoring with their teacher. Year 7 students were very excited about being able to use a calculator in high school mathematics exams.
Moving into Term 2, Year 7 students will remain focused on Measurement & Geometry as they prepare for an investigation task that will assess their understanding of area and volume. Year 8 and 9 students will shift their focus to the strand of Statistics & Probability as they also prepare for an investigation task.
Corrective Mathematics
This year all year 8 students have two additional lessons that are dedicated to support them in developing their Numeracy skills, this is called Mathematics Enrichment. In week 9, students will kick off a program called Corrective Mathematics. This program is a highly focused intervention program consisting of strategic modules that offer quick, targeted intervention to build understanding of the key strands in mathematics. All students have completed a pre-test that will help determine the most appropriate starting point in the program for them. We are really excited to start this program and support our students to improve their numeracy skills.
Science
During Week 8, students in year 7 have completed their Biology unit by sitting an exam. Students in year 8 completing their investigation report on the solubility of salt. Year 9 students are completing their report on the effectiveness of a heat shield they have created.
Upon the completion of these, students will start preparing for Term 2. Year 7 students will start Chemistry, in particular, they will look into separating mixtures. Year 8 students will start Geology and Year 9 students will start Biology. Year 7’s students will have their first experience in a high school laboratory during the last 2 weeks of this term, continuing into term 2. They will work towards safely using a Bunsen burner. We are excited for the Year 7 students to start their science learning's in the laboratory.
HPE
Students in HPE should now have all completed their theory assessments for Term 1. Throughout Week 8 and 9, teachers will be observing their practical skills according to the HPE standards and giving them an achievement for the practical component of their subject. Something that a lot of parents aren’t aware of is that the practical criteria in HPE is not only about how well the students can perform in the sport. Students are required to reflect on their practical performance and how they demonstrated fair play, leadership and cooperation when participating in the sport.
After all of our assessments are complete, students will turn their focus to prepare for Cross Country that is scheduled for Thursday 1st April (Week 10, Thursday). Students who are wishing to be competitive for Cross Country are encouraged to get outside and complete some training to be prepared.
And for when the holidays arrive, I want to wish you and your families a Happy Easter. I hope the time with families over the holiday break will be valuable and restful.
Tess Reeves
HoD Maths, Science & HPE