It's been a busy few weeks for Year 10 and it has been pleasing to see all the engagement and creativity coming from the classes I have visited. A snapshot of the last few weeks for Year 10, but first;

Bushcraft

The Year 10 Bushcraft classes have been exploring Public Land management strategies, in particular focussing on introduced plants (weeds) and feral animals. Students have been discussing how it arrived in Australia, why it was introduced, features of this species that make it successful in the Australian environment, where it can be found, and its habitat/range. As part of the management strategy of introduced plants students have been removing lantana from the State Forest. They have also been removing litter and other household rubbish from the State Forest. Great to see students taking care of an environment that we get a lot of use and enjoyment from. 

After “hanging around” in the gym and practicing their rock climbing skills in a closed environment, it was great to see students put their skills to the test at Nowra showgrounds. Students were abseiling down steep cliffs, climbing up sheer cliff faces all while belaying for each other and completing safety checks. A lovely day spent enjoying the outdoor environment. Special thanks to Mr Jak, Mr Higgins and Mr Watson who gave up their days to ensure that our Year 10’s got to step outside of their comfort zones, challenge themselves and experience the splendour of nature.  

Music

Hopefully that put a on smile on your face similar to the ones I saw last week when I visited Miss Baker’s music class.

The Year 10’s have been studying Western Art Music with a specific focus on the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. Students have performed Canon in D and will soon learn 'In the Hall of the Mountain King'. Students have also been composing their own art piece of music using ternary form and implementing the stylistic techniques appropriate to the style. A very euphonious class!

Industrial

After completing their initial drawings and specifications and brushing up on the use of hand tools, students have been busy making their side tables. The sounds of saws, hammers, chisels and sanding have created a pleasant working environment for all those involved. So far all fingers have been accounted for!     

Mathematics

Why did the math book look so sad? Because it had so many problems. Seriously though, I was talking with Mr Smith about a joke for Trigonometry but it was just too graphic!

Students across the year group have just finished their trigonometry unit. It was great to see students applying their new found knowledge to practical and real world situations. I look forward to seeing what some of the classes can achieve when they start on volume. First Year 10 student to come see me with the formulae wins a prize:

English

The thespian talents of Year 10 have been well and truly on display in English with students thoroughly engaging in Shakespeare’s King Lear. They have been reading, acting, workshopping, and analysing key scenes, while exploring the themes of family, power, justice, gender, loyalty and relating these to the experience of modern day teenagers. Personally, I can’t wait to hear some of the podcasts the students produce for their assessment. I could keep writing more but I can’t decide on what pencil to use...2B or not 2B?

Visual Arts

The Visual Art class were showing off their artist flair making wearable art. Next stop the runways of Paris Fashion week! Ton art est cool! 

Food Technology

This week our Year 10 Food Technology students baked Lemon Meringue Pie and Berry Meringue Cupcakes.

Year 10 House Activity Challenge 

Over the past few weeks, Thursday lunchtimes have been action packed for this year group. I have been running house activity challenges where students have been representing their PALS group and competing for House Points. While some students have been seeing red (Go Chisholm!) with the umpiring decisions it has been great to see the engagement, enjoyment and positive interaction amongst the year group.     

Work Experience Week 8 Term 4

A reminder that Year 10 are on work experience during Week 8 of Term 4 (Monday 30 November- Friday 4 December). It is important that students start to identify particular areas of interest and potential local businesses that may host them for work experience. More information can be found on the Year 10 Careers page.   

Transition Week: Year 10 into 11

To assist students with the increased demands of their studies in Year 11 and 12 we are running a transition week in Week 9 of Term 4. Students will look at study tips such as effective revising techniques, organisational skills, creating habits that lead to success, proactive wellbeing tips and future focussed planning. Stay tuned for more details. 

I hope you have had a laugh or at least a smile at the cringe worthy jokes. It will release some positive endorphins as we reach the end of term!