AROUND THE COLLEGE
As Term 2 comes to a close, we’d like to congratulate all our students for their hard work and dedication across both Maths and Science. Most students have now completed their assessment tasks, and we are proud of the effort and persistence they’ve shown.
In Maths, students across all year levels have tackled a variety of engaging and challenging topics.
Year 7 applied their understanding of fractions, ratios by mixing drinks like paradise fruit punch – a fun and practical way to explore maths in real life, and they also learnt about the 24 hour clock.
Year 8 solved real-world problems getting to understand the use of exponents and started solving simple algebraic equations using expansion and factorisation.
Year 9 continued to develop their understanding of exponents and trigonometry, and learning to calculate area and volume of 3-dimensional shapes.
Year 10 combined geometry and probability by designing and testing 3-dimensional dice that were combined of two simple shapes.
Senior Maths students (Essential, General, Methods, and Specialist) have completed their second major assessments that brings together everything they’ve learned so far across this first semester – well done to all!
In Science, students have been equally busy.
Year 7 explored classification, food chains, ecosystems, and the impact of introduced species.
Year 8 delved into chemistry – representing matter, comparing chemical and physical changes, and recognising energy changes in reactions.
Year 9 investigated ecosystems and the human body systems, helping them understand how biology links to health and the environment.
Year 10 looked at forces, energy and motion, including how this knowledge can help us be safer drivers.
Senior Science students wrapped up their Unit 1 assessments, with Applied Science students learning through hands-on investigations like making ginger beer as well as snorkelling in Aquatic Practices.
Our STEM students impressed us with their research into topics like black holes, prosthetics, bacteria, dry ice ice-cream, and glowing reactions – a fantastic term of innovation and curiosity.
Looking Ahead to the Holidays
We hope all students enjoy a well-earned break. For those who want to keep the curiosity going, here are a few fun science experiments you can try at home using everyday items:
- Invisible Ink: Mix lemon juice with a little water and use a cotton bud to write a message on paper. Hold the paper near a warm light bulb or iron (with adult supervision!) to reveal your hidden message.
- Bouncing Egg: Place a raw egg in a cup of vinegar for 2–3 days. The shell will dissolve, leaving a bouncy, rubbery egg—great for learning about chemical reactions and osmosis!
- DIY Lava Lamp: Fill a glass with oil and water, add a few drops of food colouring, and drop in an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Watch the bubbly reaction light up like a lava lamp.
From all of us in the Science and Maths faculties, thank you for a fantastic term. We wish you a safe, restful and fun-filled holiday. See you in Term 3!