As we approach the end of the year it is important to reflect on the amazing teaching and learning that has taken place in the English, HSIE, and Languages depts. This semester has been full of hard work, new experiences, fun and curiosity for our students. It has been exciting watching our students pursuing their passions in class while they engage in the various class activities such as debating, model making, digital presentations, excursions, and individual project -based learning.

Year 7 HSIE students have been investigating various landscapes and landforms, studying their formation and features. Our Geography students engaged with creating dioramas of the various landscapes studied and learned how to structure descriptions inclusive of all the relevant language features. As part of the Geography unit ‘Place and Liveability’ our students demonstrated their research and design skills, sketching and model making of environmentally friendly futuristic cities. This student -centered pedagogy allowed students to acquire a deeper knowledge through active exploration of real - world challenges. Our students learned about urbanization and the pressures of overpopulation. Students got the opportunity through project- based learning to pose questions and problems about scenarios in support of their learning. 

Year 9 Geography students had the opportunity to engage with real life experiences in a rainforest, observing all the different types of flora and fauna. The boys had the opportunity to attend the Minamurra Rainforest in Term 3 as part of their studies on Biomes. Our students conducted experiments and investigations testing for water and soil quality. Discussions were had in groups about the sustainability of the rainforest and its management. 

Our students in their English classes have been developing skills to enable them to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and reflect on their learning. Year 7 and 9 have engaged with the new English curriculum exploring cultural voices and the world of Science Fiction through short stories and film. 

Our Languages students were introduced to the rich cultural life of the Italian people, focusing on food, sports, fashion, music and celebrations. The boys also engaged with literacy through the study of etymology. Our students had fun decoding the English language by looking at root base words such as ‘bio’ and ‘geo’ in classical Greek and words like ‘terra’, ‘quit’ and ‘dict’ in Latin. More common words such as ‘algebra, cotton, and ‘sugar’ were decoded and our students discovered such words were derived from classical Arabic. This activity provided students with so much more insight into understanding words and their meaning. 

Year 10 Commerce students have been studying the school developed topic of ‘Buying a car.’ The content mastered in class will no doubt support our students with their real- life experience such as how to obtain a driver’s license and buy a car. Our Commerce students also refined their numeracy skills through the study of data, graphs and learning how to prepare a budget. 

A big congratulations to the Commerce students Nathan D, Jansen J, Man K, Rudra P, Steven S who with the amazing support of Mr Mustapic and Ms Rasic’s on- going commitment to her Commerce class have earned 5th place at the  WSU Blueprint Business Competition. Well done boys! 

As we move towards the end of the 2024 school year, I would like to thank all of our students for their hard work and the English, HSIE and Languages faculty for their dedication and effort towards teaching and learning for our students. 

I extend our very best wishes to all students and their families for the season ahead. 

Ms M Doulakis I HT HSIE I Rel. HT English & LoTE