It has been a busy Term 1 in Year 9. We have been encouraging students to live and reflect on our school values of of Connection, Courage, Growth, Respect and Responsibility. Pastoral Care teachers have been working with students on self worth and identity this term.  

Year 9 students completed NAPLAN assessments in Week 6 and 7, with assessments in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. Teachers were extremely pleased with the way that students conducted themselves and their efforts. We look forward to utilising the data collected to evaluate the effectiveness of our teaching and learning programs and to celebrate student growth and success.  

In Mathematics this term, students started the year with the measurement unit, investigating relationships between the surface area of objects and their volume. The second unit for the term has been exploring linear (straight line) graphs and how they can be created and used.  

In English, students started the term with a series of small writing and reading comprehension tasks.  Since then they have been learning about how to persuade and influence people, looking at advertisements in particular.  Their major task for the term has been to create their own advertisement, complete with a written justification. 

In History students have been learning about the Industrial Revolution and Agricultural Revolution.  They have learned about significant changes in society that happened as a result of these major developments, and particularly about the impact of such changes upon children.   

In Science, students have been investigating a range of chemical reactions. The Term commenced with students learning about the periodic table and what happens to atoms when they become unstable. They researched the effects of radiation by investigating the events of the Chernobyl disaster, the radium girls in US and the contributions of scientists to the discovery of radioactivity. They also learnt about carbon dating, a process that assists scientists in determining the possible age of an organic material.  

At the time of writing Year 9 camp is still underway at Paton Park. Students have been engaging in activities in the outdoors with a focus on connection, growth and courage. Activities have included abseiling, shelter building, fire-lighting, with students earning Parklands Pounds they can exchange for rewards. Layla enjoyed the abseiling so much she went down the tower 3 times.  

If you believe there is any information that the school needs to help your son or daughter be happy and achieve their best inside the classroom, please do not hesitate to call or email their Home Group teacher or myself.