Awaba
This term, Awaba has been engaging in graphic novels and comics. These forms of visual literacy are an excellent way to engage reluctant teens in reading and texts. The students in Awaba have been looking at how famous comics have explored contentious and sensitive issues throughout time and have learnt the art of illustration for meaning. They have been exploring how to show emotions, storyline, character development and comic layout through their own drawing and planning. It has been a real pleasure watching their drawings evolve, from stick people drawings with simple story layers, to complex stories with deep characters and connections to real world ideas.
Jilliby
This term, students have also been exploring graphic novels in English, using a range of technology, writing and illustrating skills. They are also using these skills in Geography to display their understanding of Globalisation and Interconnections to produce their very own book based on Jeannie Baker’s ‘Mirror’ which shows how different cultures are connected. Jilliby have also excelled in Drama this term through the role-playing of various social and professional scenarios that develop their relationship and post-school life skills – the highlight being the hilarious regular impromptu prayer sessions (pictured)!
Mambo
The overall focus for this class is to offer students a Life Skills pattern of study that prepare students for life after school and provide post school opportunities.
In English, Mambo students have been enjoying listening to and annotating a variety of songs from different genres and eras. The students then compiled their own collection for a CD. They were tasked with developing a front and back cover for their CD, presenting a word document on reasons for their choice of songs and then choosing one of their songs to annotate the lyrics (poetry) for meaning.
Students have also been exploring disadvantaged groups within Australian society discovering their characteristics, challenges and rights. As part of their module evidence, students developed a collage depicting their chosen focus group.
KuNarr has three students completing their year 12 studies this year – Sarah-Jane Large, Tyler Needham and Tommy Taggart. Congratulations to these students on completing 13 years of schooling – a great achievement. These students have engaged positively with end of year 12 activities and looked fantastic as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Cedric Diggory.
KuNarr faculty wish our students all the success for their future.
Olney
This term, students have been focusing on Comics in English and Drama in CAPA. Olney has shown a deep interest in superheroes and villains this term, acting in interviews as a multitude of characters, illustration and writing creative stories. Students are currently creating their final comic book products, using a range of ICT, writing and illustrating skills to showcase their understanding of comic book form and features. Students have also learned about interconnections this term in Geography, exploring ranges of communication and our connections as an individual class and school.
Watagan
This term students have been focusing on fractions, where we have been combining outdoor activities with math. This has not only made the subject more engaging but has also helped the students understand practical applications of what they're learning. Students have enjoyed using a variety of measuring tools giving them a better grasp of how fractions work in real-world contexts, whilst taking advantage of the beautiful spring sunshine and fresh air.
Woko
This term Woko classroom has participated in a post schooling program called Ready Upskill. The program is aimed at providing students with skills required after school whilst giving them opportunities to learn from a 'hands on' experience. During the term, students have explored different services that are accessible to the public such as Centrelink and have navigated the Cessnock TAFE Centre, gaining detailed information on the many different courses available to them.
Yengo students excelled in Drama this term. They demonstrated enthusiasm and active engagement in all improvisation games and tasks. Students worked through a choice board Matrix assessment, selecting tasks where their skills could be showcased. Some students chose to interview as characters, improvised job interview scenarios, created original characters, and practised performing a chosen movie scene. It was evident that their confidence grew throughout these activities. A highlight was the game, “Honey, can I get a smile?”, where students stood in a circle and used their comedy skills to make another student smile.
Food Technology
All 7 classes have been finalising their topic of “Food in Australia” by completing their “Cultural Food” assessment. Each class chose a culture to research, then planned, prepared and cooked dishes from that culture.
Awaba: Italy – Pizza, carbonara and tiraMisu
Jilliby: Italy – Pizza and lasagne
Mambo: USA – Hamburgers, apple pie and buffalo chicken wings in the smoker
Olney: Mexico – Corn salad, nachos and churros
Watagan: - Italy – Pizza, garlic bread and spaghetti
Woko: - USA – Hamburgers, buffalo chicken wings and apple pie
Yengo: Asia – Sushi, fried rice and rice paper rolls
KuNarr Café
The students have been continuing to demonstrate their hospitality skills and serving great meals every Thursday in KuNarr Café. We were fortunate enough to host lunch for our lovely SASS staff for SASS Appreciation Week.
Community Access
The Yengo class had the opportunity to strengthen their Food Technology knowledge by touring the kitchen of a local restaurant in the vineyards, Spicers Guest House. The students learned how an operating kitchen functions, explained the different sections, were shown demonstrations of all of the innovative technologies, and cooked pizza!
