3 minute read
Year 7
The Man Cave
The Man Cave regularly visits Camberwell Grammar School and met with our Year 7 Form Groups in Semester 1. They conducted various activities designed to encourage the students to reflect on themselves and their interactions with others. The groups were a safe space, where students could share their experiences and feelings, and receive support from their peers. Towards the end of the day, it was clear that the Form Group had bonded together through the conversations and activities, and felt stronger and more confident in themselves.
Visit to CERES
Year 7 students went on an excursion to CERES, an environmental education centre, community garden, and urban farm.
With the guidance of CERES educators, students took part in hands-on activities which allowed them to explore, learn, and engage with different topics addressing sustainability. Students were asked to question and problem-solve issues facing their communities and to explore solutions to increase sustainability at both the School and at home.
BODi Day
Year 7 students participated in the annual BODi (By Our Deeds Inquiry) Day. The theme was ‘Overall Health and Wellbeing’.
Students participated in fun activities that enhance health and wellbeing, including fitness/gym, running, yoga, pilates, nutrition, and sleep workshops.
Students also watched a performance by the award-winning theatre company, Brainstorm Productions. Their show The Hurting Game is a live theatre experience that addresses issues of perfectionism, anxiety, peer pressure, and digital citizenship.
New Year 7 Subjects
This year, Middle School introduced four new subjects with the foresight of enriching the curriculum: STEM, Digital Citizenship, Drama, and Creative Design Solutions.
In Creative Design Solutions (CDS), students started by exploring creativity and collaboration – what they look like, why they are important, and how to build effective collaborative partnerships and develop their creativity.
STEM builds important social and critical thinking skills, particularly around collaboration and problem-solving. Students were given a challenge based on simple machines to design and construct a device to meet the challenge.
Digital Citizenship provided students with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly technological world and how to do so safely. Students focused on creating effective folder structures, digital identity, wellbeing, operating safely online and being aware of their digital footprint, as well as becoming familiar with software used to create charts and present and manipulate data to make short films and dynamic presentations.
Drama is an opportunity for students to express their ideas through voice and movement. They worked on specific skills and brought these to various scenarios, culminating in a broader performance at the end of the term.
Mr Troy Stanley
Head of Middle School
Year 7 Music Trial Program
In Year 7, all students who are not currently learning an instrument are given the opportunity to take up an orchestral instrument of their choice. In Semester 1, lessons are free of charge for these students. This is an excellent opportunity for students to experience playing an instrument and working with their peers in small groups.
At the start of the School year, our wonderful instrumental music staff will give demonstrations on each of the instruments to help the students decide on which instrument they would like to learn. Students will be paired with others learning the same instrument in fun and stimulating group lessons.
In Semester 2, students who choose to continue learning their instrument will participate in the Year 7 Band Class, whilst those who decide not to continue on their instrument will develop their musical skills in the Music Discovery class.
Mr Mark Kerr
Head of Music Curriculum
