Wellbeing/Mathematics/Science - Sharon Lam
Wellbeing
We are excited to share the achievements of two secondary school students in our school.
Paul Haywood has been selected as a South Australian SRC (Student Representative Council) representative. He is one of only 150 students chosen from 79 schools across the state. In March, Paul travelled to Adelaide to attend the SA SRC Summit, where he connected with fellow representatives and began discussions around state-wide student campaigns. He will continue to represent student voice at Hawker Area School while participating in regular online meetings with other state SRC members to support projects that matter to students across South Australia.
Jimmy Morgan has been selected as a UN Youth Ambassador, a prestigious opportunity that allows him to speak up for the rights and concerns of young people across Australia. As part of this national program, Jimmy will collaborate virtually with other young leaders and receive training in leadership, government advocacy, media and communications, and youth engagement. This role empowers him to raise awareness about issues that are important to children and young people.Their achievements are a reflection of their passion for creating a positive impact in their communities.
Mathematics
This term, our middle school students are diving into the world of numbers and trigonometry. Year 7 students have been learning about the characteristics of different types of numbers, including prime and composite numbers. This foundational knowledge supports their understanding of numerical patterns and problem-solving. Meanwhile, our Year 8 and 9 students have been applying their prior learning about measurement to explore trigonometric ratios. They are learning how trigonometry can be used to solve real-life problems, connecting classroom concepts with practical applications.
In the senior years, SACE Stage 1 and 2 students are continuing their journey in General Mathematics. Stage 1 students are currently focusing on trigonometry, and we are pleased to see Paul Haywood extending his learning by working with students from Coober Pedy on this topic. Our Stage 2 student is exploring financial mathematics, gaining essential skills in budgeting, financial planning, and interpreting data that will support her beyond school. It’s been a productive and engaging term in Mathematics so far.
Science
Our students have been actively engaged in hands-on learning experiences in Science. Last term, they designed and launched water rockets as part of their unit on force and motion. This exciting project allowed them to test their engineering and problem-solving skills, and they will continue refining their designs this term to improve the distance their rockets can travel.
Students also explored key concepts in Biological Sciences through an experiment investigating the effect of enzymes on proteins. They made jelly with and without pineapple to observe how enzymes like bromelain can break down protein structures. Using their observations, they recorded data and wrote scientific lab reports, deepening their understanding of experimental processes and biological interactions.
This term, the focus shifts to Physical Science. Students will investigate topics such as energy transformation, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and the behaviour of light through reflection and refraction. These topics will help students understand the role of energy in our daily lives and the science behind technologies we use every day. We look forward to another term filled with curiosity and discovery.
