Year 7 Common Assessment Task: Designing for the Future

Our Year 7 students recently completed their Common Assessment Task, where they were challenged to become designers and innovators by creating a model of a future-focused product.

Students selected one of three design options:

• A future car
• Sustainable clothing
• A future house

Their designs were required to demonstrate how the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Renew could be incorporated into everyday living. Students created detailed models and accompanied them with a written explanation outlining their design features, intended purpose, and sustainability benefits.

The quality of work produced was outstanding, with students demonstrating creativity, imagination, and thoughtful consideration of the environmental challenges facing our world today. Their innovative ideas showcased both problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of sustainable practices.

This assessment provided students with an opportunity to apply sustainability principles in practical and meaningful ways. Through their designs, students explored renewable energy sources, recycled materials, water conservation strategies, waste reduction methods, and emerging technologies that could support more environmentally responsible lifestyles.

The task encouraged students to think critically about how future generations can meet their needs while protecting natural resources, highlighting the important role that innovation and sustainable thinking will play in creating a better future for all.

Year 7 Humanities

This term in Year 7 Humanities, students have been exploring Australian democracy and what it means to be an informed and active citizen. Throughout the term, students have learnt about the Australian Parliament, the process of law-making, and the role of the Australian Constitution in shaping our system of government.

As part of their Common Assessment Task (CAT), students worked collaboratively in small groups to create their own minor political party focused on addressing a contemporary issue in Australian society. Each group developed a party name, policies, and campaign platform before presenting their ideas to the class.

Following the presentations, students participated in a class election, voting for the party that best reflected their own views and values. This provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience the democratic process firsthand and consider how political parties seek to gain public support.

Students demonstrated excellent creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking throughout the task. The issues they chose to address included animal rights, public school funding, housing affordability, homelessness, and climate change, among many others.

Congratulations to all Year 7 students for their hard work and thoughtful contributions this term. It was fantastic to see so many innovative ideas and passionate discussions about the issue.

KIOSC Year 9/10 Forensic Psychology Excursion

Students recently participated in an engaging KIOSC Forensic Psychology program, where they experienced a hands-on investigation into the role of forensic science and psychology in solving criminal cases.

Throughout the day, students examined evidence, analysed crime scene information, and explored how forensic psychologists and investigators work together during a criminal investigation. They learned about criminal profiling, witness reliability, behavioural analysis, and the scientific techniques used to gather and interpret evidence.

The immersive nature of the program allowed students to apply critical thinking, teamwork, and analytical skills while gaining valuable insight into potential career pathways in psychology, criminology, and forensic science.

While forensic psychology may not appear directly linked to sustainability, students explored the broader concept of creating safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. Through discussions about justice systems, evidence-based decision-making, and community wellbeing, students developed an understanding of how social sustainability contributes to healthy and secure societies. The program highlighted the importance of responsible citizenship and informed decision-making in building a sustainable future for all.

Year 10 Exams and Work Experience

The Year 10 semester exams went well in week 8 with many students going above and beyond in Science, Humanities, Maths and English. This was a great opportunity for students to get a brief experience of what a VCE exam would be like before they start year 11. Keep an eye out in the semester reports to see how your student has progressed this term.

To further prepare the year 10s for their future, Work experience will commence in week 10 of term 2. A huge congratulations to all students who were able to find a career opportunity, and we wish them all best of luck in their workplace adventures

Year 11 VM Adventure at Belgrave Tree Top Adventure