Year 8 Camp
It has been a busy few weeks for our Outdoor Education Team and Year 8 students, with camp taking place during Weeks 7, 8 & 9. A four-day experience, students left school with boots on and bags packed, ready to take on the Tabletop Track in Litchfield National Park’s western region.
The camp provides students with increased challenges from Year 7, with steeper gradients, tougher terrain, and a more remote experience. Despite the physical challenges the groups faced, students had the opportunity to share downtime with friends, enjoying the stunning waterholes and scenery of the Northern Territory.
A particular highlight from one group was the creation of an MTV Cribs-style activity where each tent group exhibited their tent site organisation and design, showcasing their creativity, collaboration, and flair.
As an integral component of the Middle School program, year-level camps are designed to foster student resilience, strengthen bonds with peers, and learn life skills in a beautiful outdoor setting within a supportive environment. Thank you to all staff who dedicated time away from their families to support the students on the Year 8 Camps.
Brendan Evans
Head of Middle School
Plants for Space
Last Friday, we had a fun and engaging science presentation all about space and how plants can grow there!
First, we reviewed a PowerPoint presentation and watched three videos. The best one was about a 15-year-old girl who was training to go to Mars.
We learnt that it takes around 18 months to travel to Mars, and we talked about all the things you’d need to survive there, like food, water, air, and shelter. After that, we got into pairs and did a science experiment with spinach leaves. We even got to wear proper science lab coats!
At first, the spinach leaves floated in the water, but when we took the bubbles off, they sank. Then, we placed them under a bright LED light and observed how the leaves began to produce oxygen. It was awesome learning how plants can help people breathe, even in space!
In the end, we got to design our own plant to take to space. We had to consider what kind of food it would produce and how it could help us survive. Some of us created plants that clean the air, provide us with water, or improve our moods. One fun fact we learnt was that eating strawberries can make people feel happy!
Ochre Students
Year 7-9
From lab coats to livestock: Year 9s immersive science journey
Recently, a group of enthusiastic Year 9 students had the opportunity to participate in the CDU Science Experience – a hands-on, immersive program designed to spark curiosity and broaden students' understanding of science and its real-world applications. The purpose of the program is to engage young minds in STEM through exciting, practical activities that showcase a range of scientific fields and career pathways.
Throughout the experience, students participated in interactive workshops covering areas such as microbiology, engineering, environmental science, and digital technologies. They worked in university labs, used specialist equipment, and collaborated with CDU staff and students, gaining valuable insights into university life and the many possibilities within science-related fields. Students also had the opportunity to work with Scientists from the Berrimah Farm scientific research precinct in the areas of agriculture, horticulture and biosecurity, with a particular focus on entomology, livestock health, crop protection and plant pathology.
The experience was not only educational but also inspiring, leaving students with a renewed excitement for science and a deeper appreciation of where their learning could take them.
Linda Hartskeerl
Head of Teaching & Learning
Lumières, caméra, action!
Throughout Term 2, the Year 8 French classes have been learning about different styles of clothing and sharing their opinions and thoughts on fashion and looks. To celebrate their learning, the students put on a fabulous fashion show that combined their language skills with creativity and flair.
Each student strutted down the runway in their own unique style, ranging from cozy pyjamas and casual outfits to striking helmets and bold, distinctive looks. The mix of fashion choices brought both energy and humor to the show, with students confidently describing each outfit in French as their partners walked. Voilà un look très cool! Every outfit was full of personality and style. Teachers and classmates cheered them on, making it a standout moment of Term 2.
The fashion show was a fun way to practice speaking and listening in French, while also building confidence and presentation skills. Leading up to the event, our amazing teachers put in lots of preparation to make this lively event possible.
The event proved that learning a language can be as fashionable as it is fun, c’était magnifique!
Izzy
Year 8 students
