Diving into Student Passions
A day in the Middle Ages
To bring the history of the Middle Ages to life, our Year 8 students recently took part in an immersive Medieval Day experience. In honour of a special visit from the king and queen of Oran Park Village, students transformed into knights, plague doctors, peasants, and even rats, creating an engaging atmosphere filled with historical costumes and curiosity.
The day was packed with interactive activities, allowing students to experience medieval life firsthand. Highlights included a historical show where students had the chance to examine artefacts like stocks and chain mail armour, providing a tangible connection to the past. They also tried their hands at building trebuchets, which brought engineering and strategy into their historical studies, and tested their problem-solving skills in a thrilling Black Death escape room. Outdoor medieval games rounded out the day, adding a layer of physical activity and teamwork.
Through these hands-on activities, students gained a deeper understanding of medieval history, blending classroom learning with dynamic experiences that made history truly come alive. This enriching day encouraged students to step back in time and explore the fascinating world of the Middle Ages.
Year 11 Student Jayden W Explores Chemical Engineering at UNSW
In Week 1, Year 11 student Jayden W completed an inspiring work experience placement with the University of NSW School of Chemical Engineering. Selected for this competitive program, Jayden joined senior students from across Sydney in an immersive experience held at the UNSW campus in Randwick, designed to explore real-world applications of chemistry.
Throughout the week, students engaged in hands-on labs and research projects that demonstrated the impact of chemistry in society. Jayden explored diverse areas, including water electrolysis in hydrogen vehicle design and the intersection of chemistry with food science. A standout highlight was a tour of a water recycling plant in central Sydney, where Jayden gained insight into sustainable practices in chemical engineering.
The experience also included collaborative opportunities with academics and PhD candidates as they examined polymers’ functional possibilities. In addition, Jayden participated in a design project to develop a battery for an electric vehicle, conducting performance tests on the final day to showcase his work.
Congratulations to Jayden for his enthusiasm, initiative, and achievements in this prestigious program. Reflecting on his experience, Jayden shared, “The placement helped me to realise that chemical engineering is an area I would like to pursue in the future.” This placement has provided him with invaluable insights and a clearer vision for his future in chemical engineering.
God bless,
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
