Illalong Newsletter - 17 March 2023 | A.B. Paterson College

World Scholar’s Cup - Regional Round

Congratulations to Years 8-11 Academic Academy students who recently competed in the Regional Round of the World Scholar’s Cup.

The event proved to be an incredible success, with all students coming away with a medal.

In addition to the numerous student victories, the College also won overall Champion Junior and Senior Teams, and Champion Junior and Senior Individual.

Well done to the following students on their success:

Jac Khor Junior Award – Siena Bulmer
Jac Khor Senior Award – Cindy Chen
Overall Champion Senior Scholar – Matilda Grant
Overall Champion Senior Team - Matilda Grant, Nevindu Dammannagoda, Tiantian Shen
Overall Champion Junior Team - Remy Villero, Grace Parma, Tianlu Mimi Shen

Belinda Pilgrim | Head of Academic Academy

Year 6 in Term 1

This term, our Year 6 cohort took to the kitchens to develop their culinary skills and expertise for another year in a row. With pans in one hand, and tongs in the other, our young chefs learned the secrets to collating the ideal bush tucker feast, burgers. Tastebuds were tantalised as aromas from meat patties in pans filled the air. The fine art of slicing tomatoes, shredding lettuce and grating cheese was practised, alongside buttering buns. Once all burgers were assembled and the kitchen was cleaned, it was time to dine!

Students enjoyed their works in the shade of the outdoor courtyard, whilst critiquing their skills and reflecting on their experience.

Colour and line have been the elements of focus this term in the Year 6 Art curriculum. Students have enjoyed learning about the ways that these features of art can be used to convey meaning and evoke different emotions for the viewer. Classes were given the opportunity to practise using these elements in their own artwork by stepping out into the new ‘nature area’ and participating in an observational art (still life) activity.

In Science this term, Year 6 have been learning about chemical changes. Students have been comparing reversible changes, including dissolving and changes of state, and irreversible changes, including cooking and rusting that produce new substances. They have had the opportunity to visit the science labs and take on the role of scientists, to plan and conduct investigations. Students were challenged to ensure their tests are fair by identifying the variables to be changed, measured and controlled. When visiting the science labs, safety was of the upmost importance with students identifying potential risks and describing strategies to minimise risk factors before conducting experiments.

Our students have explored narrative texts this term. A dynamic approach has been taken to English, marrying up several cross-curricular perspectives. Stories of immigration have been used to build their understanding of HaSS concepts. The students have been intrigued by the plight of many in their struggle to arrive in Australia, which has prompted the use of rich and emotive language. Students have manipulated these stories to create first person narratives with jaw-dropping success. Cartoons have been used to teach internal dialogue and Scratch has been used to teach prepositions. Watch out world – green screens are up next for narrative performances!

Year 6 Teachers | Hannah Caspen, Kelly Harker, Daisy Ross and Dean West