ASPIRE

Whilst our ASPIRE students continued to work hard in remote learning, it has been wonderful welcoming our students back onsite! 

This term during remote learning our Year 8 and 9 ASPIRE classes participated in the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series online event, Scratch AI. It was great to see students developing their skills in coding and trying something new. 

Here’s what James Odgers from Year 9 had to say about the session: 

“The A.I. Scratch online excursion to Y.R.T.S. was a refreshing change to normal schoolwork. Presenter Al taught us about how A.I. works, how to use Teachable Machine and bring it into scratch, and how to code a motion-controlled game. I was very happy to have a new, unique idea for making scratch games and enjoyed today a lot.” 

During remote learning in Science, our Year 7 students recently participated in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count where they spent 20 minutes in their favourite outdoor space and counted the birds that they saw during that time frame. Their participation helped BirdLife Australia find out about the common species that live where our students live. It also gives an of the health of the environment – think of birds as a barometer for nature! 

Back on site, students have been reconnecting with each other, participating in engaging activities and working hard to complete their CATs. Our Year 7 Science class had fun doing hands-on practical activities with Mrs Raven creating bubbles. They were investigating how changing different variables can alter the outcome of an experiment. 

Later in the term we will be fare welling our Year 9 students from the ASPIRE program. I wanted to take this opportunity to say congratulations to you all for the endeavor and resilience you have shown over the last 3 years. It has been pleasing to witness your progress over your time in the program and I wish you all the best of luck as you enter Year 10! 

Kara Salmon 
ASPIRE Program Coordinator