Learning at Silkwood is dynamic and ever-evolving, taking many different forms. While it's impossible to capture all the amazing learning experiences happening every day, here’s just a small taste of what our students were up to during Term 3!
Year 4 Historical Learning Day: A Journey Through Time.
This Term, our Year 4s immersed themselves in a special Historical Learning Day as part of their Exploring learning frame, where they expand their knowledge and understanding of the world and its cultural differences.
They baked delicious scones in a traditional cooking activity.
Experienced an old-fashioned handwriting lesson, using ink and quills.
Played timeless schoolyard games like quoits, knucklebones, and bocce.
The day ended with a lovely 'high-tea' in the hall, where students and Advisors gathered to enjoy the scones they had prepared, reflecting on how history influences our lives today.
Year 1's were thrilled to welcome Suzy Boyar, a talented artist and long-time friend of Silkwood School.
Suzy guided our young students through each step of drawing and painting a koala using pastel chalk. She introduced them to the technique of working with this unique material, and it was heartwarming to see each student express their creativity and personality through their drawings. The koala was specifically chosen for this activity as it is the Year 1’s totem animal, symbolising their connection to nature and the bond they share as a class.
This hands-on experience is part of The Silkwood Way Exploring Learning Frame, where we engage students in practical skills, inspiring them to discover and develop their artistic talents.
Exciting Science Incursion at Silkwood Primary!
In Term 3, as part of our Discovery Learning Frame, we had an incredible day of science exploration at our Primary School! The Big Bang Education team spent an entire day with us, bringing a variety of science subjects to life and capping it off with an amazing show for our students from Prep to Year 5.
The content was presented in engaging ways that captured the students' interest. Students who showed a keen interest were encouraged to explore the topics further individually, fostering a love for learning.
The day started with a fascinating science show introducing them to the basics of scientific concepts. They then explored themed islands, each representing different science facts like elasticity, flotation, human body parts, push/pull and friction, gravity and magnetism, and the states of matter.
It was a day full of discovery, excitement, and deep learning—truly capturing the essence of how we inspire curiosity and knowledge at Silkwood!
Our Year 7 organised an inspiring mock press conference as part of both the Essential and Exploring learning frames. Students had the opportunity to float between guest speakers, gaining insights into various professions and exploring real-world topics. Each speaker presented on a subject within their field, and the experience has left students buzzing with ideas.
The lineup of guest speakers was truly impressive: Hon. Meaghan Scanlon MP discussed housing and government initiatives, Mattia Fredella provided expertise on sports injury prevention, Kira Pucher highlighted ethical issues surrounding Australia’s wild Brumbies, Sam Bingley shared his personal journey with head injury and its impact on his sports career, Shelly Middelbosch spoke passionately about foster care reform, and representatives from Queensland Police delved into the topic of youth crime.
Now, students are channeling what they've learned into their English journalism unit. They're choosing a topic for their reports, with some opting for print media while others are exploring podcasting and television broadcasting. This hands-on experience blends the real world with their learning in a truly meaningful way.
Year 7's Marine Biology Exploration
This year, our Year 7 students have been diving deep into the world of marine biology! Last term, they visited the Marine Discovery Centre in Hastings Point, where they learned to observe marine life safely and respectfully.
This term, the project continued with a hands-on approach. Each student chose a marine animal they had studied and created a sea creature using recycled materials. The creativity and dedication they put into their pieces of art were truly inspiring!
At Silkwood School, we believe in empowering the next generation to become environmental stewards. Through our programs, we inspire students to develop a deeper appreciation for our oceans and understand how their actions can positively impact the planet.
Together, let's inspire a generation of eco-conscious individuals who will protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystem.
This term, our Year 7 and 8 students embarked on an unforgettable Real-World Adventure Camp aboard the historic tall ship ‘Solway Lass’ in the stunning Whitsundays!
Dating back to 1902, ‘Solway Lass’ offers a unique journey through time, providing our students with an immersive experience in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They explored untouched islands, snorkeled in vibrant coral reefs, and learned about indigenous culture and maritime history—all while actively participating in sailing the ship.
This adventure was more than just a camp; it was a living classroom that brought The Silkwood Way to life. Through this Discovery Learning experience, our students developed essential skills like teamwork, leadership, and independence. Adventure play is crucial to child development, fostering confidence, self-awareness, and a deep connection with peers and the natural world.
The Whitsundays provided the perfect backdrop for this incredible journey, filled with stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and unforgettable sunsets. Our students returned with new skills, memories, and a stronger sense of self.
This term, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of Chinese students who experienced the Silkwood Way for three weeks. Through a partnership with Australian Zhiyuan Education, these students from Years 4 to 9, along with their teacher, immersed themselves in Australian culture and education while staying with host families on the Gold Coast.
Silkwood students enthusiastically stepped up as buddies, guiding our visitors through their time here and sharing insights about Australia. In return, they learned about Chinese culture, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange. The campus was filled with excitement as both middle and primary students warmly welcomed and supported our guests.
We kicked off our time together with a cultural session led by Aunty Linda Buimaiwai, Uncle Glenn Barry, and Uncle Mark Williams, where students learned about the First Nations connection to country. We also gifted our visitors the book Come Together, an introduction to Australian First Nations culture by Isiah Firebrace and Jaelyn Buimaiwai.
During their stay, we took our visitors on trips around the Gold Coast and Brisbane, including visits to QAGOMA, the Queensland Museum, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dreamworld. They also got hands-on with Australian traditions, such as cooking damper and Anzac cookies, and attended an art class.
To wrap up their visit, we held a warm farewell ceremony where the Chinese students shared their experiences, expressing their gratitude for the support they received and how much they enjoyed their time here. It was heartening to see their improvement in English as they confidently read out loud, showcasing their appreciation and progress.
This exchange was truly enriching for everyone involved, and we hope the friendships formed during these weeks will last a lifetime. A huge thank you to our Head of Senior School, Cara Shipp for organising this wonderful initiative and to the team members who supported the exchange: Jenny, Tara-Lee, Cherelyn, Fiona, Tai, Lucy, Jane, Clare, Sam, Ally, Caitriona, Danielle, Harley, Eva, Donna, Eliza, and Bianca. Go Silkwood!
