Year 7 – Out of This World Learning
Last term, as part of their Exploring learning frame, our Year 7 students have been on a journey that’s truly out of this world—delving into the wonders of space through cutting-edge technology and real-world experiences.
Their learning adventure began with a Space in VR incursion, where students stepped into the role of astronauts through a fully immersive, high-tech workshop. Using networked headsets and CGI software, they piloted virtual spacecraft across the solar system—exploring planets, moons, and celestial mysteries in vivid detail. It was an exciting way to ignite curiosity and launch their cosmic inquiry.
The experience was deepened with a visit to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, where students explored interactive exhibits and were immersed in a full-dome theatre show. From black holes and planetary systems to the moon’s impact on tides, the show sparked awe and big thinking.
Together, these experiences brought the vastness of space closer to home—inviting students to ask bold questions, make meaningful connections, and reflect on their place in the universe.
This term has truly been a launchpad for discovery, imagination, and inspired learning.
Climbing into Confidence – Year 7 HPE Adventures
Each Wednesday in Term 2, our Year 7 students laced up their shoes, stepped into harnesses, and embraced a new kind of challenge at Core Climbing in Carrara.
This experience was more than just physical activity—it was an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen peer connections, and push personal boundaries. As part of their Adventuring learning frame, students explored the question: "Who am I and what do I stand for?"
Climbing offered a real-world way to engage with this journey. Whether encouraging a peer, tackling a tough route, or reflecting on their own limits and wins, students developed resilience, self-awareness and a sense of shared achievement.
Week by week, we watched courage grow, trust deepen, and smiles widen—as they quite literally reached new heights in their learning adventure.
Shaping Stories with Clay – Year 5’s Pottery Journey
Last term, our Year 5 students have been hands-on with creativity as they explored the art of pottery—learning to shape and sculpt using both hand-building techniques and the potter’s wheel.
From their very first pinch pots to spinning clay on the wheel, students created unique pieces that reflect their individuality and growing skills. But this experience offered more than just artistic expression—it provided a space to slow down, practise focus, and engage in the calming, mindful rhythm of working with their hands.
Aligned with the Exploring learning frame, this project offered a real-world, tactile experience that nurtured curiosity, self-expression, and personal growth. Students developed fine motor skills, patience, and confidence, all while having a whole lot of fun along the way.
It’s another wonderful example of The Silkwood Way in action—where learning is meaningful, creative, and deeply connected to the real world.
Balancing, Bouncing & Building Skills – Year 2 Gymnastics Fun
Last term, our Year 2 students have been embracing movement and challenge through a fun and dynamic gymnastics program. From balance beams to tumbling mats, each session has invited them to explore movement in new ways—building strength, coordination, and confidence along the way.
As they jump, stretch, roll and balance, students are developing not only physical skills but also body awareness, focus, and resilience. Every moment—whether a steady pose, a well-timed leap, or a cheerful cartwheel—is a chance to learn more about their own capabilities.
Rooted in our Exploring learning frame, these sessions support the development of the whole self. They provide a joyful space where students can challenge themselves, support their peers, and grow through movement.
We’re incredibly proud of the energy, courage, and enthusiasm our Year 2 crew have brought to the mats this term!
Totem Art with Susy Boyer – A Year 4 Creative Adventure
Last term, our Year 4 students enjoyed a vibrant and inspiring incursion with local artist and educator Susy Boyer, as they began their totem animal art project with colour, creativity, and a strong sense of connection.
In alignment with our Exploring learning frame, each year level at Silkwood is connected to a totem animal that symbolises their stage in the learning journey. For Year 4, that symbol is the Green Tree Frog—known for its adaptability, vibrancy, and unique perspective.
With Susy’s guidance, students explored how to represent their totem through drawing and painting, learning techniques in form, texture, and composition. Just as importantly, they were encouraged to express their individuality and interpret the frog in their own creative way.
The results were nothing short of wonderful. Each piece reflected the care, curiosity, and imagination our students bring to their learning. Many are already looking forward to sharing their work during their upcoming exhibitions.
A big thank you to Susy for helping bring this meaningful project to life.
Teamwork, Creativity & Camp Prep – Year 3 in Action
Last term, our Year 3 students took part in a dynamic and hands-on workshop with the team from Character Builders, where they designed and built their own Side Show Alley games—and had a whole lot of fun in the process!
But beneath the balloons, bowling and leap frog games, something much deeper was taking shape. Aligned with our Discovering learning frame, this experience supported students to step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively, and develop key social and emotional skills.
The focus wasn’t on winning—it was on how they approached the challenge. Students were encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, communicate clearly, and contribute meaningfully to their teams. It was a joyful and purposeful way to grow confidence and connection through real-world learning.
A heartfelt thank you to Character Builders for guiding such an energising and meaningful experience. We’re incredibly proud of the joy, determination and teamwork our Year 3 crew brought to the day—and we look forward to seeing these skills shine even brighter at camp next week!
Real-World Learning in Action – Senior School Beach Clean-Up
Last term, a group of dedicated Silkwood Senior School students headed to Broadbeach for a purposeful beach clean-up, putting The Silkwood Way of real-world learning into action.
Led by Year 12 students Indigo and Sienna as part of their student-led social impact project, the initiative reflected our community values—caring for the environment, collaborating with intention, and taking meaningful steps beyond the classroom.
With gloves on and a shared sense of purpose, students worked together to remove litter from the shoreline, helping to protect marine life and preserve the beauty of our coastline.
A special thank you to Reyna for supporting the group on the day, and to Clean Up Australia for providing a platform for our students to engage with environmental action in a hands-on, impactful way.
We’re incredibly proud of our students for stepping up, taking initiative, and showing what it means to lead with purpose.
Science in Action – Year 8 Chemistry Comes to Life
Last term, our Year 8 students took their learning beyond the classroom with an explosive and engaging Street Scienceincursion—designed to bring their Term 2 Lab Skills unit to life.
Through bubbling reactions, chemical changes, and dramatic demonstrations, students explored key scientific concepts in a hands-on and memorable way. The experience sparked curiosity, encouraged questioning, and deepened understanding of scientific processes—all while having a lot of fun.
Aligned with our real-world learning approach, the workshop gave students the chance to apply classroom knowledge in practical, meaningful contexts—reinforcing the value of inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking.
A big thank you to the Street Science team for bringing such energy and wonder to the day—and for inspiring the next generation of scientists at Silkwood.
