During Term 3, the Senior Team have been learning about Geology. They have explored the diverse types of rocks, from igneous to sedimentary and metamorphic, and examined key concepts such as permeability and density. Students investigated the unique properties of various rock types and traced their transformation through the rock cycle. 
The Senior Team have been learning about elements, mixtures and compounds in Science with Mrs Pearce this term.
We began by exploring the building blocks of matter – elements. We covered the periodic table and element properties using visual aids and hands on equipment.
Moving forward, we embarked on an exploration of mixtures, where students learned about the fascinating ways in which different substances can be combined while retaining their individual properties. We had a go at separating mixtures using a variety of methods such as magnetism and decanting.
Students delved deeper into the realm of chemical bonding and molecular structures when looking at compounds. We were able to use molecule models to deepen our understanding. 
Every Friday in the Senior team, Prep Tech allows students to delve into languages, digital technology, clay modelling, and visual arts. Students spend a term at each subject, learning, exploring and creating new things. Senior students are thoroughly enjoying this opportunity to explore new areas and enhance a wide variety of skills.
Languages
Students in Room 14 for Prep Tech have been exploring the diverse cultures of both Spanish and French. In French lessons with Mrs Dempsey, students have been learning greetings, months of the year, numbers, and days of the week. In their Spanish lessons with Miss Ross, students have been learning greetings, numbers, colours, animals, and food.
. 
. 
Digital Technology
Students in Room 12 have been working on creating video games in Prep Tech this term. They have learned how to code a character to move around a world, create levels within the game, code various objects to be either obstacles or treasures and code the consequences of colliding with these objects.
Visual Arts
Students in Room 11 have been working on a big art project with Ms Ingram during Prep Tech. Our art is inspired by the artist Claude Monet. We began by creating some observational drawings of water lilies and then used oil pastel to create huge water lilies, blending three colours together. We used a sponge painting technique to create a background that looked like sparkling pond water. We then created leaves with pastel and made them glossy by adding PVA glue over the top. Finally, we pieced the elements together to create our masterpieces.
. 
. 
Clay Modelling
Students in Room 13 have been with Mrs Pearce learning about the technology design process. They have identified a stakeholder to create a clay product for, thinking about their interests and needs. Students then designed and made their products.
Recently, our students had the opportunity to learn about life jacket safety, an important topic that can help keep them safe while participating in water activities. During these lessons, our students learned about when and where to wear life jackets. They also learned about how to properly fit and adjust a life jacket to ensure maximum safety. In addition, students learned what to do in emergency situations.
Room 11 used mixed media to create their self-portraits. We created our own letters to put our names down the side. We are very pleased with the result!
Room 12 really enjoyed working on their self portraits. The students first had to draw a lego person then customise it to look like themselves.
Room 13 is in the Kererū whānau, and we have made kererū art. Students were taught a variety of techniques to add texture to their art, inspired by Mark Hearld.
Room 14 put a lot of time and effort into their portraits. For the background, Glacia taught her classmates how to create a colourful background using watercolours. We are so proud of how they turned out!
