Year 7

Gala Arts

Gala Arts, the School’s Annual Creative and Performing Arts Festival, was a splendid showcase of the remarkable and diverse talents of Redlands students spanning Years 7 to 12. This event was established with the dual purpose of highlighting the creative talents of Redlands students while fostering friendly Inter-House competition and House spirit.

The festival encompassed enthralling performances in Dance, Instrumental, Theatre, and Vocal categories, capturing the essence of the students’ artistic capabilities. Additionally, the foyer proudly exhibited Visual Art and photography pieces that reflected this year’s theme, “Shadows.” Winners from each category were revealed during the event, adding an element of excitement and recognition to the occasion.

Gala Arts holds a deeper significance beyond being a mere showcase of talent. It encourages students to explore new avenues of their abilities, challenging them to push past their limitations and embrace personal growth. Stepping onto the stage or presenting their artworks in front of an audience can be daunting, but it instils confidence and resilience in the face of challenges. It teaches students the value of perseverance and the rewards that come from taking risks.

Participating in Gala Arts and embracing performance challenges goes beyond the applause and recognition. It is about empowering students to discover their full potential, build confidence, cultivate empathy, and become well-rounded individuals prepared to take on life’s diverse challenges.

Congratulations to all Yr 7 students who not only auditioned but were selected as part of the showcase.

Subject Selection – Yr 7 into Yr 8

The time has come for us to ask you and your children to select Languages and Arts subjects for Year 8.  

Redlands places great emphasis on these subjects and our 7 to 10 curriculum structure reflects this. We require our students to continue one of their languages from Year 7 into Year 8. We also ask them to select one of the Arts subjects – Dance, Drama, Music, Musical Theatre or Visual Arts to study in Year 8. The subject selection booklet provides detailed information on the subjects to be studied in Year 8. The booklet also explains how it is possible to study two languages in Year 8 and what students intending to study the International Baccalaureate in Years 11 and 12 need to bear in mind when choosing their language for Year 8. An overview of the Redlands curriculum structure in Years 7 and 8 is also outlined. We encourage you to read this booklet and discuss the options with your child. 

Subject selection is a web-based process. In coming days, your child will be sent a web code to their school email from a site called Edval. The last few pages of the booklet explain how to make their choices via the Edval site. The due date for subject selection submissions has now been revised to Friday 30 August 2024, to assist students in making a more informed choice of Language for Year 8.  

On Tuesday 6th August, Ms Rolon (Dean of Studies 7-10) will speak to the Yr 7 students as a year group to explain the electives and the process and their tutors will be supporting them during pastoral care time next week.  

For further information on Yr 7 into 8 subject selection, please click HERE. 

Student Visit to NASA – Jackson Humphreys  

‘I’d really like to share my recent journey into the world of space exploration, after participating in Space Camp at NASA in Houston.  

I learnt so much about engineering by exploring the Rocket Saturn V, and was able to participate in the Conrad Challenge, which was an opportunity to solve real problems encountered by NASA, using innovative solutions from young people.  

We built our own working rocket models and pitched our ideas in a Shark Tank style presentation to a panel of Astronauts, Scientists, and previous Conrad prize winners.  

At the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), the largest pool in America, I watched astronauts train for the Artemis mission. I also underwent water training, where we used scuba diving to simulate low-gravity conditions and performed various underwater tasks as a team, including having to escape a landing pod underwater, in simulated crash conditions.   

Meeting inspiring veteran Astronauts like Bill McArthur and Mike Foreman and undergoing Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HEUT) were highlights of the trip. HEUT was particularly challenging, and I realised the importance of having a clear plan in emergencies and remaining calm under pressure.   

Visiting Mission Control and learning about the history of moon landings was fascinating. It was inspiring to see how NASA’s persistence, positivity, and teamwork turned an impossible goal into reality. 

I’m really grateful I was able to go to NASA and am even more excited about aeronautics and space exploration than I was before!’

Friday Jeans for Genes 

This year’s Jeans for Genes Day will be taking place Week 2 Friday 2 August! This event is all about supporting medical research and raising funds for children and families living with genetic disorders. 

Did you know 1 in 20 children faces a birth defect or genetic disease? That’s around 1 per class! 

On Friday Week 2, students can come to school in their favourite pair of jeans or denim clothing, as well as the colour blue. For the privilege of dressing down, a gold coin donation will be collected during Tutor. Students may also wish to purchase a blue ribbon before school for $2, or buy a bake sale item in the Liggins Quad at recess. 

Friday Olympic Tutor Group 

On Friday during Pastoral Care, Yr 7 Tutor Groups will enjoy some time watching the best Olympic moments from the games so far. If any of our wonderful Yr 7 parent community are able to donate some Aussie Treats (Lammingtons, Tim Tams etc…) to make this event extra special, please feel free to drop them off at the Senior School Reception.  

Shout Outs

Aggie Storch is to be congratulated on making the Basketball NSW Talented Athlete Program. A huge achievement. Aggie will be attending camp in August which will be used as selection for the NSW Basketball Team for the Australian Basketball Championships. Well done Aggie! 

Well done to our very own Mr Walker, who came 2nd place in the Shoalhaven Summit, a 54km Ultra Marathon in the Kangaroo Valley, with a time of 4 hours and 30 minutes. In the words of Mr Walker, ‘When you put your mind to something, anything is possible’. Well done Mr Walker, we are all very proud of your achievement. 

Tickets Are Selling For Away!

Away by Michael Gow, will be performed by Redlands students and is set in 1960s Australia, following three families on holiday, each grappling with personal issues. Away transcends class distinctions and xenophobia, demonstrating how understanding and empathy can bring us together. 

• When: Thursday 8 August 2024 – Saturday 10 August 2024
• Where: Zenith Theatre in Chatswood (corner Mcintosh St and Railway St)

Buy Your Tickets

Key Dates

Ms Abby Walker
Yr 7 Advisor
9968 9818
awalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au