Enrichment @ Bentley: Term 2

Reef Rangers

'Reef Rangers' was a reef art program where students worked individually and in groups to explore and develop their knowledge on how they can help to protect the reef. Students used their creativity  to create projects to reflect their knowledge on protecting the reef. It was facilitated by Mrs Darlene Hill and Ms Sam Chilton.

At the end of the term, parents and carers came along to an Art Exhibition to view their creative projects. Students artwork will also be featured in the Bentley Park College 2025 Cairns Show display.

A huge thank you to the Year 6 Mentors for their assistance with Reef Rangers - Jifeng, Amity, Lily, Samuel, Lakeisha, Steven-Jay and Jacob.

Lights, Camera, Bentley!

Our 'Lights, Camera, Bentley' task was to create an advertisement persuading people to come to Bentley Park College. Students worked in groups to showcase what makes Bentley the best!

We explored a range of advertising techniques and used these to create their own advertisements, persuading people to come to Bentley. Students then interviewed people and brainstormed the things that make us who we are.

Students collaboratively designed an advertisement using still images, as well as video recordings. They learnt new digital skills, developed their speaking skills, as well as learnt to work collaboratively with others. Thanks to Mr Byron Downes and Mrs Rebecca Carter for facilitating and editing the video together.

Many thanks to our great Year 6 Mentors Zoe, Lukas, Amira, Ella, Lilly, Mari and Alivia for their support!

You can watch the video on YouTube (some of the captions are not perfect!)

Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod: Literary

As part of the Eisteddfod's creative writing section, students were given the opportunity to express their ideas and imagination across a variety of topics, styles, and genres. We're proud to celebrate the following achievements:

Skye – 3rd place in Poetry
Samantha – Highly Commended in Poetry
Caleb & Ivan – Highly Commended in Letter writing

Well done to all students who entered this competition!

Hospitality High Tea

Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students put on two delicious high teas for staff in Week 7. These special events were part of students’ current unit of study, where they are exploring the art of formal dining, customer service and event planning.

Students created and served a delightful selection of sweet treats and savoury delights, such as apple tea cake and mini quiches, as well as leaf tea and espresso coffee.

Staff attendance not only provided a valuable audience for students to practice their skills, but also supported of their personal growth and sense of achievement. Thank you to teachers Ms Towne and Ms Chigeza for expertly guiding our students through the preparation and service of the High Teas.

'Coffee and Bites'

Josiah from Year 11 enjoyed delivering coffee and muffins to teachers as part of Hospitality students' weekly 'Coffee and Bites' coffee shop!

Science

Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers

Civil Engineer Kelen Polli, Engineers Australia’s 2024 Queensland Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year, was a special guest at the College recently, inspiring Physics, Maths Methods and Aspire program students with a dynamic presentation in the College Theatre.

Kelen offered more than just a glimpse into the world of engineering, she brought it to life -engaging the students with interactive questioning, captivating videos, and a hands-on marshmallow-spaghetti tower challenge.

Students were particularly inspired by Kelen’s personal story of perseverance, and her message that success often comes from not giving up, even when things get tough or don’t go as planned. She challenged the misconception that engineering is only for those who excel in maths, reinforcing that dedication, creativity, and a willingness to learn are just as important.

The presentation highlighted the incredible diversity within the engineering profession, showcasing career pathways that many students hadn’t previously associated with engineering, such as game development, cosmetics, aviation and medicine.

Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed surprise at the range of engineering careers available and appreciated learning that engineering can involve travel, innovation, and real-world problem solving. The hands-on activity was a crowd favourite, with one student remarking, “The marshmallow tower was fun and helped us understand teamwork and design challenges.”

Students left the session with a stronger understanding of how subjects like maths, science and technology can lead to fulfilling careers in engineering. Kelen’s visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and curiosity in shaping future pathways.

Year 10 Science

Year 10 Science are investigating Newton’s Laws using a metal trolley and a ticker timer. The ticker timer produces dots on the paper tape at a rate of 50 dots per seconds, and by counting the dots students can calculate the acceleration of the trolley as it travels down the ramp. They then use the acceleration and the mass of the trolley to calculate the force the trolley generated once it reaches the bottom of the ramp.

 
Year 6 Transition Activity Days: Science

Year 6 students from Hambledon, White Rock and Isabella State Schools visited the College for transition activity days this term. Science teacher Ms Birrell ran sessions on careers in science, and safety in the lab.

She then discussed signal words, like Danger, Warning and Caution, for various chemicals; and then associated symbols used for Toxic, Environmental Hazard, Flammable and Corrosive.

Students then learnt about the pH scale and the colours chemicals turned when mixed with Universal Indicator to determine the pH of the substance. They then investigated the pH of 10 household products including, milk, coke, vinegar, bleach, dishwashing liquid, etc. and matched the colour change to the correct pH level.

Upcoming Academic Events:

• Year 4 Excursion to Cairns Recycling: Wednesday 16 July
• P-2 Academic Awards: Monday 21 July
• Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews: Tuesday 22 July
• JCU Open Day for Schools: Friday 25 July
• Year 7 2026 Enrolment Information Session: Tuesday 29 July
• Year 11 2026 Enrolment Information Session: Tuesday 29 July
• Primary Parent Teacher Interviews: Tuesday 5 August
• National Science Week: 9-17 August
• Children’s Book Week: 16-24 August
• K-2 Book Week Parade: Thursday 21 August
• Year 3-6 Book Week events: Friday 22 August
• Year 5 & 6 Reef Trip: Thursday 18 September
• Presentation Night: Wednesday 19 November
• Year 12 Graduation and Guard of Honour: Friday 21 November

Osborne Construction Solutions

Proud sponsor of our Building and Construction Program

Pacific Toyota

Proud sponsor of our Automotive Program