Term 2 at Tombolo Academy launched with curiosity and imagination at its core, as students explore the whole-school theme: “The Expanding Universe: What is out there?” This rich and thought-provoking theme invites students to consider not only the physical universe, but also the ideas, possibilities and questions connected to space, discovery, and the unknown.
From the vastness of galaxies to the mysteries of alien life, this term’s learning is designed to spark wonder while building meaningful understanding across a range of subjects.
A Journey Begins at Scienceworks
The term began with an exciting whole-school excursion to Scienceworks, setting the stage for exploration, discussion and discovery. Students travelled together by public transport, building independence and real-world life skills along the way.
Throughout the day, students engaged with a range of interactive exhibitions, including the Planetarium, where they were immersed in the wonders of space and the night sky. They also explored the Sportsworks exhibition, the Think Ahead exhibition and the Pumping Station, each offering unique opportunities to think critically, problem-solve and engage with science in hands-on ways.
Importantly, students demonstrated Tombolo’s core values of curiosity, collaboration and resilience, whether navigating public transport, engaging with new concepts, or working together to make sense of unfamiliar ideas.
Big Questions Across the Curriculum
The theme of “The Expanding Universe” extends far beyond science. Throughout the term, students will engage with a wide range of connected learning experiences across different curriculum areas, including planets, galaxies, space travel and the history of space exploration.
Students will also explore science fiction as a way of imagining the future, consider the possibility of alien life, and examine ethical questions about encountering new worlds and cultures. They will learn about Indigenous astronomy, gaining insight into the deep knowledge and cultural significance of the night sky held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
By linking this shared theme across subjects, students are encouraged to make meaningful connections between ideas. This cross-curricular approach helps students see how learning in one area can deepen and enrich their understanding in another.
By connecting learning across disciplines, students are encouraged to think broadly and make meaningful links between ideas, as a key part of developing deep understanding.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The excursion to Scienceworks played an important role in bringing this theme to life. By engaging with real-world experiences, students were able to connect classroom learning with hands-on exploration.
Moments in the Planetarium allowed students to visualise the scale and complexity of the universe, while interactive exhibits encouraged experimentation, questioning and discussion.
A trip to the cinema to watch “Project Hail Mary” was a highlight for our senior students.
These experiences helped students build a stronger connection to the term’s theme and provided a shared reference point for learning across the curriculum.
Fostering Curious and Capable Learners
At its heart, this term’s theme is about more than space. It is about developing curious, thoughtful and capable learners who are encouraged to explore big ideas, make connections and think creatively.
At Tombolo Academy, whole-school themes provide a way for students to engage with learning across multiple subjects in a meaningful and connected way. By exploring “The Expanding Universe,” students are not only learning about what is out there, they are also discovering new ways of thinking about the world around them.
Find out more about life at Tombolo Academy by attending our upcoming Open Evening on Thursday 4 June. Register now at www.tombolo.vic.edu.au.
