Program Highlights

An Update from Our Gifted and Talented Program

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a seminar run by Dr Debra Mishak, a consultant for Gifted and Talented Education with over 30 years of experience in public schools in the U.S. Debra specialises in assisting students and educating teachers about the social and emotional challenges of the gifted and talented, as well as helping schools review and revise their gifted and talented programs. Debra was a highly engaging speaker and so passionate in advocating for students of high ability.

Several things were highlighted for me that day from speaking with staff from other schools, including just how many opportunities there are for our students to excel in their areas of talent. While we would never rest on our laurels, we are proud of our Junior School Enrichment Program, taken by our own passionate Gifted Education advocate, Ms Kristy Mortimer, and our offerings in Senior School, including Masterclasses, the Future Problem Solving Program and Empires of the Mind.

The other thing that resonated with me from the seminar was how important it is that we are integrating quality services into every school day by way of differentiation strategies. Differentiation comprises modification to the curriculum, teaching structures and practices to ensure that instruction is relevant, and flexibility and responsiveness in an increasingly diverse classroom. This in turn leads to achievement and growth in self-regulated learners. Quality differentiation is especially important for high ability students because of the traits they share.

I have seen many fantastic examples of differentiation in our classrooms and the positive impact this has on our students. Teachers are also continually reviewing differentiation strategies based on individual student need.

I came away from the seminar feeling very fortunate to be in my role and was reminded of the commitment Kilvington has to our students in helping them reach their fullest potential.

Dee Broughton, Gifted and Talented Coordinator

Robotics Workshop

It was very encouraging to see that as many as 30 students and the robotics teachers spent a day of their holidays attending the robotics workshop. Robotics has become an integral part of many students’ experience at Kilvington Grammar through various curriculum components and as many as 60 students attend the Robotics Club weekly.

Among many traits, resilience is one of the traits encouraged through robotics and this trait was encouraged during the workshop when students were assigned various challenging tasks that required building and programming robots to achieve certain aims. The workshop was mainly aimed at preparing students for the upcoming robotics competitions and students got a chance to work with mentors who are involved in these competitions.

Rajnesh Ram, Robotics Coordinator

Code Camp is Back

Code Camp is back at Kilvington during the September holidays. It will be presented by Code Avengers between 19 - 21 September 2016 and is open to Year 4 – Year 12 students.

This camp is a day only camp, where attendees learn basic skills, then team up with peers to solve problems and build real apps, games and websites. The activities cater for beginners as well as experienced coders. The camp is run by experienced teachers who know how to make learning fun.

Book your child’s place by 29 July and pay an Early Bird price of $220.00. Normal price $240.00.

Mayflower Aged Care Concert

In June, music students from Kilvington performed a concert for the residents of Mayflower Aged Care. The Kilvington Concert Band, Stage Band and Klefs Choirs each presented a variety of pieces. Students enjoyed performing their well-rehearsed repertoire to an audience and the opportunity to engage with members of our community.

Year 7 Band Concert

In Year 7 every student is given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument with a professional instrumental tutor. The Band program options include an array of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

The Year 7 Concert Band presented a concert to staff, family and friends on Thursday 16 June. Students demonstrated their progress over the past semester. Their hard work and diligence was evident in the way they confidently performed the repertoire. Students are encouraged to continue learning and practising their instrument in Semester 2. Many thanks to our team of Year 7 instrumental staff for inspiring and training each class.

Fiona Radford, Music Teacher