Our Learning

Oliver's Trip to NYSF

While it cannot be overstated how much I enjoyed my two weeks in Canberra for the National Youth Science Fair (NYSF), for the first day I honestly thought I had made a huge mistake. I was out of my comfort zone, surrounded by a group of strangers and we did not really seem to be looking into science, something that at the time I believed would be the focus of the experience. However, I quickly embraced the world I was in, something that I believe is necessary to have a great time, and realised that instead of a mistake that my time there would be something that I would never forget. 

While of course we learnt a lot about science; ranging from my specialised engineering lectures and lab visits to places like IP Australia and the Supercomputer facility, to chosen lectures on a range of topics including astrophysics, medical research and scientific journalism - a lecture which resulted in me studying English Literature -, just to name a few. We were even given the opportunity to have a live video chat with a researcher at the CERN laboratory. 

Yet the science knowledge that I acquired was not what I took home from my two weeks, instead it was the schooling and life advice that we were provided by the Staffies (a group of NYSF alumni ranging from 17 to 20 years old who ran the program). I have a greater appreciation of the importance of not just chasing scores during my last year at college but instead to chase experiences and to "always say yes!” (a quote often remarked by Professor Liesl Folks who was the Dean of the University at Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences). 

Most important though were the connections that I made while in Canberra, not only to industries, universities and professors - all of which we had plenty of opportunities to talk to at length - but also the connections with fellow year 12 students. It was eye-opening to be surrounded by 297 students, who for the most part were strangers, who expressed the same interest in STEM as myself. Upon reflection and discussion with other students on all three trips I believe that I was very fortunate as, while some people had a decent experience, I loved my time largely due to my group of friends that formed, of which we all still talk daily, something that not everyone experienced. 

I would highly recommend the NYSF to any student who has a passion in STEM for two primary reasons. The first is that it opens your eyes to a world outside of schooling and thus can provide a clearer path for future education and careers, and, in my opinion, more importantly, you join a network of like-minded individuals from all around Australia of all ages who will more than likely appear in your future. 

Oliver Gunn, The Friends' School - NYSF participant and Year 12 student

A video was made of NYSF session A by fellow NYSF Alumni Ari Bowe - who has kindly allowed us to share.

50th Anniversary of the International Baccalaureate

2018 is the year that the International Baccalaureate is celebrating their 50th anniversary. It is also the year that Morris – Friends’ Primary Years, Kindergarten to Year 6, has the IB Evaluation which comes around every five years. This evaluation involves trained evaluators that come into the School for a three-day period to assess that our educational practice is meeting the 77 Standards and Practices that the IB have established for associated IB schools across 150 countries around the world.

We are delighted to be part of the IB which strives to create “… a worldwide community of schools, educators and students with a shared vision and mission to empower young people with the skills, values and knowledge to create a better and more peaceful world.”

Over the past 10 months, Educators at Morris have been involved in a Self-Study to reflect upon the 77 international standards which we repeat every five years and is always a valuable exercise. There are many areas we have identified as areas of strength, and a couple of areas that staff and community members have identified as needing development. These have been added to our Action Plan for 2018.

We have settled into the year with discussions in every class about the IB Learner Profile: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective. These are the attributes that we strive to develop in all our community members. The School also recognises how well these complement our Purpose and Concerns and our aim as a School to develop people who think clearly, act with integrity, make decisions for themselves, are sensitive to the needs of other and the environment, are strong in service and hold a global perspective.