Year 9 Update

Wow, the term is really flying by! In addition to enjoying the sunshine in the last two weeks, the year 9s have been immersed in a range of wellbeing activities encouraging both reflection and personal growth. 

Last week, the students attended Chapel, led by our Chaplain, Erin Juers. Aligned with our word of the term, glee, Erin discussed the idea of ‘joy’. She emphasised that while happiness is found in fleeting moments, joy is ‘gladness not based on circumstance’. Students thought of happy moments, but also discussed their ‘solid rock’ foundations of joy - a steady and enduring presence in their lives, regardless of external circumstances. 

In Wellbeing, I led our first Digital Citizenship session, where we explored the realities of AI algorithms on social media. We discussed how these algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, the risks of 'echo chambers' that reinforce biases, and the potential dangers these algorithms pose to teenagers' mental health. This session provided the cohort with a critical understanding of the digital world they navigate daily.  

Mia Dimitrakopoulos

Year 9 Co-Coordinator