Learning and Teaching News

Year 9 and 10 Subject Changes   

The subject changes window is about to close for students in Years 9 and 10 who have decided to change elective subjects. If your son would like to change his subjects, please encourage him to visit the Studies Office during break times (located under the Senior Library).  

All subject changes need to be completed and submitted by Wednesday, July 22.    

2027 Year 11 SET plan interviews 

 All SET plan interviews for our current Year 10 students and parents/carers should have now been either completed or booked for this week. If this is not the case, please contact curriculum@marash.qld.edu.au so we can organise a time to complete.  

Year 9 Subject Selection and Pathway Conversations

9ASH lessons at the end of Term 2 focused on Year 10 subjects.  Year 9 students have investigated pathway planning and subject offerings in Year 10.  Here are some key dates for our Year 9 students:

• Term 2: Subject Guides sent via. Email, subject information and initial subject planning and preparation completed through ASH
• Term 3: Week 1 – Monday 13 July: Year 9 to 10 Pathway Conversation Bookings Open 
• Term 3: Week 1 – Subject Selection Portal information emailed through to students to enter subjects
• Term 3: Weeks 3-5: Pathway and Performance Interviews (parents welcome) to select subjects for Year 10.

Year 8 Subject Selections 

Year 8 boys have started to consider their Year 9 2027 subjects in ASH this week. 

On Monday 20 July boys and families will be emailed the subject guide and an initial planning guide. 

Marist Father–Son Reading Night

Students in Years 5–8 and their fathers or father figures are warmly invited to attend the annual Marist Father–Son Reading Night on Wednesday 5 August, 5:30pm–7:30pm in the Draney Theatre.

This special evening celebrates reading and the important role that fathers play in fostering a love of books and learning. We are delighted to welcome award-winning Australian author Tristan Bancks (INSERT LINK to attached PDF), whose popular books include Two Wolves, Raised by Wolves, Detention, The Fall and Scar Town. Tristan’s engaging stories and insights into the writing process are sure to inspire young readers. 

Guests will have the opportunity to read together, browse and purchase books from the book stall, enjoy light refreshments and win exciting raffle prizes.

Families are reminded to use the booking link provided in the recent parent email to reserve their place. RSVP closes on 29 July.

We look forward to welcoming many Marist boys and their families to this wonderful celebration of reading.

High Potential Learners Term 2 Achievements

The Academic Equity Faculty is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students across a range of academic competitions this term:

da Vinci Decathlon

The da Vinci Decathlon is a prestigious academic competition that challenges students across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy. Working in teams of eight, students demonstrate collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Our teams achieved excellent results across multiple year levels:

• Year 5: 4th Overall, including 2nd (Engineering), 3rd (Legacy), 4th (Mathematics), and 5th (Code Breaking)
• Year 6: 14th Overall, with 1st place (Science) and 4th (Code Breaking)
• Year 8: 2nd (Legacy) and 5th (Ideation)

• Year 10: 14th Overall, including 2nd (Cartography) and 4th (Legacy)

   

Senior School Ethics Olympiad

The Ethics Olympiad is a collaborative competition in which students analyse complex ethical scenarios, developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Unlike traditional debating, students work together to explore multiple perspectives and construct thoughtful responses.

Congratulations to our two teams of Hamish Ansell, Connor Campbell, Thomas Lynn, Aidan Mansul, Addie Mills, Joseph Niere, Thomas Shaxson, and Will Stigter, who were awarded an Honourable Mention.

Middle School Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Competition

This competition challenges students to craft an original ethical scenario with a clear moral issue designed to promote thoughtful discussion and civil discourse. Maxwell King received an Honourable Mention for his submission.

University of Queensland Brain Bee Challenge

The Australian Brain Bee Challenge is the nation’s only neuroscience competition, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of the brain and its functions, as well as the impact of neurological and mental health conditions. We wish the best of luck to Thomas Shaxson and Teo Dehamel for their participation in Round 2 (July 2026) as well as congratulate Aarav Patel for his participation in Round 1.

APSMO Maths Olympiad

The APSMO Maths Olympiad develops problem-solving skills through real-world applications and promotes creative and flexible thinking. Over 70 students from Years 6–8 have successfully completed the first two competition papers. We wish them all the best for the remaining rounds in Term 3.

Big Science Competition

This international competition challenges students with real-world scientific problems across biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

• Year 8: Maxwell King (High Distinction – top 5%), George Scerri (Distinction – top 15%)

• Year 9: Cooper Chaseling, Frankie Hain, and Noah Watherston (Distinction)

   

These results reflect the dedication, curiosity, and academic excellence of our students, and we congratulate all participants on their commitment and achievements.

External Exam Block

The 2026 External Assessment (EA) Exam Block has been released by QCAA

QCAA external assessment timetable 2026

Marist Subject Support

Tutoring support will take place in the Senior Library and is open to all boys in Years 7 to 12. 

Old Boys Tutoring List 

Please find here a list of Old Boys who are available to tutor your son outside of school hours. This list can also be located on the parent portal > School Links > General Links or via this link (Upload updated Old Boys Tutoring List for 2026 PDF) 

Please note it is the parent’s responsibility to organise and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys.

Study Tip