Senior Learning Update

Teaching & Learning Update – Term 1

It has been a strong and energising start to the academic year at Kinross Wolaroi, with students across the Senior School engaging deeply in their learning and embracing the opportunities provided both inside and outside the classroom.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

Earlier this term, we gathered for our Academic Assembly—always a highlight on the school calendar. More than 300 students from Years 7–12 were acknowledged for their commitment, attitude, and achievement in their studies. This recognition reflects not only individual effort but also the culture of aspiration and curiosity that continues to strengthen at Kinross Wolaroi.

Using Data to Strengthen Learning

In Week 7, our students will sit NAPLAN, an assessment that helps confirm and validate what we already know about student learning. While NAPLAN provides a helpful snapshot, our deeper and more granular understanding comes from our Allwell testing program, which enables us to track growth, identify specific learning needs, and tailor interventions more precisely.

Year 11 Academic Mentoring Program

This term, we launch our expanded Year 11 Academic Mentoring Program. Following an application process, 48 motivated young men and women will work closely with senior leaders—including Mr Kelly—to develop the skills and habits essential for success in their senior years. Sessions will explore time management, assessment planning, and strategies for supporting peers so that entire cohorts can lift together.

Building Strong Foundations for Literacy

Our literacy initiatives continue to evolve, supporting students at each stage of their learning journey.

• Stage 5 Literacy Interventions are helping students prepare confidently for the demands of Stage 6, with targeted support designed to strengthen writing, analysis, and comprehension as our learners prepare for Years 11 and 12.

   

• Literacy Interventions in Stage 4. This year we have focused on the first 10 minutes of each lesson with a school‑wide 10‑minute literacy activity across all departments—a simple, consistent practice that builds skills over time through a subject and age specific model of implementation.

Alongside this we encourage parents to help nurture reading habits at home. Our Year 7 and 8 cohorts recently completed Library inductions with Ms Lisa Pengilly, equipping them with the skills to find texts that inspire, challenge, and support their learning.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Excursions and cultural learning experiences continue to broaden students’ understanding of texts, contexts, and the world around them. Opportunities to attend theatre performances and other enriching experiences add valuable depth to classroom study.

Stage 6 Geography Fieldwork

Our Stage 6 Geography students have undertaken significant fieldwork this term in partnership with St Ignatius’ College Riverview and Loreto Kirribilli, strengthening academic relationships with our Sydney counterparts.

• Wednesday, 25 February – Students visited Sydney Olympic Park, applying a range of fieldwork methodologies to analyse its transformation from industrial hub to Olympic precinct and now to a vibrant residential and entertainment centre. A session with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority offered insights into the 2050 Master Plan, with its emphasis on connectivity and sustainability.

   

• Thursday, 26 February – Students continued their investigations closer to home in Orange, exploring the environmental, economic and social changes shaping our own regional centre. Guest speakers—including Phil Donato MP (NSW Parliament), Ms Charlotte Gundry (Orange City Council), Mrs Jane Heffernan (Orange Police) and Mr Scott Peterson (McGrath Real Estate)—provided rich perspectives on the forces influencing the city’s growth and future direction.

Opportunities for High Potential Learners

We are excited about upcoming enrichment opportunities including the Da Vinci Decathlon later this month and the Thriving Minds Conference at Ascham School in August amongst other events, offering challenging and inspiring experiences for some of our most curious and capable learners.