From the Leadership Team

Have you ever heard of the saying `Practice makes Excellence?' ….. No? 

Well, that is quite possibly because I made it up to align with the College theme for this year as a way of raising the idea of practice; a concept that has recently been coming to mind.

This week we have seen Athletics Day, where it is clear that for some much practice and training has occurred. At lunchtimes I can see the students playing and practicing Volleyball from my ARK duty and I have also been reading student drafts for their latest assignment. 

There is then of course the Fringe show 10 000 hours, which draws its name from the Ericsson's concept, later popularised by Malcolm Gladwell that for mastery 10 000 hours of practice is needed.

Practice is certainly a significant component to improvement. The value of the idea of practice cannot be understated. Taking Ericsson's concept, how much would my German improve if I spent 10 000 hours practicing? How much of an more competent mathematician would I be if I practiced for 10 000 hours? 10 000 hours of practice on my guitar or reading or baking or shooting goals? It is easy to see that practice will lead to improvement.

Why is it then that so often I hear, "it's only a draft, it doesn't count" or "I won't be doing a draft, I will put my effort into the final?"

Why does the idea of practice not always transfer to the drafting process? Drafting of any work is critical to on-going improvement.

Drafting allow us to work our thinking to deeper levels of conceptual understanding. It allows us to draw our ideas together and assess them. Drafting gives us a first go to then work from and improve all aspects of our work from language use to conceptual understanding. It allows us to start back and critique how we have met the task criteria. This level of practice is invaluable.

Is practice, however, enough for mastery? For mastery we also need regular constructive feedback. Sporting teams have coaches and classrooms have teachers. Teachers are there to provide feedback on work in the quest of mastery and excellence. It is most relevant to seek feedback when it can be applied (practiced) to enhance the final outcome. This is the value of drafting. All students are encouraged to take full advantage of the drafting process and to see it as practice in the pursuit of mastery and excellence. Drafting is the sports training of the classroom.

I think our initial statement " Practice makes Excellence" might just catch on!

Sandra Barry

Director of Learning

"Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all." 

1 Timothy 4:14-15