Student Voices

Gold Level Duke of Edinburgh Student Reflection

I arrived at the Stanley River, traditionally owned by the Jinibara people of the Dungibara clan, at 5:00pm on Friday 7 August for my Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey.

Alongside seven other students and two teachers, we set up camp before gathering around the fire to get to know one another and learn about the navigation challenge ahead. Over the next three days, we paddled more than 18 kilometres through the waterways, using compasses, bearings and maps to locate hidden boomerangs while developing our teamwork, navigation and problem-solving skills. 

Highlights of the journey included spotting wildlife on a night walk using a thermal camera, sharing stories around the campfire and, most memorably, paddling at dawn on our final morning as the sun rose over the water. 

The expedition was both challenging and rewarding, and provided an unforgettable opportunity to build resilience, work collaboratively and appreciate the natural environment.

Please refer to Week 6 Photo Gallery for highlights.

Cambridge Scholars' Programme

An Experience to Remember

Recently, eight Year 9 students and one Year 10 student have returned home from an extraordinary academic and cultural experience at the University of Cambridge, and what an incredible experience it was.

Students were joined by approximately 30 other students from the around the world and were based at the stunning Gonville and Caius College. They quickly immersed themselves in the program, beginning with a walking tour of Cambridge and activities designed to help all students build connections as a group. From the very beginning, our students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity and a genuine willingness to support one another.

The program combined academic learning at Cambridge University with unforgettable cultural experiences. Students participated in four lessons each day, exploring fascinating subjects such as Philosophy, Forensic Psychology, Economics, Journalism, Mind Games and Quantum Physics. Their tutors consistently commented on the students’ engagement, enthusiasm and maturity, noting how impressed they were with the way our students approached their studies.

Beyond the classroom, students enjoyed an extensive program of excursions. Highlights included visits to Windsor Castle and Oxford, as well as multiple trips to London where they explored iconic landmarks such as the British Museum, Tate Modern, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Harrods and Covent Garden. They also enjoyed punting along the River Cam, providing a uniquely Cambridge experience.

Evenings were filled with opportunities for fun, teamwork and friendship. Whether competing in Capture the Flag, tackling team-building challenges, building towers from spaghetti and marshmallows, enjoying a casino night, dancing at a silent disco, watching movies or making regular visits to a favourite local ice cream shop, students embraced every moment with energy and good humour.

The program concluded with a wonderful graduation celebration. Dressed in formal attire, students attended a special two course dinner and graduation ceremony, marking the culmination of an unforgettable experience. They should be immensely proud of all they achieved during their time overseas.

Throughout the entire program, our students were exemplary ambassadors for Clayfield College. They demonstrated inclusivity, kindness, resilience and enthusiasm in everything they did. The strength of friendship, their willingness to welcome and support one another and the pride with which they represented our College were evident every day.

We are incredibly proud of this remarkable group of young people. The Cambridge Scholars' Programme provides a unique opportunity for our students to challenge themselves academically, develop independence and experience some of the world’s most significant educational and cultural institutions. 

Students reflections of the experience include:

The Cambridge Scholars’ Programme was one of the best two weeks of my life. It enabled me to explore the gorgeous city of London, eat delicious food, delve deeper into my passions and foster some incredible friendships. I loved learning so much fascinating information from the professors and enjoyed the late-night ice cream runs that were always filled with laughter. It was an awesome trip, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is invited to participate in this opportunity. 

- Izzy 

The Cambridge Scholars’ Programme was an amazing opportunity to travel overseas for the first time, and experience classes at Cambridge University. Some of my favorite memories were made with friends I met from all over the world.

-  Aston

The Cambridge Scholars’ Programme was a great way to experience England and get to know other international students. One of my favorite memories was walking around Cambridge and getting to see and know everything that was there and even start to feel comfortable as a student, even if it was only for two weeks.

- Ella

I really enjoyed the Cambridge Scholars’ Programme. It was a great experience to learn in a different environment and get to know people from all over the world. One of the best memories was punting along the river, then jumping in at the end before turning around and coming back in the cold. I loved exploring London, it was a very fun and educational trip. I highly recommend - this was the best trip I have been on.

-  Maegan

I loved the Cambridge Scholars’ Programme. I got to know international students and even formed new friendships with my own classmates. Getting to explore Cambridge town was one of my favourite memories, and the trips to London were so exciting. Overall, this was the most amazing and memorable trip I’ve been on.

- Stella

This trip was a great way to experience a University environment. During the program, we explored major landmarks from London, Oxford and Cambridge, strengthened bonds between classmates and created new friendships. One of the most enjoyable nights for me was the graduation night at the University college, Gonville and Caius, where we were staying. It was particularly fun getting ready with my friends. In the end, this trip taught me a lot about myself and brought me closer to many people.

-  Amelie 

The Cambridge Scholars’ Programme was really enjoyable and fun. It was an amazing opportunity to experience learning overseas at Cambridge University. My favourite memories were made during trips to London and exploring Cambridge town with friends. Overall, this was the most amazing trip.

-  Sofia 

Science Week

Science Week was filled with exciting activities, creativity and plenty of opportunities to learn. One of the biggest highlights was making liquid nitrogen ice cream, where students got to see science in action while enjoying a delicious treat and the STEM ambassador’s ingredient eye balling skills got tested. 

We also explored genetics through DNA sequence bracelet making and put our estimation skills to the test by guessing how many seeds were in a jar. Students enjoyed creating their own chia seed pets and competing in a scavenger hunt with some fantastic prizes, box of chocolates, up for grabs!

The week took a turn during our murder mystery lab, where Mr McIntosh was dramatically “murdered” and students had to use their scientific thinking to investigate the case. To finish the week, we held a meaningful tree planting ceremony, representing this year’s theme, “Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All.” 

A huge thank you to Mr McIntosh, Dr Griffiths, Ms Lisa Brodesser and the Maintenance Team for helping us run the week as smoothly as possible. Overall, Science Week was a fun and memorable celebration of curiosity, discovery and learning and we hope everyone enjoyed it!

Please refer to the Week 6 Photo Gallery for highlights.