Year 9

How do distractions impact our study and learning?

Article by Olivia Allen, Year 9 Head of Teaching and Learning

As parents, we know how challenging it can be for teenagers to stay focused when their phone, laptop, television and other distractions are close by. But distractions can affect more than just concentration - they can influence how the brain learns. Our brains use different types of memory, including declarative memory, which helps us actively recall and apply information, and habit learning, which develops through repetition. When students are distracted, their brains are more likely to rely on habit learning. While this can help with simple recall, it is less effective when students need to apply their knowledge, solve problems or think critically.

So, what can parents do? Keep it simple. Encourage your child to put their phone on silent and out of reach during study time, turn off the TV and YouTube, and choose a consistent place for focused work. Rather than expecting hours of uninterrupted study, try shorter periods of focused learning with planned breaks. At Year 9, we suggest the Pomodoro Method: 25 minutes of study followed by a 5 minute break. You can also help by agreeing on when notifications can be checked, making it easier for your child to focus without feeling like these things are being taken away completely. Small changes to the study environment can help your child spend less energy managing distractions and more energy learning.

Gratitude Week at Year 9

Article by Josette Mercieca, Head of Year 9

Gratitude Week provided a wonderful opportunity for our Year 9 students to pause, reflect and appreciate the people, experiences and everyday moments that make a difference in their lives. The week had a twofold purpose: to encourage students to experience and practise gratitude, and to raise funds for our Christmas drive, which provides gifts for teenagers who are often significantly underrepresented when it comes to Christmas giving.

There are many benefits to practising gratitude. Taking the time to recognise what we are thankful for can help us develop a more positive outlook, strengthen our relationships and build empathy for others. It also encourages us to look beyond our own circumstances and recognise the many ways, both big and small, that we are fortunate. Importantly, gratitude can inspire us to give back and help others experience that same sense of joy and appreciation.

Throughout the week, students were invited to write something they were grateful for and make a donation to help someone else experience gratitude through the gift of a Christmas present. Our gratitude walls have became a place for reflection, and it has been heartwarming to see students stopping to read the slips, discovering what their peers valued and taking a moment to appreciate the many different things that bring meaning to our lives. It is pleasing to note that most students wrote that they are grateful for their family and friends and acknowledged how fortunate they are to attend our college. 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our Christmas drive so far. Donations are still very welcome as we continue working towards providing gifts for teenagers who might otherwise miss out. 

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.  

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