Teaching and Learning
As the 2025 school year begins, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome all new and returning students to the St Pius X Community. May your 2025 learning journey be one of growth and fulfilment, where you take academic risks, learn from both success and failure, while taking on feedback and reflecting on your learning.
A successful learner is a curious learner and constantly asks questions. Therefore, fuel your studies with the power of ‘why’.
Curiosity is a superpower in disguise. It’s what drives us to ask questions, seek answers, and explore the world around us. When you bring curiosity to your studies, learning transforms from a chore into an adventure. Instead of memorising facts, you uncover connections, develop insights, and truly understand the material. So, how can you harness curiosity to enhance your study routine?
1. Ask Questions—Constantly
Curiosity starts with a question. As you study, pause to ask yourself questions like:
Why does this happen?
What if this were different?
How does this relate to what I already know?
For example, when learning about historical events, don’t just focus on what happened - ask why it happened, who benefitted, and how it impacted the future. Questions like these deepen your understanding and make the material stick.
2. Connect Topics to Your Interests
When you relate what you’re studying to something you’re passionate about, it becomes far more engaging. For instance:
If you love sports, explore the physics behind a soccer kick or the biology of endurance.
If you’re into art, investigate how historical events influenced artistic movements.
Drawing these connections helps you see the relevance of your studies in everyday life and keeps your motivation high.
3. Go Beyond the Textbook
Curiosity thrives when you explore beyond the surface. Don’t limit yourself to the assigned reading or the class Canvas page - dive deeper by:
Watching documentaries or YouTube explainers on the topic.
Exploring online resources like ATOMI, Khan Academy or National Geographic.
Asking your teacher for extra material or recommendations.
4. Create Your Own ‘What If’ Scenarios
Challenge yourself to think critically by imagining alternative outcomes or scenarios. For example:
What if a historical battle had gone the other way?
What if ecosystems lost key species?
How might a technological invention evolve in the future?
Stay Curious, Stay Engaged
Curiosity is the engine of learning. By asking questions, connecting topics to your interests, and exploring beyond the textbook, you can transform even the most challenging subjects into exciting puzzles to solve. Remember, every discovery you make builds your understanding and sharpens your skills. So next time you sit down to study, channel your inner detective and let curiosity guide the way.
Mr Stephen Davidson - Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning