From the Head of Teaching and Learning

It is usual for me to share all the impactful learning that occurs inside of our Pittwater House classrooms, but as we approach the final days of Term 3, it is my great pleasure to share some of the ‘well-rounded’ student highlights that have occurred beyond the classroom this term, at our School for HEROIC Learners.

Problem Solvers

Mr Darren Smith, our English Co-ordinator and I, led a keen group of Year 8 students every Tuesday and Thursday Lunchtime during Terms 2 and 3, as part of our involvement in the ‘Future Problem-Solving Program Australia - Scenario Writing’ competition. Scenario Writing is an individual competition in which students develop short stories related to one of FPSP’s four annual topics. The story (1500 words or less) is set 20 - 30 years in the future and is an imagined but logical outcome of actions or events taking place in the world. Scenario Writing can be used as a stand-alone activity by an FPS coach, an English teacher, a parent, or any instructor with students interested in creative writing. We are thrilled that Isabella (C8) has made it through to the finals. If she is successful at that event, she may even be invited to an international final, usually in the USA. This is a prestigious program run globally and we are so proud of Isabella and wish her well in all that transpires. 

ICAS English 2024 Results

We have recently received the results from the ICAS Assessments in English; a notoriously tricky assessment for students who like to think critically and creatively (two of our fundamental 6C’s from our Deep Learning Pedagogy) when responding to texts. It is wonderful to see that overall Pittwater House has achieved very impressive results from Years 2 to Year 9 and I look forward to presenting the students with their certificates at their final assembly of the term, on Friday. 

Our HSC Class of 2024

It is hard to believe that our Class of 2024, have had their last day and their last assembly, culminating thirteen years of schooling and even 14 years for our ECC students. Reading over their final Academic Reports, it is apparent that this fine group of young men and women have truly embraced our HEROIC values and given of their very best academically, socially and through their sporting and co-curricular pursuits. Their fine results are testament to their tenacious, diligent efforts. Great gains in learning can be made in these final weeks of revision, and I encourage the students to embrace the opportunities afforded to them through the forthcoming HSC workshops on offer with their teachers, during this Spring break. We wish our Class of 2024 all the very best for the forthcoming HSC examinations and remind them that they know more than they think and are so much more than their marks.

I leave an excerpt for our HSC Class from one of my favourite childhood authors - Dr Suess from his famous story - ‘Oh, the Places You'll Go!’

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.