The Learning Zone
"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere." - Chinese Proverb
"Coming together is the beginning, staying together is progress,
and working together is success." - Henry Ford
Brain Olympia 2025
Today, we have a team taking part in the Armidale Catholic Schools Brain Olympia competition. This event is an initiative that began at St Francis Xavier's, Narrabri in 1996 and offers our students the chance to participate in a variety of academic challenges against their peers from other schools.
The challenges include tackling a range of general knowledge questions and mathematical problems, engaging in public speaking, and performing a drama presentation on a chosen topic. Our team consists of eight students from Years 4, 5, and 6. We wish Oscar, Charli, Rocco, Maeve, Ilah, Noah, Ava and Asher all the best today.
Mathematics
Maths Walls
Across our school, you'll find Math Walls in every classroom. These interactive displays are much more than just decoration. They're a central hub of information designed to help students articulate and improve their learning as they progress through each mathematics unit. Think of them as a readily available resource that enables students to take ownership of their learning.
When students need a little extra help or are feeling unsure about a concept, the Math Wall is often the first place they turn. It's a fantastic starting point for independent problem-solving and reinforcing understanding.
So, what exactly can you find on our Math Walls? They prominently feature our Learning Intentions and Success Criteria, clearly outlining what the students are learning and how they can demonstrate their understanding. You'll also see essential vocabulary specific to each unit, helping students build their mathematical language and student work samples as well as modelled examples and WAGOLLS.
Retrieval Practice
Across our classrooms, we engage at the beginning of each Mathematics lesson in a process of Retrieval Practice.
During these warm-up sessions of we are given several questions or problems that require our brains to think about previous lessons and content taught.
We began this practice last term after some professional development as a staff.
Have a wonderful week of learning!
Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole