EXCEL Academic Program 

EXCEL Academic Testing day

Patterson River Secondary College marked a significant milestone on August 13 with the successful execution of EXCEL Academic Testing Day. This initiative, aimed at assessing and advancing academic performance, saw students from 2025 Year 7s participating in a series of rigorous assessments across numeracy, literacy and STEM challenges. 

EXCEL Academic Testing Day is part of Patterson River’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student development.  

Acting Principal Mr Adam Slater expressed his pride in the students, stating, “Today’s testing was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. EXCEL Academic Testing Day is a key component in our strategy to continually uplift academic standards and provide targeted support where needed.” 

The atmosphere at Patterson River Secondary College was charged with a mix of focus and excitement as students tackled a range of challenging questions. Teachers reported that students approached the tests with a commendable level of seriousness and enthusiasm, reflecting their preparation and commitment to their studies. 

Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the College’s efforts to provide a transparent and supportive testing environment. 

As Patterson River Secondary College wraps up a successful EXCEL Academic Testing Day, the sense of achievement and progress is palpable. The College looks forward to using the outcomes to further enhance its educational offerings and to support its students in reaching their full potential. 

For further updates and details on the outcomes of EXCEL Academic Testing Day at Patterson River Secondary College, stay tuned to our school’s communications. 

EXCEL Challenge Day

Patterson River Secondary College buzzed with excitement today as students from the Year 7, 8 and 9 EXCEL Academic program, participated in EXCEL Academic Challenge Day, an event designed to hone essential future skills through collaborative problem-solving. This year's challenge invited students to tackle intricate scenarios related to space missions, requiring them to employ creativity, teamwork and critical thinking. 

The day kicked off with students selecting one of three high-stakes scenarios that tested their engineering and problem-solving skills: 

1. Space Power Crisis: Teams were tasked with designing a device to safely collect dangerous radioactive power balls from the moon’s surface, all while maintaining a one-meter distance to avoid exposure.  2. Mineral Retrieval Rover: Teams needed to construct a rover capable of locating and collecting essential minerals on the moon using only limited supplies and an elastic band for power. 

3. Moon Rock Crane: The challenge involved designing a machine or crane to lift heavy moon rocks in order to recover buried resources and equipment, with a minimum lifting capacity of 100 grams. 

The Design Process 

Students embarked on a multi-step journey, starting with brainstorming sessions to generate innovative solutions. Each team sketched out their ideas in detailed, annotated designs, showcasing their thought processes and decision-making. 

The Build and Test Phase 

Following the design phase, teams put their plans into action, constructing working models of their proposed solutions. This hands-on phase allowed students to test and refine their designs, addressing any issues and making necessary adjustments to ensure functionality. 

Presentation and Creativity 

The culmination of EXCEL Academic Challenge Day was the presentation phase. Teams delivered 3-4 minute presentations that not only demonstrated their final prototypes but also included creative skits to illustrate their solutions in action. The presentations were a highlight, blending technical explanations with engaging performances. 

Feedback and Evaluation 

The day concluded with peer feedback sessions, where students provided constructive critiques and evaluations of each other's designs. This final step was crucial for developing the ability to give and receive feedback—an essential skill for future collaborative endeavours. 

Mr Adam Slater, Acting Principal, praised the event's success, stating, “EXCEL Academic Challenge Day was an exceptional opportunity for students to develop transferable skills necessary for their future careers. The enthusiasm, creativity and teamwork displayed today reflect the high standards we aim to achieve in our educational programs.” 

The day’s activities not only provided practical experience in problem-solving and project management but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and innovation among students. Patterson River Secondary College looks forward to future iterations of EXCEL Academic Challenge Day, continuing to inspire and prepare students for the challenges ahead. 

For more insights and updates on EXCEL Academic Challenge Day and other educational initiatives, keep an eye on our school’s announcements.