Academic Excellence Program

Term 1 Wrap Up

We've had an awesome response to the Academic Excellence Program this, with over 50 enthusiastic students from Years 7 to 10 meeting early on Friday mornings to enhance their learning and get involved in some challenging and fun activities.

We touched on the topic of organisational skills. Students knew exactly what it was to be organised but said that being motivated to do so was the hard part. They also learned how to change habits, whether it be breaking bad habits or improving good habits.

Students then dived deep into all things bridges - they researched famous bridges, different types of bridges and the forces that are at work on the bridges. They then had to design and build their own bridge. Many students used the truss bridge as their predicted strongest type of bridge due to the strength of its triangular pattern. Over the last week, they have been bringing in some amazing looking bridges, creatively designed with a pop of colour.

It was then time to test the strength of the bridges, drawing quite a crowd some days. It was so exciting, but also nerve wracking, for them to see their work being put to the test and watch the bridge being loaded up with weights until it cracked and in some cases, smashed. We've seen some great results so far with Mateo van Heerwaarden (Year 8), Liam Cruzana (Year 10) and Regan James' (Year 10) 663g bamboo bridge holding 97kg without breaking. With a couple of bridges left to test, we will share the final results in the first newsletter of Term 2.

Another group of students chose to enter the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize. They are using their STEM and filmmaking skills to creatively teach other students about energy.

If Year 7 to 9 students would like to be a part of the Academic Excellence Program from Term 2 to Term 4, you will need to re-apply. The application form will be sent to you via Direqt Message and will be due in Week 2.1. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills, have fun, challenge yourself and make new friends.

Australian Brain Bee Challenge 

In Week 9, a group of Year 10 students competed in Round 1 of the Australia Brain Bee Challenge. Prior to Round 1, the students completed online tasks to learn numerous facts about the brain, its functions and neuroscience. Their knowledge was tested by completing a very challenging online quiz. While we await their results, I would like to thank Mrs Donna Bunyan for invigilating the quiz.

Mrs L Cardenia

(Academic Excellence Program Co-ordinator)