Learning and Teaching

The past two weeks have seen the acknowledgement of a wide range of achievements across the School, including the Scholar’s Assembly, Junior and Senior House Swimming, and our Junior School Badge Assembly, to name a few. Students have wholeheartedly taken on curiosity and risk as they have approached their learning in and out of the classroom. 

This week’s Senior School Assembly focused on learning and allowed me to share further ideas and examples with the students about our focus for the year: curiosity, risk, and compassion. 

To remind students about the experience of taking risks in learning new things, I asked some Year 7 students to share a little about their first few weeks at College. We were all blown away by their confidence and willingness to take a risk speaking to our entire Senior School in only their fourth week of Year 7! I am delighted to share what they said with you.

Manaia Bremner

“I have had a great first couple of weeks here at college. When I came here, I was expecting to be unsure and have no idea how to manage high school. Instead, I was welcomed with open arms by the teachers and students. That made it easy to find my way around the school although I still find it hard to remember what books to bring to class. Overall, I’ve had an awesome first couple of weeks here at College.”

Henry Wear

“I have enjoyed my first few weeks at school playing and learning.  School has been a fun time ... although the homework not so much. I am looking forward to the camps and trying new sports like rowing. At the start of the year, I thought I would have to walk for ages to get to the other side, but it is nothing like that. I have really enjoyed spending my time here."

Annie Ryan

“The first few weeks here at College has been a whirlwind of new experiences and adjustments. You’re navigating unfamiliar hallways, meeting new classmates, and trying to remember your schedule. There’s excitement mixed with a bit of nervousness as you settle into the rhythm of the school day. You’re also starting to figure out which subjects you enjoy most and who you connect with, all while trying to make a good impression on teachers and peers.”                                                                

Freddy Nagorcka

“I started Year 7, and I was pretty nervous. But I soon figured out all the class times and my fellow students in each class. My favourite class is Outdoor Ed, with Mr Bell. I enjoy learning about camping and all the things I need to do if I go camping. I also enjoy going to the library and reading books. My advice to people starting high school is to bring folders for all of your subjects, rather than carry all the books individually.”

Evelyn Hays

“I was terrified coming to high school. I asked my older brother so many questions before I came. The first few days were still pretty nerve-wracking with lots to learn and remembering how to get about and making new friends. It gets easier every day and there are lots of new experiences at high school. I am enjoying learning French and volunteering to join lots of different clubs, like the library committee and trying out for the school musical.”

Henrietta Patterson

“Oh, wow! What an amazing first couple of weeks at College. Who would’ve thought I was only three weeks in and already I have; lots of awesome new friends, different teachers for every subject, new classes, I’ve swam in my first swimming carnival for Laidlaw, and I can’t wait to start learning a new musical  instrument. I am still deciding what I want and I’m edging towards the violin or piano, although mum says if it’s the violin I am going to have to practice in the paddocks. I am super excited to go on the high ropes course and can’t wait to go on the canoeing trip in term 4! Thank you to all my teachers and friends for making this school journey the best one ever!”

Georgia Brown

“My first couple of weeks here have been amazing. Both teachers and students are so nice and welcoming, and I’ve loved meeting new people. It is great having a mentor around, and time in the morning to get organised. It is so exciting having all these new subjects that I didn't have last year and trying out new activities! Overall, it's been a great start to this adventurous and jam-packed year that I hope to explore even more!”

Nic McCure

“When it was my first day, I was very nervous I remember thinking, such a big change, such new things, how was I going to do it. But when I got there, I made new friends, and it was much better. I'm excited for all the new experiences I will have in year 7.”

I also shared Dr Angela Lee Duckworth’s TED Talk about Grit based on her research into success. This very short clip is well worth a watch and is a good reminder that success is a reflection of effort, rather than talent, and it is in the persistence and perseverance in the face of learning challenges that we see the reward for effort in success. 

Angela Lee Duckworth: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance | TED Talk

Anna Robertson