Secondary News

Literacy and Numeracy 

Literacy has been defined in a number of ways. More recent definitions include the ability to read, write, speak and listen in ways that allow us to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences and to make sense of the world. Literacy comprises of understanding and evaluating written texts and using information to successfully participate in society. To be numerate is to confidently and effectively use Mathematics to meet the everyday demands of life.

Literacy and Numeracy skills are vital for future employability and to achieve success in life. These skills, which include reading graphs, interpreting data, comprehending written information, writing using correct spelling and appropriate grammar conventions, are not restricted to just English and Mathematics. Whilst these skills are explicit in English and Mathematics, all learning areas require discipline-specific Literacy and Numeracy knowledge and skills. These skills are used across all subject areas that students study and are crucial for accessing the broader curriculum.

Whilst we believe that these skills are learnt across all learning areas, this year we have additionally incorporated one Literacy and one Numeracy lesson in each learning cycle across Years 7 to 9. Students will receive targeted instruction focusing on skill development. Students will also use the Smart Lab online suite, which is a Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic and Teaching Platform. 

Clever Crocs

Our Academic Captains Nysha Kapur and Kaylin Barrie, have also launched a Literacy and Numeracy initiative: “Clever Crocs”.

Once a week during Flexi-time Nysha and Kaylin will run interactive Literacy/Numeracy sessions for students across Years 7 to 10. They have planned a three-week recurring cycle of activities. The first week will have a Numeracy focus, the second week will target Literacy and the third will focus on reading. The importance of reading is undeniable- amongst other things it expands the mind, improves vocabulary, allows for creative thinking and helps improve concentration.

Students will be acknowledged and rewarded for excellence and their individual progress in these Clever Croc sessions.

Dr G’s Data Analysis Workshop

Due to flooding at the University of Queensland, our Presenter, Dr. Gurion Ang, was unable to make it to the College for the Years 10 to 12 Data Analysis Workshop scheduled for Thursday 3 March.  This workshop has been rescheduled for Wednesday 9 March.

Years 10 to 12 Bock Exam Schedule 

The Years 10 to 12 Block Exam Schedule was emailed to students on Tuesday 1 March.

QGSSSA Swimming

Owing to recent severe weather events, the QGSSSA Swimming Competition has been rescheduled for Wednesday 16 March.  Further information with regards to the event will be sent out closer to the date.