Killara Academy
Friday 29 April
Last week saw the inauguration of the Killara Academy, an extra-curricular program available to gifted and high potential students in Year 9 and interested Year 8 and Year 7 students.
We received over 100 applications for the program which consists of 20 sessions during period zero on Tuesday mornings. All students in the Killara Academy receive a special Academy notebook in which to record their reflections on each segment of their course.
The course focuses on scholastic excellence, consolidating practical skills, and providing opportunities for university preparation within the context of a growth mindset. The program, using explicit teaching to ensure students achieve the success criteria, is delivered by Mr. Robin Chand our inspiring principal.
Our first guest was Dr Natasha Feingold, a practicing general practitioner who gave her insights into what it is like to be a doctor. She explained her journey to become a doctor and what she likes about being a doctor and what is hard about being a doctor. The students were entranced by her story and asked many questions. These middle year students were joined by our senior students who appreciated this opportunity to speak to such an outstanding role model.
Dr Feingold is a GP who works in a private clinic, is a senior lecturer to medical students at university and through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners she assists GPs who have just finished their training.
We are very grateful of her contribution to the students of the Killara Academy.
Tuesday 3 May
This morning we held our second Killara Academy session. We welcomed our superstar criminologist guest, Dr Carolyn McKay, from Sydney University. Dr McKay is the Director of Sydney Institute of Criminology and a senior research fellow at Sydney University.
The presentation was engaging, practical, insightful and inspirational. Students learnt about the work completed by Dr McKay. The topics covered included prisons, inmates, the justice system, various crimes, and much more. Dr McKay shared her journey towards becoming a criminologist and outlined how she has demonstrated a growth mindset across her career.
Dr McKay is also an accomplished artist, and she discussed her artistic work with our students. Students learnt about careers in the legal profession, and criminology in particular. Students also learnt about studying law at university.
We had an outstanding morning, with a highly inspirational human being. Thank you Dr McKay, for encouraging our students to reach for the stars.