As part of our gradual move towards a streamed approach for lower school in the Academic Excellence Program, this year our students in Years 7 and 9 have commenced classes in 2 streams: English/Humanities, and Mathematics/Science. This class grouping will allow students to focus on their areas of strengths and interest and teachers more capacity to extend students in their classrooms.

Our Year 7 Academic Excellence Program students attended a performance of Jungle Book Reimagined on Thursday 15 February at the Heath Ledger Theatre. It was an engaging and relevant contemporary reimagining in a climate change context and was thoroughly enjoyed by the students. This dramatic and musical interpretation of the classic story is part of the Perth Festival.

Our Year 10 Academic Excellence Specialist Students came together as their newly formed cohort of 59 students across 4 distinct classes in Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities on Tuesday 27 February for the annual Year 10 AES Symposium, developing their study skills and critical thinking.

We also commenced our Year 11 ATAR Support program, which is being delivered through our meeting period sessions this year. Meeting period teachers Mrs McNally and Mrs Morris and I delivered sessions checking in with the students, exploring our strengths and challenges, setting goals and providing useful tips for effective studying including Now. Soon. Later. and the yearly assessment calendar. Resources, timetable and other useful information for Year 11 ATAR support can be found on the Year 11 ATAR Meeting Period Support Program 2024 Connect page.

Our Primary Academic Excellence Year 6 students recommenced classes in Week 3. This term we are focusing on the Mathematics learning area. Students explored square and triangular numbers, formed groups with students from different schools to complete investigations involving 2D and 3D shapes, and learned how Maths can save lives. In Week 4, students explored the Mathematics of bees and behives. We will be welcoming our new Year 5 students in Week 7.

Coming up later this term, our Year 8 and 9 students will develop their resilience in our ‘Failing Well’ and Mindfulness incursions.

Orietta Stokes
Academic Excellence Coordinator