Afternoon of Eminence is one of the highlights of Year 4 and we all worked hard as we prepared to present our work to our school community this week. The central idea for this inquiry is Individuals have the power to change the world and falls under the transdisciplinary theme of how we express ourselves. The driving concepts for this inquiry are change, causation and connection. These concepts are helping every student to think critically and draw conclusions about our everchanging world.
During the tuning in and finding out phases of the inquiry, we unpacked our central idea and discovered that an eminent individual is someone who has made a positive contribution to our world. The beginning stages of this inquiry allowed us to acquire new knowledge and readied us to take our learning further.
The sorting out phase saw all Year 4 students select their own eminent individual. This gave us all voice and choice, where all students could explore their own interests and wonderings. It’s safe to say that each classroom has been transformed into a hub of curiosity, wonder and inspiration about the many notable figures that have changed our world.
We went further into the phase of the inquiry and are busy completing a series of learning engagements designed to extend our understanding and build important skills such as critical and creative thinking, perseverance, independence and confidence. Mind maps, timelines, quotes, poetry, learner profile and reflections are underway, and we can’t wait to showcase our hard work and new understandings to our school community.
Our Junior School joined thousands of others across Australia and New Zealand in celebrating National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) 2024, on Wednesday, May 22, at 12.00noon. This annual event, organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), brings together schools, public libraries, pre-schools, childcare centres, and even family homes for a unique shared reading experience.
This year's featured book was Bowerbird Blues, written and illustrated by the talented Aura Parker. The story captivated our Junior students, offering them a wonderful opportunity to delve into the world of bowerbirds. These fascinating creatures inspired our young readers to explore and research as part of their Information Literacy lessons, resulting in an impressive display of newfound knowledge. Parents, be sure to ask your children about bowerbirds - they will amaze you with their insights!
National Simultaneous Storytime, now in its 24th year, is a vibrant and fun event that promotes the importance of reading and literacy. By selecting a book that aligns with the National Curriculum for Prep to Year 6, NSS not only encourages a love for reading but also supports key educational goals. Bowerbird blues is a perfect example, combining beautiful illustrations with an engaging narrative that is both entertaining and educational.
We are proud to be part of this significant event, fostering a love of books and reading in our students. It’s a wonderful reminder of the power of stories to bring people together, ignite imaginations, and build knowledge. Here's to many more years of shared reading and literary celebration!
In a dynamic convergence of creativity and education, Year 11 students from the College’s Film, Television, and New Media (FTVNM) programme recently embarked on an enlightening journey to Bond University. Their mission? To immerse themselves in the captivating world of filmmaking, courtesy of the university’s partnership with the Gold Coast Film Festival.
A wonderful introduction, led by actor Lincoln Lewis, our students were eager to glean insights from industry professionals and seasoned filmmakers. The occasion was not to be just an educational outing, but a glimpse into the realm of possibility awaiting those with a passion for storytelling through film.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by current Bond students and shown around university grounds. The air buzzed with anticipation as they made their way to the Future Filmmakers forum—an event curated to inspire and educate the next generation of cinematic visionaries.
Industry experts shared anecdotes from their own cinematic journeys, offering invaluable advice on navigating the many pathways into the film industry. From screenwriting to cinematography, from directing to post-production, many aspects of the filmmaking process were dissected.
For the students, it was more than just a series of lectures—it was a revelation. Students commented that it was eye-opening to see how much goes into making a film, particularly upon listening to first year Film and Screen student, Benjamin Rosenberg of Toowoomba Grammar School (QLD) received the 2023 Best Overall Filmmaker Award for his films, Golden Hour and Mitchell. Bond Uni’s highly film anticipated short film competition. BUFTA is recognised as one of the most prestigious short film competitions of its kind in the southern hemisphere. With students winning a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond.
The highlight of the day came in the form of hands-on tours that students were given through the studios and editing departments. Everyone had the opportunity to put theory into practice under the guidance of seasoned professors and lecturers. Armed with studio cameras and enthusiasm, they delved into the intricacies of shot composition and lighting techniques.
As the day ended, students departed with inspiration and minds teeming with newfound knowledge. The excursion to Bond University had not only broadened their horizons, but ignited a flame of passion that would continue to burn brightly long after they returned to class, to begin their pre-production on their Unit two genre film.
For my Personal Project I have created five different textured 3D paintings, all representing different types of food. I have always expressed an interested in painting and I thought this was a perfect project to explore and learn the art of painting. I wanted to understand different ways to create realistic-looking food with paint, so after lots of research I created five paintings using acrylic mediums, paint using different brush skills, painting techniques and a variety of styles.
The personal connection to painting is my Nonna. She has always loved art, all kinds of art. She inspired me to paint and explore my interests and it gave me a chance to connect with her and share her love of art.
Throughout my Personal Project journey, I have faced a few challenges. When first creating my first painting, I decided to add sprinkles onto the painting (obviously I wasn’t using my common sense). After just a few days it went mouldy! I did a bit of research about how to create your own fake sprinkles and decided that it would add a significant additional cost to my project. Considering one of my Success Criteria was to keep within a small price range, I didn’t want to buy anything new. Instead, I used creative thinking skills and dotted different colours of paint on the artwork to give the same illusion. Although it didn’t turn out as good as I was hoping, I believe it was a good fix!
The process of Personal Project has allowed me to further develop my ATL skills – specifically my creative thinking skills. Always altering and changing things to create a more effective 3D look, or choosing the right colours to create shades has helped me to develop my creative thinking skills. I have also used the ATL skill of media literacy. Using the internet to research painting techniques has allowed me to refine and better my art works. Using only the helpful websites has also allowed me to improve on media literacy by choosing websites that are valuable, reliable and relevant to my project.
So far, I have enjoyed creating my paintings and being creative. Trying new things and using the acrylic mediums to create a 3D effective has been a really positive experience. I am very much looking forward to displaying the finished products in Term Four!
Somerset College stands out amid a national decline in higher-level mathematics enrolments, with a significant increase in students opting for higher-level mathematics courses. Our success is driven by passionate teachers committed to fostering a deep understanding of mathematics and instilling a love for the subject in our students.
Headlines such as, “High school students are ditching high-level mathematics subjects”, have been prevalent in recent media. A 2024 report by The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), states that enrolments in mathematics have slumped to an alarming low. The report, titled: ‘Year 12 Mathematics Participation Report Card’, found that while around 71% of Year 12 students have been enrolled in one or more mathematics subjects during the past decade, enrolments from 2020 have slumped to 66%. Enrolments in higher-level subjects, like Specialist Mathematics have fallen by around 11% over the same period[i].
At Somerset, however, the trend has been different. Since 2016, there has been a steady increase in enrolments of students opting for higher-level mathematics. Enrolments in Mathematical Methods (Maths B prior to 2019) has risen from 52% in 2016 to 75% in 2024. Similarly, enrolment in Specialist Mathematics (Maths C prior to 2019) has grown from approximately 22% to 47% at the time of writing. For reference, 19.6% study Mathematical Methods and 6.4% study Specialist Mathematics across the state.
Witnessing such enthusiasm among our students speaks volumes about their passion for the subject and the long-established culture of mathematics in the College. While Australia grapples with a shortage of qualified Mathematics teachers, Somerset has a different story.
Our Mathematics Department is powered by teachers with extensive experience dedicated to the success of our students. Many of our Senior Mathematics teachers actively engage with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) as Confirmers, Endorsers, External Exam Markers, Scrutineers, and Examination Writers. They bring a wealth of knowledge and up-to-date educational practices into the classroom and they ensure that they are at the forefront of assessment standards and practices, which directly benefits students.
As defined by the Australian Curriculum, the study of mathematics is integral to quantifying, thinking critically and making sense of the world.[ii]
The curriculum aims to ensure that students are confident, creative users who are able to investigate and interpret situations in their personal and work lives. By welcoming students of varying abilities into advanced classes, the College fosters an environment where students feel encouraged to have a go.
The College provides a supportive environment where students are assigned classes according to their ability. This allows for tailored instruction that better meets individual learning needs. The Essential and General Mathematics pathways, in Years 8 to 10, typically cover the same content as the Standard courses, but at a pace defined by the learning needs of the students. As a result, students can build confidence and achieve greater success without feeling overwhelmed.
The introduction Extended Mathematics courses in Years 9 and 10 and Enrichment in Year 10, have been pivotal in preparing students for advanced courses in Year 11. They provide a solid foundation and foster a deeper understanding of concepts. More students now opt for Mathematics Extended over Standard Mathematics in Years 9 and 10.
At the time of writing, Mathematical Methods is the most popular subject in Year 11 QCE. Moreover, enrolments in QCE Mathematics at Somerset, account for nearly 30% of all enrolments. Initiatives such as the Somerset Mathematical Society, Mathematical Olympiads, and various other competitions, help promote high levels of student engagement in the Middle Years.
Comprehensive support systems, including tutoring via AAA, study groups, video and online lessons and additional resources for students who need extra help, ensure that every student has the opportunity to access help and plan for success at their respective level.
In 2018, I highlighted our commitment to reimagining mathematics by fostering personal connections between students and the subject matter. (Academic Excellence in Mathematics in the 21st Century, Somerset 2018). Our goal was to cultivate a genuine understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures, emphasising the "why" behind mathematical principles rather than just the "how." This has helped us foster a positive culture of mathematics and remove barriers to enrolments in advanced levels. Beginning with the classroom teacher, leadership at Somerset College has a clear vision for the role of mathematics in the overall education of our students. We aim to consistently improve teaching methods and resources, and to develop a culture that values and supports mathematical achievement.
Active involvement from parents and the community also contributes to the success of the mathematics program. Support from home, coupled with encouragement to pursue challenging subjects, reinforces our efforts to motivate students.
In 2024, we are privileged to have a team of passionate educators who genuinely revel in Mathematics and strive to inspire the same enthusiasm in their students. Success is a combination of qualified educators, an inclusive curriculum that tailors teaching to address individual learning needs, effective preparation through extended courses, strong student engagement and parental support. By prioritising personal success in learning we aim to inspire and empower our students to excel in mathematics, paving the way for a brighter future in this essential field.
[i] https://theconversation.com/mo...
[ii] https://v9.australiancurriculu...
In the Year 7 Digital Design class, tinkering is not just an activity; it’s a vital educational philosophy that underpins the “Robots that can Draw” unit. It instils a mindset of exploration and critical thinking, as students program robots to create intricate patterns. This process of trial and error is fundamental to learning, allowing students to embrace mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth and learning. The freedom to experiment without fear of failure fosters a culture of innovation and creativity, enabling students to think outside the box and develop unique solutions to design challenges.
Building Skills Through Hands-On Learning: The act of tinkering is a dynamic form of learning that encourages students to apply design principles in a practical setting. As they iterate their robot’s programming, they gain a deeper understanding of these principles and their impact on design outcomes. This hands-on approach not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also cultivates resilience. Students learn to persevere through challenges, refining their prototypes to enhance functionality and design. Each iteration brings new insights, improving their design thinking and helping them to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Enhancing Education with Tinkering: Ultimately, tinkering transcends its role as a component of the curriculum; it’s a powerful tool that enriches the educational experience. It transforms learning into an engaging, interactive journey, ensuring students are active participants in their education. By fostering a tinkering mindset, students are equipped with the skills and attitudes necessary for success in design and life, preparing them to be innovative thinkers and problem-solvers in an ever-changing world.
This structured approach maintains the essence of the original content while providing a clear and organized format for better understanding and retention.
All Somerset teams who entered Football Queensland's School Fustal Regional Championships have advanced to States after making their grand finals.
Our Under 19 Girls were placed in a group with King's Christian College, Pimpama State High and Helensvale State High. Our first match we played King's. Students from both teams are good friends who play club football together but on the futsal court they were rivals for 40 minutes.
Somerset won by a difference of one goal, to gain a good start for the day. Two wins followed and the team became the group winner putting them in a favourable position to reach the grand final. And so they did!
In the final they faced the same opponent as their first, King's. This time our Spartans started strong and scored six goals in the first half! In the second half King's tried to come back in the game. but our Spartans did not let this happen. The 19 Girls were crowned as 2024 Regional Champions!
Congratulations Ari Thake, Zara Ryan, Georgie Zerbst, Natalia Zotti, Emily Nickels, Sophia O’Leary and Livi Budd
Coming into this regional tournament we were missing four of our key players. However, I am super proud of my team's performance.
We started off the tournament by winning our first game against Pimpama State School 4 to 3. The next game was King's Christian College which we knew would be tough. Unfortunately, we lost 7 to 2.
Thankfully we won our next two games, Calvary Christian College 6 to 1 and Livingstone Christian College 5 to 2. Winning 3 out of 4 of our games, qualified us for the grand final and the upcoming State Championships.
It was a tough grand final, we were down 10 to 3 for a majority of the match. However, we managed to score four more in the final three minutes! With a 10 to 7 score, we took second place against King's Christian College but we have qualified for the Queensland School Futsal Championships.
Thank you to Coach Maarten for your effort and support in leading us through this tournament. Our team enjoyed representing Somerset College at this regional tournament.
Ruby Zerbst, Ruby Mackintosh, Ellie Davies, Natalia Zotti, Olive Monaghan, Miranda Ross and Alex Kilmartin
The Under 15 Boys competed in the Football Queensland School Futsal Titles at Coomera's indoor centre. Playing in a regional pool of five teams, the boys faced some quality opposition.
Their first game against Pimpama was a tough test, a very organised team in which the boys had to constantly battle to gain the advantage. A fantastic performance gave the boys their first win of the tournament. The team then moved to play Calvary but despite previous success in tournaments and quality players throughout, this was a great test for the boys. With some individual brilliance, the boys managed a second win. Arguably the toughest game of the tournament and a real decider to progress to the state titles, the side then faced a very athletic and physical Livingston. Holding on and matching the high intensity, a draw was a fair result.
Finally, to confirm tournament progression the Under 15 Boys played King's, a team they rarely get results against. The boys managed an extremely impressive performance drawing 5-all. With that result, both teams met again in the final but unfortunately, through fatigue and an honest reflection on King's, lost the Grand Final finishing second.
As Coach, I could not be more proud of the boys and their efforts; I was extremely impressed. They all showed heart, passion, and great skill to progress to the State Titles. Well done to all.
Congratulations to Caspar Crampton, Will Bittar, Jacob Kellij, Eli Dirckze, Zac Marshall, Nash Kennedy, Max Hudson, Mila Oldfield and Liam Seymour.
The Under 13 Boys Somerset Futsal team, comprised of talented boys who showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout their journey to the grand final. With each match, they demonstrated not only their prowess on the field but also their unwavering teamwork and indomitable spirit. Their path to the final was marked by victories over formidable opponents, whom they conquered with apparent ease. Every goal scored was a testament to their collaborative efforts and strategic play. However, beyond the scores, what truly set them apart was their sportsmanship. In victory, they remained humble, extending hands of sportsmanship to their opponents, offering support and encouragement. Even in moments of defeat, they displayed resilience, never allowing setbacks to dampen their spirits.
As they reached the grand final, their journey was not just about winning trophies but about forging bonds, learning valuable lessons, and growing as individuals and as a team. Each member contributed not only their skills but also their heart and determination, creating a legacy of excellence that will be remembered for years to come. Their commitment to fair play and camaraderie exemplified the true essence of sportsmanship. Through their triumphs and challenges, they inspired not only their peers but also the community, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and demonstrating that success is not just measured in wins but in the character and resilience shown along the way.
Congratulations Mila Oldfield, Liam Seymour, Zhander Griffiths, Harper Loon, Connor Millar-Martin, Paxton Stewart, Benedict Thompson, Izaak Barclay and James Baumfield.
Our Under 13 Girls team was only required to play one match, with few registered players in their age division. The girls versed King's Christian College.
Our Somerset U13 Futsal team is an extremely talented young team. Having students from Under 11 and Under 12 playing in the side meant we faced opposition who had a full team of 13 year olds. Due to the difference in physicality, our Spartans were not able to get in the game and ended being defeated by King's.
Well done, Bronte Butler, Olive Monaghan, Audrey Hilbert, Imogen Sounness, Mayuko Takahata, Robin Wang and Edith Hilbert.
The FQ School Futsal State Championships are taking place on 19, 20 and 21 of June at Nissan Arena. We to see many or our parents and supports in Brisbane to cheer up our Futsal Spartans.
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