Head of Secondary School
So Much Talent and Drive!
Last Sunday, Redlands participated in the Balmoral Swim for Cancer. Redlands fielded a number of teams, demonstrating drive and commitment in the Service arena. Special thanks go to Phoebe Cunningham (Yr 10) for raising awareness of this event and Ms Riley for her leadership and organisation.
Our students’ talent and drive was also exhibited at the Senior Piano Competition. Commendation goes to Audrey Nitschke (Yr 7), Kevin Wang (Yr 7), Ahnu Guan (Yr 9), Sholto Mirrlees-Black (Yr 9), Jessica Wei (Yr 11), Lauren Zhang (Yr 11). Jessica Wei took out the Competition’s Overall Winner and she deserves a huge congratulations!
Speaking from Experience
Yr 12 students led an Assembly this week for Yr 10 on navigating the Subject Selection process. Yr 10 were able to submit their questions for the student panel ahead of time, and a dedicated team of Yr 12 students from across the HSC and IB Courses, shared their experiences and advice with our Yr 10s. Our Yr 12 student panel of experts were: James Barrelle, Joshua Colleran, Scarlett Dickinson, Indiana Grace, Toby Griffiths, Anna Ivanovic, Ethan Shaw, Chloe Stewart and Phoenix Swann.
Toby reassured Yr 10 that ‘the jump’ to Yr 11 is not really that big if you go into Yr 11 prepared to do some work, and to put the effort in. Anna elaborated on the fear of ‘the jump’ by saying ‘the jump is good because you get a choice of subjects and get to study subjects you are interested in. Even though the work is a little harder, it’s easier to do because you’re passionate about the subjects’. Indi reiterated by reminding Yr 10 of the previous transitions made in Yrs 9 and 10. She advised Yr 10 that by Yr 11, ‘you are simply continuing this process’ and advised them not to overthink it. Later in the conversation, Scarlett extended on this idea by reinforcing how the Senior Years of study are challenging but achievable.
James spoke eloquently to the Yr 10 cohort, reminding them that they are currently in a great place as Yr 10 is where you get to test various courses and subjects, to see what you enjoy, and identify the areas or subjects where you have particular strengths. Josh, who is currently studying the HSC, appreciated the guidance and support offered in the HSC Music courses (and noted that Music is also offered in the IB). For Josh, the variation in the music courses in the HSC was a big selling point: he could choose from Music I, Music II and Music Extension, which appealed to him as he wants to pursue the study of Music at university.
Anna, Ethan and Phoenix went on to explore the importance of having realistic expectations, building solid relationships with teachers, and being open to regularly communicating with your parents. Chloe shared how her parents had high expectations, and explained how she found it helpful to sit down with her parents to share with them the nature of her courses, expectations and experiences. She articulately told Yr 10, ‘this is what fosters independence and growth’. The teachers and tutors were very impressed with the advice provided by Yr 12 to the Yr 10 students. As well as considering Yrs 11 and 12, they also offered some tips on Yr 10 examinations, which was well received and timely.
Learning from Experience
I wish Yr 10 success with their examinations which begin tomorrow. The process of completing these examinations is far more important than the marks they receive for each subject. While the results are worth considering and reflecting upon, the experience of managing tests, under timed conditions, and without support, is far more significant in terms of student growth. Yr 10 is where we take the training wheels off to enable a clearer view of each student’s capacity and to enable the teachers to identify where support and intervention are necessary. We wish Yr 10 well over this period and I would like to reiterate what I said to Yr 12 recently – no-one ever feels prepared going into an examination setting. This is normal! Have a go, try your best and self-reflect. Thank you to Yr 10 parents over this coming week, who I know will do their best to support Yr 10 to get a good night’s sleep and keep this experience in perspective.
Another group who have been learning from experience are our Yr 8 campers. Currently away in Yarrahapinni, they have been braving the weather and engaging in a range of activities. Ms Vale has reported how in awe one group were to see such amazing views when they reached the summit of their hike. Another group were lucky enough to be involved in an Aboriginal welcoming ceremony with local elders and rangers in the Park. I think Ms Vale was also in awe at the silence which ensued as students sat quietly for periods while they paddled in canoes, drifting along the estuary, without a care in the world. And for those who enjoyed the surfing, conditions were good at Scott’s Head, enabling some of them to learn new skills or show off the skills their already developed surfing prowess.
And next week, Yr 7 and 9 will also be engaging in some interesting experiences, in the form of NAPLAN. Taking place over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, our Yr 7 and 9 students will experience the joys of these tests, designed to capture their ability as a snapshot in time. There will be lots of support and a catch-up day available, if anyone is sick or unable to attend one of the tests: Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy. I really appreciate the parents of Yr 7 and 9 students supporting the Redlands staff by encouraging our young people to keep these tests in perspective. Just like our Yr 10 students, who are sitting their examinations, NAPLAN poses another opportunity for placing oneself under a little bit of pressure and ‘having a go’. For our Yr 7 and 9 students, this experience should not pose too much pressure, but we are aware that our boys and girls have high expectations for themselves and want to achieve. Finding the balance and maintaining perspective is always essential.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811