Challenging Minds with Academic Opportunities
We take immense pride in our enrichment offerings at the Junior Campus. We provide specalised enrichment classes in mathematics and English, as well as a broad range of academic challenges and creative outlets to ensure students are given opportunities to explore their potential and have their talents nurtured. Opportunities for students to participate in local, national and international competitions are all part of the enrichment experience at the Junior Campus.
These include, but are not limited to;
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
In August, 24 of our students from Grades 3-6 and 14 students from Grade 7-10 had the opportunity to compete internationally across a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and digital technologies. By participating in ICAS, students had the opportunity to benchmark their skills against their peers from around the globe, gaining recognition for their efforts and abilities. From the 38 students that participated, they came away with 66 awards, consisting of merits, credits, distinctions and high distinctions.
Tournament of Minds (TOM)
This year we entered two teams in the state Tournament of Minds (TOM) competition. TOM provides students with the chance to engage in problem-solving challenges spanning the four disciplines of the arts, STEM, language and literature, and social sciences. Students work collaboratively in teams, thinking critically and creatively to find solutions to the challenges posed. This year our Social Science Team was awarded ‘Honours’ at the state final in Hobart in September. After taking out first place in their chosen discipline, our STEM Team secured a place at the international final in Sydney in November, in which they showed incredible enthusiasm, independence and resilience. We couldn’t have been prouder of their efforts!
Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Thirty of our students from Grades 3-6 participated in AMC, run by the Australian Mathematics Trust. Held in August, this program provides a stimulating environment for mathematically inclined students to challenge themselves and apply their reasoning, knowledge and understanding in problem solving situations. Students are able to test their abilities against national and international benchmarks.
Australian Maths Olympiad and Maths Explorer Competition (run by the APSMO)
This competition offers another dimension to mathematical enrichment, targeting students with a passion for problem solving and strategic thinking. Over 40 students from Grades 3-6 participated in the four contests held throughout the year with time dedicated to reviewing solutions and strategies in subsequent enrichment mathematics lessons to develop lifelong, efficient problem-solvers.
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
Students with a flair for language and creative writing were this year provided the opportunity to participate in the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. As Australia’s most prestigious poetry competition for school students, this award encourages young writers to express their thoughts and emotions through poetry, celebrating creativity and originality. Students involved participate in weekly writing extension classes as part of our broader commitment to fostering artistic expression and creative thinking. Students are given the freedom to explore language through various themes and genres, which not only enhances their writing skills but also nurtures their creativity and emotional intelligence.
Written By: Lauren Thompson (Grade 4 Teacher)