“Learning to learn is life’s most important skill” (Tony Buzan)
To the students, parents, and members of our wider community,
Week 3 put the boys in full swing with their academic and co-curricular activities. Students have been hard at work in classrooms “learning to learn”.
With the beginning of AST practise for the seniors and the first set of assessments being handed out, a study routine is ever-important. Keeping track of all assessments and their impending due dates on a reminder on desks, laptops or phones is an effective way to keep students on top of their workload. One of the most useful lessons I have learnt during my schooling life at St Edmunds is the ability to “learn to learn”. Mr Foskett told my year 8 Science class at the beginning of the year that his goal was to teach us all how to learn. He succeeded in doing so. Knowing how to learn is one of, if not the most, useful studying tool used in the later years of the college. Once learnt, this knowledge is not only applicable for the classroom, but also on the sporting field, in the TAS department and even outside the school in part-time jobs. The Elevated learning class, which began 12 months ago, is a time which really fosters this idea of learning. Students from years 7 to 12 are taught many different study techniques on how to get drafts in and how to reply to feedback effectively. Since this class has been implemented students, who have been applying themselves, have seen huge improvements in all assessment.
This week, Year 12 have been attending meetings regarding ATAR predictions and university applications with Ms Jarman, career advisor, and Mr Holmes, mathematics department. These meetings can often be confronting for many boys, as we are seeing our time at St Edmunds slowly coming to an end, but it is also exciting to see what the future holds. These meetings have been extremely beneficial for the students as we have begun to get a sight of what the next step is after school.
The college leadership team has been working closely with many of the teachers to plan for new fundraisers this year, including new and more effective ways to donate to ‘Caritas Australia’. While working around the COVID-19 restrictions, we are also looking to improve the relationship between junior and senior school through tutoring and sport afternoons between the younger and older cohorts.
As we edge closer to the middle of the term it is important for boys to keep the high standards in wearing the uniform with pride. This isn’t just top button and shirts tucked in around the college, but also around Manuka and Kingston at lunch time. Making sure when you’re representing the college, we wear the crest with the upmost respect and dignity. Keeping that “Eddies pride” stronger than ever.
I hope everyone has a great week and stays safe.
Henry Alsworth
College Vice Captain