Getting the Edge

Br Roz Nichols, Director of Teaching and Learning (7-12)

Our teaching and learning framework provides FCAC teachers with the tools to create learners who are engaged, empowered, enterprising, empathetic, and equipped for success. We refer to these qualities as the five E’s.

The Edge program supports the Teaching and Learning Framework by giving students Years 7-10 to further develop their five E’s by choosing a semester-long elective designed to give them the edge in a changing world. In Semester One, we offered some new Edge electives that proved to be very popular with our students. Some students elected to learn a new skill, such as using a sewing machine, communicating with Auslan sign language or upcycling old furniture. Others chose a more physical activity such as gym, golf, human powered vehicles, sports and fitness. While others developed their strategic thinking through board games, and their creativity by learning a new craft. Another group used the time to research family and local history with students’ biographies of a 100-year-old local and our (slightly younger) Rev Jeff Jarvis being published in the newspaper. The culminating event for the semester was an extended half day Edge session, where students were able to put their skills to the test, go on excursion or take part in an incursion.

At the end of each course, we survey students to get feedback on the electives and plan for the next semester of Edge activities. Below are some answers to the question: ‘The best thing about my Edge course was… ’ learning the challenging skills of problem solving in situations and having fun at the same time. learning the basic signs and sentences and working in groups to figure things out. developing skills that will help me in the future. that there is always a different sport each week. the freedom to pick a game and learn to play it, as well as to get to have a good time with new people. being able to fix old and used items and give them a new look. learning more about the history of the area we live in at the present time from those who have experienced it. learning sign language as I believe communicating with other communities is a beneficial skill to have. that I got to make other friends from different year levels which made FCAC a better place for me.

eSports @ FCAC

By Darryl Humphreys, Dean of E-Learning

Ask any 12-year-old student what they want to do when they “grow up” and amongst the more traditional replies of “police officer", "scientist” or “teacher”, you will also hear such responses as “social media influencer”, “Youtuber” or “professional gamer”, and it is this last one category I wish to focus on today.

Once a niche industry, E-Sports has developed into big business with a global footprint. According to the University of Queensland, E-Sports is a “billion-dollar industry, with a reach of more than more than 450 million viewers”. Many universities now support ESports as part of their program and offer scholarships for aspiring players. For example, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) runs a dedicated E-Sports academy – QUT Tigers – which offers support to students under their Elite Athlete Program. QUT is also offering League of Legends Players the chance to access several $5000 scholarships to assist with their university tuition. In recognition of the high-level of interest from students and its burgeoning mainstream acceptance, the College purchased its first 10 dedicated gaming machines in early 2020, and it is safe to say the program has been met with considerable enthusiasm. Since the lab went live, The College has competed in numerous tournaments against Anglican schools across Queensland competing remotely in such games as Overwatch, Rocket League, League of Legends, Fortnite and Valorant. In our post COVID world, in which travel is often restricted, these events provide a valuable conduit for students to connect with others outside their school who share similar interests, while also assisting participants in building a range of valuable real-world transferable skills, including resilience, problem solving and team-work. At present, due to the nature of the games available on PC, the College’s program has been targeted predominately at the Secondary school. However, there is considerable interest across local schools in the region in developing a Primary school league utilising Nintendo Switch consoles and a range of primary-friendly titles such as Mario Kart, Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros Ultimate. In my next newsletter contribution, I look forward to reporting on the status of this exciting development.