Student News

Masterful mathematical minds

Congratulations to Lasya Tatineni, Charlotte McEwan, Jeeva Swamy and Benjamin McClintock (all Year 6), who recently placed third in the inaugural Newcastle Permanent Primary School Online Mathematics Team Challenge. The event certainly challenged the students’ mental maths and problem-solving skills as individuals and as a team. This competition is by invitation only to schools who placed in the top 25 in the 2020 Year 5 Division of the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition. They competed against representative students from the Central Coast to Coffs Harbour and out to Armidale. A spectacular result!

Wits behind the wheel

For over 15 years, HVGS has been facilitating the Young Drivers Program to address the increasing incidence of young drivers killed, injured or involved in road accidents on local roads.

“The Young Drivers Program gives students practical insights into the parameters of responsible driving and addresses the risk factors that contribute to accidents including: driver inexperience, decision-making in complex driving situations, effect of friends and peers on driver behaviour, fatigue and lifestyle factors,” Head of House Mr John Guy says. Theory-based sessions cover the principles of low-risk driving, and a presentation by brain-injury survivors illustrates the consequences of high-risk behaviour on the road and behind the wheel. It is a thought-provoking session that stays with students long after the program concludes. Year 11 student Holly Mulhern found the program interesting and educational.

“I enjoyed the driving aspect of the program. Having other people in the car was educational in gaining a clearer understanding of the impacts of unsafe driving and learning how to drive safely. “Hearing of the past experiences of traumatic events that had happened to specific individuals was impactful.” Practical lessons include driving on a curvy track with instructors in dual-control cars, driving with peers (as opposed to parent instructors), plus a workshop on basic vehicle care and tyre changing.