20
Gazette January 2022
The Preparatory School Throughout 2021, Prep School students participated in a huge range of activities that support our three pillars: Academic Excellence, Character Development and Christian Community. Despite lockdowns, students and their families took part in an extensive and comprehensive program of events, from camps, to band visits, to trivia nights.
Pillar 1: Encouraging Academic Excellence PYP Exhibition supports a more peaceful, just society This year, the Primary Years Program (PYP) Exhibition gave Year 6 students the opportunity to explore real-world issues about which they are passionate. The Exhibition allows students to take control of how and what they learn. “It gives boys a sense of independence as they develop research, thinking, social, self-management and communication skills,” says Deputy Head of Academics, Shannon O’Dwyer. Over eight weeks, the boys took part in a virtual event, which investigated the central theme: As individuals and as a collective, we have the power to create a more peaceful, just society. Animal cruelty, global warming, deforestation and disease control were some of the topics they investigated. Each group conducted primary and secondary research, documented their process, collaborated with their group members and their mentor, before presenting their findings.
Since The King’s School registered as an International Baccalaureate (IB) global school in 2008, the Exhibition has reinforced our commitment to the global network of schools that offer the IB. Students and educators from eight countries interact with and provide feedback on the event’s findings, providing a unique learning opportunity.
Innovative learning continues through lockdowns Our dedicated Prep teachers continued to demonstrate incredible adaptability and flexibility while providing online learning in 2021. As a result, Prep students felt connected and supported, thanks to defined routines and streamlined technology. Our Education Support Services (ESS) department helped eighty boys each week during one-on-one learning support sessions, or in small literacy and numeracy groups. We also extended students’ learning through the Enrichment and Extension (E&E) Program, with boys taking part in the Australian Maths Competition, the Bebras Competition and the Brain Busters Program.
