Motivation and Engagement

Last week I was fortunate to hear from Professor Andrew Martin who was speaking at a seminar on the topic of Enhancing Student Motivation, Engagement and Achievement. His address focused on the pathways to personal potential. An internationally respected researcher in this field, Professor Martin spoke of the need for students to develop their academic buoyancy in the face of setbacks, academic challenge and the pressures of schoolwork. According to Professor Martin there are five elements of academic buoyancy; confidence, coordination, commitment, control and composure. It is the latter, composure, which is considered one of the most important traits to develop in students as they cope with anxiety.

This week, our current Year 8 students and their parents and carers, began the process of selecting subjects for Year 9 in 2020. This is an important stepping stone for students to focus on particular talents and passions and to choose subjects that reflect this. Mrs Rae Hall (Head of Teaching and Learning, Middle College) spoke of the need for students to appreciate the freedom to choose electives that motivate and engage them. We thank Mrs Hall for leading the night with a thorough outline of how the College supports a holistic education across a range of domains and all the Heads of Department who gave of their time to answer questions from curious students and parents.

This term, I have had the opportunity to conduct College tours for prospective families wishing to join the Pacific community. Recently I was astounded by the insightfulness of one young man who, at the end of his tour, identified just how trusting we are as a school. He spoke of the freedom our students have to collaborate in class, to be reliable with industrial machinery and to make their way to class without the need for a single bell. Whilst I applaud the young man for his honesty and intuition, I equally applaud all members of our College, that a culture of trust is something which is visible to those yet to join.

We wish all students competing at the 13-19yrs District Athletics the best of luck this Thursday and Friday and thank the staff accompanying them on these days. A reminder too that the Year 9 Camp Information Evening is on Tuesday 20^th August, commencing at 6.00pm at the College. Both parents and students are required to attend this information session.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students