Cooperative learning is an explicit and intentional learning framework that is very strong at É«ÇéÖ±²¥.
It is rare to enter a class here without seeing students engaged in cooperative learning, particularly in various configurations of teams.
Cooperative Learning Theory incorporates the idea that quality learning can be optimised when students are collaborating with other students to accomplish a shared goal.
Being able to work cohesively with others to achieve an outcome is one of the most sought after skills in the workplace. Team skills are now considered just as important as knowledge and technical competency.
Some students have a disposition that leans towards individual work preferences and, whilst this is fine, it is important that all students develop their collaboration skills - skills they need now and into the future.
Congratulations to our Da Vinci Decathlon Teams
The Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic extension competition framed within collaboration and designed to challenge and stimulate students. The annual Decathlon competition places a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem-solving and creativity.
Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and general knowledge.
Congratulations to our two teams representing É«ÇéÖ±²¥ in the state Da Vinci Decathlon over the past week and being part of forging the College’s academic presence in this challenge.
Well done to our Year 9 & 10 team, comprised of Maggie Baker, Ella Fitzpatrick, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Gedion Gebrezgabir, Jak Gutteridge, Promise Mudzingwa, Abby Muskett and Matthew Sojan.
The team gained first place in ‘Engineering’ and ‘Creative Producers’ - an excellent achievement in a highly competitive field of students.
Our novice Year 8 team included Alexander Bourne, Harry Breslin Oscar Breslin, Ilar Flynn, Cassandra McLoughlin, Alexander McMillan, Lara O’Neill and Jackie Van Lierop.
This team took out first place in the ‘Cartography’ challenge and placed second in the ‘Mathematics’ challenge. This was an outstanding effort by these students.
Problem solving is one of the most critical skills needed in our society today and I am very pleased to see our students building themselves intellectually to develop and hone these skills.
Ms Beth Gilligan - É«ÇéÖ±²¥ Principal