Winifred West Schools Limited . ABN 14 000 025 0267

PO Box 34 Mittagong NSW 2575 . Phone: +61 2 4860 2000 . frensham@frensham.nsw.edu.au

TERM 4 NO 2 Friday 27 October 2017

2

The Parents We Mean To Be In discussions with parents at this week’s Orientation programme for new students I mentioned one of my most valued ‘parenting’ resources, Richard Weissbourd’s The Parents We Mean To Be [HMH, 2009]. Weissbourd, senior lecturer in education at Harvard Graduate School for Education and at the Kennedy School of Government, argues incisively that parents – not peers or television – are the primary shapers of their children’s moral lives, and highlights parents, teachers, mentors and coaches, who inspire moral growth. He also emphasises that good habits (for all of us) can be acquired but are not fixed, so the challenge is lifelong. Above all, he noted the critical challenge is not so much about children learning to define essential values and standards, but is about helping them develop ‘a deep, abiding commitment to these values’...that overrides other needs and goals,...the ability to ‘live’ the values, day to day. How do we raise children who have the capacity to think through moral dilemmas and make good choices, or who have the maturity to appreciate others, despite conflicts of interest and differences in perspective? How do we raise children and teenagers who are morally intelligent? Weissbourd addresses the following questions: - Should we be telling our children to be nice to others because then others will be nice to them, or to be good because it will

make them happy in the end? What happened to morality for its own sake? - Why don't we tell children to be good because it's right, because other people's needs are as important as their own? - Why are parents praising their children constantly? Is all this praise good for a child's moral and emotional growth? He also offers powerful messages for parents and teachers as adult role models: ‘...the reality is that every stage of adult life can bring new moral strengths and weaknesses, and these changes have profound consequences for children’s moral growth. If we work at it, we can greatly increase our own capacity for fairness, caring, and idealism, and our developing morality will be deeply interwoven with children’s developing morality...’ For our professional learning discussions at the start of this term, all teachers and House staff across WWS studied Chapter 5 of Ron Ritchhart’s Creating Cultures of Thinking: Modelling-Seeing Ourselves through our Students’ Eyes and the messages that are aligned: ‘...as a force shaping the culture of a classroom, school, or organisation, it is the informal modelling that has the most power. It is the kind of model that tells students who we really are and what we really value.’ (p.137) Finally, Weissbourd’s thinking around ‘happiness’, leads to the following advice:

‘If I could give just one piece of advice to adults, it would be to focus not on children’s happiness or self-esteem but on their maturity. Maturity, including the ability to manage destructive feelings, to balance and coordinate our needs with those of others, to receive feedback constructively, to be reflective and self-critical, to fairly and generously assess our behaviour, is the basis of both morality and lasting well-being. It is these capacities that enable children and adults to appreciate others despite conflicts of interest and differences in perspective, to adhere to important principles and to engage in sturdy, meaningful relationships and endeavours that create lasting self-worth.’

[The Parents We Mean To Be by Richard Weissbourd 13 March 2009: ISBN: 978-0-618-62617-5]

Orientation 2018 – lunchtime on the Games Field in front of The Centenary Pool

3

Acknowledgement to: Georgia Shakeshaft (Year 8), State Champion in the 2017 Legacy Junior Public Speaking

Competition (Year 8-9 section), one of two national finalists for NSW – pictured Right; Frensham’s Year 8 F1 In Schools team (Peregrine), declared School State Champions for

2017 at the recent F1 In Schools State Championships in Newcastle. The team also placed first in: Engineering Drawing, Design Specification, and Design Documentation and Research sections. The team: comprised Eliza Friend, Grace Lewis, Eleanor Swan (Year 8);

Year 11 Australian Science Olympiad Distinction award recipients: Biology - Stella Lowden (Year 11) and Chemistry - Jessica Latimer (Chemistry);

Paige Wilson (Year 12) – Gold medallist in High Jump (1.78m) and Long Jump and Silver medallist in 100m at the NSW All Schools Track and Field Championships;

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Silver - Emily Gubbins, Joanna Hicks, Amelia Hickson, Miranda McGufficke, Olivia Salkeld, Georgie Tooth (Year 10) and Gold - Emily Cooke (Year 12) and Nina Jephcott (Year 11);

Jessica Latimer (Year 11), selected for a place in the UNSW Women in Engineering Camp (January 2018); Kyle George (Year 5), Distinction award recipient in the ICAS Mathematics Competition; Ginger Kennett (Year 9), who has qualified for Junior World Championships, following her success in the Individual CVI

Junior 2* class at the recent Equestrian Australia Vaulting Championships; Elizabeth Taylor (Year 5) awarded Champion Rider (9yrs & u12yrs) in the NSW Show Horse Council's Horse of the Year

competition and Paris Ow-Yang (Year 7), Reserve Champion Secondary Rider at the Berry Interschools Equestrian Competition.

Left: Ella Pernice (Year 10) pictured at the RAAF Flight Camp, held at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia (25-29 September 2017). The Camp provided a hands-on opportunity for the 15 girls (aged 15-24) to experience aviation roles within the Air Force. The girls had the opportunity to engage with current serving women and were exposed to Air Force life, fitness standards, leadership and adventure training.

Young Change Agents participants: Frances Alldis, Mia Horsfall, Adelaide Poulos, Christina Richardson (Year 9) and Georgia Gresham and Olivia Swires (Year 10), who attended the three-day vacation programme designed to encourage entrepreneurship for young people. During the programme, Georgia and Olivia created their own company – Young Business Starters (YBS) which aims to help young people between the ages of 13 and 20 create their own business. Through crowdfunding and with the support of Highlands Entrepreneurs Regional Development (HERD) their goal is to raise $3,000 to support a business idea for two months. The first meeting was held on 20 October at The Mill, Bowral and from then on every third Friday of each month. Anyone aged 13-20 years is welcome to attend and discuss/pitch their ideas.

Staffing update: WWS Business and IT Administration: We have been pleased to welcome to the staff this term Mrs Tracey Edwards (Senior Officer/Accounts) and Mr Ben Ditton (IT Support). Julie A Gillick Head of Frensham Head of Winifred West Schools

Georgia Shakeshaft

4

Frensham Advisory Committee 2017 Gib Gate Advisory Committee 2017

Mrs Caroline Begg Ms Ruby Curtis Mrs Penny Hanan Mr John Hayes (Chair) Mrs Kiki Hill Mrs Erica Holcombe Mrs miChelle McGufficke Mrs Angela Macken (Sec) Mr Gavin Martin Mr Sam Paradice Mrs Nicola Robertson Mrs Tina Scales Ms Jo Thomson

r-cbegg@bigpond.net.au 44ruby@gmail.com pennyhanan@mac.com hayes.jt@bigpond.com kikihill64@gmail.com erica@dc-it.com.au milliefarming@activ8.net.au themackenfamily@gmail.com gavin.martin@ap.jll.com sam.paradice@morgans.com.au nicola@nicolarobertsonots.com.au t.scales@bigpond.com j.thomson@tpg.com.au

Dr Guy Bashford (Chair)

Mrs Rowena Bendror (FOGG Representative) Mrs Holly de Manincor Mrs Chelsea Doyle (Chair of FOGG) Mr David Griffin (Sec) Mrs Kate Iori Mr Trent Johns Mrs Sara Moylan

guy.bashford@ sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au sales@littlestepsonline.com.au hollydemanincor@hotmail.com chelseakdoyle@gmail.com david.griffin291@gmail.com kateiori@hotmail.com trent@theimperial.com.au saralmoylan@gmail.com

TERM DATES 2017 – Gib Gate and Frensham Term 4 Gib Gate: Tuesday 10 October-Friday 8 December, 3.00pm

Term 4 Frensham: Tuesday 10 October-Sunday 10 December from 12noon (after 11.00am Carol Service)

TERM DATES 2018 - Gib Gate and Frensham

Term 1 Gib Gate & Frensham Wednesday 31 January-Thursday 12 April, 3.00pm (Boarders always return evening before classes start) Term 2 Gib Gate & Frensham Monday 30 April -Thursday 28 June, 3.00pm (Year 10 Work Experience ends Friday 29 June) (Boarders always return evening before classes start)

Term 3 Gib Gate & Frensham Tuesday 24 July-Thursday 27 September, 3.00pm (Boarders always return evening before classes start) Term 4 Gib Gate: Monday 15 October-Friday 7 December 3.00pm Frensham: ends Sunday 9 December 12.00pm (after 11.00am Carol Service) (Boarders always return evening before classes start)

2018 PARENT WEEKENDS – Confirmed dates for attendance of all students Years 7-12

Term 1: Year 7 Saturday 3 March-Sunday 4 March Frensham Open Day – Saturday 3 March Year 10 Saturday 17 March-Sunday 18 March Term 2: Year 8 Saturday 19 May-Sunday 20 May Year 12 Saturday 2 June-Sunday 3 June WWS Birthday – Friday 1 June Frensham’s 105th Birthday – Sunday 3 June

Term 3: Year 11 Saturday 11 August-Sunday 12 August [Year 10 Saturday 11 August – Year 10 planning for Senior Studies (with parents on Saturday)] Year 9 Saturday 1 September-Sunday 2 September [Date aligned to HSC Visual Arts/Design Tech Exhibition]

Reminder – all of Years 7-12

attend Open Day and attend all Parent Weekend Services

Ranier Uniform Shop

All fittings for uniforms are by appointment, during shop hours: Mondays and Thursdays 12.00pm-5.00pm Shop Manager: Mrs Michelle Wynn. To order items, please call the Shop: (02) 4860 2136 [BH], email: frensham@ranier.com.au

5

3 Weeks to go…. Silent Auction is now online Register now and start bidding on the 140+ items. www.iriscountryfairsilentauction.com

Follow the Fair on social media Our Facebook and Instagram pages are abuzz promoting the Iris Country Fair.

Please follow wwsfoundation to stay up to date with the latest news of the Fair and and these posts to broadcast Fair updates to your friends and family.

Opening Night 6.00pm at Cooper Hall on Friday 17 November - $30.00pp Book now and be there to… beat the crowds to the Vintage and Secondhand Books stalls browse the display of Silent Auction prizes and place your bids bid on the three Live Auction prizes

Handmade Stall Crane Baubles - a special decoration for your Christmas tree or as a gift, have been made by Gib Gate parents and Year 6 students. The boxed baubles will be available at the Fair for $15.00 per bauble.

Cake Stall - Cake boxes are available in all Boarding Houses and at the Gib Gate office for cakes donated on the day of the Iris Country Fair. Please contact Jane Camilleri to advise what you will be providing – 0411 694 280

Sewing Bees - Cutters and sewers welcome. Each Friday – 27 October and 3, 10 November. Time: 9.30am at Waverley Annexe, Frensham Please contact Annette O’Connell if you are able to join the team - annette@mocelectrical.com.au 0412 708 705

For more information or to arrange a delivery, please contact Michele Scamps Iris Country Fair Coordinator: mscamps@frensham.nsw.edu.au 02 4860 2100 0407 919 718

6

Despite the rarity of rain, the Fellowship Cocktail Party held last Friday was well attended and enjoyed by a number of Old Girls and current parents. Held in the beautiful home of Julia and Jono Laverty, our outstanding hosts, the evening was a convivial opportunity to reconnect with a wide cross-section of the Frensham community in a delightful setting. Thanks to Julia and Jono for offering their home as venue and to Libby Stuart, Chair of the Board of Governors for welcoming all on behalf of Fellowship President, Annette O’Connell.

Left, Sophia de Mestre, Julia Laverty and Lisa Allen. Right, Libby Stuart and Michele Scamps

Above left, Marilyn Lane and Ann Raine; Jen Rosenberg and Emily Ashton. Right, Mark Hawker and Sarah Dulhunty. Below left, Bebe Everett, Airlie Hawley and Hope Pitman. Right, Fleur and Mark Vander Straaten and Jim and Didie Alker

7

Interaction between Preschool and Gib Gate students and teachers will be further strengthened this term as Preschool students begin the formal Transition to School programme over the next few weeks. Already experts in many aspects of the school through participation in the Junior Musical, attending Music, Library, Japanese and PE lessons, Performance Assemblies and whole school events, Preschool students looked especially confident during the Kindergarten 2018 Orientation morning held on Wednesday. Also attending Orientations this week were the 2018 children and families being welcomed to the Preschool environment. Looking entirely at home in the preschool garden, the children joined in a Preschool Music lesson and then played happily while parents talked to Preschool staff. Year 6 student leaders are making the most of the final term at Gib Gate, fully embracing the opportunity to take on extra roles of responsibility and greatly anticipating the many special events that take place this term. Final rehearsals for the upcoming senior musical, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, in which Year 6 students take the major roles, are now underway and final costume preparations have begun. Other special events to which Year 6 are looking forward are supporting Katuuso School, Uganda through organising a Christmas Fundraising day; supporting and celebrating the special relationship they have enjoyed with their Kindergarten buddies through organising and running a Buddy Day; participating in community service through visiting retirement homes to sing as part of the Choir; attending the Year 6 Farewell Dinner and the Years 5 and 6 Social as well as conducting a final assembly (just for students) for Kindergarten to Year 5. During the last week of term, Year 6 students enjoy the opportunity to ask friends and staff to sign autograph books and signature bears. They can also select a collection of new and exciting books to donate to the School Library as a parting gift to the School. Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate Curriculum Highlights 2017 The 2017 annual ICAS International Academic competitions were completed in Term 3 when 79 students in Years 2-6 participated in the Mathematics Competition held on Tuesday 15 August. Outstanding results included, for Kyle George (Year 5) a Distinction, placing him in the top 8% of all students who competed this year. Students also achieved: 27 Credit, 12 Merit and 39 Participation certificates. Certificates of Achievement will be presented for Mathematics this Friday 27 October at Performance Assembly. Year 2: Credit: Annika Basson, Clodagh Luckie, Isla McVinish, Sofia Nesci, Eloise O’Shanassy, Adele Trudeau; Merit: Iman Byrne, Ryan Berman. Year 3: Credit: Piper Berkelouw, Jack Davies, York Doyle, Mollie Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Griffin-Peters, Jade Neilson, Olivia Quilty, Scarlett Shadbolt, Lexi Wimalaratne; Merit: Amelia Hazlett, Hamish Murray, Matilda Telford. Year 4: Credit: Sophie Alexander, Isabella Atra, Sophie Goodisson, Amelia Hartnell, Georgina Lewis, Bliss Ow-Yang, Elizabeth Shadbolt, Maxime Trudeau; Merit: Oliver Linde. Year 5: Distinction: Kyle George; Credit: Laura Barnsley-Adams, Elizabeth Taylor, Lilly Treweeke; Merit: Georgia Greig, Charlie Johns, Amy Wimalaratne. Year 6: Credit: Monique Andersson, Elizabeth Nesci; Merit: Romeo Atra, Sophie Hassall, Chloe Kennedy-Green. The University of Wollongong ‘Learning Labs’ Vacation Programmes Of interest to parents and students at Gib Gate is the variety of Little and Early Learning Labs vacation workshops run by the University by specialist teachers in Gifted Education. The January 2018 applications have now been released and detailed information is available on the website: http://www.uow.edu.au/in2uni-myway/learninglabs/index.html Little and Early Learning Labs is an enrichment programme designed for students in Years 1-6 who are performing in the top 10% of their cohort in their area of interest. All workshops are held over one (mini-labs) or two days and cover a range of diverse and innovative disciplines designed to challenge and stimulate the interest of the academically gifted. Topics available for selection in next year’s ‘Little’ and ‘Early Learning Labbers’ workshops include: Welcome to Hogwarts’; What happens when...scientific experiments...’ Composer Kids and Cruise into Creative Writing. Please contact me if you require further information about these programmes which have been enjoyed by many students in previous years. Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning, P-12 and Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes

8

Enrichment/Activities Japan 2018 A large number of parents and students from Years 4 and 6 joined Mrs Graham last week to discuss the trip to Japan in October 2018. The students tour Kyoto and Kanazawa and visit Gib Gate’s sister school, Hokuriku Gakuin Elementary School. Students have the opportunity to homestay during the visit. The School has been making biennial visits to Japan since 1990 and values the connections made with Japan and with the sister school. An information session for parents and students will be held in the Gib Gate Library at 6.45pm on Monday 30 October.

Debating The Debating Team of Monique Andersson, Romeo Atra, Hannah Bendror and Elise Davies (Year 6), Solveig Clarkson, Luca de Manincor, Cate Horsfall and Eva Telford (Year 5), enjoyed representing Gib Gate at the IPSHA Debating Day on Tuesday at St Peter’s Anglican School. They were prepared for the event and supported by Ms O’Rourke and extra-curricular Debating Tutor, Mr Hewitt.

Interrelate Years 5 and 6 students are participating in Interrelate Sexuality Education Programmes on Wednesday 25 October and Thursday 2 November. Interrelate is a specialist organisation with over 75 years’ experience in teaching sexuality education in NSW schools.

The presenter will be conducting separate sessions focusing on puberty and self-care with Year 5 having two sessions covering Preparing for Change and Understanding My Body. Year 6 will participate in three sessions covering Who Am I? Look, I’m Changing, What’s it all About? and I’m in Charge.

Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Coordinator (Administration)

Sport Gymnastics We wish every success to the IPSHA Gymnastics Team comprising Hannah Bendror, Chloe Kennedy-Green, Sophie Hassall (Year 6); Olivia Trotter (Year 5); Penni-Rose Collins, Eliza-Grace Bashford, Madeleine Bendror (Year 4); Chloe Dent, Amber McGlynn, Jade Neilson, Matilda Telford, Gretel Wansey and Lexi Wimalaratne (Year 3) as they compete at the IPSHA Gymnastics competition at the Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatics Centre this week.

Athletics

Congratulations go to Luca de Manincor (Year 5), Isabella Barber, Sophie Baldwin and Arabella Whitehead (Year 4) who achieved 4th place in the Junior Girls 4 x 100 metre relay at the NSW PSSA Athletics Championships last week. Coming into the event with a 9th ranked time, the team surpassed all expectations, reaching the semi-finals after qualifying 3rd in their heat, qualifying 3rd in the semi-final, and just missing 3rd place in the final by 0.03 seconds. The girls can feel justifiably proud of their efforts in training and in competition on the day, achieving three personal best times and running under a minute in two of their races on the day.

Junior Girls Relay Team: L-R: Luca de Manincor, Arabella Whitehead, Isabella Barber, Sophie Baldwin

Luca de Manincor

9

Equestrian

We commend Elizabeth Taylor, Alexandra Inglis and Lilly Treweeke (Year 5) who have all been involved in high level Equestrian events in the past two weeks. Elizabeth competed at the Show Horse Council Horse and Rider of the Year. Lilly Treweeke competed at the Berry Interschools event, her first Interschools event for Gib Gate, achieving 2nd in the 1.3, 3rd in the 1.2 dressage tests and 4th in the 45cm Show Jumping. Mr Michael Standen, Co-ordinator of PDHPE and Sport Preschool (Pre-Kindergarten) Returning after the vacation brought a sense of excitement and joy as friends reconnected and shared tales of holiday adventures. It is rewarding to see the connection the group members have with each other and how this connection travels through to their work. The children have learnt to collaborate, ponder, question and explore together, taking into consideration the thoughts of their peers and the feelings of others. Their collaborative concern for others was demonstrated when we headed out of the gate on a bush walk to discover a kangaroo and her joey away from the mob. We had seen her a few times and wondered why she was not with her mob. Questions quickly arose: Was the kangaroo injured? What would they eat and what would they drink? What if a fox chased them?

April Sneddon enjoying the wildlife at Gib Gate

The children know we have to rehydrate our bodies to keep healthy so they decided to provide water for the kangaroo. On a mission, the children collected a large bowl, a large container of water and spades. Once the bowl was in place they added the water and put some twigs in the bowl – having learnt from Frensham teachers that this strategy would help if a small animal fell into the water and was unable to get out by itself. Their mission accomplished, the children were ready for Term 4, having grappled with a real world problem beyond their own immediate concerns. Mrs Tinna Loker, Preschool Coordinator

NSW Show Horse Council's Horse and Rider of the Year - Elizabeth Taylor (Year 5) achieved: Champion Rider 9u/12 Years. Broadwater Park Cartier (Felix): Champion Open Small Show Hunter, Galloway, Champion Child's Small Show Hunter, Galloway; Kenda Park Strauss (Yogi): Champion Small Show Hunter, Pony; Mirinda Matinee Magician (Magic): 3rd Child's Large Pony, Top 10 Open Large Pony; Willowcroft Coco Chanel (Coco): Runner-up Child's Small Galloway.

10

Year 10 Workshops On Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 November, Sturt will host the annual two-day workshops for Year 10 students. Five courses are offered including weaving, ceramics, metalwork, bookmaking and basketry. Sturt Permanent Collection in the Archive Gallery A new display of the Sturt Permanent Collection is now on show in the Archive Gallery. For the first time we will be able to display a significant proportion of the Sturt Collection that has been amassing since the 1950s and includes ceramics, metalwork, jewellery, furniture, textiles, glass, basketry, photographs and historical written material. Uniquely among collections of its type anywhere in the world, almost everything in the Sturt Collection was made at Sturt and therefore the Sturt Collection tells the story of the development of Australian craft and design since World War II. With volunteer support we aim to have the Archive Gallery open twice a month. The next confirmed day will coincide with the School for Wood Graduation on Saturday 18 November. For details: http://www.sturt.nsw.edu.au/about/sturt-permanent-collection In these hands – Ernabella Arts, 70 years of Indigenous art & design Sturt has received a grant of $40,000 from the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support programme, the Federal Department of Communication and the Arts, to support the development and production of our major end of year exhibition in conjunction with Ernabella Arts Centre in South Australia. This very special project for Sturt will be a celebration of many things – Ernabella’s 70th birthday, the unique residency collaboration that took place between Sturt and Ernabella in the 1970s and the wonderful contemporary work that is produced now at Ernabella. The funds received will enable us to produce the exhibition to touring standard including a full catalogue and interpretation. The exhibition will open at Sturt on Thursday 7 December. Who’s in residence? Isabelle Moore, fine furniture maker and chair designer residing in Scotland is with us for eight weeks teaching the chair design component in the Sturt School for Wood. Cara Johnson, graduate jewellery/textile maker from Victoria and winner of our award in last year’s National Contemporary Jewellery Award exhibition will be with us for four weeks developing new work in the Jewellery studio. Exhibitions and Events Ephemeris - Some notes from the Natural World – continues till 12 November This Exhibition of new work by Jeff Mincham AM, includes work made at Sturt Pottery during the artist residency. Idyll - Sturt School for Wood Graduating Exhibition 2017 - 18 November to 3 December The world class Sturt School for Wood accepts just 12 students each year to learn the craft of fine furniture making and design. This end of year exhibition offers a showcase of the exceptional works produced by the students during the year. The exhibition (including graduation ceremony) will be opened by Neil Erasmus, fine furniture maker/designer from WA. Iris Country Fair The Sturt School for Wood 2017 graduation will be part of the Iris Country Fair that will be held throughout the grounds of Frensham 9.00am-4.00pm on Saturday 18 November. Artisans Night Market in the gardens at Sturt - Thursday 7 December from 5.00pm Join us for our annual Artisans Night Market when we will have all types of wares on sale from a wide variety of makers in a market style setting in Sturt’s historic gardens. The night will include live music, food and drink on offer, plus the opening of two new exhibitions in Sturt Gallery and some great special offers in Sturt Shop. The perfect night before Christmas is at Sturt. Short Courses 2017 ~ Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 October, 9.30am-4.30pm Experimenting with laminations – the construction of a simple curved tray with laminations and ply with Isabelle Moore. Level: Some experience | Cost: $300 + $ materials Learn the aspects of mould and template jig making, prepping and gluing veneers for laminating, simple joinery and shaping,

F R I E N D S O F S T U R T Denise Sumner (President), Penny Hoskins (Secretary), Ruth Wright (Roster Secretary), Joan Dinning, Bill Dinning, Anne Thomson, Julie Musgrave, Michael Harris, Libby Hobbs, Jill Dyson

11

making a simple curved tray. This workshop is suitable for students with hand tool skills. The course includes guided instruction for using the bag press, router table, hand held router and demonstration of the band saw. Edinburgh-based furniture designer-maker Isabelle Moore’s work focuses on seating and textiles. Inspired by the incorporation of different techniques, Isabelle has explored the possibilities of ‘active sitting’, ergonomics and minimal material to provide holistic and fun ways to interact with our built environment. Summer School 2018 – Wednesday 3-Sunday 7 January 2018 2018 brings our 20th Summer School with a bumper programme to celebrate! Over that time we have built something unique in Australia, an unparalleled creative learning experience of breadth and depth in a special setting led by inspiring and experienced tutors. This year we present a programme of 23 adults’ courses and daily courses for children. We also offer accommodation and meals packages and the week includes a range of social events, talks and demonstrations. Details are available on the website http://www.sturt.nsw.edu.au/education/summer-school and at the Gallery. Places are filling fast! Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency programmes and events can be found on the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au or to make a booking or enrolment call Sturt Shop on +61 2 4860 2083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au Mr Mark Viner, Head of Sturt

Deputy Head BYOD Programme 2018 The Year 7-12 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme continues to provide students with a valuable tool to assist in their learning. For 2018 we have updated our specifications for all student devices. If your daughter has a laptop that is older than three years, it would be advisable to check that her device meets the required specifications. Although we can support all devices our preferred device is a laptop on the Apple macOS platform. The school is able to provide a high level of support for this operating system.

OS X (Minimum Requirements) Model Air or Pro (Air preferred) Operating System Version 10.12.x (Sierra) or later Memory 4GB (8GB preferred)

Hard Disk 250GB (500GB preferred) (students are encouraged to save their academic work to the school network or to their school Google Drive)

Screen 13” Processor 1.6Ghz Intel i5 or better Optical Drive (i.e. CD/DVD) Not necessary Software None required at this stage. Case A rugged case to protect the device.

Access An account with administrative rights that the school can use to configure and install applications and devices.

Anti-Virus Protection School provided The main considerations and minimum specifications to be taken into account when choosing a device are: Portability – as the devices are carried around by the girls they need to be easily portable. Weight and dimensions must be taken into account with any choice. Usability – the devices are in constant use so the size/resolution of the screen and ergonomics of the keyboard and trackpad should be considered with any choice. Ruggedness – the devices are used daily and are taken from class to class. A good case or bag is essential. Reliability – whilst we can provide support with operating system and applications when hardware fails it is almost always required to have a third party repair the device. A support contract is essential.

12

The BYOD programme aims to increase the modes in which information can be delivered, better meeting the needs of diverse learners. This is achieved by allowing students to create, change and interact with material in order to deepen knowledge and understanding as well as providing access to vast amounts of current information. The BYOD programme also provides teachers with immediate access to tools and resources that allow them to respond to student learning needs as they emerge in the classroom. For further information about Apple computers please use the following link http://www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/apple or via the link on IT Services’ page on Schoolbox. Fitness, Health and Wellbeing Year 7: Last Thursday, the Year 7 girls who were on campus participated in an expedition to the Upper Holt. The walk involved visiting a number of special places along the way and having the opportunity to communicate with each other without any digital devices. The girls were accompanied by Mr Marsh and Mrs Spencer. Year 8: The focus for Year 8 this term is managing friendships. This week, we discussed the importance of building and sustaining friendships, beginning the discussion by reflecting on the way in which Year 12 are showing care and support for each other during the HSC examination period. In small groups girls read a range of scenarios and discussed the different ways to manage difficult situations that can arise within friendships. Girls were able to share their feelings about friendships and how they have managed challenging situations in their friendships over the last two years. An insightful student reflection from our meeting noted: it is important to be resilient and to Bounce Back and will form the basis of our next conversation with Year 8 about friendships. Year 9: The focus for Year 9 in the coming weeks is preparing for their examinations in Week 6. Students are currently receiving their examination notifications and commencing revision in preparation for examination week. In our meeting this week, we discussed in small groups a range of revision strategies and their effectiveness. Research states that revision that involves ‘doing’ rather than just reading large amounts of information is more effective. In our meeting, girls had the opportunity to discuss a range of strategies, reflecting on their best study strategies and to share these with each other. Year 11: The words below from Mr Penney encompass the idea that when you serve with humility, work collaboratively, have noble aspirations and a strong moral character, the challenges and stress associated with balancing school, family, friends, leadership expectations with the demands of the HSC examinations will be diminished. Year 12, 2018 have started their year with a determined focus to learn about what it means to be an effective leader at Frensham. They have requested specific guidance from senior staff about how they can achieve their vision of contributing positively to the whole school. They have also acknowledged that all voices in the group need to be heard as they move forward together. The Year Group meetings each Monday are an important forum to consolidate this process. They are very excited about Hosting Year 7, 2018, as they see it is an opportunity to put into practice what they are learning and from the outset form the ‘right’ connection with the newest members of the Frensham community.

Honour bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leader. J C Penney, American Businessman.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head Boarding News As Year 12 move into their second week of HSC examinations some girls will finish by the end of the week. They are to be commended for the manner in which they have approached these examinations. We are looking forward to welcoming next year’s students to the 2018 Overnight Orientation programme on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 October. Shadows have been appointed for girls entering in Years 8 to 10 while senior students will accompany Year 7 throughout the two days of the programme. Play Rehearsals Please check with your daughters re their requirements for play rehearsals on Saturday and Sunday. Weekend activities will continue to be published on Schoolbox each Friday.

13

The Frensham bus from Harden or Yass is operating this Sunday 29 October, and on Sunday 12 November. The details are below. Sunday Return to Frensham:

Departure (Harden): 5.00pm from Jackson’s Bakery, East Street, Harden.Departure (Yass): 6.00pm from Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark.Arrival (Frensham): approximately 8.00pm.

Cost: $50 per student. The cost will be charged to the student’s account. (This service is for current Frensham students only.)

Please arrange a packed dinner for your daughter as there is no scheduled meal break during the journey.

Mrs Ros Buick, Director of Planning & Events; Mrs Amanda Wansey, Deputy Head of Boarding

Director of Teaching and Learning ICAS Writing Competition 2017 We are proud to announce that Elvira Berzins (Year 10) gained a High Distinction award in the 2017 ICAS Writing Competition (top 1% in the international candidature) and was also awarded the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medal for her writing. Students with the top score in each subject in each year level are awarded this medal and a Medal Winner’s Certificate in a ceremony to be held at the University in November. Elvira responded, in 30 minutes, to the following prompt: You have been invited to participate in a national writing competition. You have to write an argument based on the following topic: Would you rather be rich or lucky or intelligent?

UNSW Faculty of Engineering – Women in Engineering Programme Jessica Latimer (Year 11) has been awarded a place in this prestigious and highly competitive annual programme held over five residential days at the Kensington campus of the University in January 2018. Through her independent submission of her academic qualifications and awards, Jessica will now join other Year 11 and 12 girls from across Australia exploring the diverse fields of engineering – a career at the forefront of positive change for society through lateral thinking, creativity, design and problem solving. Jessica and her colleagues will work on design challenges; participate in activities and workshops in health and bio systems, energy systems and the digital future. She will have the opportunity to meet a range of successful engineers and undergraduate and graduate engineering students keen to share their experiences.

14

Programmes available to Gifted & Talented Students University of Sydney Gifted and Talented Discovery Programme Each year, the University of Sydney offers a three-day Science experience at the Camperdown campus in the July vacation. This competitive entry programme is designed for students in Years 9 and 10 fascinated by science and who would enjoy additional challenges and stimulation in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. Students have the opportunity to engage with University teaching staff and current researchers, access first-class facilities and make friends with people who have a mutual interest in science.

To qualify for participation in the 2018 July workshop, Years 8 and 9 students sit the entrance examination in Year 8 and Year 9 2017 (The Gifted and Talented Discovery Programme Qualifying Examination). The 40 minute multiple-choice examination consists of questions that are designed to test the student's ability to solve scientific problems in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. The top 10-15% of students (depending on the number of students who sit the qualifying examination each year) will be invited by the University to attend. The examination will be facilitated and invigilated by Frensham teachers in November. Parents may wish to read more about this programme at the University website: http://sydney.edu.au/science/outreach/high-school/gifted/index.shtml

University of Wollongong: Learning Labs 16–18 January 2018 Learning Labs is an academic enrichment programme for high achieving students in Years 7 to 10. Designed for those performing in the top 10% in their area of interest, the variety of one and two day workshops provide fun and challenging experiences. The workshops cover a range of diverse and innovative disciplines and are run by specialist teachers and university lecturers. A taste of the 2018 offering includes: Industrial Robotics, Creative Writing and History – Weird, Wild Conspiracies. http://www.uow.edu.au/in2uni-myway/learninglabs/index.html

Please note that places are keenly sought and applications close Tuesday 7 November.

Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning, P-12 and Coordinator of Gifted & Talented Programmes

Director of Studies The 2017, Year 12 students have completed the first week of HSC Examinations. Presiding Officer, Mrs Lorraine Myers, and her team of supervisors conduct the examinations for Frensham on behalf of NESA.

The assessment calendar for Year 12, 2018 has been published and most students have finalised subject choices. Many students have taken the opportunity to select extension courses in Languages, History, English, Mathematics and Music. Effective planning for study and assessment task completion is a crucial aspect of being a successful senior student. Support provided by staff and mentors is also a valuable resource during this time.

In Week 5, Year 10 students will complete their final examinations in all courses studied this year. The examination timetable was published last week. Achievement levels in these examinations, and in other assessment tasks across the year, will result in students being awarded grades from A-E in each of their courses. These grades will then be submitted to NESA to form part of the Record of School Achievement (RoSA). The RoSA credential is designed for students who leave school after Year 10 and before completing the Higher School Certificate. In Week 6, Year 9 students will also complete final examinations, which is an opportunity to test skills under timed conditions.

Ms Janene van Gogh, Director of Studies – in Residence

English No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world. – John Keating (Dead Poet's Society)

Frensham Wins the 2017 State Final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award On Friday 20 October, Year 8 student Georgia Shakeshaft competed in the State Final of the 2017 Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition held in the Domain Theatre of the Art Gallery of NSW. She competed against seven other successful semi-final contestants from across NSW (from 500 state-wide contestants), for two places in the National Grand Final.

The students spoke articulately on a broad range of topics including the 'circus' of politics, violence and harassment of women, the 'bystander effect', the 'truth' of the media, words - a legal defence for provocation and virtue signalling (expressing your moral values with the intention of enhancing your social standing in a group). Georgia's prepared speech was titled Pants, a plea for gender equality linking this idea to the evolution of pants as acceptable clothing for women. Her speech must have struck a chord with the audience as it was later mentioned by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), Governor of New South Wales, in his Occasional Address to the students.

15

The impromptu topic, Under The Weather provoked a similarly diverse range of responses with Georgia delivering an engaging short speech on the issue of mental health and its impact on her personally, on our communities, and globally.

In announcing the winner, Mr Patrick Caldwell, NSW National Champion, 2002 Plain English Speaking Award, praised the passionate nature of Georgia's delivery and this was reiterated subsequently by the adjudicators who highlighted her personable and calm demeanour and the creative and engaging approach she took in response to both her prepared and impromptu speech topics.

Georgia received a silver medallion and commendation certificate for her participation in the State Final. As the winner of the event, she receives a personal trophy, a perpetual trophy from Legacy for display at Frensham, and a cheque for $500. She will now represent Legacy New South Wales at the National Final of the competition to be held at Launceston, Tasmania on Monday 13 November.

We congratulate Georgia and everyone who has supported her and wish her all the best at the Legacy National Final.

AHIGS Festival of Speech On Saturday 21 October, the Public Speaking team, accompanied by English teachers and Heads of Public Speaking, Katchmirr Russell and Sophia Parker, represented Frensham at the 2017 Association of Heads of Independent Girls’ Schools (AHIGS) Festival of Speech. The Festival was hosted by Tara, Parramatta. Twenty-nine independent girls’ schools participated in the event, with 14 Frensham students from Years 8-11, competing in a variety of sections including: Public Speaking, Poetry, Readings, Current Affairs, and Religious and Ethical Questions.

The ability to speak confidently is a vital tool for communicating with others. The Festival provides students with a public forum in which they can compete in the intellectually rigorous processes of composing and delivering persuasively informed arguments and selecting and reciting texts in a way that demonstrates understanding and originality of interpretation. All sections of the competition provide students with the opportunity to explore issues and ideas deeply and to develop their confidence and hone their presentation skills.

Year 8 student, Madeleine Mulligan, in the Junior Readings category, was commended for her ‘natural delivery’.

Public speaking requires courage and commitment and we congratulate all competitors for their time, thinking, teamwork and preparation in representing the school at this prestigious event: Religious and Ethical Questions: Ella Pratt, Philipa Steedman, Alice Battcock and Reserve, Stella Wilde; Current Affairs Team: Nina Jephcott, Chloe Hickson, Isabella Camilleri and Reserve, Celia Battcock; Senior Public Speaking: Sophia Parker; Junior Public Speaking: Mia Horsfall; Senior Poetry: Katchmirr Russell; Junior Poetry: Caitlin Quinn; Senior Reading: Isabella Allen; Junior Reading: Madeleine Mulligan.

Ms Jennie Mickle, Director of English

Drama Rehearsals for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast have commenced under the direction of Ms Shannon and Mr Spencer. This is a wonderful story, with uplifting and emotional songs that are bound to entertain and delight people of all ages. The girls are learning new songs and dances each week and their commitment to the rehearsal process is commendable. We are conscious of the time commitment involved and are taking care to make the process equitable for all. We would like to thank all parents and staff for their support and look forward to the four performances during Jamieson Week at the end of the school year.

Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama

French For students, especially those sitting the HSC within a fortnight, French has been studied carefully, revised and consolidated over the recent vacation and during the last two weeks at school. After the recent vacation, the younger girls are quickly recalling their adjectival agreements, verb conjugations, partitive articles, imperatives, emphatic pronouns. Students in the

Pictured: (Centre) Georgia Shakeshaft, Winner of the NSW State Public Speaking Final with supporters, Eleanor Swan (left) and Mia Shakeshaft (right).

16

middle years have rapidly picked up the thread of some challenging topics -- including pronouns and the range of past, present and future tenses -- and are particularly motivated by the prospect of examinations in Weeks 5 and 6. Meanwhile, the Year 12 candidates of 2018 anticipate taking their first HSC Assessment later in the term so have much to focus upon, while Year 12, 2017 are following advice to work little but often at their French in the lead-up to the examination to keep their knowledge, skills and understanding fluent, vibrant and varied for their performance at the HSC.

Bon courage à toutes, et surtout à celles de la classe du HSC de 2017!

Mme Mary Kidner, Teacher of French

Latin HSC Students have studied carefully, revised and consolidated their knowledge during and after the vacation period in preparation for their examinations on Friday 27 October.

Term 4 is also examination time for Year 10 in Week 5 and Year 9 in Week 6. Year 10 will soon be completing revision exercises practising the grammatical constructions and vocabulary they have met this semester as well as translating extended passages and undertaking comprehension exercises. The Civilisation topic being examined is the life of Julius Caesar.

Year 8 students’ major work this term is a Civilisation project on Roman Gods and Goddesses with selected students presenting to other members of their class at the end of Week 6.

Year 12, 2018 students anticipate their first HSC Assessment later in the term so have much to focus upon. They have started work on the prescribed HSC poetry text: Virgil’s Aeneid Book 2, the story with which they are already somewhat familiar from last year and will soon be commencing the prose text: Cicero’s speech defending a Greek poet, Licinius Archias, who was accused of not being a Roman citizen.

Ms Liz Stephenson, Teacher of Latin

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) The HSC examinations are now over for students of Modern History, Ancient History and History Extension, with Economics and Business Studies still to come. Faculty staff have found that students have been willing to ‘go the extra mile’ in their preparations for the examinations, including meetings with teachers to clarify content and answering questions in practice papers.

Studies highlights Senior courses for the 2018 HSC course are continuing. Modern History students are examining aspects of the First World War and Ancient History students are examining the nature of government in Ancient Sparta. History extension students are investigating aspects of the nature of History, including sources, methodology and the role played by context in an historians’ choice in the creation of a ‘history’. Economics students are examining the Global Economy, in particular the current threats by the US to revert to policies of protectionism and the impact this could have on the global economy. Business Studies are continuing their study of Human Resource Management, focusing on acquisition, development and maintenance and separation of employees. Geography students are studying ecosystems that are at risk, examining vulnerability and resilience of these ecosystems and how they can be protected and managed.

Frensham students have been asked to provide a short address at the Remembrance Day service at Mittagong RSL. This is an important civic duty carried out by Frensham students, and their participation is welcomed by the Mittagong RSL sub-branch.

On Thursday 26 October, Year 10 students enjoyed a session with veterans of the Vietnam War. This is an annual event for Frensham and the veterans discussed their experiences and talked about the difficulties they faced both during and after the war. We appreciate their willingness to volunteer their time with the students, particularly as veterans of the 20th century wars are sadly diminishing in numbers.

Mr Stephen Clarke, Head of HSIE

Jamieson Programme The Jamieson Programme is built on the belief that … “The very experience of being confronted by physical, intellectual and emotional challenges in a stimulating environment is inherently exciting and immensely rewarding.”

The Cambridge International Examination is part of the University of Cambridge: “We prepare school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.”

17

Year 7: This term, students are composing Shadow Books for the incoming Year 7 students, as well as continuing their study of Frensham history.

Year 9: Last Thursday afternoon, Year 9 students participated in their final Fitness Testing activity for 2017. The girls completed the Beep Test, standing long jump and a short sprint activity and the majority of students have made some improvements in their results over the course of the year.

We are delighted that the former MP Katrina Hodgkinson will address students on Thursday 26 October on Women in Politics. Much time has been spent in preparation for the Cambridge IGCSE examination in the course Global Perspectives, which takes place in Week 4. Students are completing past papers, under timed conditions, reviewing ‘Marking Guidelines’ and examining ‘Sample Answers’. Teachers are also expanding students’ knowledge and understanding of the United Nations ‘Sustainable Development Goals (2015 -2030).

Mrs Merrilee Harris, Jamieson Programme Coordinator

Mathematics A huge number of mathematics questions have been solved this year by the Year 12 cohort that has enabled them to approach their final examination paper this week with confidence. Hours have been spent learning formulae, applying knowledge to unfamiliar questions and tackling examination technique. They have been diligent in the development of their mathematical thinking and mathematics teachers have thoroughly enjoyed working with them as they pursued excellence in the subject.

This week was also an exciting time for Mathematics Club which was organised by the new student leaders for 2018, Jessica Latimer and Gabrielle Steiner. Girls were given the opportunity to work with students in different year groups to solve a variety of problems in a treasure hunt forum.

Year 10 will be sitting for their examinations in Week 5, and Year 9 examinations are in Week 6, with revision and preparation well under way.

Mrs Yvette Semler, Head of Mathematics

Music Year 10 Music students enjoyed their Meet the Music concert at the Opera House last week. Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.3 was very dramatic, but Brett Dean’s Fire Music was wonderful as a showcase for the orchestra. Our seats were in a box overlooking the stage, so the girls had a bird’s-eye view of some of Fire Music’s unusual instrumentation.

String Players will benefit from a workshop with one of Australia’s premiere early music ensembles, the Australian Haydn Ensemble. The Kennedy Strings have been rehearsing a Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins (Op.3, No.8); the visiting professionals will spend two hours with them, enriching their understanding of appropriate stylistic interpretation, phrasing and dynamics.

The 2017 HSC Music students at Frensham completed the practical components of the courses last term, and have now completed their written examinations. Both papers were very fair and well received by students. Charlotte Bernays has also been nominated to perform at the HSC Encore Concert at the Opera House early next year.

Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music

Science

Each year, the Australian Science Olympiad examinations are offered to Year 11 Science students by Australian Science Innovations. These examinations test skills in the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science and Physics. Certificates are awarded on the basis of a student’s rank as follows: top 10% - High Distinction; next 20% - Distinction; next 30% - Credit. Nine Year 11 students from Frensham chose to challenge themselves across a range of disciplines this year and achieved the following excellent results: Biology (1,765 entrants): Distinction: Stella Lowden; Credit: Celia Battcock, Chloe Hickson, Ella Pratt, Sabrina Stephenson; Chemistry (2,066 entrants): Distinction: Jessica Latimer; Credit: Stella Lowden, Gabrielle Steiner; Physics (1,669 entrants): Credit: Jessica Latimer and Sophia Parker.

Year 12, 2018 Chemistry students have commenced their HSC course this term studying the Production of Materials. Students are learning about ethylene and its properties. Polyethylene is one of the many useful products into which ethylene can be transformed. Students used the molecular model kits to model the polymerisation process. In this topic, students will also learn about the potential use of cellulose as a raw material to build petrochemicals.

18

Year 12 Biology students are studying the topic Blueprint of Life beginning with a study of Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection. Students have been examining the evidence for evolution including comparative anatomy, comparative embryology and DNA-DNA Hybridisation. They are also working towards the completion of their first assessment task which is a firsthand investigation into the effect of environment on phenotype. Students have chosen different environmental factors that might affect the phenotype of plants and have set up controlled experiments to test them.

Year 8 students have now completed their group project to build model sustainable houses with some outstanding designs.

Mrs Alison Andrew, Head of Science

Agriculture & Show Cattle Team Training has begun with senior students weighing the steers on Tuesday afternoons and commencing the process to teach the steers to lead and 28 junior girls continuing the process on Thursday afternoons with lots of extra grooming.

The steers have been provided by the following breeders: two Highland steers from Durness Highland Fold, Joadja, being prepared by Juniors; two Angus steers from Eccleston Park, Sutton Forest, prepared by Grace Halliday (Year 11) and Dimity Crowe (Year 9); an Angus from Wyagdon Angus Stud, Wiagdon, prepared by Augusta Wyrzykowski (Year 10); an Angus steer from KO Angus Stud, Kangaloon, prepared by Alice Hayes (Year 9); an Angus steer from Milong Angus Stud, Young, prepared by Daisy Latimer (Year 9); a Limousin steer from Spring Creek Limousins, Kiama, prepared by Olivia Salkeld (Year 10); and two Simmental steers from Wormbete Simmentals, Illabo, being prepared by Miriam Hopkins (Year 9) and Isabella Ross (Year 10).

With the imminent arrival of a group of Hyline pullets in preparation for the egg laying competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show next year, space needs to be made in the chicken pen at the Ag Plot. Frensham Agriculture has laying hens for sale – please contact me if you are interested in purchasing some of our quiet, friendly and very productive hens.

Ms Leonie Mutch, Co-ordinator of Agriculture

L-R: Year 12 Chemistry Students: Stella Lowden, Jessica Latimer, Nina Jephcott, SabrinaStephenson, Sophia Parker and Gabrielle Steiner with the polyethylene they have constructed.

Year 12 students Sabrina Stephenson (left) testing the effect of music on the growth of mint and Celia Battcock testing the effect of soil type on the growth of capsicums.

19

PDHPE NESA published a news item entitled PDHPE: Linking Physical Activity to Improved Academic Performance. This article reinforced the connection between regular exercise and physical activity and improvement in children and young people’s cognitive abilities and academic performance, in addition to the immediate and long-term health and wellbeing benefits they experience.

The research suggests young people who are more physically active are better able to focus their attention on tasks, have improved working memory, are quicker to perform simple tasks, and have better problem-solving skills than those who are less active. Being ‘fit for the future’ – both mentally and physically – is part of the Frensham culture, as well as the Sport programme offered to students. In PDHPE classes, Years 7-10, students explore:

the interaction of cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual components of health;physical activity levels for health and fitness;participation in lifelong physical activities and the potential benefits;the benefits of a balanced lifestyle that includes rest, sleep and physical activity;a range of positive management strategies to support good health.

Year 12 PDHPE students sat their HSC examination last Thursday 19 October and were pleased with the content of the paper. Year 11 students are currently studying the Sports Medicine option and have completed identification and management of soft and hard tissue injuries, as well as strategies for prevention of injury.

Ms Janene van Gogh, Acting Head of PDHPE

Sport IGSSA Sport The IGSSA Competition for Touch is well underway, with 19 Frensham teams playing each Saturday morning. Girls are reminded that they should wear football boots during matches to prevent ankle injuries caused by slipping.

The Water Polo competition has also started, with five teams training at The Centenary Pool each Saturday morning.

Miss Erin Gray, Acting Head of Sport

Equestrian Berry Interschools During the October long weekend, a team of seven riders from Years 7 to 9 competed successfully at the Berry Interschools Competition. Placings were as follows: - Chloe Garcia (Year 7): 2nd in the 90cm Immediate Jump Off (Group 2); 5th in the 75cm Challenge; 1st in the Intermediate

Rider class; 1st in the Intermediate Bare Back class; 1st in the Intermediate Presentation class; 1st in the Intermediate BestEducated class and 4th in the Intermediate Ridden Hack.

- Paris Ow-Yang (Year 7): 1st in the 105cm Immediate Jump Off and 2nd in the 90cm Fault ’n’ Out and Reserve ChampionSecondary Rider.

- Ivy Hayes (Year 8 ) placed 4th in the Preliminary 1.3 Dressage test; 5th in the105cm Immediate Jump Off and 3rd in the 105cm Super Phase.

- Anna Rickwood (Year 8) placed 1st in the 90cm Immediate Jump Off (Group1).

- Rebecca Muller (Year 9) 4th in the Preliminary 1.2 Dressage test; 3rd in 80cmHunter class and received placings in all Show Jumping rounds (90cm). Shewas placed 3rd Overall in her Year Group

- Alexandra Broun (Year 9) placed 1st in the 60cm Super Phase and Fault ’n’out; 4th in the 60cm Immediate Jump Off; 1st in the Novice Ridden Hack; 1st inthe Novice Rider class; 2nd in the Novice Best Educated class and 4th in theNovice Bare Back class.

- Cordelia Bell (Year 9) placed 3rd in the 60cm Challenge; 3rd in the Open LargeHack class and 5th in the Open Best Educated class.

Ginger Kennett (Year 9) [pictured right], winner of the Individual CVI Junior 2* class at the Equestrian Australia Vaulting Championships at Sydney CVI (28 September-1 October), with a qualifying score for Junior World Championships. Miss Victoria Akins, Equestrian Coordinator

20

Visual Arts/Design & Technology In Week 5, students of Year 10 Visual Arts will complete a one-hour written examination, assessing their understanding of aspects of art criticism and history. In Week 6, Year 9 students will also complete a one-hour written examination.

When setting both the Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts examination papers, we do have in mind what students are required to do when completing responses to Stage 6 Visual Arts examination questions. In both Years 11 and 12, students are presented with questions which require shorter responses (for example 15 minutes), and six questions (from which they choose one) which require an extended response. In the extended response, students draw upon content studied during the course, whilst in the shorter responses, they analyse source material (images and text) to demonstrate their applied understanding of the syllabus content areas of Practice, the Conceptual Framework and the Frames.

Both Year 9 and Year 10 Stage 5 examinations have some purposeful similarity with the structure of Stage 6 examinations. In these examinations, students are required to complete three shorter responses of 10 minutes each, using source material such as images of artworks and text. These questions assess students’ applied understanding of both Practice and the Frames. They are also required to complete an extended 30 minute response, linked to the Conceptual Framework, which assesses their understanding of specific aspects of content covered during the year. Similar to Stage 6 Visual Arts examinations, both Year 9 and Year 10 examinations use seen and unseen source material to assess understanding. Thus, we believe we are creating a pathway through from Stage 5 to Stage 6 when assessing aspects of art criticism and history. The examinations test both the students’ understanding of Stage 5 content while teaching them some of the skills and techniques needed for Stage 6 examinations.

Both the Year 9 and 10 examinations are written by the faculty, and as such are tailored to assess content taught across the courses. In these early weeks of Term 4, in the lead up to the examinations, a highly structured study and revision programme is undertaken, with individual lessons addressing specific parts of the papers. We believe this allows students to prepare thoroughly and confidently to perform to their potential in this component of the subject.

Mr Phil Alldis, Head of Visual Arts and Design