From the Academic Enrichment Co-ordinator, Stephanie Boyce
ICAS English – June
“ICAS Writing is an English language writing test perfect for assessing a student’s writing skills. This skills-based assessment gives teachers a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses in their students’ writing ability. With annual participation, over time this writing competition provides valuable insights for both the individual student as they progress in their studies, and schools as they compare the performance of students in the current year against previous years.” – ICAS, 2018
Any students from 7-11 who are interested are to see Angela Holmes (Assistant Head of English) for a permission note (aholmes@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
Write a Book in a Day – 9th and 10th June
Write a Book in a Day is a unique, creative and challenging team competition for writers of all ages. Teams of up to 10 have just 12 hours to complete a book from start to finish. To make it even more fun, unique parameters must be included in the story. Select students from 7-10 will be participating.
For more information please contact Bill Roberts, Head of Library Services (wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
Premiers’ Reading Challenge
The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is available for all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 9, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools.
For more information please contact Bill Roberts, Head of Library Services, (wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
APSMO Mathematics Olympiads – Term 2 and 3
“The Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) is a not-for-profit, professional organisation that offers a range of mathematical competitions for students aged from around eight to 14. The programs are unique in that they focus on the students’ ability to solve mathematical problems in a creative manner – as opposed to simply reaching a solution using a prescribed method.” – APSMO, 2018
Year 7 and 8 Mathematics students have the opportunity to participate in the Math Olympiads every year. They will be sitting the competition on the following dates:
23rd May, 13th June, 25th July, 15th August, 12th September
For more information, please contact Lachlan Hillman, Assistant Head of Mathematics (lhillman@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
Enrichment in the Waverley Classroom
Students in Frank Mastroianni’s Year 7 class were encouraged to extend their learning through creative writing tasks. “The focus for Learning Enrichment is to expand knowledge laterally, ensuring the reward for hard work is NOT more hard work. Since Year 7 English classes are mixed ability, learning enrichment allows boys to work at their own pace… Learning Enrichment involves a writing activity with an aim to create sophistication and flair”, such as using figurative language (metaphors, similes, analogies, personification) all of which add variety and personality to creative writing.
Other competitions and events
STEAM Competitions and Challenges
Hour of Code
Students can create an online profile and access a range of different STEM tutorials, challenges, and resources
Grok Learning – July 30th
Students can compete in a range of computer coding and programming courses, alongside a competition where they compete with students from all around the world. Participants will receive online tutoring, a participation certificate, and their rank on a leaderboard. No experience required! A fantastic way for students to challenge themselves in an upcoming area with many job opportunities.
Australian Science Teachers Association: Expedition Class
An online platform with activities, challenges and research projects focussing on geography and science.
TAS Forensic Science Camp – 10th – 14th July 2018 (Year 8)
‘Boys and girls, from both government and independent schools in the city and the country, are divided into groups of four detectives. They then solve fictitious felonies using a range of forensic techniques, including microscopy, chromatography, fingerprint analysis, cryptography and general science.’
The camp is designed for Year 8 science students, and is held at TAS Armidale. Students need to send in a written application to be accepted as a competitor.
Australian National Chemistry Quiz – 2 August (Year 7-12)
Provides a major focus for secondary school students on the relevance of chemistry. Secondary students. Registrations opened 5 March 2018. Closing date for registration is 8 June 2018.
National Songwriting Competition – 18th July 2018
Every year, every student from every school across Australia is invited to put pen to paper and enter their original song for a chance to win prize-money that can be allocated towards musical equipment and tuition, as part of the ACMF’s annual National Songwriting Competition. Our annual National Songwriting Competition is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage creativity and self-expression through songwriting. “Songwriting is a highly creative process. We want kids to free their imagination and engage with learning in a fun way” – Don Spencer, Founder & CEO.
