Year 6 STEM Enrichment – Rocketman

Year 6 students from St Bernard’s and St Mary’s Primary schools have been engaging in a STEM enrichment program this term at Carroll College. “Rocketman” Bottle Rocket project has been developed by the college to provide an insight into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 

The STEM enrichment initiative is a great way to demonstrate the different aspects of the STEM process leading to the development of an innovative solution to a aerodynamics problem. Students engaged in three lessons that focused on Design, Construct and Test.

Today was the culmination of three days (test day) of enrichment and as a result, the students were to successfully launch their rocket designs at Carroll College. Congratulations to all our students for their amazing rocket designs. This program will continue next term with a new group of students from both the primary schools.

Maximising Your Study Efficiency: The 80-20 Rule

Are you tired of spending countless hours on assignments only to realise that much of that time was wasted on unnecessary tasks? It's time to work smarter, not harder, and the key lies in understanding the 80-20 rule.

The 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of results come from just 20% of efforts. How can you apply this principle to your studies? Let's break it down.

1. Choose the Right Goal: Before diving into any task, it's crucial to identify your goal. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this assignment? Focus on the 20% of goals that will yield 80% of the desired results. For instance, if your goal is to write a persuasive essay, identify the key points or arguments that will make the most impact.
2. Choose the Right Task: Not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks contribute significantly more to your goals than others. Prioritise tasks based on their importance and relevance to your objectives. If research is consuming too much of your time, consider focusing on the essential sources and information that directly support your main arguments.
3. Choose the Right Action or Strategy: Once you've established your goals and tasks, it's time to determine the most effective actions or strategies to achieve them. Break down your tasks into actionable steps and concentrate on the 20% of actions that will generate 80% of your desired outcomes. For example, if you're studying for an exam, identify the key concepts or topics that are likely to appear and allocate more time to mastering them.

Remember, every task consists of three components: the destination (goal), the route (plan), and the action (steps). By focusing on the critical 20% of each component, you can optimise your study approach for maximum efficiency and results.

In your academic journey, prioritise activities that align with your goals and contribute the most to your success. By adopting the 80-20 mindset, you'll not only save time but also achieve better outcomes with less effort.

So, the next time you embark on a study session or tackle an assignment, think about the 80-20 method of working smarter, not harder. Identify the tasks and actions that truly matter, and focus on these.

Year 12 Reports

Year 12 Reports have been released this week for both parents and students. Can I please encourage students to reflect on their results and consider the feedback for each subject. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning goals and take stock of their achievements this term. Congratulations on making it halfway through the final year.

Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal