Year 12 Surfing Camp
The Year 12 Physical Education students have just returned from an unforgettable experience; a surfing camp at Middleton Beach focussing on sports psychology and the use of the Dynamic Systems theory. The camp was an excellent opportunity for the students to collect data for the assessment, learn in the real world how the mental aspect of sport is applied, and understand how the Dynamic Systems theory applies to learning new skills.
Throughout the camp, students applied the principles of sports psychology and Dynamic Systems theory to their surfing practice. They learned about goal setting, visualisation, and positive self-talk, and how these techniques can improve their performance in the water. Students learned how to adapt their surfing technique to the changing conditions of the environment and the task, such as their body position, balance, and the waves’ movement. The students left the camp with a newfound appreciation for the mental and physical aspects of surfing. They have developed their skills and confidence, collected data and enriched their learning in a ‘real world’ context, while deepening their understanding of the principles of sports psychology and Dynamic Systems theory. They also had the benefit of strengthening their friendships away from the College and had an incredible time experiencing the joys of surfing and the beauty of South Australia.
Raymond Kropinski
Director of Teaching and Learning
Student Leaders Represent Kildare
Investing in developing our student leaders’ skills is an important aspect of an all-girls’ education and recently our Senior Years’ leaders attended the GRIP Leadership Conference and the National Young Leaders Day.
Students learnt about the concept that it is natural to think of ‘self-first’ but leaders need to shift their thinking to ‘others first’. They were able to participate and collaborate with students from other schools across South Australia and challenge the stereotypes around leadership. They discussed how to shift from commanding and assertive leadership to kind, self-aware and inclusive leadership. The students were able to participate and engage in a number of workshops on offer, such as ‘How to make every student feel valued’, ‘How to get everybody participating in big events’ and ‘How to replace conflict with unity’.
As well as participating in a variety of workshops, students also had the opportunity to listen to high profile Australians speaking about their leadership journey, including their challenges and successes, and providing insight about what it takes to make and be a great leader. Students were encouraged to reflect on what impact they can make.
It was great to see our student leaders engaged and enthusiastic about how they can implement principles learnt throughout the workshops at the College. We look forward to seeing their growth over 2023 and beyond.
Rachel Gregor
Chanel House Leader
On Friday the 17 March, Kildare College Year 10 Student Leaders attended the Halogen National Young Leaders Day at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The students had the opportunity to listen to, and meet, four guest speakers including Anthony “Harries” Carroll, Bondi Rescue Lifesaver, Jodie Oddie and Andrew Hayes, Nova 919 Radio Presenters, Nathun Luff, Children’s Author and Gemma Houghton, AFLW Port Adelaide Player. The guest speakers recounted their journeys, and the different forms leadership can take. The story of Gemma Houghton particularly resonated with our students, as she spoke of her experience as a female professional athlete, in a male dominated sport and the challenges she faced after injury. Gemma encouraged students to set clear goals, never give up, and ask for help when they need.
This leadership day was a great way for our students to explore who they aspire to be as a leader and to consider the kinds of things they want to achieve.
Laura Fullgrabe
Brigid House Leader
Ecosystems and Biodiversity in Year 11
Studying ecosystems and biodiversity is a fundamental part of Stage 1 Biology in the SACE curriculum. It allows students to understand the interconnectedness of living organisms and the environment, as well as the impact that humans have on these systems. To enhance their learning experience, a visit to a marine ecosystem at Port Noarlunga provided students with the opportunity to explore species adaptations, interactions, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on the ecosystem.
The purpose of the excursion was to provide students with a hands-on experience in observing and identifying different marine species and their habitats. Students learnt about the complex relationships between species in the ecosystem and how human activities can have significant impacts on these relationships. The visit also enabled students to appreciate the importance of biodiversity and the need to conserve it for the benefit of future generations.
During the excursion, students engaged in a range of activities such as snorkelling and reef walking which enabled them to experience the diverse marine ecosystem firsthand. They also had the opportunity to interact with experts who provided insights into current issues related to marine biodiversity conservation.
Through this excursion, students gained a deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity and the impact that human activities have on marine ecosystems. They also learnt about the efforts being made to protect and conserve these fragile environments. Overall, the excursion to Port Noarlunga provided a valuable opportunity for Stage 1 Biology students to learn, engage, and appreciate the wonders of the marine ecosystem.
Marie Booth
Science and STEM Curriculum Coordinator
