Brisbane Boys' College 2020 Academic Report

2020

Academic Report

A New School of Thought Brisbane Boys’ College is a non-selective academic school where boys from Prep to Year 12 achieve personal excellence in a supportive, Christian and caring environment.

Our curriculum is designed to develop boys’ minds to be forward thinking and to assist them in exploring their passion and purpose in life.

Each boy is supported to reach their potential and take their place in the world as a confident and capable young man.

cultural pursuits assist boys to develop interests that complement their formal education and provide opportunities for them to challenge themselves and realise their potential.

By developing young graduates who not only have strong foundational knowledge, but who are also critical thinkers with creative and curious minds, BBC prepares young men to step confidently into life after school, ready to make a positive contribution to society and flourish in Our world is changing at an ever-increasing rate, their chosen careers. with burgeoning technologies disrupting almost Recognising that knowledge-based learning every part of our lives. Many current school is no longer enough, BBC has adopted an students are likely to graduate into jobs and innovative approach to education that integrates careers that have not yet been created, placing best-practice teaching and learning with the an onus on educators to embrace new ways of science of wellbeing, placing an emphasis on thinking and be open to change. In the face of building resilience and confidence. this change, it has never been more important to give boys a well-rounded approach to life as We refer to this approach as: part of their education. At BBC, our wide range A New School of Thought. of academic, sporting, co-curricular, service and

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

ACADEMIC REPORT /// 3

Academic Matters DR LEIGH HOBART | DEPUTY HEADMASTER – ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION (P-12) 2020 was an extraordinary year in many ways for many people, and the teachers at BBC responded with agility, hard work and sheer determination to ensure our boys’ learning continued without interruption. I recently heard someone say that high-quality teaching and learning is a ‘given’ at a school like BBC. I believe this is rather naive. True, a school like BBC has high expectations regarding learning, embraced by families and the community. However, teaching and learning at a school like BBC does not just happen. It involves a team of highly regarded professionals being committed to continuous learning, keeping abreast of the latest research, and innovating and improving what we do and how we do it so we can offer the best learning experience possible. A lot of effort and dedication goes into allowing this to happen – from recruiting the best educators to ensuring they are encouraged and supported to rise to and maintain excellence. The world has changed since many of us went to school. Learners have changed. Learning has changed. And teachers have responded in kind. Research and experience consistently proves that when we work together, using evidence to improve what we do, the outcomes and results are better for our students and in turn, for their families. 2020 has highlighted this, like no other year.

One of my highlights of 2020 was how our teaching team collectively responded to the global pandemic. Within tight timeframes, teachers engaged with professional learning to provide a Learning at Home program for our boys.

Never before in the history of education has an online model of learning been delivered to all Queensland students. This BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

change was significant for staff, students and parents and required a commitment to embrace the learning that comes from challenge.

Microsoft Teams was used as the online tool of choice based on quality evidence and in collaboration with our Technology Services Department. Superusers were trained to support their colleagues and time was dedicated at the end of Term 1 to implement and trial the new model. It was not easy, but teaching staff worked diligently, learned, adapted and helped each other, as we rose to the challenge to deliver continuity of learning, care and co-curricular activities through the Learning at Home program.

Thanks to our collective foresight, preparation and hard work, we transitioned to the online model without our boys missing a single day of scheduled tuition, positioning us as a leading example of how to deliver an exceptional educational service.

Staff were required to rethink their tried and tested ways of teaching and challenge themselves to develop new strategies, skills and ways of thinking to deliver quality teaching and learning through virtual classrooms.

The well-considered model, which had our whole-child approach to education at its core, enabled the continued delivery of teacher-led, quality instruction. Not only did we ensure curriculum requirements were met, we also included strategies to encourage critical thinking and problem solving, promote curiosity and creativity, and actively explore new ways to collaborate and communicate in an online environment.

Semester 1 results were impressive (as was the feedback from families) and the outcomes achieved are a testament to the ingenuity of our teachers and a mighty team effort.

The complexity of teaching is difficult to capture, however a consistent approach is foundational to ensure quality practice.

For many years, BBC has followed the pedagogical principles of the ‘Dimensions of Learning’ by Marzano. Over the years, Marzano has revised and adapted these dimensions to be reflected in new models. Other theorists have also added to our understanding of best practice. During 2020 we took the opportunity to revisit and build on the work of Marzano to develop a Pedagogical Framework that incorporated the latest research and was agile and context specific to the College’s priorities. This new framework holds at its heart, the boy, and his developing global competencies of creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, citizenship and character. From there, contemporary learning, learning domains, and teaching and learning practices emanate.

This major piece of behind-the-scenes work has provided a framework that teachers can use to inform, challenge and collaborate.

To provide opportunities to further develop global competencies, our activities week in Term 3 continued to evolve. Year 7 students worked with Shake & Stir to perform after one week of learning about Shakespeare. Parents and families enjoyed the performance through a recorded broadcast. Year 8 students had a wonderful time learning the history and geography of Brisbane (and about themselves) during their Amazing Adventure. Year 9 students joined the University of Queensland’s Idea Hub to ideate, create and present their innovations to a panel that included Steve Baxter (Shark Tank and Queensland’s previous Chief Entrepreneur) and Nathanial Simpson (OC 2003 and SAFe Program Consultant and Trainer). Year 10 students had a varied week listening to inspiring guest speaker Andrew Stark (OC 1993 and General Manager of World Surf League and Kelly Slater Wave Company Australia, Asia and Oceania), learning first aid, nutrition and driver safety, rogaining Brisbane streets, and visiting universities to explore pathways post school.

Providing excellence in literacy – particularly for boys ­– is an area of high interest. Following the success in our progress with literacy outcomes in the early years, writing was a focus for curriculum refinement during 2020 and continues to be in 2021. Responding to longitudinal data, research is being conducted by key literacy leaders in the College as part of an ISQ Middle Leaders Research Project. Further to this, teachers in Years 4 and 7 learned writing strategies from Write that Essay, which they have implemented in their classrooms, leading to promising results from students. All staff in this transdisciplinary area will receive further professional learning during 2021.

Building on the work of our Honours Research Committee, measures are in place to introduce our exciting new Honours Program in 2021. Evolving from the work of Gagne and GERRIC, combined with extensive research into programs around the globe, our Honours Program will be launched to students in Years 5, 7 and 10 in 2021, before being rolled out to additional year levels.

The academic program at BBC attracts the best and brightest boys from across Queensland, interstate and overseas. We are proudly a non-selective school and our Honours Program will further support our highest performing students to flourish and extend beyond what they thought possible. The program will become more bespoke as students progress through school, so they will be able to engage with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom through super curriculum offerings and an Honours Society in Senior School.

It takes collective effort to ensure the success of a school such as BBC and the College could not operate as effectively as it does without the commitment and enthusiasm of dedicated, hard-working and gifted teachers who build powerful working relationships with their students. We are proud of our boys and the results they have achieved, and acknowledge the work and dedication of our staff and families in supporting them to reach their goals.

ACADEMIC REPORT /// 5

CLASS OF 2020

Academic Achievements The Class of 2020 has made history by becoming the first cohort to graduate through the Senior Assessment Tertiary Entrance (SATE) system. They were the first full cohort of Prep, the first Year 7s into High School and the first group to receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) rather than an Overall Position (OP) in Queensland.

The ATAR is used for university entrance and the highest ranking on the 2,000 point scale is 99.95, with increments of 0.05.

Our Class of 2020 results once again place BBC among the top performing academic schools in Queensland and are a credit to the hard work and steadfast commitment of our graduating class. The College also acknowledges the important partnership with parents and guardians and thanks them for the invaluable role they played in supporting their sons through years of schooling.

Equally, it is appropriate to acknowledge our committed teaching staff who have educated, inspired, engaged, challenged and supported our graduating class throughout their BBC journey.

The College would also like to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Matthew Chen, Cody (Shaoqing) Fang and Max Foreman who received the highest possible ATAR of 99.95. They were three of only 30 Year 12 students across the state to achieve the top result.

Notwithstanding their commendable ATAR results, it is also important to recognise the many competencies and qualities of the Class of 2020 that are not measured by a number. Our boys responded to the challenges of their senior year with creativity, initiative, persistence, adaptability and confidence.

Our College has been enriched by their contributions and leadership.

As this formative chapter of their life comes to an end, we wish them well knowing that their time at BBC has instilled in them the knowledge, skills, faith and wisdom to stride confidently into their future.

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) released the following results* for our Class of 2020: • 9.3% of students received an ATAR of 99 and above* • 24.7% of students received an ATAR of 95 and above* • 44.7% of students received an ATAR of 90 and above* • The median score was 88.30 (the ATAR of the middle student).

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

* This information is based on data available to the College from the 84% of students who applied for tertiary entrance into university and consented to share their information with the school.

CLASS OF 2020 RESULTS SNAPSHOT TOP ATAR

99.95

MATTHEW CHEN, CODY FANG AND MAX FOREMAN

24.7%

of students in the top 5% ATAR OF 95+

44.7%

9.3%

of students in the top 1% ATAR OF 99+

of students in the top 10% ATAR OF 90+

MEDIAN ATAR

88.30

(the ATAR of the middle student)

These boys represent

3 OF 30

YEAR 12 STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE THE TOP RESULT IN QLD

This information is based on data available to the College from the 84% of students who applied for tertiary entrance into university and consented to share their information with the school. An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used for university entrance. The highest ranking on the 2,000 point scale is 99.95, with increments of 0.05.

16%

OF STUDENTS

received early offers from QUT and Griffith University

KEY STUDY AREAS Architecture and Building

Creative Arts

Management and Commerce

5.5% 7.75% 22.75%

UNIVERSITY PREFERENCES 1. University of Queensland (UQ) 2. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 3. Griffith University 4. James Cook University (JCU) 5. Central Queensland University (CQU) / University of Sunshine Coast (USC) / SAE Creative Media

Natural and Physical Sciences

13.15%

18.5% 13.75%

Society and Culture

Health 18.5%

Engineering ACADEMIC REPORT /// 7

CLASS OF 2020

Scholar Profiles Each year scholars from the previous graduating class are invited back to the College for a special ceremony to recognise their academic achievements.

This long-standing tradition gave the BBC community an opportunity to celebrate the graduates who achieved an ATAR of 95 or greater.

MICHAEL ADAMS

ABDULLA AL-GHABBAN

HOUSE: WESLEY 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 96.05

HOUSE: WHELLER 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 96.25

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering University of Queensland

Bachelor of Biomedical Science Griffith University

CAMERON ANDREW

CHINMAYA BAMBAH

House Prefect

House Prefect

HOUSE: WESLEY 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 97.35

HOUSE: BIRTLES 5 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 8 ATAR RESULT: 99.35

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science University of Queensland

Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics University of Queensland

HENRY BATT

LUCAS BREE

HOUSE: FLYNN 8 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5 ATAR RESULT: 96.60

HOUSE: FLYNN 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 97.00

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering University of Queensland

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science University of Queensland

THOMAS BUNZLI

BLAISE CAMPBELL

House Prefect

Spiritual Life Prefect

HOUSE: KNOX 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 96.70

HOUSE: HAMILTON 10 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 3 ATAR RESULT: 99.25

Bachelor of Computer Science / Bachelor of Laws University of Queensland

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics University of Queensland

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

MATTHEW CHEN

JACK CORNISH

COLLEGE DUX | Spiritual Life Prefect

House Prefect

HOUSE: KNOX 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 99.55

HOUSE: HAMILTON 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 99.30

Bachelor of Science University of Melbourne (Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipient)

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) University of Queensland

JACK DAVIES

GAVIRU DEVENDRA

House Prefect

Social Action Prefect

HOUSE: KNOX, COLE 4 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 9 ATAR RESULT: 97.05

HOUSE: HAMILTON 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 99.55

Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours) University of Queensland

Doctor of Medicine (MD) University of Queensland

MAX EVANS

CODY (SHAOQING) FANG

House Prefect

Spiritual Life Prefect

HOUSE: HAMILTON, COLE 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 96.40

HOUSE: MCKENZIE 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 99.95

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours) University of Queensland

Bachelor of Science University of Melbourne (Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipient)

MAX FOREMAN

ANGUS GOFFAGE

VALEDICTORIAN | Academic Prefect

HOUSE: RUDD 3 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 10 ATAR RESULT: 99.95

HOUSE: WESLEY 10 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 3 ATAR RESULT: 95.75

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) University of Queensland

Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours) University of Queensland

ALISTER GOMERSALL

JACK HAM

COLLEGE CAPTAIN

HOUSE: HAMILTON 9 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 4 ATAR RESULT: 96.30

HOUSE: WESLEY 8 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5 ATAR RESULT: 97.70

Bachelor of Arts University of Queensland

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Computer Science University of Queensland

ACADEMIC REPORT /// 9

TYNAN JONES

BAYLEY JUDSON House Prefect

HOUSE: FLYNN 8 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5 ATAR RESULT: 98.05

HOUSE: KNOX 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 98.95

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering University of Queensland

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business Management University of Queensland

MICHAEL KIBSGAARD

HEQIAN LI

HOUSE: BIRTLES 5 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 8 ATAR RESULT: 99.55

HOUSE: WHELLER 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 96.65

Bachelor of Computer Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) University of Queensland

Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Laws University of Queensland

ETHAN LO

JACK MANN

Performing Arts Prefect

HOUSE: MCKENZIE 13 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN PREP ATAR RESULT: 99.75

HOUSE: KNOX 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 95.50

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering University of Queensland

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) University of Queensland

LACHLAN MARSCHKE

HUGO PERCEVAL

House Prefect

House Prefect

HOUSE: FLYNN 9 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 4 ATAR RESULT: 97.15

HOUSE: RUDD 4 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 9 ATAR RESULT: 99.25

Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) University of Queensland

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Commerce University of Queensland

ROHAN RATANJEE

TOM ROFF

HOUSE: MCKENZIE 8 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5 ATAR RESULT: 98.40

HOUSE: HAMILTON 9 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 4 ATAR RESULT: 96.85

Bachelor of Biomedical Science University of Queensland

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) University of Queensland

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

LOUIS RYAN

ANGUS SCROGGIE

Peer Support Prefect

Academic Prefect

HOUSE: HAMILTON 13 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN PREP ATAR RESULT: 99.15

HOUSE: MCKENZIE 8 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5 ATAR RESULT: 99.10

Equestrian Athlete

Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Science University of Queensland

RILEY SINGER

JAMES TALKINGTON

HOUSE: MCKENZIE 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 98.80

HOUSE: FLYNN 13 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN PREP ATAR RESULT: 98.85

Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Medicine (MD) University of Queensland

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering University of Queensland

FINN TREBILCOCK

NATHAN TSANG House Prefect

HOUSE: BIRTLES 9 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 4 ATAR RESULT: 99.00

HOUSE: FLYNN 8 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5 ATAR RESULT: 96.15

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering University of Queensland

Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) University of Queensland

BENJAMIN WARD

COLIN WILLCOCKS

COLLEGE VICE-CAPTAIN

Performing Arts Prefect

HOUSE: MCKENZIE 9 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 4 ATAR RESULT: 99.25

HOUSE: WHELLER 2 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 11 ATAR RESULT: 97.10

Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Economics Australian National University (ANU) All-Rounder Scholarship Recipient

Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) Queensland University of Technology

MATTHEW ZHAO COLLEGE DUX | Academic Prefect

HOUSE: BIRTLES 6 YEARS AT BBC JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7 ATAR RESULT: 98.60 Doctor of Medicine (MD) University of Queensland

ACADEMIC REPORT /// 11

Outstanding ICAS achievements At BBC, we believe that while knowledge-based learning is important, it is no longer enough. We need to teach our students how to be critical thinkers. Not only to solve problems but to recognise them in the first place. We want our students to be curious and creative; to acquire skills, knowledge and understanding, each and every day, so they can move confidently into the world and make a positive contribution to society in whatever field they choose.

The College engages annually with the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) assessment program to establish external data on all our students, which serves as a comparison to the internal assessment data, derived from school-based assessment.

ICAS is an independent, skills-based assessment program recognising and rewarding student achievement. It is the most comprehensive generally available suite of academic assessments for primary and secondary school students, covering English, Science, Mathematics, Spelling and Writing elements.

Solomon Hawkings (Year 7)

Matthew Deighton (Year 10)

Ferrell Dong (Year 4)

William Andrews (Year 10)

Junran (Lucas) Tian (Year 7)

Oliver Smith (Year 7)

Students who achieve the top score in each subject, within each year level, are awarded a medal and a medal winner’s certificate.

ICAS Science Medals Solomon Hawkings (Year 7) Matthew Deighton (Year 10) ICAS Mathematics Medals Ferrell Dong (Year 4) Oliver Smith (Year 7) Junran (Lucas) Tian (Year 7) William Andrews (Year 10)

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

Learning How To Learn ONLINE COURSE MR DOMINIC PIACUN | SENIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

“…To stay ahead, you need to focus on your ability to continuously adapt, engage with others in that process, and most importantly retain your core sense of identity and values. For students, it’s not just about acquiring knowledge, but about how to learn. “…We should remember that intellectual complacency is not our friend and that learning, not just new things but new ways of thinking, is a life-long endeavour.”

BLAIR SHEPPARD | GLOBAL LEADER: STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE: THE COMPETING FORCES SHAPING 2030

Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has found a learner’s belief in their own efficacy is the strongest single predictor of whether they will adopt strategies that make learning effective (PISA 2018 Results). Further to this, as described in the report, Workforce of the Future: The Competing Forces Shaping 2030, developed by global professional services firm PWC, adaptability is a core skill our children need to master as they forge their own path in this ever-changing world.

Learning How to Learn is available to BBC Students via Highlands. The course features four easily digested modules and a quiz at the end of each module. Topics include What is learning, Procrastination and sleep, Proven learning strategies and Putting it all together. Students can access the course at any time to refer back to the resources and refresh their understanding as needed.

We know that when students have an opportunity to direct their own learning, understand the learning process and feel confident using the best learning strategies, they will be better placed to adapt to the changing world and thrive as their future unfolds before them.

• proven learning strategies used by successful people in a variety of different fields

An innovative online course has been launched to help BBC Senior School students use proven learning strategies. The Learning How to Learn course complements an on-campus learning strategy and exam technique workshops and lectures to equip students with learning the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.

• tips to maximise use of their time

When students complete the course, they are equipped with:

• useful strategies to quash procrastination, including the Pomodoro Technique and Ivy Lee method • different ways to think about learning • best learning strategies for even the toughest concepts.

ACADEMIC REPORT /// 13

Mastering Academic Talent Development BBC HONOURS PROGRAM FOR HIGHLY ABLE STUDENTS INTRODUCED IN 2021 A BBC education is designed to challenge boys to think critically, engage their curiosity and foster a global outlook. While not an academically selective school, BBC is an academic institution that strives for excellence.

“Our Honours Program engages high performing and high potential students from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, allowing for academic extension, enrichment and acceleration.

The College’s commitment to knowing each boy and his learning needs, coupled with extensive access to data and student tracking tools, enables staff to identify students who require extra support or challenges to enhance their learning.

“Classes provide opportunities for problem-based enquiry and investigation, stimulating curiosity, interest and thought in an environment of like-minded scholars,” said Dr Hobart.

In an exciting innovation that builds on the College’s high-quality academic offerings, the BBC Honours Program was launched in 2021. This program provides an enriched curriculum as a catalyst for highly able students to fulfil their talent and realise their potential.

In line with the College’s New School of Thought approach to teaching and learning, Dr Leigh Hobart, Deputy Headmaster – Academic Performance and Innovation (P-12) says the program represents a new way of thinking, teaching and delivering academic talent development at BBC. BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

The Honours Program has been developed with student wellbeing in mind and will help shape academic talent into strength awareness and ultimately, mastery.

“A committee comprising staff, students and parents was established to research best practice and investigate practices around the world. In line with the committee’s findings, our BBC Honours Program draws heavily on the influence of Francoys Gagne and Joseph Renzulli – who are noted leaders in the field of gifted and talented education.

“The result is an Honours Program that creates an opportunity for our highest performing students to flourish and extend beyond what they thought possible,” said Dr Hobart.

Relevant teachers have received specialist training in how to best cater for gifted and talented students to support the teaching and learning demands of the program.

Interested students are invited to apply for entry into the program. Academic Scholarship recipients will automatically be considered. Suitability is determined by a number of factors, including academic performance and ranking, but also academic potential as evidenced by qualities such as conscientiousness, deliberate practice, love of learning, willpower and grit.

Launched to students in Years 5, 7 and 10 in 2021, the Honours Program will roll out to additional year levels over the next two years. The intention is it will be offered to highly able students across Years 5 to 12 by the end of 2022.

Students who are most likely to find the program beneficial will possess many of the following characteristics: •

Academic talent and a love of reading and learning

•

Superior language ability

•

Large knowledge base

•

Keen observation

•

Efficient and high-capacity memory

•

Superior reasoning and problem solving

•

Ability to engage in abstract, complex, logical and insightful thought

•

Mature sense of humour and enjoys playing with concepts and ideas

•

Committment to learning

Learn more about the BBC Honours Program by scanning this QR code with your smart phone camera

Junior School Honours Program

Middle School Honours Program

Senior School Honours Program

Offered to Year 5 in 2021; Years 5 and 6 in 2022

Offered to Year 7 in 2021; Years 8 and 9 in 2022

Offered to Year 10 in 2021; Years 11 and 12 in 2022

Designed to extend students who are high achievers in most of their subjects

Designed to extend students who are high achievers in most of their subjects and are performing, or have the potential to perform, in the top 15 percent of the state

Bespoke program tailored to the individual strengths of top performing students

Focus on enrichment, extension and problem-based enquiry Identified students offered acceleration opportunities in Mathematics and Science Students will be expected to represent the College in academic co-curricular activities such as the da Vinci Decathlon, Readers Cup and Future Problem Solving Program Classroom teacher(s) and the Gifted and Talented Coordinator will receive specialist training and mentor students to achieve their personal excellence goals

Enrichment classes will be offered in English, Maths, Science and multidisciplinary subjects such as STEM and Humanities/Arts Identified students offered acceleration opportunities in Mathematics Students will be expected to represent the College in academic co-curricular activities Students will be guided by a Senior School Student Academic Mentor and the Gifted and Talented Coordinator to establish personal excellence goals

Identified students encouraged to select extension and acceleration courses in English, Mathematics and Music Students will be mentored by a Senior Academic Staff Coach and the Gifted and Talented Coordinator to establish personal excellence goals Opportunities for tertiary study and practical experiences in partnership with industry connections Access to Honours Society super curriculum offerings

ACADEMIC REPORT /// 15

The Power of Progress CREATING A CULTURE OF CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT At BBC, we are committed to remaining open to new ways of thinking. We cannot be captive to past practices and complacent about the future or we will not be acting in the best interests of our students. If we are to remain at the forefront of boys’ education and develop the leaders of tomorrow, we must continue to innovate and be open to change, all while remaining true to our fundamental principles and values.

To ensure continual improvement in the quality of education we provide to our boys, and in the knowledge that however good a school is it should seek to continually improve itself, the College recently commissioned MMG Education – a consultancy specialising in school research and strategy development – to conduct a survey of all parents.

Feedback gathered will help inform our next phase of operational and strategic planning, and drive meaningful change and improvements for the benefit of all BBC boys. It will also enable us to benchmark our College against other like schools across Australia and track changes in performance over time.

The survey response rate was overwhelmingly positive, with a total of 725 parents completing the survey across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

Three key areas where parent expectations are being exceeded are: • • •

Focus on Student Wellbeing Co-Curricular Program Balanced Education / Quality Teaching (equal)

The purpose of the survey was to gain a deep and well-informed understanding of parents’ views of our performance across a variety of aspects relating to a BBC education.

MMG EDUCATION PARENT SURVEY RESULTS SNAPSHOT

Reasons for choosing BBC

MMG Education is a leader in tailored school stakeholder research and performance benchmarking. The MMG percentages listed provide a comparison of how BBC measures up against other like, independent schools. The benchmark of a top performing school is 80 per cent.

Scores of 80 per cent and above are an indicator of strong performance, which translates to high advocacy and school of first choice status.

2020 BBC parents - Overall satisfaction with Son’s Education at BBC Overall Satisfaction with Son’s Education at BBC

Parents were asked what was important to them in choosing our school for their children. The top 5 reasons were: 1. Quality of Teaching (97%) 2. Balanced Education (96%) 3. Focus on Student Wellbeing (96%) 4. The College’s Values (93%) 5. Facilities and Resources (91%)

2020 BBC parents - Overall satisfaction with the Academic Program Overall Satisfaction with the Academic Program

MMG

Junior School Middle School

Senior School Overall

85% 83%

80% 82%

MMG

Junior School

83%

Middle School

82%

Senior School Overall

79% 81%

In their words: Some parent responses from the survey “BBC provides a safe and appropriately challenging environment for our son that is fostering his independence and growth. As parents, we feel welcomed and part of the BBC community. We are associated with a school of which we can be proud, that reflects our values and stands tall in the wider community.”

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

“We entrusted the education of our son to the staff of the College. We are very grateful that there are so many passionate and talented staff who have been a part of shaping our son. Their support, encouragement and rapport with him have helped him become a confident, proud, caring young man with purpose.”

Educating the Educators PARTNERSHIP COACHING PROGRAM MR SEAN RIORDAN | HEAD OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND PARTNERSHIPS “When teachers stop learning, so do students.” - Jim Knight (University of Kansas) Throughout 2020, our Partnership Coaching program developed teacher efficacy through an evidence-based focus on High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS). Based on the work of instructional coaching guru, Jim Knight, the program was designed to support and encourage teachers to reflect on their practice through guided coaching from a colleague.

Teachers used video evidence of their lessons to explore key moments with their instructional coach. Coaches highly trained in questioning techniques helped to draw out best practice in their colleagues.

Research shows that onsite, contextualised learning, where teachers have meaningful conversations with their colleagues, produces the greatest positive impact on student outcomes. At BBC, we are committed to giving our students access to teachers who are willing to demonstrate enthusiasm to reflect, learn and improve their craft.

Almost 100 of our teachers to date have engaged in this coaching experience, working with an instructional coach on a teaching goal they believe will positively

impact student learning outcomes and classroom experience. It is wonderful to see collaborative staff conversations and witness teachers working together to use video recordings as a powerful teaching and learning tool in class.

The Partnership Coaching team was pleased to receive incredibly positive feedback and is excited to engage further with teaching staff in relation to an Instructional Rounds process that seeks to inform teaching across the College.

In 2020, BBC staff were invited to showcase the program and share their experience, wisdom and learnings with colleagues across the state at the Independent Schools Queensland Big Ideas Forum.

We trust that our boys will continue to reap the benefits of the Partnership Coaching program through improved learning experiences and exceptional results.

In late March 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions hit, our staff prepared to deliver the BBC Learning at Home program.

Partnership coaches worked with teaching staff to support their learning and help them deliver engaging and meaningful lessons through an online Teams platform.

Two Illustrations of Practice videos were produced last year to demonstrate the Coaching Effect Cycle in action and provide teachers with examples of High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) used to encourage deep learning.

View the Illustrations of Practice videos by scanning this QR code with your smart phone camera

ACADEMIC REPORT /// 17

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE

Be Confident.

Be Challenged.

Be Compassionate.

Be Collaborative.

Be Creative.

Be Courageous.

Be Connected.

Be Collegial.

Be Captivated.

Be Certain.

With BBC.

Confidence springs from mastery.

It is the self-belief required to embrace the unknown.

At Brisbane Boys' College, we integrate best practice teaching and learning with the science of wellbeing, and in doing so, safeguard the most important ingredient to a boy’s success: confidence.

We refer to this as A New School of Thought.