F a l c o n
B u l l e t i n ISSUE 6
Head Teachers
SCIENCE
BY KYLIE CHAN
Greetings, science enthusiasts! As we reach the midpoint of Term 3, we’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates and insights from the Science Faculty.
Firstly, we would like to congratulate two students who were selected to be part of the Australian team for the 2024 International Olympiad Exam.
• David Zhu was one of only five Australian high school students selected to compete at the 2024 International Physics Olympiad in Iran. He has previously represented Australia at the 2024 Asian Physics Olympiad. Due to the current situation in Iran, David was unable to participate at the 2024 International Physics Olympiad.
• Xiaotian (Andy) Lin was one of only four Australian high school students selected to compete at the 2024 International Biology Olympiad in Kazakhstan.
Both students on this year’s teams have outperformed thousands of other students in qualifying exams and intensive training to earn their place on the team. This is an incredible achievement, and we are beyond proud of David and Xiaotian. The Science Faculty and whole school community are over the moon with these fantastic results. Congratulations and well done boys!.
We’d like to extend our congratulations to the following students who have also achieved fantastic results in various other competitions:
• Swapnil Mondal in Year 11 recently competed in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition. Swapnil progressed to the final round, which includes answering very complex astronomy and astrophysics problems. Over 15,000 international students have completed this competition over the last few years. Swapnil finished the final round in the top 25% of all participants, achieving a Bronze Award. Well done Swapnil.
• Ren Wellings from Year 9 participated in the Junior Olympiad Exams, he has been selected for the 2024 Junior Science Olympiad Spring School. Good luck Ren and congratulations on this outstanding achievement.
• The Science faculty ran ‘The Big Science Competition’ last term. The aim of the competition was to test students’ science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. We had 30 students (from years 9 and 10) participate in the The Big Science Competition this year and 9 students achieved a High Distinction. Congratulations to all students who participated in The Big Science Competition.
• Three Year 10 students participated in the Brain Bee Competition during Brain Awareness Week. Thank you to all students who participated in this challenge. Congratulations and a huge shout out to Anthony Yang (Year 10), who was placed in the top 60 out of 300 students that competed in Round 1 of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) across the state. Anthony Yang was invited to participate in round 2 (NSW State Finals) of the ABBC, held on Friday 9 August at UNSW Sydney. Although Anthony didn’t make it to the final round of the Brain Bee competition, his hard work in preparing for and competing in such a challenging event are truly commendable. Congratulations Anthony.
Science Olympiad Exams (Multi discipline)
The Science Olympiad exams took place during weeks 3 and 4 of this term. We had over 100 students from years 10 and 11 participate in the examinations in the areas of Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology and Physics. Many students have participated in Olympiad tutoring over the past term in preparation for these exams. Results for the Olympiad Exams will be released during Term 4.
Science Week 2024
National Science Week 2024 (10-18 August 2024) had an inspiring theme: Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability. This year, we focused on the critical role of science and innovation in ensuring that diverse species not only survive but thrive in our rapidly changing world. Through a series of engaging events and activities, we aimed to spotlight the importance of research and technological advancements in addressing challenges faced by various species.
Year 11 subject selection for 2024
This is the time of year when Year 10 students start to think about subjects for Year 11. Students who are thinking of pursuing a science subject in Year 11 should be aware that we are applying benchmarks in order to determine students’ motivation and academic capabilities for their chosen subjects. The yearly examination result will have a significant role in determining the suitability of students for studying Year 11 science courses. In addition, the results obtained by students in the other Year 10 science assessment tasks, and coursework application and attitude may also be used to determine the suitability of students for studying Year 11 science courses. It is important that students take all assessment tasks seriously for the duration of the Year 10 course, regardless of whether or not they are selecting a science subject in Year 11.
VALID Exams
The Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) Science program provides online end-of-stage assessments for the science key learning area. These assessments can be used as a diagnostic tool to assist in improving student outcomes in science and as a tool for program evaluation. VALID exams take place early Term 4 (between 28 October to 8 November 2024). More information will be provided to your son next term on the whole grade Google Classroom platform.
Year 12 Biology EXcursion
Year 12 Biology students recently visited the Museum of Human Disease at UNSW, where they explored over 2,500 diseased human tissue specimens. Established in 1959 by Professor Donald Wilhelm, the museum offers a comprehensive look at both infectious and non-infectious diseases, such as cirrhosis, atherosclerosis, and tuberculosis. The museum’s educational programs, designed in collaboration with UNSW academics and pathologists, align with the HSC Biology syllabus and provide students with an immersive learning experience through interactive presentations and hands-on activities where students studied the museum’s extensive collection.
During the excursion, students had the opportunity to engage deeply with real-life medical conditions and explore the complexities of human health. The visit was made even more engaging when Joshua Chan, a North Sydney Boys High School 2023 alumnus and current medicine student, shared his insights and enthusiasm for medical science as a museum volunteer.
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Year 11 Biology Depth Study
On 20 May 2024, Year 11 Biology students embarked on an enriching field trip to the rock platform at Long Reef, Collaroy. During this excursion, students collected valuable data for their depth study by examining the distribution and abundance of tidal rock shelf animals using quadrats and exploring zonation with a transect. They also measured abiotic components such as temperature and salinity and engaged in discussions about human impacts on the environment. This hands-on experience provided students with practical insights into ecological research and the complexities of marine ecosystems.
Year 11 Chemistry
Year 11 Chemistry students attended the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) on 17 June 2024, which was a great opportunity for students to extend their understanding of nuclear chemistry concepts. Students visited the OPAL Research Reactor and the Nuclear Medicine Facility, where they investigated the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation and used low level radioactive sources and radiation detection equipment. They were able to tour the site and observe how real-life scientists work in the field.
Year 7 Snake Tails
Year 7 students participated in the Snake Tails incursion, which complements the topics they were studying last term, ‘Classification and Ecosystems’. Students learnt about the characteristics and features of different animals, adaptations, endo/ectotherms, conservation and the environment. The students were enthusiastic and engaged, asking insightful questions and learning about the important roles snakes play in our ecosystems. A big thank you to the presenters for making this a memorable and informative event!
Upcoming Assessment Tasks
Year 7 - Scientific Report: Due Week 10, Monday 23 September
Year 8 - Body System Task: Due Week 7, Monday 2 September
Year 9 - Data Analysis: Due Week 8, Monday 9 September
Year 10 - Yearly Exam: Week 8, Monday 9 September (Periods 1 and 2)
Year 11- Exam Block: Weeks 7 and 8, Monday 2 September –Wednesday 11 September
Year 12 - Exam Block: Weeks 4 and 5, Friday 16 August –Friday 23 August
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGE
BY NAND-KISHORE HARIHARAN - YEAR 10
The Science and Engineering Challenge was a great opportunity for us Year 10 students to use STEM concepts in applicable challenges. In Olympic Park, North Sydney Boys competed with multiple schools in events designed to test a variety of our abilities. Some of these events included hands-on tasks such as bridge-building and tower construction, where the University of Newcastle provided us with basic materials such as popsicle sticks, straws, paper and tape to create a structure capable of withstanding 10 times its weight. Other events were much more theoretical and were designed to test our algorithmic and numerical thinking, requiring us to develop 70 letter codes with only 3 inputs and transmit these complex messages to our colleagues without talking. Many groups excelled in events that required mathematical networking skills, developing systems to completely pathfind the situation within minutes. Some events required a more conceptual approach to create innovative aeronautical and funnel designs. Despite competing in this event for the first time, North Sydney Boys finished with the most 1st place finishes in the qualification stage but narrowly missed the qualification for the regional competition. However, our cohort learnt valuable lessons in problem solving, science and engineering and made many great connections with other high schoolers attending.
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TAS
BY PAUL KENNEDY
Over the past three terms, the Technology and Applied Studies faculty has been a hive of activity, showcasing the dedication and hard work of both students and staff. Teachers have been diligently guiding their students through an array of challenging projects, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the impressive achievements and progress across all subjects.
Technology Mandatory
Our junior students have been particularly diligent in their Technology Mandatory classes. They have tackled diverse projects, including creating timber puzzles, acrylic key tags, and engaging with Arduino coding. Noteworthy projects such as the timber box and metal dustpan have demonstrated their craftsmanship. Pictured below is exceptional student work on the electronics Wire Skill Tester project, and mouth watering BBQ fare prepared by students involved in the food and agriculture unit.
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Design & Technology
In Design & Technology, students have exhibited remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills from Years 9 to 12. The Year 9 storage solution project has seen them develop innovative products like desktop organisers, TV remote control stations, travelling toiletries holders, and shoe display systems. The Year 10 lighting design project has allowed them to explore ambient lighting solutions using LED strips. Our Year 11 students excelled this year in their ‘children’s toy’ projects which have been on prominent display in the school library, while Year 12 students are diligently preparing their Major Design Projects for submission by the end of August.
Engineering
The students of Industrial Technology - Engineering have showcased impressive technical skills and ingenuity. The Year 9 students have been engaged in a unit of work focused on civil engineering where they are constructing ‘Load Cubes’ out of balsa wood and testing them to failure. Our Year 10 students have almost completed the construction of hydraulic lifting devices in the school’s workshops, showcasing an impressive understanding of mechanical principles, as well as technical proficiency in the use of timber hand and power tools. Our senior Engineering Studies students are working hard towards HSC exams, having completed engineering reports and practical projects such as the mouse trap powered car in Year 11, and balsa gliders in Year 12.
Food Technology
In Food Technology, students continue to demonstrate impressive levels of skill, precision and innovation in our school’s kitchen. Their respect for space and strict adherence to hygiene standards are exemplary. Images below demonstrate their creative culinary talents, with dishes such as Pumpkin Soup, Gluten Free Brownie with No-Churn Ice Cream Sandwich, and Blueberry Muffins.
USYD Biomedical Engineering Incursion
We were fortunate to welcome two NSBHS old boys to deliver an informative incursion on Biomedical Engineering to our Year 11 Engineering Studies students, and Year 10 iSTEM students. Dr. Young No, the Associate Head of the School of Biomedical Engineering at Sydney University, and Frank Fei a current PHD student at the same school visited a group of approximately 60 of our students and gave them invaluable insight into both tertiary pathways and careers in BioMed, as well as some fascinating case studies of implants. I would like to express our gratitude to these gentlemen for giving up their time to provide this wonderful enrichment activity for our students, and additionally, to Ethan Huang in Year 11, who was instrumental in coordinating and organising this opportunity.
Competition Achievements
We are thrilled to announce a number of recent successes of our students in national and international student competitions:
Year 12 student Alexander Yunchen Wang has been selected to represent Australia in the 2024 International Olympiad in Informatics in Egypt this September. To become 1 of 4 Australian representatives, Alex had to outperform his rivals in several selection competitions and 2 face-to-face training camps. Congratulations Alex on this incredible achievement.
Alexander Yunchen Wang is also a member of a team of Year 12 students including Anthony Ivanov, and Shray Sinha, who have achieved High Distinction at the UNSW High Schools Programming Competition. These boys will compete at the Grand Finals held at UNSW in September. Good luck!
Five NSB students have achieved top results in round 1 of the Oxford University Computing Challenge. As this edition of the bulletin is published, we await the results of round 2 - The Australian Finals. Congratulations to Naman Doshi (Year 12), Alexander Yunchen Wang (Year 12), Jaray Foo (Year 11), Vincent Chen (Year 7), and Yiping Pan (Year 7). We wish these boys luck as they wait on their imminent results.
Congratulations to Year 10 students Franco Wang and Larry Shen, who achieved the Silver Scholar status at the 2024 International Logic Olympiad. Also noteworthy is the achievement of Carlos Huang, who received an Honourable Mention.
Several teams from our Year 10 iSTEM class recently competed in the Australian finals of the Day of AI Australia Dolphin Tank competition in the Years 9-10 category. We are pleased to announce that the team composed of Ethan Zhou, Victor Qian, Arnav Karyekar and Sean Adamson were victorious on the day. Their project on using artificial intelligence to help combat overfishing was awarded this honour from close to 200 entries.
Lastly, congratulations to Year 9 students Ziyang Xu, Jeffrey Ma, Anson Lie and Johnathan Hu who have qualified for the finals of the 2024 Metro Minds STEAM Challenge. They designed a robot for cleaning and maintenance of Sydney Metro tracks called ‘Purgato’. We wish these boys all the best as they prepare their submission for the final round of the competition.
2024 Australian Educator Awards
We are delighted to share that Dr. Vladimir Tosic has been shortlisted for the 2024 Australian Educator Awards Secondary School Teacher of the Year. His outstanding commitment to students and his numerous extracurricular activities have greatly enriched the curriculum here at NSBHS, and the school is immensely grateful for his contributions and proud of this well deserved recognition.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our dedicated teachers: Mr. Kimberley, Miss Riley, Mr. Avramides, Mr. Heffernan, Dr. Tosic, Mr. Tidyman, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Dopierala, and Mr. Pillay. Their tireless efforts and unwavering support are greatly appreciated.
Finally, we wish all our Year 12 students the very best as they prepare for their upcoming HSC exams. Your hard work and perseverance are commendable, and we look forward to celebrating your success.
CAPA
BY JENNY GRIMLEY
2024 Musicale
The NSB annual Musicale concert will be held in the AF Henry Hall on Thursday 29 August at 7pm. As always, the concert will feature our Year 12 HSC soloists and chamber musicians along with all our co-curricular music ensembles. All of Year 7 and Elective Music students will combine with our symphony orchestra in a choral item which will amaze you. Please come along to support the boys and enjoy a concert which would rival many professional events. Tickets can be purchased online through school bytes and from the school from week 4 – Family ticket $20along to support the boys and enjoy a concert which would rival many professional events. Tickets can be purchased online through school bytes and from the school from week 4 – Family ticket $20
International Music Success
Andrew Dharma (Year 10) continues to impress us with TWO recent world premieres of his compositions. Andrew was the winner of the President Choice Award in the JW Pepper Composition Competition 2024, and his composition ‘Inner Voice’ was showcased during the 36th ISME World Conference 2024 in Helsinki, Finland.
Andrew’s work titled ‘Dynamic Passion’ was performed by concert pianist Anna Pavlova in Vienna, Austria at the World Composers’ Recital in the Golden Key of Vienna Music Festival. Andrew won the Senior Category (Age 15 - 18) of the Golden Key International Piano Composition Competition 2024. A brilliant achievement!
Congratulations to Brandon Wang (Year 8) who won first prize at the Global Final Round of the 4th Annual AEGIO International Piano Competition during July in Milan, Italy. Brandon performed Frédéric Chopin’s Étude Op. 25, No.1 for the competition. He also participated in Masterclasses with professional pianists while staying in Milan. Brandon and Andrew will both feature as soloists at Musicale this year.
2024 HSC Music Examinations
We wish our Year 12 music students all the best for their upcoming HSC Performance examinations. Their exams will be held in the school hall on Tuesday 10th September and will be marked by external HSC Music markers. Good luck boys!
NSBHS Europe Music Tour – January 2025
At the end of Term 2, 60 students had their first rehearsal for the overseas music tour in 2025. They sounded wonderful and all bodes well for a very exciting and musically successful tour. There will be a tour meeting later this term for parents and students involved in the tour to discuss the latest itinerary and other important information. The next rehearsal day for the tour group will be on Sunday 25 August.
2025 State Music Ensembles
For students considering joining a NSW State Music Ensemble in 2025:
• Approximate standard for the intermediate ensembles (State Wind Orchestra, Stage Band and String Sinfonia) is AMEB grade 4+.
• Approximate standard for the advanced ensembles (State Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra) is AMEB grade 6+.
More information is available on the NSW Arts Unit website: https://www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au
CAPA Diary dates
29 August – Annual “Musicale” at 7pm in the NSBHS Hall, featuring all of Year 7, Elective music students, NSB music ensembles and HSC Music students.
10 September - HSC Music practical exams (NSBHS)
6 November - Year 10 & 11 Music to “Hamilton” at Lyric Theatre, Sydney
DRAMA
BY MS DUMITRESCU - DRAMA TEACHER
Year 8 Drama began the year developing their understanding of the origins of theatre, particularly looking at Greek theatre and chorus work. Further, through spontaneous improvisation students were introduced to the fundamentals of making and performing. They researched and explored a specific idea/concept through improvisation and playbuilding to develop an original performance by manipulating the elements of drama. This term students are exploring the Commedia dell’Arte stock characters and plot situations inherent to this form of Italian comedy. Performance in mask is integral to Commedia dell’Arte and students will make their own mask and experiment with the intricacies of this acting style. By the end of this term students will research one of the stock characters and will develop and perform their own Commedia dell’Arte script.
Year 9 Drama students were challenged at the beginning of the year through the study of Physical Theatre where students explored the conventions of this performance style. Students used their learning of Physical Theatre and Improvisation to draw out key techniques for devising Playbuilding in Term 2. This term, students are introduced to Realism and Stanislavski through Scripted Drama.
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VISUAL ARTS
BY MR FUNG - VISUAL ARTS TEACHER
Term 3 started with our annual CAPA EXPO, where all Visual Arts students from year 7 to 11 had an opportunity to exhibit their artworks in the Library for all to see! All Visual Arts students presented their work that they had dedicated the first semester to - from dark and moody dystopian etchings to vibrant and lively paper bird sculptures. Even our Photography Club members exhibited their work for the first time under the theme of “Home and Away” through the support of Ms Fattal. The exhibition was a huge success, with many students and staff members voting for their favourite artworks. We would like to also extend our gratitude to Ms Henderson and Ms Hingerty for their great support in setting up and dismantling the exhibition in the library.
This semester, Visual Arts students continue to work diligently in exploring new genres of art and developing their critical interpretative skills. Year 7s are starting to delve into portrait art by first looking at the annual Archibald Prize (AGNSW) and considering how artists express ideas through the representation of people. Year 8 Visual Arts students are discovering new and exciting ways that Still-Life artworks break the conventions of artmaking to create meaning. Year 9 students are looking at Australian artists such as John Wolseley and Joan Ross to question how landscape art can embody deep perspectives of belonging, culture and identity regarding a locale. Furthermore, our year 10s have been engaging with uncomfortable histories of Apartheid through the charcoal animations of South African artist William Kentridge. Lastly, year 11 Visual Arts students are gearing up for their last term of year 11 by learning about how artists such as James Turrell and Do-Ho Suh have revolutionised the medium of installation art.
We are excited to continue to witness how students explore the extent of their creativity in the Visual Arts classroom!
HSIE
BY STUART MADGWICK
Trial HSC examinations
We are proud of the commitment and organisation shown by the Year 12s through the challenging assessment period at the end of Term 2. We now encourage the boys to reflect and recommit themselves to their final in-school assessments, and to be inspired by the exemplary camaraderie of last year’s HSC cohort.
Year 9 and 11 Subject selection
The faculty appreciates the excellent attendance from parents and students with the online subject selection evenings, and how together you are making wise decisions that are the best for the boys’ futures. We always welcome enquiries about subjects; they can see us at the end of class, or in the upstairs staffroom. If parents have questions, please email the school and we will respond.
Major recent highlights in term 2 and the start of Term 3:
Australian Geography Competition
On Thursday 23 May, all boys in Years 7-10 undertook the Australian Geography Competition. This prestigious national competition is a powerful way to challenge the boys’ geographical understanding and skills, and to hone their skill in multiple choice exams. We had great success in this competition in 2024 with many boys in the top 1%. One boy is a National Champion, but we can’t release his name yet until it is publicly announced. Thanks to Ms Lai for organising this huge event so seamlessly.
Business Society Pitch Competition with Penrith High School
On 5 July, teams went to Penrith High School for the Business Society Pitch Competition. They were keenly tested on their skills in creativity, communication and collaboration. NSB teams had strong victories in both the Junior and Senior divisions. Thanks to Ms Shehata for organising this excellent extra-curricular opportunity! Boys should see Ms Shehata if they are interested in the Business Society!
Year 10 History Elective excursion to the University of Sydney Museum, Thursday 15 August
The Year 10 History Elective Excursion to the Chau Chak Wing Museum was an adventure into ancient and modern worlds! The day started with a lecture by Associate Professor Dr David Smith on Assassinations, Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories. This is part of their current unit of study, and gave them a university level understanding of the historical contexts and impacts of historical assassinations and conspiracies, as well as a critical lens on the dangers of conspiracy theories. Then, giving a foretaste of Year 12 Ancient History, students connected with artefacts from Sparta, Rome, and Pompeii. By studying these relics, students gain a deeper understanding of the societal, political, and artistic achievements that shaped our world. This excursion served as a transformative experience, fostering a great appreciation for the complexities of history.
Year 7 History
Currently the boys are exploring the wonders and mystery of Ancient Egypt. They are learning about hieroglyphs and will apply that skill to create coded messages!
12 History Extension
In History Extension, the boys have just submitted fascinating and insightful essays on the contested historiography (the history of histories) of their chosen topics. Unique topics they devised this year included the historical representations of: The Chinese people in WWI; Singapore in WWII; Black Marxism; 1948 in Israel/Palestine; and the Emperor Nero. The level of scholarship and evaluation is that of a third-year university student, a major example of extension in the high school experience. Any students interested in studying this challenging course in Year 12 should see Mr Madgwick for more information.
9 Commerce
Year 9 Commerce students are very engaged in the new topic Investing. We have recently started learning about the share market and students will be playing the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) share market game later this term to explore and develop their investment strategies. Students receive $50,000 virtual cash to buy and sell shares in more than 300 companies listed on the ASX using live prices to simulate real share market conditions. Let’s see how they go with the current volatility in equity markets!
Year 11 Business Studies
Year 11 Business Studies students are embarking on the real-world challenge of creating business plans. They will be working in small teams to generate a vision for a product or service, and rigorously planning for the strategic, financial and human resources aspects. They will be entered into the Planning Your Enterprise Competition and will compete against the best in the state.
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SUPPORT UNIT
BY PENNY CARR
It has been a dynamic start to Term 3 as we welcome two new teachers to the support unit staff. We welcome Ms Walker and Ms Quinn.
Also, an exciting start to the term as we celebrate and congratulate Ms Harrison, who was the recipient of the 2024 Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Ms Harrison has been an integral part of the Support Unit Faculty since its inception in 2020, so it was wonderful to celebrate this significant achievement with her.
We also had many students participate in the annual Walkathon. We were very fortunate to have fine sunny weather making for a very pleasant walk around our local area which included the beautiful Sydney Harbour Bridge. Thank you to all staff and students who participated.
Students have been very hard at work over the start of the term, not only enjoying learning but challenging themselves to attempt many other tasks. A very special congratulations to the students who participated in the North Sydney Boys High School Talent Show, ‘So You Think You Can Do Stuff’: Joshua Wilson, Jack Harrison and Yooju Lee. Well done boys!
Term 2, Retrospective
During Term 2, we were fortunate to have Mr Shilansky working with the students in Science. Students in Year 7 and 8, worked hard to build the planets to scale. They also participated in a wide range of experiments
Year 8/9 camp
Year 8/9 camp was postponed at the start of Term 2 due to torrential rain and moved to a slot towards the end of the term that experienced arctic-like conditions. As you can see the sun is shining but the clothes tell another story! Yes, it was very cold!!! The students did a great job and not one complaint about the chilly climate while they hunkered down in their tents. We had lots of time to enjoy long walks, high ropes, team activities and even some time to learn about the horses. A great effort by all the students.
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PDHPE
BY ADELE WALKER
In our ongoing commitment to providing students with practical life skills and experiences that extend beyond the classroom, several enriching programs have been recently undertaken by our students under our care in the PDHPE faculty. These initiatives not only align with key components of the curriculum but also foster personal growth and community responsibility. Through these activities, students are equipped with essential knowledge and skills that will serve them well into the future. Here are a few examples:
Year 10 PASS & Year 8 PDHPE - Peer Coaching
The Stage 5 PASS (Physical Activity & Sports Studies) course covers a variety of topics with practical real-world applications. Additionally, students have the chance to apply this knowledge in practice. Recently, Year 10 PASS students coached Year 8 students as part of their ‘Coaching’ unit, focusing on developing effective coaching techniques within a sports context. The students learn how to manage a group, provide constructive feedback, and adapt their coaching strategies to suit different learners’ needs. It was inspiring to see the older students mentor and support their junior peers with both care and expertise.
Year 11 PDHPE - First Aid Training
On Monday 12 August, all Year 11 PDHPE students participated in a full day of face-to-face First Aid training, delivered by Australian Lifesaving Academy NSW / Surf Life Saving NSW. After completing the online coursework and practical assessment, students are awarded a Senior First Aid qualification that remains valid for three years. This accomplishment not only fulfills a component of the Preliminary PDHPE syllabus but also equips students with essential life-saving skills they can use to assist their families and communities.
Year 10 PDHPE - Road Safety Education
On Tuesday, 20 August, all Year 10 students, including those in the Support Unit, attended the ‘bstreetsmart’ Road Safety Education event at Qudos Bank Arena, organised by the Trauma Service at Westmead Hospital. Sadly, young people aged 15–30 are overrepresented in road accidents. ‘Bstreetsmart’ is a renowned road and driver safety forum that offers a real-life perspective on the consequences of road accidents. Students learn strategies to reduce serious injuries and fatalities as drivers, riders and passengers.
Year 7 PDHPE & Year 10 PASS - Sports Gala Day
We have an exciting event to look forward to at the end of the term—a Year 7 Gala Day, organised and run by the Year 10 PASS class! This is a highlight of the Stage 5 PASS course, where students apply the theory they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Through the planning and execution of a Sports Gala Day for the entire Year 7 cohort, the Year 10 students develop important leadership, communication, and organisational skills. Not only will this event showcase the older students’ ability to plan, coordinate, and execute a large-scale event, but is it also something that the Year 7 students are sure to enjoy!
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MATHEMATICS
BY AIDA SAROFIM
Mathematics enrichment program
Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition is compulsory for all students in years 7-10. The CAT competition is a fun, low stress event, which allows students in years 7 to 10 to demonstrate their ability to interpret and solve problems requiring ‘algorithmic’ thinking – the type of thinking used to write computer programs and to control automated systems. We added the CAT competition as part of our formal Year 7 mathematics program in 2017, and it’s pleasing to see this has carried over into increased participation in later year groups during 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The CAT competition was held on 22 May 2024 at NSBHS and we had 600 students from years 7-10 and approximately 30 from years 11 and 12 compete. Of these, 40 students received High Distinction results.
Year 7 - Andrew Huynh (Best in School), Henry Mao (Best in School), Yiping Pang, Vincent Chen, Justin Yeing, Jayden Liu, Allen Li, Brian Chen, Jayden Liu, Marcus Tang, Yuanjian Miao, Samary Gowing, Eason Liu, Princeton Ye, Charlie Green, Mickey Shan
Year 8 - Evan Chen, Jason Ye, Alex Magree, William Sun, Xiao Hong Liu, Ethan Koh, Daniel Zhao, Jay Shi, Ivan Zhang, Oliver Zhang
Year 9 - Andrew Patterson, Aland Pham, Herbert Sun, Ethan Yau. Kiran Chhabra, Elvin Koysiripong, Eric Ma
Year 10 - Nilay Verma, Mark P’ng, Harkrish Nanwa, Larry Shen, Taurus Feng, Hugo Cao
Year 11 - Richard Rao
More challenging and longer competitions, like the Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) and the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO), are 3 and 4 hours respectively and results are used to identify students to be invited to participate in the Australian Maths Trust (AMT)’s highperformance programs.
Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO ) is a mathematical competition for countries in the Pacific Rim Region and is held annually (a paper with 5 questions to be solved in 4 hours). This year we had Polar Xiong who sat APMO on 12 March 2024.
The Australian Training Tournament (ATT) is a training opportunity for Australian students preparing for Mathematical Olympiad competitions. Students are invited to participate in one of two streams: O-level (ordinary) and A-level (advanced). Both papers contain 5 problems, attempted over 4 hours This year ATT was held on 11 May 2024 and we had four representative from our school:
• Polar Xiong Year 11 participating at A-level. Results: Certificate of High Distinction and Perfect Score
• Theodore Sanuri Year 10 participating at A-level. Results: Certificate of High Distinction
• Liam Celinski Year10 participating at A-level. Results: Certificate of Distinction
• Nathan Wong Year10 participating at O-level. Results: Certificate of Participation
Polar Xiong has been selected as the Reserve for Australia’s 2024 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team, an outstanding result.
Three of our boys - Liam Celinski Year 10, Theodore Sanuri Year 10 and Polar Xiong Year 11 - have been invited to participate at the 2024 AMOC Senior Contest on 20 August. The AMOC Senior Contest brings together some of the finest young problem solvers from around the country for an invitation-only competition. This contest is a major part of AMT’s Olympiad program. It is used to identify talented students who may be invited to the AMOC School of Excellence in December, which is an important step in the pathway to representing Australia at such international events as the International Mathematical Olympiad.
horizontal stack method
In the absence of Mr Eric Lin, Mrs Moss has kindly presented the Horizontal Stack Method to Year 12 students which is an effective strategy to prepare students for Trial and HSC Examinations. All students have attended the presentation and found the content very useful and assisting to achieve their full potential in the upcoming exams.
Luna Park Excursion
With the trial examinations over, Year 12 were able to enjoy an excursion to Luna Park with the Mathematics faculty on Friday of Week 1. The boys enjoyed the rides whilst discussing Newton’s Laws, Gravity, Circular Motion, etc. under a perfect blue sky.
Important information for Year 11
Mathematics Extension 1 students
Later in the year, applications will open for entry into the Year 12 Mathematics Extension 2 classes. There are a limited number of places, and thus entry into these classes is competitive, based on Year 11 results.
Given the challenging and time intensive nature of the Extension 2 course, students wishing to apply for this course are strongly advised to discuss their choices with their class teacher. Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1 students are also reminded there is a benchmark in place for continuing with Mathematics Extension 1 into Year 12.
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LANGUAGES
BY KATHY COADY
Term 3 is a busy term for our Year 12 language students with their HSC speaking exams for the modern Continuers and Extension languages.
The Year 12 German students were the first, completing their German Continuers speaking examinations on Saturday 10 August, followed by French Continuers on Saturday 17 August. Japanese Continuers will be held on Saturday 24 August and the speaking exam for German and Japanese Extension will be held on Saturday 14 September. I would like to thank Ms Kurath, Ms Walker, Ms Djafri, Miss Lee and the language tutors for their hard work in preparing the boys for their examinations.
We started off the term with our annual Languages Day. The Year 8 Latin students enjoyed a day at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, immersing themselves in artefacts from the Ancient Roman and Greek worlds. The Year 8 Indonesian students visited Taronga Zoo to complete language-based tasks on the Sumatran tigers, Asian Elephants and Sun Bears, to name a few, as well as learning about the impact of palm oil farming on the habitat of the Sumatran tigers and orangutans.
The Year 8 Japanese students immersed themselves in language and culture activities before participating in a Taiko drumming workshop in the afternoon. While the French and German students cooked traditional dishes with Chef Luca and challenged their linguistic skills in trivia.
The Stage 5 French classes enjoyed an excursion to the Alliance Française where they participated in an immersive language workshop on the Paris Olympics followed by a French lunch at The Little Snail Restaurant where they were treated to dishes such as escargot.
We farewelled Frau Antonia, our German teaching assistant, at the end of last term and welcomed our new German teaching assistant, Frau Anna this term. She will be working with Miss Kurath and her German classes, and she has already been facilitating extra speaking practice with the Year 12 students.
We enjoyed speaking with so many parents at the ParentTeacher Interviews and thank you for your ongoing support of your sons’ language study. Many parents were asking about ways they can support their sons’ language acquisition at home. There are many good quality foreign language films and series (with English subtitles) available on SBS On Demand and streaming services such as Netflix, which can be an enjoyable way for the boys to increase their listening skills at the same time as reinforcing their vocabulary and hopefully learning some new vocabulary along the way. The boys can also be revising their vocabulary on a regular basis through the apps provided by their teachers such as Quizlet and GIMKIT or creating their own flashcards to revise on their devices.
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ESCAPE FROM THE ZOO
BY KABIR KUKRETI - YEAR 8
Year 8 German isn’t a time where you can be writing IQTVE’s and analysing Shakespeare, or writing like Charles Dickens in German. But a children’s book about animals. That’s more like it. A task not just involving a language and all its fascinating intricacies, but also tapping into our creative sides is the sort of task that I knew I would enjoy creating. The book is called “Escape from the Zoo” and is about a young lion taken to a zoo who is homesick. He likes all the animals for different reasons and helps all the animals break out of the zoo at night.
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ENGLISH
BY LOVEDAY SHARPINGTON-RECNY
Term three is an exciting time for our Year 12 students as they consolidate their learning, refine their writing, begin their revision process and of course, embark on their final term of school. At the end of last term our Year 12 Advanced students completed their trial examination and we have been most impressed with how our students rose to the task of this very challenging examination producing some insightful and detailed pieces of writing across all sections. Our English Extension 1 students completed their trial examination last week in the mini block. Mr Parker and I have been working extremely hard with our English Extension 2 students on their Major Works which are due at the end of this week. These students have worked consistently over the year to produce complex and sophisticated works, a huge achievement that they should be very proud of.
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The best preparation for the HSC examination is to complete practice questions, practise writing under timed conditions and improve examination technique. Memorising essays will not lead to top marks and instead we are encouraging the boys to engage more deeply with the texts and modules to ensure that they can answer any and all questions they may receive on the day. Please encourage your student to spend time on their English studies every day this term and into stuvac. This could include writing creative pieces, responding to examination style questions or revising their texts. For the parents of Year 12 students, thank you for all your efforts in supporting your student through this challenging and stressful final year of schooling.
Our Year 11 students have a busy term ahead preparing for their Yearly examinations in Week 7 and of course attending Ski Camp this week. We are currently studying ‘King Lear’ by Shakespeare and we have been discussing the universal concerns in the text. A reminder that Ms Dell runs English workshops, open to all students in Year 11. This is a great opportunity for our students to complete some extra English work and consolidate their understanding of the units and texts we are studying.
Extension. We have created an engaging and challenging course that looks at complex texts from the canon as well as more modern texts, while focusing on strategic ways to enhance essay writing skills. Please encourage your child to ask their classroom teacher any questions they have about English Extension.
Finally, the English faculty would be most grateful if you would encourage your sons to read - fifteen minutes a night before bed and away from screens will lead to better sleep but also build their imaginative skills and their vocabulary and grammar use. Students who continue to read show a stronger engagement with, and understanding of, texts and are able to express their ideas with greater fluency and clarity.
WELLBEING
BY GEORGINA WILLMA
The academic achievements at NSBHS have been highlighted recently in The Sydney Morning Herald but their foundation lies in our constant attention to and care for our students’ wellbeing. Students from 7 to 12 are being given the opportunity to build upon their mentoring friendships by building rapport, setting a purpose, sharing insights and persevering with difficulties. We have continued to enhance student connectedness in our school community and are especially proud of our mentoring programs that we facilitate each year - Year 12 mentoring, the Falcon mentoring and the Raise youth mentoring. Furthermore, we have continued to build a culture of inclusive, engaging and respectful relationships with the aim to strengthen student knowledge and awareness of mental health as per our NSB Strategic Improvement Plan, aimed at enhancing student wellbeing.
Our Year 9 students engaged enthusiastically with the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program by participating in roleplays and in group discussions addressing their mental health needs. The topics explored in YAM range from relationships with peers and adults and changes in mood, to feeling sad or facing a stressful situation. Students thoughtfully reflected on how they might feel if faced by such events and discussed possible ways to handle challenging real-life situations. Emphasis was placed on peer support and information was given to students on how and where to find professional help if needed. A team of accredited YAM trainers facilitated the program and encouraged students to express their opinion so that they came up with different solutions to help themselves, their friends or a family member experiencing a mental health concern or a mental health crisis. The Falcon workshops enable students to discuss the mental health action plan and discuss some of the warning signs that a friend might be experiencing a mental health concern or crisis. Asking a friend how they are, listening non-judgmentally, helping a friend connect with an adult for support and valuing their friendship are all helpful.
Mental health disturbances, within which there is a spectrum, may affect numerous aspects of a young person’s life, their academic achievement, school engagement and possibly their social relationships. Early intervention is the most successful way to support the young person and aid their recovery. Research has found that in Australia “one in seven young people aged 4 to 17 will experience a mental health problem, in any one year”. Australian Government - Australian Institute Health and welfare.
Our early intervention programs, such as YAM, and wellbeing workshops that have a focus on mental health, increase the boys’ awareness of how they are feeling, thinking and behaving. They learn how to talk about what they are experiencing and where to seek help. For more information about YAM please visit https://www.y-a-m.org/. For parent resources to assist your sons, please visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mentalhealth/parenting/raising-a-teen
In the second week of Term 2, we had several General Practitioners from the Sydney North Health Network share their expertise and experience with our senior students in the ‘GPs in Schools’ program in an interactive workshop.
Recently students attended an innovative and engaging workshop on Drug Education. Up to date evidence and science-based information was provided to teach proactive and responsive skills and strategies that students can use to protect themselves and their friends in alcohol and drug related situations. The workshop was tailored to the needs of each year group with a focus on prevention, harm reduction and how to help a friend in an emergency situation.
The Falcon wellbeing workshops continue to teach students crucial information about wellbeing issues:
Year 7 focuses on Personal Growth, with the workshops on cybersafety, encouraging safe and responsible use of information and communication technologies, such as the internet, social media, online games, smartphones, tablets and other connected devices.
Year 8 focuses on Personal Achievement, with a workshop on self-motivation and independence, encouraging problem solving skills and the confidence to pursue their goals.
The Year 9 workshop involved Personal Growth and focused on respectful decision making, both online and in friendships.
Year 10 pursues Personal Achievement, with a focus on a growth mindset, challenging negative thoughts and fostering personal growth.
Year 11 facilitates Social Awareness, with a talk by our police youth officer on safe driving, online safety, consent laws and respectful friendships. Students engaged with the practical methods to manage risk in various scenarios, such as how to party safely and road and driver safety.
The Year 12 workshop centered on Personal Growth, with a focus on self-care and the importance of ways to achieve selfcare, particularly building a healthy headspace and identifying where, when and how to seek additional support services.
It is important for parents to support the wellbeing of their son through the upcoming assessment time and create an environment that assists not only with his academic focus, but also in managing his stress levels. Here are some tips to keep in mind over the next couple of weeks:
• Provision of basic needs – sleep, nutrition, exercise
• A study space – a quiet area at home or ability to study elsewhere such as the local library
• Encouragement of a balanced lifestyle – rest and social interactions
• Care and understanding – listen and support
• Model calmness and focus on your teen’s personal best efforts and strengths as a person
If you have any concerns about your son, please contact the school and ask to speak with myself, our student support officer, your son’s Year Adviser, or Deputy Principals. We are fortunate to have experienced school counsellors, Ms Glynis Sanders and the newly appointed Ms Leah Ballin who can provide you with appropriate support and recommendations.
For wellbeing assistance, students are encouraged to access the student wellbeing Google request form by scanning the QR code from one of the student wellbeing flyers posted around the school or found on the digital school platform. Once submitted, the requested wellbeing staff member will contact students within 48hrs and organise a time to meet and have a conversation. Alternatively, students may like to access the assistance from our external KYDS clinician Ms Melinda Davenport by scanning the QR code found outside the library.
Resources for parents to access include:
https://kidshelpline.com.au/
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/young-people https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-youngperson/7-ways-to-support-a-healthy-headspace/
If you have a teenager who is struggling with school attendance, the impacts on young people (and parents) include things such as social and emotional impact, on academic performance, physical health, the family. Relationships Australia have an article addressing school refusal: https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/blog/school-refusal/
For evidence about the direct correlation between the emergence of the smartphone and social media apps and the prevalence of mental health in young people, access the following web site: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/
Hope all our families stay safe, healthy and happy.
Camaraderie Commitment Compassion Integrity Respect
NORTH SYDNEY BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
127 Falcon Street North Sydney, NSW, 2060
P: +61 (02) 9955 4748 - E: northsydbo-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au https://northsydbo-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
north sydney boys High School
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