Craftsmanship: A term of dedication to skill
This term at the College, we’ve embraced the theme of craftsmanship, witnessing an inspiring array of projects and efforts across our classrooms. Craftsmanship, in its essence, is about dedication, patience, and attention to detail—qualities we’ve seen our students embody in their learning.
In our art rooms, students have been honing their skills in various mediums, from painting to sculpture, each work a testament to their growing precision and creativity. Meanwhile, in Design and Technology, students are crafting tangible projects that blend innovation with technique, producing works that demonstrate both their intellectual and hands-on capabilities.
Our English and HSIE departments have also taken on this theme, encouraging students to treat their writing as a craft—revising, editing, and refining their work to produce essays and creative pieces that show not only depth of thought but a mastery of language.
What has truly been remarkable is the collaboration between our students and staff. Teachers have worked tirelessly to help students deepen their understanding of what craftsmanship looks like within each subject, whether that’s through careful analysis, peer feedback sessions, or opportunities for students to showcase their work in new ways. Our staff’s commitment has played a huge role in elevating student outcomes.
This term’s focus came together at our Senior School Endeavour Assembly, where the theme of craftsmanship took centre stage. We were thrilled to have guest speakers, Suzy Balogh, an Olympic gold medallist in shooting, and Mark Perich, a renowned entrepreneur and craftsman in his own right who both spoke passionately about the value of dedication, precision, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence in their fields, providing our students with invaluable insights into the journey of mastering one’s craft.
We are reminded that craftsmanship is not just about the final product—it’s about the journey, the learning, and the continuous commitment to improvement. Our Year 12 Chemistry class illustrated this beautifully through a live experiment, emphasising the critical role of precision in their work.
Additionally, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of students who earned merit, credit, distinction, or high distinction in the recent History Competition, highlighting our ongoing efforts to foster a community of learners dedicated to refining their craft across all disciplines.
The Value of Work Experience: Real-World Learning in Action
At the College, we are passionate about providing our students with not only a strong academic foundation, but also practical experiences that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. This term, several of our senior students participated in work experience placements, gaining invaluable insights into various industries and professions. These opportunities have allowed them to apply their learning in real-world settings, helping them to clarify their career aspirations and develop essential skills.
One student, Carmel M, completed her work experience at Coutts Legal. During her time there, she shadowed legal professionals, attended court proceedings, and even contributed to legal research on a current case. Carmel reflected on how this experience deepened her understanding of the legal system and gave her a real sense of the dedication and attention to detail required in the profession.
Michelle N, had the opportunity to work at TCS, a cutting-edge cybersecurity company. Immersed in the fast-paced environment of digital security, she learned about encryption, threat detection, and the importance of safeguarding sensitive information in today’s digital age. Michelle worked alongside IT professionals and was even able to assist in identifying potential vulnerabilities in a client’s system.
These examples highlight the transformative impact that work experience can have on students. Whether it’s gaining firsthand knowledge of a particular career, developing professional skills, or building confidence in their abilities, work experience provides students with a clearer sense of direction for their future.
We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to the businesses and organisations that have opened their doors to support the learning journey of our young people. As we continue to build partnerships with industries, we look forward to seeing more students thrive in these meaningful real-world experiences.
God bless,
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
