- Learning from each other: Can you go from a D to an A in two semesters?
- Queensland Training Awards 2009
- 2009 Queensland Writers Centre
- Residency Opportunity: A Great Start for Three Students
- Innovation Residents Announced
- Plastic Paradox
- Cyber Bullying
- QACI students Successful in State Honours Ensemble Program
- Term 3 Fees are now due
- Monthly QACI family BYO social and Barbecue
- You’re the Voice Tickets – ON SALE NOW
TERM 3 ISSUE 2 24 July 2009
Website link: http://qaci.eq.edu.au/
Life is often measured in milestones. This is very true for young people as they move from childhood to adulthood. From the drivers licence to turning 18 such events have huge significance and are considered part of the right of passage. Tonight our year 12 students participate in a much anticipated milestone in their Formal. For those of us who look on as parents and other significant players in their lives, this confirms to us the changes which are occurring even if we are in denial. Tonight in their formal wear they will look so mature and the impressive young adults they are and as Principal I cannot but feel proud but also a little saddened as this also signals that their tenure with me is nearing an end.
It is also a milestone in their academic pathway which signals not only the end of the Extended essay but the start of the absolute focussed and high stakes run into the IB Diploma course final assessment. Our focus across the academy is totally on this and subject area teachers are implementing their explicit strategies as coaches in preparation for the Grand Final. As a “club” we are incorporating all we learned from last year to squeeze out every advantage for our players. Whilst this involves many tangibles such as revision programs, drafting and test preparation one thing that is most important is maximising the benefit of the strong relationships that exist. Maximising that bond that student, coaches and parents in their common support endeavour to achieve success. This is a time where this triumpher ate is absolutely critical.
Our Academy gallery also had a milestone of kind last night. A very special exhibition of the work of Istvan Horkay was launched in collaboration with QUT and the International Digital Arts project. For any gallery to host such an exhibition let alone a “school” gallery is not only a huge privilege but also a vote of confidence in the space its self, our Curators, the Cur8 team led by Mrs Hobdell and the trustworthiness and appreciation of all students at QACI. The significance of Istvan and his collaborator Peter Greenaway to the less informed (I place myself in this category) can be captured through a simple Google search. The works on display and the narratives that accompany them are quite beautiful as well as being technically very impressive. Istvan will be working with our students over the next week, a rare privilege but part of the point of difference we seek for our students at QACI.
Learning from each other: Can you go from a D to an A in two semesters?
As Principal if I was to say to a student this is possible , let alone possible in mathematics they would not believe me but from a student possibly. Below is a TRUE STORY. It belongs to a student just like many at QACI who was never strong at Mathematics, here or at their past school. The came to QACI to fulfil their passion in their creative field but understood that in IB they had to achieve in all 6 areas, they could not be in denial for one. At this time last year she was in panic. Her report card saw a D for Mathematics and she had been worked hard in preparing for the test and spent many hours on this.
This semester her report card showed an A. How? Here is her story. I wanted to celebrate her but she wants to remain anonymous.
I began year ten failing maths. As I'm sure most QACI students can
relate to, I was completely uninterested in maths as a subject probably because I had gaps and it was a weakness.
Gradually, after much pain for my teachers and parents, my grades improved. I started to understand that maths, just like my other subjects, was actually not that hard once I put some time and effort into it. Seeing as maths was the subject I was doing the worst in, I set aside a lot of study time to make sure I could understand it. I found that asking questions in class ,seeking out the support of my teacher proactively not being passive, and totally focusing my attention to learning the formulas and how to apply them helped a lot. I even stopped using my laptop as much for maths and focussed on written work. After I had the foundations, I found that my homework was no longer such an issue and I even had time left over in my maths study period, so I did questions from mathsnetib.com to extend my knowledge and I used the mathletics tasks to help me as well. Each week I asked copious amounts of questions about each formula and concept, and during class I was starting to understand. By using all of these techniques, and studying over the whole term (rather than just cramming the day
before) I gradually made my way up the scale to an A, and maths is no longer such a problem for me.
Gladly this is not a unique case and there are others in this girl’s class who have shown the same dogged determination and have made real progress.
Queensland Training Awards 2009
Congratulations to all students who performed in the Vocal ensembles, Jazz and Funk bands on Wednesday night at the Queensland Training Awards. This prestigious event saw them performing to award-winning apprentices and trainees, industry representatives and government officials. Providing an extensive program consisting of background music as well as entertainment items in a corporate gig environment can be very challenging, when the audience don't always appear to be listening as they mingle, but each of the ensembles performed with fantastic energy and professionalism. I thoroughly enjoyed their performances and with great pride observed people commenting on the high quality of the performances.
Congratulations and thankyou to Ms Kelman and Mr Phillipe for all the hard work in supporting the students in the production of the show.
Debbie Williamson
2009 Queensland Writers Centre
Residency Opportunity: A Great Start for Three Students
At QACI, we are highly committed to offering professional enterprise and real time opportunities to our students. We have been approached by the Queensland Writers Centre, located in the Metro Arts Building in Edward Street, Brisbane, to provide the opportunity for three Academy students -Rob Barlow, Liz Sheean and Bella Anderson to participate in over 30 hours of residency style work experience as guest editors of an up coming issue of their publication entitled QW.
The Queensland Writers Centre QWC is the leading provider of specialised services to the writing community of Queensland and is the state’s peak body in its field with close ties to government and the industry. Through its annual programs, Queensland Writers Centre promotes skills development and professional practice, and works to advance the recognition of Queensland writers and writing, locally, nationally, and internationally. Rob, Liz and Bella will work with the editor to put together a cohesive and structured magazine within editorial deadlines. Our team will be commissioning writers, writing and/or sourcing the text of sections in the magazine including – Profile, Spotlight, competitions, opportunities, workshops and events. This experience will give them knowledge of the different stages of magazine production, editing principles and experience in working with authors, designers and other creative professionals.
We congratulate them on being selected to be recipients of this residency which we hope will become an annual event.
Kathy Mackey
Innovation Residents Announced
We are thrilled to announce that three Academy students Nic Marchesi , Chris Doran and Ebony Harrison have been selected to represent the youth of Queensland in the Innovator in Residence Living laboratory , which commences on Monday at the State Library of Queensland . Our team -supported by staff mentors including Glenda Hobdell, John Carozza ,Jennie Jahnke , Renne Johnson and Lois Cutmore have been commissioned to develop materials and be the ambassadors for the state governments MyQ2 Portal , which will be launched in September This project will make a significant contribution to the legacy of the inaugural Innovator in Residence program by allowing our students and staff the opportunity to participate in the development of the portal which will encourage and lead young Queenslanders to be more active in furthering the future of our state.
Next week these students will begin working in a collaborative space that includes Carlo Ratti and his team from MIT, as well as a team of 15 QUT students and staff , who will all have the opportunity to interact with Nic , Chris and Ebony as they develop how to build an on line community , manage resources developed by a wide variety of QACI students and influence the publicity campaign of the project. These students are very aware that they are representing the whole QACI family in this role and we look forward to sharing their daily updates -as well as celebrating with them the final outcomes. This is certainly an opportunity for all of us to really stretch our wings in providing unique opportunities for both students and staff that position us as true innovators.
Kathy Mackey
Plastic Paradox
When my children were young, they loved to slide down sand hills on pieces of cardboard or boogie boards. During the time at the beach, they would trace paths in the sand hill as they hurtled downwards. Some of these paths would become the preferred track, and form a deeper, more distinguishable pathway. Neurons, the nerve cells in the brain, operate in much the same way as they send signals or synapse with other neurons, establishing a neural pathway. The pathways that are used infrequently fade away with disuse, but pathways that are used frequently become embedded in the brain. These become the preferred ‘track’ or way of thinking and behaving and are the pathways most often used.
With the advent of more sophisticated equipment, scientists are learning much more about the way in which the brain operates, providing greater understanding about brain function and the development of talent. The brain is capable of making continuous changes as neurons grow new dendrites and establish new neural pathways. This has been referred to as ‘neuroplasticity’ to indicate the changeable, malleable and modifiable nature of our neurons. Norman Doidge, in his book, “The Brain That Changes Itself” points out that the brain’s capacity to keep changing provides great hope for skill development and neural growth as new pathways are formed, but there are important implications for us to consider.
There is a saying among neuroscientists: “Neurons that fire together, wire together” to explain how neural pathways are formed. The irony is that the brain that can change and be incredibly flexible because of neuroplasticity can also, for the same reason, produce more rigid behaviour. The more frequently we execute a specific behaviour or pattern of thought, the more we are forming that neural pathway. Although the brain has the capacity to change, our choices influence what thoughts and behaviours are embedded. Just as neuroplasticity allows us to create new neural pathways, learn new skills, and develop talents, so we can become more fixed and rigid in our behaviours because we are continuing to fire the same neurons along a certain neural pathway. This is what is referred to as the ‘plastic paradox’.
We experience difficulty breaking old habits because our brains have mapped the pattern of neuronal firing for that behaviour and the pathway has become embedded. Connections are established through repetition and the more we do something, the stronger the connections become; the neurons fire faster, more efficiently and the synapse between the neurons becomes stronger. To take advantage of the plastic paradox, we need to repeat actions frequently to establish the neural pathway and reduce the repetition of old habits that we are trying to extinguish. For students who learn quickly, it may be frustrating to repeat tasks or study work covered in class, but brain research shows us that neural pathways do not become embedded in the brain without repetition.
© Michele Juratowitch
Cyber Bullying
There has been quite coverage of cyber bullying in the media this week with the release of some research findings from a prominent researcher.
Our Academy has clear policies on the appropriate use of email and social sites.
The bottom line to these in regard to cyber bullying or any other form of bullying is that the student responsible for such behaviour in our community will be suspended. I have attached the full Social networking policy for your information.
QACI students Successful in State Honours Ensemble Program
In a fantastic outcome 11 students have been chosen for the Griffith University Conservatorium for Music Sate Honours Ensemble program.
They are Miriam Edwards, India Ghariss, Sophie Hutchet, Sakura Hurrell, Grace Kim, Marty Koleckzo, Brianna Pearse, Harry Prouse, Faron Swingler, Hannah Williams and Adeline Williams.
Term 3 Fees are now due.
Please note that payments for term 3 fees are now due.
Payment may be made via Cash / Cheque / Credit Card or Direct Credit:
Account Name Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
Account No 1035 4466
BSB 064 102
Bank and Branch Commonwealth Bank, 230 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove.
If you pay it directly into the account please make sure that there is a very clear message attached to it.
If you are unsure of the amount still owing or you wish to pay by Credit Card please contact the Client Service on 3552 9333.
If you have already paid these fees please disregard this notice. Thankyou to those who have paid their fees and you should have received your receipts already. It would be appreciated if all amounts owing could be finalised by Friday 31st July 2009.
Thank you in anticipation,
The Client Services Staff
Monthly QACI family BYO social and Barbecue5pm – 8.30pmQACI deck Friday 21 August |
You’re the Voice“A night at the Movies”The songs of cinemaBuy your tickets now for the QACI musical event of the year See a great line up of vocal performance Featuring our talented students Saturday August 15 2.00pm and 7.00pm Tickets on sale from July 20 from the QACI Box Office weekdays between 9.30am and 1.00pm You can buy your tickets in person by calling to Level 2, Or by calling Natalie Wendt directly on 35529393 to arrange telephone or credit cards sales. Sorry no unpaid bookings (You will then be able to collect your tickets prior to the performance) Adults $14.00, Concession (student and pensioner) $8 Children under 6 accompanied by a paying adult free Family pass (2 adults and 3 concessions) $40.00 There is no reserve seating These shows will sell out |
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Important dates – The month aheadAll students have real time access to the Academy calendar via ical.26 /07 - QUT open day 27-28/07- Year 10 and 11 peer skills training (nominated students) 27/07 – commencement of the Q20 Living laboratory collaboration 28/07- Fidelio – Music Excursion to QPAC -7.30pm 29/07 – Launch of Extended essay for year 11 3 and 4 /08 – Parent /Student/Teacher Interviews 4pm to 8.30pm 4/08 – All students participate in ICAS English competition tests 6/08– Academy open day and extended day 12 to 6.30 8/08 – DET Film and New Media awards 12/08 – EKKA Holiday 13/08 – Student Free Day 14/08- You’re the Voice full day rehearsal 15/08- You’re the Voice performances 17/08 – Round 3 enrolment registrations close 19/08 – Year 10 and 11 students participate in Mathematics ICAS test competition 22/08 – World Vision 40 HR Famine project at QACI 22/08 – Round 3 entry testing day |
QACI OPEN DAYTHURSDAY AUGUST 6
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