Secondary School Update - 14 August 2026
- ACC Marsden Park
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
SECONDARY SCHOOL UPDATE Mr Jonathan Brayshaw
Trial HSC Examinations I would like to commend our Year 12 students on the mature and dedicated way they approached their Trial HSC Examinations. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for these students as they complete their final weeks of schooling. We look forward to formally celebrating this significant milestone with students and their families at the upcoming Graduation Ceremony and Valedictory Dinner.
Year 10 Beyond the Walls Workshop On Friday, 7 August, our Year 10 students participated in the Beyond the Walls workshop, run by Take Love. The workshop included a simulation activity designed to help students experience what it might be like to “walk in someone else’s shoes”, raising awareness of poverty in Sydney.
The workshop encouraged students to reflect on their own lives and the importance of continuing to develop empathy and compassion towards others. It was encouraging to see students engage so thoughtfully in the program and to hear their empathetic responses as they reflected on the experiences of others.
Traffic Safety & Car Line Reminder On behalf of the College, I would like to remind us that the safety of our students, families and staff is a shared responsibility.
Please ensure you:
Follow the 10 km/h speed limit once you enter the College grounds.
Only drop off and pick up students in designated areas (please do not drop off or collect students along the A Block Carpark).
Avoid stopping or parking in roadways or areas that may obstruct traffic or create unsafe conditions for pedestrians and other vehicles.
In addition to the above guidelines, I would like to remind secondary families that secondary students are not dismissed from class until 3.10 pm. We therefore ask that you do not enter the car line until 3.10 pm.
This also applies to families with both Primary and Secondary students. Waiting until 3.10 pm allows Primary families to progress through and clear the car line promptly before Secondary students are dismissed from class.
Should you enter the car line before 3.10 pm, you may be asked to loop around and re-join the car line.
By following these simple guidelines, we can help keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure a safe environment for everyone in our College community.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
YEAR 11 BIOLOGY - BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY STUDY DAY Mr Saloom Aslam
On Thursday 6 August our Year 11 OC Biology students participated in a Biological Diversity Study Day, visiting the Royal Botanic Garden and the Australian Museum. The day provided students with an opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life and explore key concepts from the Biological Diversity module.
At the Royal Botanic Garden, students investigated the diversity of Australian eucalypts and explored how different selection pressures have contributed to their adaptations. They examined features such as leaves, bark, flowers, fruit and growth forms, identifying structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations and considering how these increase survival in different Australian environments. Students then connected their observations to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
At the Australian Museum, students investigated evidence for evolution through some fascinating examples of Australia's unique fauna. They explored the evolution of the platypus by comparing adaptations and fossil evidence, and examined the extinct Diprotodon using comparative anatomy. Students also considered how anatomical and genetic evidence can be used to determine evolutionary relationships and construct phylogenetic trees.
It was a valuable day of hands-on learning that allowed students to connect adaptation, natural selection, evolution and biodiversity with real specimens and living organisms. Most importantly, it was wonderful to see our Biology students engaging enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions and developing a deeper appreciation for Australia's remarkable biological diversity.
AUSTRALIAN MATHS COMPETITION REFLECTIONS Mrs Esther Vemuri
On Tuesday, 4th of August, students from Years 7–12 proudly represented our school in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), joining thousands of students across Australia in tackling a range of challenging mathematical problems. Ninety-seven students from Years 7 to 11 took on this highly competitive and prestigious competition, which has been run by the Australian Maths Trust since 1978. Like all AMT competitions, the AMC features distinctive problems designed each year by leading educators and academics to challenge and extend students' thinking skills. All students will receive an award according to AMC criteria, including participation, proficiency, credit, distinction and high distinction.
The exam involved various levels of difficulty depending on year group, testing students on topics such as arithmetic and number sense, fractions and ratios, algebra and pre-algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics and probability, and lateral-thinking style questions. The test comprised 30 questions in multiple-choice and integer-response format, offered to students in an online format. Students showed great enthusiasm in tackling this opportunity to test their application skills. Some student reflections included: "the questions really made me think differently," while another student shared, "it was highly challenging but enjoyable."
The Bible states in the book of Proverbs that it is the Lord who gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. At ACC, we believe God entrusts every student with unique talents and abilities. The Mathematics Competition gave our high school students a valuable opportunity to discover, develop, and confidently use their gifts through problem-solving and critical thinking. It encouraged them to pursue their interest in maths and strive for excellence. As a school, we remain committed to providing opportunities for students to showcase their gifts, cultivate them both academically and personally, and use them to glorify God.
YEAR 10 SPORTS AND EXERCISE SCIENCE UNIT Mrs Bec Mewjork
In Year 10 Sports and Exercise Science, our students are completing an engaging, hands-on unit focused on Injury Prevention and Taping. Throughout the module, students have gained a critical understanding of injury classification, first-aid procedures, and immediate response protocols. The practical highlight was putting theory into action by applying functional athletic tape to stabilize common sporting injuries affecting the thumb, wrist, knee, and ankle.
These hands-on skills do more than assist on the weekend sports field. They lay a solid academic foundation for Stage 6 Health and Movement Science (HMS) in Years 11 and 12, while exposing students to rewarding real-world health careers in physiotherapy, chiropractic care, sports coaching, and physical education teaching.
This unit offers a timely reminder of both the incredible complexity and the inherent fragility of the human body. Scripture reminds us that our bodies are gifts from God, blessings to be stewarded wisely and used in service to others. Furthermore, when an injury occurs, knowing how to respond allows students to show genuine Christ-like compassion. Administering first aid or taping an injured joint becomes a practical, hands-on way to love our neighbors.
We are deeply proud of our Year 10 students for their maturity and enthusiasm. Our prayer is that they will use these practical skills to glorify God, steward their health, and serve those around them with caring hearts and capable hands.
YEAR 11 BIOLOGY FIELD STUDY Mr Saloom Aslam
On 30 July, our Year 11 On Campus Biology students enjoyed an interesting field excursion to Long Reef Beach as part of their compulsory field study requirements for Year 11 Biology. The excursion provided students with the opportunity to experience one of Sydney's most diverse intertidal ecosystems while applying the scientific concepts explored in the classroom.
Throughout the day, students investigated the biotic and abiotic factors that shape the rock platform environment. They measured abiotic variables such as temperature, salinity and pH, used quadrats and transects to survey the distribution and abundance of marine organisms, and examined how structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations enable species to survive in this challenging habitat. Our students also explored food webs, symbiotic relationships, and considered the impact of human activity on this unique coastal ecosystem.
This excursion was an excellent opportunity for students to develop practical scientific investigation skills while deepening their understanding of ecological processes through real world observation and data collection. We, as a faculty, were delighted with the respectful behaviour, enthusiasm, curiosity and teamwork demonstrated by our students throughout the day, making it a memorable and valuable learning experience.