Secondary School Update - 4 July 2025

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Jonathan Brayshaw

Dear Parents & Carers,

Last week our Secondary School attended the Athletics Carnival at Blacktown International Sportspark. It was a fun day of student participation, teamwork and encouragement as they participated in track and field events, as well as their House war-cries. I would like to thank our students for their incredible House spirit and exceptional behaviour throughout the day. 

Last week, a number of our Stage 6 students gathered after school in the Lumination Lab for a special time of praise and worship. This was a student-led initiative and a powerful and encouraging afternoon as students led with song and shared their faith with one another. The atmosphere was one of genuine fellowship and joy, as our senior students took time to pause, reflect, and praise God together. 

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Year 10 Camp. This particular camp is designed for students to demonstrate teamwork skills while exploring an unfamiliar environment. Students were based on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, and engaged in an amazing race style chase around the CBD. They were also involved in a community service program called Toys ‘n’ Tucker, run by Anglicare. It was rewarding to see students develop independence, problem solving and initiative during the camp.

I am pleased to inform you of an upcoming parent event. On Friday 25 July we are holding Years 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews. We recognise that it can be challenging to accommodate all parents and carers in one evening. Building on the success of last year, interviews will once again be held throughout the day. This approach allows greater flexibility for families to connect with their child’s teachers, either in person or via phone call, at a time that suits them throughout the day. A booking link will be soon to parents and carers of Year 7-10 students. We encourage you to take this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about your child’s progress and learning journey. 

Finally, I would like to thank parents and carers for supporting us as we seek to work in partnership in helping each child grow and flourish. Our team looks forward to welcoming students back to the campus on Monday 28 July, wearing their formal winter uniform. Detailed information for Term 3 will be communicated to parents and carers during the school holidays. We pray that the school break is an opportunity for students and families to find rest, recharge and rejuvenate. 

CLEVER COOKIE ACADEMY Emily Van Bentum

In Week 8, our Year 12 English students took part in a day of learning with Peita from Clever Cookie Academy. Peita, a renowned HSC English expert, visited the College to deliver two workshops titled ‘Smashing Section One’ and ‘Crushing the Craft of Writing’. These sessions were especially tailored to the structure of the HSC English examination, catering to both Standard and Advanced students. Paper I Section I focuses on responding to unseen texts, while Paper II Section III explores the craft of effective composition; whether imaginative, persuasive or discursive. Peita’s workshops provided students with practical strategies, clear frameworks and engaging activities to help them approach each section with confidence. 

What set these sessions apart was Peita’s student focussed approach. Her advice was grounded in real exam expectations; helping students to understand not only what the markers are looking for, but how to write with flair, originality and purpose. The day was highly interactive as Peita encouraged students to practice writing on the spot, offering timely feedback and demonstrating her own process by writing alongside them. Her energy and enthusiasm created a supportive environment where students felt comfortable experimenting with new ideas and stretching their skills. 

Students left the sessions with added motivation, improved understanding of exam structure and practical tools they could immediately apply to their own exam preparation. Many students commented that the day gave them a clearer picture of how to approach the English examination. 

WINNING CHESS TOURNAMENT John Picart

On Thursday June 19, ACC Marsden Park proudly hosted an Inter-School Chess Tournament, welcoming 141 students from 11 primary and secondary schools across Sydney. Organised in collaboration with the Sydney Academy of Chess, the event was a great success and received high praise for its excellent venue and warm hospitality.

In the Secondary Team category, ACC achieved its best result to date. The team included Sahasraamshu D, Manav S, Nathan T, Divyansh S, Brian C, Ekansh A, Kemuel B, Nathan C, Aarav S, Hendrix L, Nikhil B, Marcus D, Arnav Y, Jordan W, and Hridhaan M. Together, they scored a combined 21 points, securing first place. William Clarke College placed second with 20 points, followed by Bede Polding College in third with 15.5 points. This outstanding result earns ACC a place in the semi-finals next term.

In the Individual category, Sahasraamshu D (Amshu) placed first, winning 6 out of 7 games. Manav S, Nathan T, and Ekansh A tied for third, each earning a medal with a total of 5 wins. A spectacular achievement for all involved!

Visitors and staff from the Sydney Academy of Chess described the event as ‘the best tournament ever’, thanks to the college’s warm hospitality and well-run organisation.

Special thanks to our students, parents, and staff for their support. It was a day filled with strategy, teamwork, and school pride setting the stage for continued success in chess.

YEAR 12 CHEMISTRY EXCURSION Sharon Le Grange

The Year 12 Chemistry class participated in the Kickstart program at the University of Sydney on the 23 June. The program covers the practicals for Module 8 of the Chemistry syllabus including advanced analytical equipment and chemicals that are not available at the College. The morning was spent analysing organic chemicals on spectroscopy machines including infra-red, UV-Vis, mass spectroscopy and NMR. The use of models enhanced the students' understanding of these techniques. 

After enjoying lunch outside the afternoon was spent on inorganic analysis including titrations to determine the hardness and chlorine concentrations of water. A gravimetric analysis of sulfate ions in a compound and the determination of an equilibrium constant for a reaction using visible spectroscopy completed the afternoon practicals. The lecturers encouraged students to ask questions about opportunities to further their studies in Chemistry. It was a wonderful opportunity, and a full day of learning!

YEAR 12 PHYSICS PRAC DAY Jonathon Skelly

Last week on Thursday 26 June, our On-Campus and Distance Education students came together to go on an excursion to Sydney University. There they were able to engage in a number of practical experiments using University level technology. They explored intricate concepts such as the spectral emission of black bodies, radioactive decay and the polarisation of light. Students were able to connect with each other on a deeper level and solidify their understanding using visual and practical examples. It was a wonderful experience, full of great learning!

BIOLOGY EXCURSION: MUSEUM OF HUMAN DISEASE Saloom Aslam

On Monday 30 June, our Year 12 On-Campus and Distance Education Biology students had the opportunity to attend an excursion to the Museum of Human Disease at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This immersive experience directly supported their HSC learning by deepening their understanding of infectious and non-infectious diseases - a core focus of Module 7 and 8 in the Biology syllabus. The excursion allowed students to examine real human tissue specimens affected by various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, cancers, and infectious diseases. Guided by expert facilitators, students were able to explore the biological causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of these conditions in an hands-on environment.

Our students also engaged in an interactive session that reinforced key course concepts, such as immune system response, the role of pathogens, and public health strategies. This experience not only enhanced their academic learning but also exposed students to real-world applications of biology and future pathways in medical science, pathology, and public health. The setting at UNSW also gave students a glimpse into university life and the types of cutting-edge research being conducted in health and biomedical sciences. Our Year 12 students represented ACC with maturity, curiosity, and a strong sense of respect throughout the day. Many expressed how impactful the experience was in helping them connect textbook concepts to real-life human experiences. As a Science department we would like to thank parents and caregivers for supporting this valuable learning experience.