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Year 12 subject choices
Physics
Digital solutions
Media
Modern history
General maths
English
I chose them as throughout junior school you go on a rotation of subjects for two years allowing you to experience a little of what they'd be like for senior year. During middle school you get to select your favourites apart from maths and English and science. This gives you freedom to pursue stuff that you're actually interested in. Then for senior school you select subjects again but this time including maths, science and English. I chose subjects I was interested in which also happened to be what I was good at. Personally I would not have chosen differently as throughout this process there was academic coaching helping you decide on subjects and your end goal.
Getting extra help
All of my teacher I had were happy to help anyone outside of class whether it be before school, during breaks or after school. If you were struggling in a core subject you could easily talk to the academic coaching team and they could come up with a solution to try and help. There was also rooms at lunch time that student could help each other out in especially in year 12. There was a school chaplain on site all week and even a psychiatrist on certain days so support was definitely there.
Readiness for life after school
I felt prepared for university and work as every year there was a career expo that allowed you to see future opportunities. This really helped me narrow down what I wanted to study and eventually what field I wanted to work in. I feel that even if you didn't take the uni route you were also supported as there were many programs you could do if you didn't want an atar such as trades etc.
Subject range and curiosity
For me there was plenty of options and it was actually hard to decide what subjects I wanted to do. Lots of practical activity were done in each subject I had. I also had plenty of excursions which also helped me stay engaged in the subject. I would say nearly no two people had the same subjects unless they were heavily academic doing all the top subjects.
Bullying and getting to school safely
Personally from what I witnessed I didn't see any bullying as the standards are held quite high so nothing really happened during my time there that I was aware of. There were occasions where the principal got up on assembly and addressed some issues directly and emphasied a zero tolerance policy to bullying. I walked to and from school and never felt unsafe anytime doing so. The Kedron brook is very open and is well lit at night so not once did I worry about my safety getting to and from school. They practised lockdowns multiple times a year so everyone was prepared if anything happened. From year 7 to 12 I only experienced one lockdown but can't remember the details but the police and emergency services arrived quickly and it probably helped that there is an emergency service complex next door.
Camps and excursions
The rules were strict and upheld tightly. But socially it varied a lot. You had many different groups from academically focussed to more laid back. Everyone was treated equally no matter what group they were apart of. It would definitely be easy to fit in as you just have to find like minded people. In the earlier year I found myself and others moved around a lot from group to group but as you progress you eventually settle down and stick with one group.
Something only students would know
The L block stairs are torture especially if you have classes at the top floor and it's a hot day. Honestly wasn't that bad but it was a running joke amongst my cohort. When the Kedron brook floods the ovals get flooded so sport is limited during that time and while they dry out. A surprising thing that happened was a few times over the years the premier of qld would land their helicopter on the oval while visiting the emergency services complex next door. Can't say that about other schools haha.
Coaching and chances to compete
There were plenty of opportunities to develop your sporting skills especially with volleyball. Personally I didn't join the professional team but just played for fun with friends at school. If you did join the team you got good coaching and went to many competitions and even got custom made jerseys. The coaches didn't care on your ability they just wanted to see you improve.
Chances to take part in the arts
Nearly every week in my media class we had a practical activity that allowed us outside the class rooms which was a treat. It allowed us to be independent and do our practical activities within the required timeframe. The quality of the filming gear was great with access to a huge amount of cameras from action cameras to proper video cameras. There was also so many accessories to go along with them and for our assignments we got to select equipment to take home for a few weeks. If I every had any questions my teacher was always there for me which was great.
- Played sport: Yes
- Sports played: Volleyball
- Did an arts activity: Yes
- Arts activities done: Film / Media Production
- Emphasis on academics ◆◆◆◆◇
- Quality of academic resources ◆◆◆◆◆
- How healthy the tuckshop is ◆◆◆◆◇
- Investment in sports facilities ◆◆◆◇◇
- Quality of arts teachers ◆◆◆◆◆
- Focus on showcasing talent ◆◆◆◆◆
