Last Friday, I met with the Year 11 and 12 cohorts to briefly discuss culture. Now, in transparency, some issues were raised. Nothing dire or catastrophic. But it would be fair to say that the senior boys had returned from their holidays… a little wobbly.

I began by sharing some images of classrooms left in a poor state. Chairs and furniture were moved around, rubbish was on the floor, etc. Not the worst thing in the world, but an indication. We then looked at some data concerning attendance and punctuality. It would seem that some boys are under the impression that our school day starts later than what the bells suggest. As I explained to the boys, these images and data are 'not who they are'.

Following this, we looked at some of the academic data of the current Year 12 cohort when completing the Research Project in 2024. Their results were by any measure… exceptional. An improvement on their predecessors, which was no easy feat. However, we then looked at their Stage 2 Religion grades from 2024 from the same cohort. And herein lies the insight. The grades were wobbly. When we drop our guard and become complacent, we risk falling from the high standard we ordinarily achieve.  

Crucially, the point was that there is a relationship between attitude and outcome. We have seen over the course of the last six years that our boys can achieve things that every statistical measure suggests they should not. However, these achievements do not come purely via osmosis. They do not come just because our teachers are exceptional and work tirelessly for them. Arguably, they come from the boys respecting the space, our systems and rules, and accessing our services. After all, these structures are vested in producing the best outcomes for the boys.

We are about to enter the intense crucible of the academic year. Examinations, Investigations, and External Assessments will all come to the fore. The pressure will rise, as will expectations and support. What may seem trivial to a student, like pushing in chairs or arriving on time, in fact says a lot about culture, which subsequently frames achievements. As we know, it is always in the little things.

Dr Lee Del Col
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior Campus

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