As we move through the term, it has been fantastic to see our students engaging in such a diverse range of opportunities, from international-standard testing to enrichment programs and academic competitions. These events not only showcase the talents of our young men but also provide meaningful data, insights, and experiences that shape the future of teaching and learning at CBC.

PISA Testing

Next week, selected Year 10 students will participate in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Conducted every three years since 2000, PISA measures how well 15-year-olds can apply their knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science to real-life problems. The assessment evaluates how education systems are preparing students to analyse, reason, communicate effectively, and continue learning throughout their lives. At CBC, the data gathered from PISA helps us refine our programs and inform teaching practice.

Please note: If you have not received an email from me regarding this, your son will not be participating in this round of data collection.

Gifted and Talented – Academy Learning Conferences

For over a decade, CBC students have been privileged to participate in the Academy Learning Conferences, run by internationally renowned educator Julie Arliss, currently based at the University of Oxford. These conferences deliver outstanding programs to students across the UK and Australasia, and their impact extends well beyond the event itself. Students are inspired in areas such as:

• Critical Thinking: questioning assumptions and approaching problems analytically.
• Innovative Thinking: fostering creativity and real-world problem-solving.
• Holistic Development: promoting academic excellence alongside emotional, social, and ethical growth.
• Lifelong Learning: instilling a passion for continuous education.
• Compassion: nurturing empathy and social responsibility.

The conferences continue to enrich our students, equipping them with skills and perspectives that last a lifetime.

2026 Subject Selections

The subject selection process for 2026 is well underway. As of this week, all students have had their 2026 subject selection process launched. This marks a significant step in their educational journey, opening up new opportunities and broadening their choices as they look ahead to senior schooling. Please see below the due dates for subject selections to be made:

• Year 7: Monday 1 September
• Year 8: Monday 1 September
• Year 9: Friday 22 August
• Year 10: Complete
• Year 11: Complete

Australian Brain Bee Challenge

The Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) continues to be a highlight for our Year 10 students interested in neuroscience. The competition encourages students to explore the brain’s functions, neuroscience research, and careers in the field, while also addressing misconceptions about mental illness. We congratulate the following students who progressed to Round 2:

• Geon Ryu
• Lam Duong
• Sahil Nair
• Jax Yip
• Alvin Le
• Jas Stewart
• James Vu

Round 2 was held at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building and played host to CBC and nine other competing schools. Round 2 saw CBC perform exceptionally, with two of our students placing in the top ten in the state. We congratulate both Geon Ryu and Lam Duong on this achievement and our team (comprised of Sahil Nair, Geon Ryu, Jas Stewart and Lam Duong) placing 3rd overall – a truly impressive achievement.

Brain Bee Challenge 

MASA Quiz Night

This year, CBC proudly entered teams into the MASA Quiz Night, a competition spanning Year 7 through Year 12 with categories in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions. The CBC boys proudly represented the College, hosted this year at Blackfriars School. We entered two teams in each of the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories. The evening challenged students with mathematics problems, general knowledge, and tricky puzzles. All of our boys showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the night. CBC teams excelled, winning the overall prize in each of the three categories. A standout achievement came from the group of Geon, Sze-young, Sahil, and James. This talented team has now claimed victory in their section for the past four years straight. Their consistency and commitment to excellence are truly remarkable.

Congratulations also go to every student who took part in the event.

We are very proud of the effort, camaraderie, and outstanding results of all our CBC teams.

Mr Ryan Serocki
Head of Learning: Mathematics

Mr David Salamone-Violi
Director of Teaching and Learning