Ever stopped to think about the mathematical intricacies hidden within everyday tasks? From the mundane to the monumental, algebra often lurks behind the scenes, helping us make sense of the world around us. Year 7 Maths students are diving deep into this fascinating realm during their classes.

In the video, we take a closer look at something as seemingly simple as mowing a lawn. Beyond the whirring blades and the scent of freshly cut grass, lies a world of calculations waiting to be explored. Deputy Principal Nathan Reynolds chats with Matt, our school Maintenance Officer, to unravel the algebraic secrets of lawn mowing. Together, they’ll delve into the various scenarios where algebra comes into play, from calculating the area of the lawn to determining the optimal mowing conditions for efficiency.

Our Year 7 Maths students have been tasked with identifying and exploring similar scenarios, shedding light on the practical applications of algebra in everyday life.

Stay tuned for further videos and updates as our students share their findings and formulas.

By Luke Byrne, Student Wellbeing Officer

This term has been quite a fast-paced term 1 of schooling! It is important to be aware that our students are starting to quickly move towards the prickly end of this first term, with the pressures of exams and assessments starting to creep up within their classes. With the added pressure that comes with being faced with assessment in their schooling lives it is crucial that our students continue to utilise healthy choices consistently within their day to day lives to maximize their potential to succeed within their academic endeavors this term.

So, what are some tips and strategies that we might be able to recommend getting our students to do within school and outside of school to maximise happiness and success?

30 Minutes of exercise a day- Consistent small doses of exercise every day has been proven to assist in promoting and positively influencing cognitive functioning and processing as well as releasing the hormone dopamine. By having our students engaging in consistent physical activity allows them to have an opportunity to reset their brain and have increased energy, whilst also possessing opportunities to improve their mood and general wellbeing.

Exposure to sunlight every day- Encouraging our students to spend time basking in our glorious sun for a small amount of time every day can be highly beneficial to placing them within a positive mood and mindset as well as alleviating symptoms of stress and anxiety. Likewise regular sun exposure aids in the release of the hormone melatonin, which directly impacts our ability to have good, regular sleeping patterns.

Having a regular sleep schedule and aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep- Having a regular bedtime and achieving a consistent amount of sleep every night has been proven to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety, see an increase in positive mindsets from balanced hormone levels being present, and provide students with clearer less fatigued minds ready to learn and succeed within their schooling.

Prompting our students to continue engaging with their regular hobbies and interests– Regularly when we get caught with a mountain of assessments and study piling up it is common for students to put their hobbies they get enjoyment out of to the side in favour of cramming assessment and study in (speaking from experience after 4 years of university). It is important that we still find ways to regularly get our students to find a balance between completing their studies and engaging in the hobbies that are unique to them that they get happiness out of. This balance is crucial to ensuring that they are getting their school tasks achieved, whilst also still reaping the positive benefits of engaging in their favourite hobbies.

It would be encouraging for you to all know that within our school these are all activities and strategies that myself and all the staff at CCPS have been getting students to be involved with throughout their day-to-day schooling as part of our larger focus on our CCPS wellbeing program and the PERMAHV framework that aligns with what we have developed.

As always, if you have any queries or concerns student wellbeing related, please don’t hesitate to contact our Head of Junior School or Head of Senior School, who will then pass on any information or concerns that may require further action onto myself for me to take further action with.