The WACE ATAR examinations are now in full swing for those students with ATAR subjects. They commenced on Monday and will continue for another two weeks with the majority of the more commonly offered courses having their exams in the first fortnight.

Recent media attention has focussed on the falling numbers of students choosing an ATAR pathway or ATAR courses and has highlighted that WA has one of the lowest rates of ATAR participation. Various factors including the alternative methods of entry, are being given as reasons for this decline; however, the data and the information around this steady change needs to be considered as part of larger trends in relation to our system of Graduation and tertiary entrance. SCSA continues, at the Education Minister’s request, to review our system here in WA and has already flagged some changes for the future, although there will need to be at least a two-year transition period prior to any implementation.

Yesterday we farewelled our Year 11 students as they finished their timetabled courses for the year and commence preparation for their own exams commencing next Monday 4 November. We wish them all well.

In other news, the College’s new Flexible Learning Centre is nearing completion with official signoff and practical completion, due later this month. Most construction and fit out is almost finished with landscaping and gardens becoming the priority in days to come.

Tied to any new construction or building development such as this is the City of Bayswater’s percentage Community Art project and discussions have been held with the city around our proposed large-scale Blank Walls mural project by renowned artist Jerome Davenport. A concept and theme is being developed for the large Mural that will be painted on the large Auditorium wall facing the College playing fields. This exciting project will include student input in the planning process and possibly during part of the work itself. 

In regard to staffing for 2025, we’re very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Dale Pointon as our new Director of Music. Mr Pointon comes highly regarded with a formidable record and list of achievements in Instrumental music education in Western Australia and we look forward to working with him in planning for the new year and Music programme. 

Mr John Bormolini
Principal