Adrian Harrison, Acting Director of Academics
Welcome back.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey
It is lovely to see all students back after a short hibernation ready for the excitement of a new Semester. Having passed the halfway mark for the year, Term 3 provides for an opportunity for students to build on their achievements thus far. Teachers will have provided meaningful feedback, and I encourage our students to reflect upon these comments as they focus on the term ahead. Setting of Academic goals will enable them to make the most of their time both in and out of the classroom. A few points for the term ahead.
Years 11 & 12 examinations this term
Our Year 11 and 12 students have a culmination of school-based assessments this term. Good luck to our Year 12 students who will be sitting their IBDP Mock examinations or HSC Trial examinations in Weeks 3 and 4, starting August 4. Our Year 11 HSC students will be sitting their final examinations in Weeks 7 and 8, starting September 1 (Year 11 IBDP will be examined in Term 4).
Year 10 subject selection and personal projects
Year 10 are in the final stages of their subject selection. Having worked through academic counselling they have the opportunity to make any final adjustments to their subject choices for 2026. Any changes will need to be sent to fkilias@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday 30 July. We will assume students are happy with their initial selections if we do not hear from you.
This term also marks the final submission of students’ personal projects. The PP is a culminating, independent project that students complete in their final year of the MYP. It allows them to apply the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they’ve developed across the programme in a self-directed inquiry in an area of passion, personal to them. We will be holding an exhibition later in the term.
Year 7-9 NAPLAN
The results from this year’s NAPLAN have now been received by the School and will be distributed to students via their Houses. Should you have any questions regarding these please contact our Director of Curriculum, Mr Henriques.
Outstanding achievement – Nicholas Long, Year 10, Northcott
Each year, students across Australia take part in ICAS All-Stars, a rigorous competition that tests academic ability across English, Mathematics, Science, reasoning, and digital literacy.
We are proud to announce that Nicholas Long has been named the 2025 ICAS All-Stars Year 10 Champion for New South Wales, achieving the highest score in their year level across the entire state.
Nicholas has won a cash prize, and this recognition places him among Australia’s most capable and versatile academic minds.
Please join me in congratulating Nicholas for this outstanding accomplishment!
Oxford Royale
During the holidays a number of students had the opportunity of a lifetime to live and study abroad in Oxford. As part of the academic enrichment offerings at the school, students undertook studies in Engineering, Law and Business across a variety of different Colleges with students from across the globe. A huge thanks to Mr Adams for organising this trip and we look forward to bringing a similar opportunity to students in 2026.
Wishing everyone a great term of learning.
Adrian Harrison
Acting Director of Academics