https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au Somerset Times Feed en-us Symphony (build 2.7.0) https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-swim-club-news/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14544 The Queensland State Sprint Championships were held this past weekend in Brisbane covering both Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February. Somerset Swim Club had 29 swimmers compete over the course of the weekend with some very strong results across the board and a few outstanding performances. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-12-go-to-year-7-camp/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14545 The House Captains, College and Vice Captains and of course the Year 7 Captains made the long trek up to Mount Tamborine earlier this month to join Year 7s. The day was filled with fun activities, the camp concert and some valuable time getting to know the newest members of our Senior School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/science-committee-2018/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14539 Our first Science Committee meeting went off with a bang, like a hydrogen fuelled rocket. It was a great start to the year for our committee, with an amazing turn out from students in Year 7 all the way through to Year 12. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/1st-xv-rugby-backyard-blitz/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14546 The All Blacks’ values-based culture is evidence that team culture is a key driver of success, with their mantra stating that “Better people make, better All Blacks”. This has been a key message to the current Rugby squad who during the 2017 1st XV Leadership Camp collaborated to develop their own Somerset College Spartans Rugby values. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-lesson-in-economics-from-the-rba/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14540 Low interest rates, the housing markets across capital cities and the post-the Commonwealth Games local economy were some of the topics discussed in a talk from the RBA. The audience, full of high school students across the region, included some from Somerset College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-sustainable-spartans/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14547 Our environment which we live in is being negatively impacted because of us. The Great Barrier Reef, native animals/plants, rain forests, and the beach are all being affected. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/house-plays-festival-2018/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14541 The House Plays Festival 2018 is shaping up to be an epic battle. This year we had 134 students audition to be a part of the Festival; congratulations to everyone who bravely entered the audition room, you should be so proud of your achievement! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/academic-excellence-in-mathematics-in-the-21st-century-part-iii/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14548 Around 65 per cent of Somerset students take advanced Mathematics classes. Read how teachings adapted to the modern age have proven successful in Part III, our conclusion to the series. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-3s-bounce-back/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14579 Year 3 students participated in a workshop that explored the skills to help when things get tough. The Students discovered that the answer was resilience. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/celebrating-and-fostering-leadership-excellence/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14542 In 2017, the College implemented a new initiative with a focus to further enhance the leadership capacity of teaching staff, in positions of added responsibility. We embarked on this journey together with The National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (NESLI), with 21 staff undertaking the highly regarded Australian Schools Leadership Colloquium. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sports-2/ Friday, 23 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14543 This week we begin APS Winter Sports Trials. All students should have selected a team to trial for and be considering other options if required. Trials will run for three weeks. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/sustainable-spartans-fight-waste/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14489 The PYP Sustainable Spartans are continuing with projects that began in 2017 and are embarking on new ones too. Firstly, the environmental warriors are forging ahead with a quest to install recycling bins in the Junior School common areas. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-2s-share-butterfly-knowledge/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14525 Year 2s have certainly been great thinkers during their recent inquiry. They have acquired knowledge about butterflies and their differences. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/nine-myths-of-the-international-baccalaureate-diploma-course/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14490 I have been the International Baccalaureate Diploma Course (IBDP) Co-ordinator for one year now, and have been teaching IBDP subjects for about ten years. In that time, I have heard many opinions about the IBDP and, to be honest, I am getting a little frustrated with the amount of misinformation I am hearing from our students and in the community. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/welcome-to-senior-school-let-s-go-camping/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14499 Last week many of our long-term Somerset students joined our new students to the College on Mt Tamborine, for a week of bonding combined with adventure and personal challenge. Our Outdoor Programme aims to assist in the slow and gentle journey from young child to young adult, a journey involving a transition from dependence to independence. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/chinese-new-year/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14510 Happy Lunar New Year everyone, the Year of the Dog is upon us. Gong xi Gong xi!-New Year greetings from our youngest students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/academic-excellence-in-mathematics-in-the-21st-century-part-ii/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14484 A review of teaching mathematics in the 21st century moves beyond the lower primary years and this week, looks at Year 6. Part II of the article continues its observations in teaching the fundamentals of Maths to modern students preparing for Senior School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-17/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14515 This week we prepare for next Friday’s APS Winter Sports Trials. All students should have selected a team to trial for and be considering other options if required. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-graduates-re-enact-viking-battle-for-year-8s/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14517 This term the Year 8s are learning about the Viking society and how their developments and changes helped them evolve and expand over time, in Individuals and Societies. On Thursday and Monday 1 and 5 February, the Year 8 cohort assembled into the theatre to watch a Viking presentation from past students Liam and Ryan McClure. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/come-help-clean-up-australia/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14487 Clean up Australia Day is coming up next month and all students are being encouraged to take part. Check the details to see how to get involved. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/history-for-starkey-house/ Friday, 16 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14522 Starkey’s record-breaking win at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival was a triumphant victory; to say the least. The encouragement of each team-member, the determination of each swimmer and the incentive of a history-making opportunity saw us reach our goal of first place. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/mudgee-kids-enters-its-fifth-year/ Wednesday, 14 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14471 A special common experience happens when students support other students, which is truly magical to witness. At the end of their time at Mudgeeraba Special School, we ask students to reflect on their relationship with their partner; these insights are both heart-warming and underscore our common humanity. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/afl-visitors-and-healthy-harold/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14461 The Gold Coast Suns had a visit with Year 1s this week. Their visit was to promote the upcoming NAB Auskick, beginning on Thursday 15 February. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-16/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14419 We have been in preparations this week for the upcoming House Swimming Carnival, Monday 12 February. Two days following the Carnival, we will host the APS Swimming Carnival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/fruit-is-beaut-in-prep/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14462 Prep Friends are inquiring into the central idea “Every day I learn more about who I am and what I can do”. Students have delved into this inquiry through the following topics; identifying what their bodies look like, investigating how their bodies work and discussing what makes their family special. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/sustainable-spartans/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14420 This new year, 2018, is an opportunity for all of us to join together and minimise our damage on this beautiful campus. By joining the Sustainable Spartans Committee, students can get involved while gaining community and service hours. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/safer-internet-day-show-respect-online/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14441 Safer Internet Day is an annual, global event held in 130 countries on Tuesday 6 February, 2018, with this year’s theme, “Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you.” This day is a great opportunity to remind all members of our community of the importance of respect in everything we do online. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/junior-school-inter-house-swimming-carnival-2018/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14442 On a beautiful summer’s day our enthusiastic, energetic and eager Junior School Students from Years 3 to 6 participated in the Inter-House Swimming Carnival held Tuesday 6 February. It was a fantastic day of swimming and the long day did not waiver the determination and House spirit of our young swimmers. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/academic-excellence-in-mathematics-in-the-21st-century-part-i/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14416 Achieving academic excellence in Mathematics in the 21st century is a unique challenge. Numeracy remains a fundamental part of education, but the teaching of basic numeracy skills has altered considerably over the past few decades. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-camp-to-mount-tamborine/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14452 The Year 7 Camp programme provides the students with a fun challenging and rewarding experience. QCCC Mount Tamborine provides the perfect setting for the outdoor education experience, full of adventurous activities that develop skills in team building, confidence, and developing friendships. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/butterfly-births-in-year-2/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14417 The excitement exploded in Year 2 this week. We have had three successful butterfly births, one each from 2S , 2J and 2T. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/science-snippets/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14453 Week 3 and students are already enthusiastically inquiring and working scientifically. Year 9 students are studying the ecology at Wyangan Creek, while Year 10s are using data-loggers in the laboratory. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/years-3-and-6-buddy-up/ Friday, 9 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14418 The 2018 Buddy experience has begun for Years 3 and 6 this week, with the theme of Bonding. The students were partnered up, asked to create a "Buddyshake" and discuss their Buddy commonalities. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/from-the-head-of-junior-school/ Thursday, 8 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14413 I am very excited to be joining the team at Somerset College in 2018, in the role as Head of Junior School. Somerset College has an outstanding reputation and I look forward to leading the school in many successful pursuits in the future. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/clover-connect-ready-reader/ Friday, 2 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14389 Each year Somerset College provides a variety of meaningful opportunities for students as a part of our Service Learning Programme. For Year 10 students, we are delighted to offer Clover Connect Ready Reader programme, which takes place each Wednesday from 8 until 8.30am at Clover Hill State School, commencing in Week 4. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/maths-tutoring/ Friday, 2 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14404 The College is offering Maths tutoring for all students looking to gain assistance with Maths. Check out available times and locations below. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/e-day-is-ere/ Friday, 2 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14406 Wednesday 7 February sees the digits in the date align exactly to a very important letter in Mathematics. I am referring to the number "e" which approximates to 2.718 (or 2/7/18). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/cum-laude-award-recipients/ Friday, 2 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14385 This week, we celebrated the Cum Laude Award recipients from Junior and Senior Schools for Semester Two 2017. The Cum Laude Awards were introduced in 2009 to recognise those students who achieved at the highest level in at least half of their subjects. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-15/ Friday, 2 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14386 Welcome back to our Spartan sporting community for 2018. This year will be an exciting one with our world-class sporting facilities and top programmes. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/our-year-2-butterflies/ Thursday, 1 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14370 Year 2 started the year with a surprise Inquiry provocation on Monday. A butterfly enclosure was delivered to each classroom so that we may observe metamorphosis. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-chess-2/ Thursday, 1 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14374 As the 2017 school year ended, nine students headed to Sydney to compete in the Australian Schools Team Championships. Somerset had qualified a team in two divisions, Oliver Yang, Eason Wang, Raphael Atia, Anson Qu and Melody Yang in the Primary Open and Lyanna Chan, Talia Varcoe, Jennifer Yeung and Mayuri Yamaguchi in the Secondary Girls. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/bounce-back-in-the-junior-school/ Thursday, 1 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14377 Monday afternoon on the indoor Basketball courts saw the launch of the Bounce Back! programme in Years 2 to 6. There was plenty of action with the students tasked to keep 18 beach balls continually bouncing back into the air. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/talent-identification-fitness-tests/ Thursday, 1 February 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14382 This week saw the start of an exciting new programme at Somerset College. Our in-house Exercise Physiologist is working with our students to help them achieve their personal success. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-3/ Thursday, 25 January 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14261 A very warm welcome and welcome back to 2018 for the Somerset community. Over this week we had 193 new students, 130 in the Junior School and 63 in the Senior School, begin their journey at the College and we certainly hope theirs will be as rewarding as ours. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-excels-over-the-summer-of-tennis/ Thursday, 25 January 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14262 The Summer of Tennis over the holiday period has not just been for the professionals. Somerset College qualified in all three divisions which align with the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots programmes. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-14/ Thursday, 25 January 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14319 Welcome back to our Spartan sporting community for 2018. This year will be an exciting one with our world-class sporting facilities and top programmes. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/college-captain-welcome/ Thursday, 25 January 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14342 Welcome back to another incredibly busy and exciting year! We hope you have all had a safe and relaxing holiday period in readiness for the upcoming year, and we would like to extend a very warm welcome to all new students and their families. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-basketball-club/ Thursday, 25 January 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14345 Somerset Basketball Club will again enter teams in the Gold Coast City Regional Basketball Association (GCCRBA) Winter Competition, following a successful 2017 season campaign. The objective of the Somerset College Basketball programme is to always foster positive growth, as an athlete and as a person. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/stingless-bees-homing-at-somerset/ Thursday, 25 January 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14348 Dr Toby Smith from Bee Aware Kids visited Year 9 Design students to present a workshop combined with the installation of native bee hives. The presentation included brilliant close up photos and diagrams of bees to help explain bee diversity, bee lifecycles, and their role in pollination and industry. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/oscar-nomination-congratulations-margot-robbie/ Thursday, 25 January 2018 12:00:00 +1000 14350 The College congratulates Margot Robbie on receiving a nomination for an Oscar for her portrayal of Tonya Harding in the movie I Tonya. A movie she co-produced. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/company-pitch-competition-year-7/ Friday, 24 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14157 An Interdisciplinary Unit, a component of the MYP, was completed by 130 very excited Year 7 students this week. On Wednesday the Year 7’s, in their corporate attire, were keen to ‘pitch’ their very own ‘company’ and state why the judges, a competent group of Year 11 Business Studies students, should choose their company product as the best for 2017. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/maths-olympiad-success/ Friday, 24 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14159 The Maths Olympiad is a Problem Solving competition which takes place throughout the year. Students sit for five separate exams with just five problems to answer each time – sounds easy? Well, it’s certainly not at all, and it is aimed at the extension maths students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/speech-and-drama/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14135 Congratulations to all the students from the Junior School who successfully completed the Trinity Guildhall of London Exams. The British Examiner, Ms Alison Rose was extremely impressed with the standard of both performances and presentations Somerset students gave. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/school-run-pitched-at-bond/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14120 Lilly Thompson, Katisha Webb and Montana McFarlane pitched their School Run business to potential investors at the fourth annual Bond University Demo Day on Wednesday 15 November. The girls did themselves and Somerset College proud. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/end-of-year-concert-year-1/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14141 It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas in Year 1! We have been extremely busy this term, as busy as elves, practising in the lead up to our End of Year Concert – The Nativity. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/emma-honoured-for-selfless-service/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14124 When Emma McTaggart was in Year 7, she decided to join a group of like-minded students under the guidance of Mrs Smith collecting grocery items for Hayley’s Cupboard, a programme linked to the Surfers Paradise Crisis Centre. Many of our MYP students will recall this opportunity Mrs Smith provides for our Year 7's in Term One. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/junior-girls-afl/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14145 The Year 7 Junior AFL team finished off their season with a great game, coming away with their final win for the season on Friday 10 November. The win took them to a third place finish overall on the Junior Girls AFL APS ladder. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/tennis/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14126 The Australian Summer of Tennis starts on in late December with the Brisbane International. Playing on the courts alongside the Grand Slam Champions will be three teams from Somerset College who qualified for the South Coast in the Red, Orange and Green Brisbane International Schools’ Challenge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/time-capsule/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14151 Last week the Year 12s were very keen to dig up a time capsule that they buried when they were in Year 7, 2012. Davy Harris had never forgotten that year and was very keen to see what hid, below the ground, for the past five years. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-chair-of-the-board/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14128 Another Somerset year has flown by! I am sure every teacher, parent and particularly, student, will look back at this year and wonder how did we possibly get done all that we have done? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/annual-staff-students-cricket-match/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14131 One of my favourite artists is Goya, and one of my favourite works of his is "Saturn Devouring His Son". Of course, this is a reference to the Greek myth of Kronos. “What has all this got to do with cricket Walther, you crazy geezer?” I hear you ask. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/investigating-biology-physics-and-chemistry/ Thursday, 23 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14134 The Year 11 IB cohort undertook an investigation on 20 and 21 November, incorporating all three of the sciences studied at Somerset – Biology, Physics and Chemistry. The cohort was divided into two groups; Group A consisted of Cooper, Riley, Evie, James, Tiffany and Zack, and Group B consisted of Keita, Kathie, Esra, Kyle, Jimmy and Uni. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sports/ Friday, 17 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14099 Last Friday the College hosted its annual Somerset College Awards Night. Our Somerset College Cheerleaders welcomed the 280 guests into the sports themed and decorated Great Hall in what turn out to be a great evening with plenty of students recognised for all their hard work. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/holidays-are-better-with-books/ Friday, 17 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14101 We are huge fans of reading here at Somerset and believe a good book or five will make any holiday even more enjoyable, no matter where you go. Students in all year levels are encouraged to borrow over the holiday break, provided that they have nothing currently overdue. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/students-gear-up-for-gc-2018/ Friday, 17 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14107 With the 2018 Commonwealth Games just around the corner, 30 of our Somerset College students took the opportunity to perform in front of the 15,000 Games Shapers who converged on the Gold Coast Convention Centre on 11 and 12 November as part of their volunteer orientation. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/girls-touch/ Friday, 17 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14109 Year 9 Touch As and Bs have had a successful season. A.B. Paterson and Coomera Anglican College were our toughest competitors but were a good challenge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/sundays-swing-and-jazz-singing-concert/ Friday, 17 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14112 As the sun set over the Quad on Sunday 12 November, it created the perfect afternoon for the 2017 Somerset Swing and Jazz Singing Concert hosted by our singing teachers Miss Jenine Carnell and Miss Mia Fanning. With 50 jazz tunes from Fly me to the Moon to a jazz version of Justin Biebers Love Yourself. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-term-four-wrap-up/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14084 Semester Two is rapidly drawing to a close and our Junior School students are beginning to enjoy the return to familiar routines after a couple of weeks of assessment tasks. Currently, the Year 5 shop linked to a unit of inquiry about producers and consumers is proving very popular with all students as they do some independent shopping. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/year-3-camp-to-tyalgum/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14059 When camp time arrived for Year 3's, Wednesday October 25, suitcases were packed and they were ready to go. Meeting at Sara Carrigan Gate the cohort set out for their first camp away to Tyalgum Ridge Retreat. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-performers-shine-for-showcase/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14091 The final Showcase of the year was an enjoyable evening, showcasing the cultural talents of our Junior School students. Large and small ensembles shone on stage as too did the supporting acts of duets and solos. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/future-stars/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14062 The local Future Stars Teams Event, held Sunday 5 November saw two Somerset Tennis teams competing, against five other local tennis clubs. Somerset entered a Red ball and an Orange ball team. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/all-saints-7-s-carnival/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14064 The day started with cloudy and rainy conditions at All Saints, not perfect for running rugby but the Somerset boys made do. Somerset College entered two U18 teams in the All Saints 7’s competition, the “Old Dogs” which comprised of graduating Seniors and the “Young Guns” current year 10 and 11 players. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/1st-xv-leadership-camp-stoten-farm/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14068 Players from Somerset's Rugby team recently headed to the Stoten family's farm for a camping trip. The group spent the time bonding, training and playing the game. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/icas-and-the-australian-mathematics-competition/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14038 Years 7 to 10 participated in the University of New South Wales ICAS Mathematics Competition in Term Three. Several students keen maths students in Years 11 and 12 also participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition as well as ICAS. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/a-young-snowboarding-star/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14071 Marko Sugden (Year 6) has recently achieved a number of outstanding results in both State and National Snowboarding. He placed both third in the individual and team SnowboardX category and took out third place in the team Snowboard GS at the Victorian Interschool’s Competition. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/music-at-somerset-count-us-in-2/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14039 Somerset stopped to gather together and celebrate music education, in a performance involving students across the Junior School on Thursday 6 November. Instrumentalists and choristers from all year levels had been preparing for this event for the past term, as part of Music Count Us In. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/lower-years-swimming-carnival-2017/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14073 Marches and war cries officially opened the morning’s proceedings for the Lower Years Swimming Carnival. Sounds from Years 1 and 2 bellowed across the pool deck on Tuesday 7 November, in preparation for the Inter-house battle. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/how-to-be-waste-free-warriors/ Thursday, 9 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14050 The Sustainable Spartans have been meeting regularly this term to discuss ideas on how Somerset can help our environment. One way is to have waste free lunchboxes – packed without packaging. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-college-golf-classic-2017/ Friday, 3 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13997 There was a great turnout from the College community for the Annual Somerset Golf Classic held at Palm Meadows Golf Course on Sunday 29 October 2017. With around 80 golfers participating, this year’s golf day was another well represented event. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-13/ Friday, 3 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14002 Next week is the Finals Round of the APS Summer Season, the fixture for Monday will be available on Schoolbox. Following the Finals Round is the Somerset College Sports Awards Night held in the Great Hall 10 November; a great night to acknowledge our students for their time and effort put into sport and how well they represent Somerset College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-annual-days-of-dance-2017/ Friday, 3 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14013 The Somerset dance students filled the Performing Arts Theatre with laughter, sweat and tears as they performed in the annual Days of Dance Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 October. The 300-seat Performing Arts Theatre was sold out over the two days, for all three events. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-2/ Friday, 3 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 14015 The Class of 2017 might have begun their schooling in the Preschool classes of some fine institutions but 23 of them; Bianca, Caroline, Chloe, two Courtneys, Danny, Elliott, Gina-Maree, Harrison, Kristina, Lachlan, Lewis, Matt, Maximilien, Mitchell, Molly, Nathaniel, Raymond, Risa, Sala, Salma, Sarah and Tim started here at Somerset. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-christmas-service-tuesday-14-november/ Thursday, 2 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13982 The annual Somerset Christmas Service will be held on Tuesday 14 November 2017 commencing at 6.30pm in Towers Quad. We invite you and your extended family to join us for this wonderful family event. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/science-competition-success/ Thursday, 2 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13984 Year 10 student Kevin Song has taken his Science project to a Gold Coast competition and won first place in the Year 9 to 10 Scientific investigation Category. He will now progress to a national event. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/2017-somerset-rowing-dinner/ Thursday, 2 November 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13985 The Somerset Rowing fraternity gathered recently in the Ray Dining Room to celebrate the 2017 rowing season and to acknowledge rowers, coaches and supports for their efforts across the year. Outgoing captains, Ryan McClure and Talia Varcoe hosted the evening, recapping on the many competitions from local through to national level as well as the Queensland Championships where Somerset finished 5th on the medal tally. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/oktoberfest-2017/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13960 Oktoberfest was an opportunity for Year 7 and 8 students, studying German to experience the cultural highlights of one of the world's biggest festivals. On October 12, a group headed to Brisbane to attend the annual Oktoberfest for Teens event. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/bond-university-leadership/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13931 Nine Year 10 and 11 students attending the A.B. Paterson College and Bond University Leadership Experience embraced the opportunity to meet and work with students from other APS schools in workshops facilitated by Peer Power. Each of the students gained valuable skills in team work and leadership and represented the College admirably at the event held at Bond University. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/materials-monopoly/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13965 After assessments are finalised and deadlines are met, it was time for a little fun in Design. The Year 9s wrapped up 2017 with an educational twist, playing the Materials Edition of Monopoly. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/introducing-the-sustainable-spartans/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13935 The Sustainable Spartans, a group of students (ranging from Junior School to Seniors), are passionately developing a whole-school approach to sustainability. The Committee aims to create an awareness and take action within the school, intertwining the educational ideologies of sustainability within the College’s curriculum. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/italian-immersion-school-holidays/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13968 Would your child enjoy being immersed in Italian language and culture without travelling all the way to Italy? Consider signing them up for a day during the school holidays. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/zen-zen-zo-theatre-company-visit/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13939 A theatre workshop proved challenging for the Year 9 and 10 Drama students who participated. They explored abstract representations of ideas through viewpoints, improvisation and architecture. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/connecting-with-an-industry-professional/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13912 For the past few weeks of Term Four, Year 12 Drama students have been tasked with re-envisioning an excerpt from a famous heritage text of their choice. Through applying Post-Modern concepts and conventions, we have strived to present a new, modern adaptation of our chosen classics. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-drama-verbatim-performance/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13943 Verbatim theatre is a form of theatre in which plays are constructed from the precise words spoken by people interviewed about a particular event or topic. On Wednesday 18 October, the Year 10 Drama students provided their friends and family the chance to witness their Verbatim Theatre assessment performances. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-art-show/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13954 The Great Hall was a riot of colour on Tuesday 24 October when the Junior School Art Show transformed the vast room into a lively art gallery. The event showcased the artistic efforts of the children from Prep-Prep, right through to the Year 6 cohort. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/successful-18th-annual-synergies-exhibition/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13926 Friday of Week 3 saw the 18th Annual Synergies Exhibition. Thank you to all of the staff, students and parents who came along to view the vast array of high quality student art work on display. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/year-12s-visit-pre-prep/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13958 On Wednesday morning, we had about 30 Year 12 students visit Pre-Prep to enjoy morning tea with Anne Copperwaite and Sandy Berghofer, their Prep teachers from 2005. The students were also excited to chat with Annmarie Moy, Honey Gardiner and Leanne Gambetta, their Prep Teacher Assistants. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/students-speak-up/ Thursday, 26 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13928 Somerset students have peaked at the right time when it comes to public speaking. After warming up at the Somerset Public Speaking Competition in Term Three, students ranging from Years 5 to 12 went on to compete with over 250 other students from 25 schools, at the A.B. Paterson Public Speaking competition last week. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/rotary-youth-transition-seminar-opportunity/ Wednesday, 25 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13904 The Broadbeach Rotary Club is interested in sponsoring two or more students from Somerset College for a Rotary Youth Transition Seminar. The residential camp is being held at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat from the 2 December until Friday 8 December 2017. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/preparing-to-lead-in-2018/ Wednesday, 25 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13911 Year 11 students work towards understanding their leadership style and the ways in which they can leave their legacy through servant leadership in 2018. Week 3 of Term Four traditionally focuses on preparing the Year 11 cohort for the leadership required of them as Year 12 students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-12/ Wednesday, 25 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13920 Next week is Round 7 of the APS Summer Season and the Spartans play against All Saints Anglican. This is the second last round of matches until the finals. Week 5 (next week) will be the last week of training for Years 7 to 10. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/christmas-appeal/ Thursday, 19 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13894 Our Christmas Appeal in partnership with Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) is now in full swing. We hope to provide essential festive treats to those hundreds of underprivileged families across the Coast and help to provide a Christmas experience with all the trimmings. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/brett-lee-visit-and-esafety-resources/ Thursday, 19 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13865 Brett Lee spoke with students in Students in Years 3, 4, 6 and 12 about how to make good decisions online, consistent with who they are as a person. The talk was part of our eSmart programme which pulls information from the eSafety Commissioner's office who, as part of their impressive work committing to improving our online world, offer a series of excellent resources aimed at parents. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-11/ Thursday, 19 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13867 Next week is Round 6 of the APS Summer Season and the Spartans play against AB Paterson College. For results from Week 3, see attached link under resources. Additional details have been posted on Schoolbox. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-at-state-chess-championship/ Thursday, 19 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13875 Somerset has won the Queensland Primary Schools Open Chess Championship for the fourth year in a row. In the Secondary Open Championship, our top team came second behind the hosts, Anglican Church Grammar School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/qut-vice-chancellor-s-stem-camp/ Thursday, 19 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13879 During the last school holidays, I was lucky enough to be selected to participate in Vice-Chancellor’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) camp held by Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. The camp was for current Year 11 students who are passionate in STEM fields and who would like to explore, understand and achieve something about STEM within five-day time frame. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/cultural-collage/ Thursday, 19 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13883 The diverse cultural talents of our students entertained the large community of Somerset students, parents, teachers and alumni, who had gathered in the quad on Friday 13 October. The same students who had only a few hours before led battle in the APS sporting competition, now commanded concertos, chorales, poems and plays with their instruments and words. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/celebration-of-entrepreneurship-year-10-business-ventures-competition/ Thursday, 19 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13891 Congratulations to the students of Year 10 Design Business, who recently created and ran their own market during the inaugural Celebration of Entrepreneurship in Week 2. This was the culmination of a whole year of work in which students researched customer needs, developed a product concept, designed advertising and planned how to create and operate market stalls. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-college-inaugural-celebration-of-entrepreneurship/ Friday, 13 October 2017 08:00:00 +1000 13846 Somerset College has just hosted the inaugural Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship. In its first year, the Celebration of Entrepreneurship has provided Somerset College students and members of the wider community with the opportunity to meet and be inspired by Queensland’s best and brightest entrepreneurs. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/i²-j²-k²-ijk-−1/ Thursday, 12 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13818 There have been a number of ‘Eureka’ moments throughout history including Archimedes falling into his bath, Newton watching an apple fall to the ground and Einstein’s thought experiment of a man free-falling. One lesser known flash of inspiration came to Irish Mathematician, William Rowan Hamilton, while he was out taking a trip with his wife along the Royal Canal in Dublin. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/film-and-television-students-visit-a-tv-series-set/ Thursday, 12 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13827 Two classes of Year 11 Film, Television and New Media students visited the set of the upcoming fantasy teen television series The Bureau of Magical Things. As part of the course students learn about the institutional aspects of television production, so this was a great opportunity for them to actually experience a real life shoot and gain a better understanding of how a professional cast and crew actually work together. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-netballers-admirable-performance/ Thursday, 12 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13830 Our 1st Netball team wound up their 2017 season over the weekend, competing in the Queensland State Netball Finals at the Gold Coast Sports Precinct in Carrara. Twenty of the state’s top school teams were on display, with all teams contesting strongly for the Vicki Wilson Cup. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/books-for-our-budding-entrepreneurs/ Thursday, 12 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13840 If our inaugural Celebration of Entrepreneurship ignited the spark of ambition in your child, urge them to head to the library. We have recently added several new books to our collection, to help students get started on the road to success. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/students-to-showcase-talent-at-the-synergies-exhibition/ Thursday, 12 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13842 The Annual Synergies Exhibition was born out of the perceived need for students to have an opportunity to display their artistic talents. The 18th Exhibition will be held on Friday 20 October, Week 3, in The Great Hall, commencing at 6.00pm and finishing by 9.00pm. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-10/ Thursday, 12 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13844 Next week is Round Five of the APS Summer Season and the Spartans play against Saint Stephens College. APS Summer Sport practices will continue Monday and Wednesday. There have been some changes to training times and venues, please refer to the schoolbox sports page for updated details. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/another-somerset-state-champion/ Wednesday, 11 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13797 Congratulations to Verona Hilzinger whose Calisthenic team won at the recent State Championships for 2017. The competition was extremely competitive and her team was graded in six varying performances. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/year-9s-get-active-with-year-1s/ Wednesday, 11 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13800 Active Kids is an activity Year 9s can do that goes towards their service hours and occurs during lunchtime on Wednesdays. In Active Kids, you work in groups to come up with fun games to play with the Year 1 students to help enhance their motor, hand-eye coordination, and team work skills. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/ib-diploma-matters-the-extended-essay/ Wednesday, 11 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13801 This has been an exciting beginning of the term at the College, with the Year 10 Personal Projects on display in the Great Hall all last week. They certainly are a fitting culmination of the MYP journey undertaken by Somerset students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9s-start-their-personal-project-journey/ Wednesday, 11 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13806 Year 9 students attended an introductory evening to their Personal Project on Wednesday evening in Week 1. The Personal Project, completed in Year 10, is the culminating project for our students undertaking the IB Middle Years programme. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/celebrating-with-year-10-personal-project-exhibition-2/ Wednesday, 11 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13807 After a year of planning and working to produce a final product, Year 10s were given their moment to shine at their Personal Project Exhibition. On Wednesday evening in Week 1, they welcomed Year 9 students and their parents to the Great Hall, where they shared their experiences and wisdom to the Year 9s, who set off on their Personal Project journey. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-9/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13781 Next week is Round 4 of the APS Summer Season and the Spartans play against Kings Cristian College. APS Summer Sport practices will continue Monday and Wednesday. There have been some changes to training times and venues. Please refer to the Schoolbox sport page for updated details. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-2-sleepover-2/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13752 The Year 2 students, parents and teachers (with a small amount of trepidation and crossed fingers) prepared for a sleepover during Week 10 of Term Three. In the lead up to this special event, the Year 2 children completed their menu selections, packed their bags and double-checked their packing list for the big night (making sure to include a spare pair of superhero undies … just in case!) https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/message-from-year-12-college-captains/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13754 Welcome back, everyone! We hope you had a fantastic break and are ready to jump back into another exciting term. Term Three brought many exciting events to the College; it’s always a hectic but rewarding 10 weeks and this year was no different. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/valedictory-chapel/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13756 Parents of the Class of 2017 are invited to join us for the Valedictory Chapel Service. The Service will be held on Thursday 16 November at 10.00am in the Great Hall. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/state-championship-success-for-rowers/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13762 Somerset rowers scored three gold medals at the recent Queensland Schools Rowing Championships which was held Rockhampton at the beginning of the school holidays. Blake Mills and Aidan McKeon started the flow of medals by claiming gold in the Year 11 Boy’s Pair. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/taste-of-asia-day/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13773 The Year 6 cohort spent the final week of Term Three immersing themselves in Asian Culture. Students toured gardens, wrote poetry and painted, before transforming classrooms and outdoor areas into an Asian experience. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-4-camp-to-midginbil-hill/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13778 Year 4 students headed out on the Wednesday of the last week of Term Three to the beautiful Midginbil Hill in the Tweed Valley, NSW. The location was set for a wonderful three days and two nights as the students found out their cabin groups and their activity groups and made themselves at home. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-shed-building-toolboxes/ Thursday, 5 October 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13744 As part of Somerset Shed Group 2 we had the challenging task of building toolboxes for a local kindergarten. We all found the exercise to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to learn some new skills in woodwork and work collaboratively with other students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/inquiry-at-its-best-the-pyp-exhibition/ Thursday, 14 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13681 Primary Years Programme (PYP) culminates with an exhibition where Year 5 students demonstrate the skills necessary to be life-long learners. They utilise inquiry to research and critically reflect on issues that are relevant both personally and globally, completing the work over the term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/group-training-at-the-college-gym/ Thursday, 14 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13696 Small group training sessions are being offered for gym members from these school holidays. The sessions will continue through to Term Four. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/term-three-junior-chess-inter-school/ Wednesday, 13 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13653 The Junior Chess Spartans finished first at the Gold Coast Primary School Teams Chess Championship, just edging out King’s Christian College. An impressive 65 Somerset students were among the total of 574 participants from schools all over the Gold Coast. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/sailing-camp-2017-group-one/ Wednesday, 13 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13659 On a Friday in August we became the first group to enjoy the South Passage experience on deck of a 100 foot tall ship. We embarked from Sara Carrigan Court and with Miss Connell and Mr Juniper accompanying us, were filled with excitement for our following four-day adventure under sail. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/celebration-of-entrepreneurship-tickets/ Wednesday, 13 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13662 In conjunction with Advance Queensland, Somerset College is conducting its inaugural Celebration of Entrepreneurship in Week Two, Term Four. This Celebration will deliver a program to support the growth of entrepreneurial skills among Somerset College students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-personal-project/ Wednesday, 13 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13672 Late last year I (Emanuelle Svoboda) - along with my Year 10 cohort - was given the opportunity to select a topic to formulate into a Personal Project. As I have been passionate about baking and cooking from a young age, my goal was to create and produce a professionally designed dessert cookbook, compiled of recipes my family and I enjoy. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/tech-girl-ambassadors-at-somerset-college/ Tuesday, 12 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13623 Somerset College’s Blue Screen team have now been named as Tech Girls are Superheroes 2018 Ambassadors, aligning perfectly with how they represent the College. The team were one of three finalists at the Tech Girls are Superheroes 2017 QLD/National Showcase event, recently held at The Cube, QUT. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/outback-camp-year-11/ Tuesday, 12 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13628 Over four days in August, 16 of us immersed ourselves in outback life. Time was filled with daily trail rides, animal caring and feeding, whip cracking, boomerang throwing, camp fires, Billy tea boiling races, orienteering, wagon rides, cow milking and more. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/medieval-performers-visit/ Tuesday, 12 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13632 Somerset was very fortunate to secure the Living History performers, who recently visited the school to perform for our Year 7 and 8 students. These self-confessed ‘history tragics’ provided the students with an interesting performance which was part story-telling and part re-enactment. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/early-risers-breakfast/ Tuesday, 12 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13634 For those of you who are unaware, Orange Sky Laundry is the world's first free mobile laundry service for the homeless. A crazy idea in 2014, to put two washing machines and two dryers in a van and wash and dry clothes for free, was created. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-girls-take-home-gold/ Tuesday, 12 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13641 Somerset College students Varvara Rubis and Camille Neighbour, recently competed at various State Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. Both girls are highly dedicated and disciplined students, training up to 12 hours a week to achieve outstanding results. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-3-outdoor-classroom-day/ Tuesday, 12 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13647 A change of scenery and an open-minded approach to learning saw Year 3 experience an Outdoor Classroom Day last Wednesday. The co-hort's 83 students participated in various activities around the College grounds. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/18th-annual-synergies-exhibition/ Tuesday, 12 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13618 The 18th Annual Synergies Exhibition was born out of the perceived need for students to have an opportunity to display their artistic talents. In addition to artwork, there will be performances by members of Wordsmiths as well as various musical items. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/fishing-camp-2017/ Friday, 8 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13596 The group assembled at Runaway Bay Marina early on Monday morning, the week of camp, excited to finally be on Fisho 2017. In smaller groups we helped load the food, cooking utensils and of course the fishing rods onto the Water Taxi bound for South Stradbroke Island. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/tennis-news/ Friday, 8 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13597 Somerset's tennis champions will now prepare for the State Finals in January after an impressive show at The Regional Red Ball final. The Brisbane International Schools’ Challenge was held this week, with the College playing host to five other Gold Coast schools. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/ay-caramba-we-can-zumba/ Friday, 8 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13576 As part of its agenda to continually challenge students in an effort to promote greater experimentation, discovery and learning, the PHE Department has just completed its Creativity in Zumba unit with the entire Year 10 cohort. The results were electrifying! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-8/ Friday, 8 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13599 Term Three is coming to an end with just Week 10 remaining. APS Summer Sport practices will continue and on Friday we play Intermural Games. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/stop-what-you-are-doing-and-read/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13587 The National Reading Hour is next Thursday 14 September but here at the KIP we celebrated it early with our Onesie Party this week. That really just means that everyone has a chance to stop next week and read for an hour. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/dads-in-pre-prep-2/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13578 Last week we invited the Pre-Prep Fathers or other special visitors to join in the fun of Pre-Prep over three mornings. The Pre-Prep friends were very busy planning, making lists, cooking, decorating, writing, painting and finally welcoming all our special guests for our Father’s Day morning for each class! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-public-speaking-evening/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13591 The Junior School came to life after hours last Monday, in Years 4, 5 and 6 with more than 100 students participating in the Public Speaking Evening. Students in Year 4 spoke for two minutes about such subjects as Imagine, If Animals Could Talk and First Steps. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-8-ylead-leadership-day/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13579 At first, many had the impression that yLead was just going to give us a talk about leadership skills. However, the yLead experience was so much more. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/locked-in-a-jail-cell-zeal-theatre-s-take-on-bullying/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13593 Zeal Theatre performed its piece, The Apology for the Year 8 students in the Performing Arts Theatre, Monday 28 August. Inspired by true events, The Apology is an honest look at the repercussions of taking revenge and the long term effects from bullying. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5-pyp/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13580 It has been a busy past few weeks preparing for PYP exhibition. We were all glad for the break of camp but now we have buckled down and again we are working hard. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/building-relationships-reflection-from-students/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13581 Year 8 and 9 students spent time during Activities Week with residents at local aged care facilities. Georgina Powell and Leigh Amores share their experiences performing and socialising during their visits. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-chess/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13539 Somerset’s annual Inter-house Chess Tournament took place on 28 July in the Spartan Chess room. The event is divided into two round robin tournaments for Senior School as well as one for the Junior School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/design-excursion-to-uq/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13582 On Wednesday during Activities Week, Year 9 Design and IT students visited the University of Queensland St. Lucia campus in Brisbane. During the day we participated in various workshops that helped us to understand and express our creative thinking. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-business-management-excursion-2017/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13583 Recently Queensland and IB Business Management students visited two local businesses who are achieving outcomes that once, may have seemed impossible. This excursion was designed to assist Queensland students to undertake research needed for their mandatory Feasibility Study assignment. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/father-s-day-celebrations/ Thursday, 7 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13577 To celebrate Father’s Day in Year 1, we had a F.U.D.G.E. event for Fathers, Uncles, Dads, Grandpas and Extra special men. It was a wonderful morning enjoyed by both our visitors and students alike. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-sampling-new-sports/ Wednesday, 6 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13530 We enjoyed new experiences Tuesday 29 August, when our eyes were opened to other sports we could engage in. The afternoon allowed for activities such as Zumba, parts of the modern Pentathlon, martial arts and boxing. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-basketball-awards-night/ Wednesday, 6 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13534 Recently Somerset College hosted the inaugural Somerset Basketball Awards Night in the basketball themed and decorated, Great Hall. Over 250 people celebrated the achievements of individuals, teams and the club as we have risen from 0 players and 0 coaches in 2016 to 147 current players and 13 coaches. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/fraser-island-camp-report-2017/ Tuesday, 5 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13519 Last week a group of 31 happy campers set off to Fraser Island. Accompanied by Mr Goodburn, Mrs Scandrett, Mrs Schneider, Mr Wrigley and our tour operator Keith, we drove the six hours to the ferry terminal, where we caught a glimpse at the pristine waters and white sandy beaches of Fraser Island that are responsible for its World Heritage Listing. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/camp-week-for-somersets-year-10-to-11s/ Tuesday, 5 September 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13514 Why would an excellent academic institution like Somerset College disrupt the important learning process to indulge in a camp week? Certainly not because it is fun for the staff, nor is it to support some underlying environmental education philosophy. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-design-technology/ Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13492 This term has proved to be very exciting in the Junior Design Technology room as Year 3 students have been inquiring into animals and their ecosystems. Students have planned, designed and created their own animal robots; using Lego WeDo robotics they have programmed their animals to come alive. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/character-strengths/ Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13499 This term, we have been learning about character strengths in the Year Level Meeting sessions. We have learnt that there are 24 character strengths that fit into six categories: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance and transcendence. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-college-continues-to-dish-up-meals/ Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13502 Reverend Theresa Mitchell has shared the impact of Meals That Make A Difference with Senior School Students. Speaking at a recent Senior School Assembly Rev. Theresa spoke freely and honestly about the people who benefit from the programme. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-chess-spartans-second-in-term-three-inter-school/ Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13506 At the Gold Coast Secondary Inter-School Chess Term Three tournament, Somerset’s top team tied for first place but lost on a tie-break to King’s Christian College. Our second team placed an excellent fourth, also losing on a tie-break and our third team won silver in the Open A division. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-public-speaking-competition/ Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13507 There was a distinct feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air Thursday 24 August as 48 Year 7 students presented their speeches at the annual Year 7 Somerset Public Speaking Competition. The audience listened intently to a diverse range of well-prepared speeches which were adjudicated by our Year 9, 10 and 11 students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/commonwealth-games-coming-to-the-college/ Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13509 The College is delighted to confirm the use of our swimming complex for training camps by Swimming Canada and our Athletic Facilities by both Athletics Canada and Athletics Northern Ireland as they prepare for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/book-fair-2017/ Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13486 A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Book Fair during Book Week 19 to 26 August. In just five days we sold a whopping $17,381 worth of books, journals, posters, pens, pencils, erasers and highlighters. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/innovators-of-the-future/ Wednesday, 30 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13451 Somerset College entered two teams into the Innovators of the Future competition held at A.B. Patterson on 23 August 2017. The theme for this year was “Earth of Tomorrow”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-swim-club-sign-on/ Wednesday, 30 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13453 As the Term draws to a close and the weather begins to warm up, the activity at the pool is increasing. This Winter has been strong with mild weather seeing many continue lessons and benefit from the ongoing skill development. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/2017-netball-dinner-and-presentation/ Wednesday, 30 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13458 Our annual Netball Dinner and Awards night was held last week in the Great Hall with over 200 netballers, parents, staff and special guests enjoying the evening. Each team delivered some entertaining and inspiring speeches before heading into a Q and A netball quiz and the Major Awards. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/new-somerset-swimwear/ Wednesday, 30 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13461 The Somerset College Uniform Committee is very excited to release a new range of active sublimated swimwear, now available to purchase at The Bird and Bush Retail Centre - The Ray Building. Thank you to CJ Licuanan (Year 12) and Bianca Crisp (Year 12) for modelling the very stylish new swimwear designs. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/gold-coast-secondary-school-drama-festival-2017/ Wednesday, 30 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13481 It’s a wrap! Throughout the past three weeks over 150 hours of collective rehearsal time has come together as Somerset College performed in the annual Gold Coast Secondary School Drama Festival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-festival-for-young-performers/ Monday, 28 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13442 Over the last weekend we welcomed participants and their families to the 2017 Somerset Festival for Young Performers. This was the 25th Festival and it has certainly has grown with over 1,900 performances over the weekend. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/global-young-leaders-conference/ Friday, 25 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13410 During the holidays, I attended a 10 day Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC and New York City. I spent 240 hours with 250 ambitious, driven and determined individuals who once finishing the conference would become some of my greatest friends. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/cultivating-kindness-within-the-college/ Friday, 25 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13424 Starkey House put the values of their House chapel into action at this week's chapel service. They explored the giving nature of kindness through acts of service and sacrifice. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/pets-of-somerset-personal-project/ Friday, 25 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13426 As part of my Year 10 Personal Project I have designed and produced a calendar for 2018, titled Pets of Somerset. I am trying to raise much needed money and awareness for the Painted Dogs Foundation. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/team-bluescreen-makes-tech-girls-are-superheroes-state-final/ Friday, 25 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13431 Congratulations to Team Bluescreen in becoming one of three teams to make the Secondary School State Final for the Tech Girls are Superheroes competition. This is an amazing achievement for the girls in the team and Mrs Elke Schneider who has worked with them as their teacher-mentor this year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/track-shines-in-the-sunshine-on-house-athletics-day/ Friday, 25 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13432 Thanks to Jordan Murdock, Year 12 student, for putting together this fantastic video with drone footage from the College's recent House Athletics Day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-terraces-year-7-community-service/ Friday, 25 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13398 As part of their Community Service, Year 7s made a visit to The Terraces, an aged care facility in Varsity Lakes. Here are a few of the students' comments from the time spent with the facility's residents. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/year-4-boys-to-star-on-abc/ Friday, 25 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13435 Leo and Charlie Razack from 4F, will appear on an episode of Get Grubby TV on ABC where they will be demonstrating their Beekeeping Skills. Also appearing will be Costa Georgiadis a gardening expert from Gardening Australia TV show. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-aps-athletics-2017/ Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13379 On Thursday 10 August, the Junior School Athletics Team competed in the APS Athletics Meet at Somerset College. The team was led by captains Luke Shirley and Kartier Marjanovic in the team warm up and stretch before the first event, being the 800m. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/chinese-international-students-visit-somerset/ Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13381 International students, Ines and Vivi, joined us at the College last week, from China. They were two of just 20 student winners of a competition, with hundreds of entries, in which they had to create a promotional video (in English) that celebrated the culture of their hometown, Chengdu. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-college-wins-champion-school-trophy-in-gold-coast-debating-competition-for-2017/ Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13392 We have had a really impressive year in Debating and just last week, Somerset College won both Grand Final Debates in the Junior B and Open A divisions to clinch the coveted title of 'Champion School' in the Gold Coast Debating Competition for 2017. Our teams have debated everything from whether 'The government should censor the internet' to whether ‘Globalisation has gone too far’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/journey-back-in-time-for-year-2s/ Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13393 The Year 2s went on a journey, in their classrooms last Friday 18 August, back to the early 1900s. Currently the students are inquiring into ‘The Past is History’, and after our excursion the previous week to the Hinterland Heritage Museum and Mudgeeraba Village, we decided to give the students a real taste of schooling and life in the 1900s. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/mapleton-moments-year-5-camp/ Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13409 Our 104 very excited Year 5 students set out of the College, Tuesday 15 August, bound for QCCC Mapleton, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Anticipation was high as camp booklets were handed out and they finally got to see who was in their activity and cabin groups; parents could hear the cheers from the inside the bus and their smiles could have provided enough energy to power the bus, the whole way. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/maths-teams-do-well-but-reach-their-limit/ Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13365 Last week, nine Somerset students embarked on a road trip to Hillcrest College for the 2017 QAMT Mathematics quiz. A total of 15 teams from across the Gold Coast competed and a sequential, tangential and occasionally irrational evening ensued. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/making-room-to-read/ Wednesday, 23 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13344 Our Junior students in particular had a strong literary focus this week with Bookfair, and for our very youngest, Book Character Day. This week as part of CBCA Book Week, we have been encouraging our students and staff to ensure that they make room to read and enjoy the benefits that come from this. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/alumni-10-year-reunion/ Wednesday, 23 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13345 The Alumni Association welcomed the class of 2007 back to Somerset, Saturday 19 August, to be reunited 10 years after graduating from the College. It was such a happy occasion enjoyed by all who attended. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-7/ Tuesday, 22 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13338 This week APS Summer Sport practices began. On Friday 25 August Somerset played All Saints in the season-opener. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/fantastic-future-earth-scientists-succeed/ Friday, 18 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13323 This week three teams of Year 7 Science enthusiasts ventured into the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences, Southport, to compete in the Griffith University Gold Coast Science Trivia Challenge against 56 schools from all over the Gold Coast. The teams of four answered 48 questions in relation to STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somersets-open-day-a-success/ Friday, 18 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13330 More than 50 families attended the College’s final Open Day for 2017, held this week. As groups arrived they were greeted and taken on tours with students highlighting the Somerset Experience. We had families from Germany, Mauritius and California visit for the morning. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-students-shine-at-the-gold-coast-speech-contest/ Thursday, 17 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13288 On Sunday 13 August, the Junior School languages students showcased their speaking skills as they competed at the Modern Languages Teachers’ Association Gold Coast Speech Contest. The contest was held at Griffith University where there were more than 1000 competitors in the languages of French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-6/ Thursday, 17 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13290 This week APS Summer Sport practices began and Friday we play All Saints in the season-opener. All sporting details are posted on Schoolbox on the Sports page. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-brothers-do-bond-for-bufta/ Wednesday, 16 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13278 On Sunday 6 of August we were lucky enough to attend a BUFTA screenwriting course at Bond University. We were very excited to attend this class, since we are both very passionate about film-making and hope to give the Coen brothers a run for their money one day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-2-excursion-to-the-hinterland-heritage-museum-and-local-mudgeeraba-town-centre/ Wednesday, 16 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13282 On Thursday 10 August, Year 2 headed off into the local community to visit the Hinterland Heritage Museum and complete a ‘Mystery Tour’ of the Mudgeeraba Town Centre. The excursion was part of our current Inquiry into ‘Where We Are In Place and Time’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/backpack-challenge/ Wednesday, 16 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13286 If you have walked past the Student Services Hub, you may have noticed the new colourful additions hanging off the second floor of the Gallus building. These vibrant new banners were created by a group of Year 7 to 12 students during Somerset College's first World Vision Backpack Sleepover Challenge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-8-coastal-study/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13260 A day of perfect weather with waves gently lapping the shore, while just off shore dolphins frolicked. It was the sort of day tourists spend months dreaming of, before they arrive on the Gold Coast for their holiday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/101-phi-nite-was-a-phinomenon-of-inphinite-fun/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13232 The Somerset Mathematical Society (ΣMΣ) hosted a celebration of (phi) last Phriday in the Senior Learning Centre. An evening of mathematical entertainment ensued commencing at phive o’ phive and with SMS captains, Zara Smith and Maya Hobley in charge of the evening, things ran very smoothly. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/write-a-book-in-a-day/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13267 The College's Wordsmiths took part in a writing challenge this week, all in support of the National Write A Book In A Day, an initiative raising funds for The Kids' Cancer Project. The nine novels completed will be delivered to hospitals in Australia and read to children undergoing treatment. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/author-michael-salmon-visits-the-college/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13243 Students from Year 1 to 4 were privileged to have renowned author Michael Salmon visit. Michael has written books including Bobo my Superdog, The Bunyip Who Ate Canberra, Pirate Gold and Chocolate Vampire and he has been involved in graphics, children’s literature, TV and theatre since 1967. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/swimming-news/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13247 The Somerset Swim Club had 35 swimmers compete at last weekend’s Swimming Gold Coast’s Short Course Championships at the Southport Aquatic Complex. The two day Championship meet saw some fantastic results. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/exhibition-newsletter/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13249 The Year 5s have been working especially hard this week towards their PYP Exhibition. Now we have chosen our topics, we have to do a little research, in fact, A LOT of research. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/science-awards/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13251 Some impressive exhibits were entered into the College's Science Competition this year. The event, held Wednesday 19 July, during the annual Science Week, showcased students' work from Pre-Prep to Year 12. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/italian-visit/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13254 A group of Italian students have left the College, after completing another year's exchange. While here they enjoyed many cultural experiences at Somerset, on the Gold Coast and around the country. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-5/ Thursday, 10 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13231 This week we hosted both the Junior and Senior School APS Athletics Carnivals. Next week, compulsory APS Summer Sport practices begin on Mondays and Wednesday, students can see their schedule on Schoolbox. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/prep-green-thumbs/ Tuesday, 8 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13230 When you walk past the Prep verandah prepare to be astonished at the amazing array of plants. Prep friends are buzzing around watering and caring for their plants they have brought in from home. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-know-how-of-a-nesting-box/ Friday, 4 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13190 Throughout Term 1 a group of Year 8 students participated in the Somerset Shed program, meeting every Monday lunchtime to work on creating Nesting boxes to be donated to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. After several weeks of cutting, hammering and making sure the bits of timber lined up, we were ready to deliver these. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/a-boral-truck-visits-pre-prep-friends/ Friday, 4 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13194 Pre-Preps were fortunate to have a visit from one of the 'ginormous' Boral trucks this week. Mr Wade Clark (Evelyn and Christopher's Dad) organised a wonderful presentation on the trucks. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-philosophy-dialogue-curiouser-and-curiouser-lewis-carroll-alice-in-wonderland/ Friday, 4 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13199 Recently, Year 11 Philosophy students held a ‘dialogue’ to share their ideas on political philosophy. In their current assignment, students are using philosophical material on utopias and dystopias to inquire into the characteristics of ‘good’ forms of government. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-legal-studies-excursion/ Friday, 4 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13201 Recently students from Year 11 Legal Studies embarked on an excursion to the Supreme Court in Brisbane. The aim of the visit was to learn first-hand about the procedures and protocols of the justice system. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/lower-junior-athletics-carnival-wrap-up/ Friday, 4 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13202 The Lower junior Athletics carnival was held on Thursday 27 July on our stunning tartan 10 lane track. How fortunate our students are to have the opportunity to experience this wonderful athletics facility. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-4/ Friday, 4 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13182 This week we prepare our APS Athletics Team for the Javelin and 1500m events at All Saints Anglican School and complete our final APS Summer Sports trials. Next Wednesday we host the APS Athletics Junior and Senior School Carnivals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/pyjama-day/ Friday, 4 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13185 The Year 12 IB Diploma students ran Somerset’s first Pyjama Day, Friday 28 July. The purpose of this event was to raise funds in order to support the Pyjama Foundation, an organisation dedicated to assisting children in foster care, to change the direction of their lives through education. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/pyp-exhibition-update/ Thursday, 3 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13165 Year 5 has been working extremely hard on their new inquiry and counting down the days until the PYP Exhibition. The Exhibition aims to make parents and children aware about the issues around the world, including famine, child labour, racism and gender discrimination. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5s-awarded-distinctions-in-communication/ Thursday, 3 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13167 Two Year 5 students completed an exam in Effective Communication. Both Anna Thomas and Aayush Chand earned top marks at the Trinity Guildhall of London Exam. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/german-trip-2017/ Thursday, 3 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13168 On the first day of the Semester 1 holidays, 11 eager Year 9 to 12 students embarked on what was very soon to be a trip of a lifetime. Our first week in Germany comprised of attending our partner school ‘Comenius Gynmnasium’, as well as various day trips to surrounding cities. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/wildlife-visit-to-year-3/ Thursday, 3 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13175 Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's Wildlife on Wheels visited the Year 3s in Week 3. Students had up close encounters with slithery snakes, scaly lizards, slippery frogs and even oversized insects. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/tech-girl-superheroes-2017/ Thursday, 3 August 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13158 Four teams (18 students) from Years 7 to 11 signed up for Tech Girls are Superheroes 2017, under Digital Technologies Teacher, Elke Scneider's coaching. The students have completed the biggest challenge of the competition and after submitting their work this past Friday, now look forward to attending the Brisbane Showcase later in the term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/navigating-socially-in-the-digital-age/ Friday, 28 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13142 As part of the College's eSmart programme, Year 7 students had a presentation this week that looked at some of the messages from Randi Zuckerberg's book Dot Uncomplicated. Subtitled, How to Make it Through Life Online in One Piece, her book looks at some simple messages that are relevant for any age. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-3/ Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13118 This week we prepare our APS Athletics Team for the Javelin and 1500m events at All Saints. We will also complete our final APS Summer Sports trials. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/2017-house-athletics-carnival/ Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13125 We hosted our second Junior-Senior School combined House Athletics Carnival this past weekend. More than 1,200 students, competing in 350 races and 112 field events throughout the whole carnival (over 13,000 jumps and throws) created a busy schedule. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/2017-kokoda-challenge-somerset-team/ Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13126 Nothing can prepare you for walking and or running 52 kilometres across the Gold Coast Hinterland with a team of five, day and night. This year, the Somerset College team, Hendo’s Lethal Conquering Kokoda Squad, entered into the half Kokoda Challenge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/athletics-carnival-2/ Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13107 The second combined Junior and Senior athletics carnival was held at our magnificent new track and field facility this past Saturday. You will read more about outstanding individual performances elsewhere, however the real winners were those young boys and girls who stepped way outside their comfort zone to participate to the best of their ability. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/spartans-dominate-aps-chess/ Wednesday, 26 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13111 Somerset teams had a superb showing at the APS Secondary Teams Chess Championship, held at the Arundel Hills Country Club on Tuesday 18 July. The top Somerset team won the Premier division by a convincing 25 points (out of the maximum 28), second place went to our third team, leaving third position for Kings Christian College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5-afternoon-of-eminence/ Wednesday, 26 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13106 Afternoon of Eminence is a great way for the Year 5 students to understand what it’s like to live the Learner Profile. After choosing an individual to research, students created presentations for the event. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/italian-show-2017-il-capitano/ Friday, 21 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13077 This week, the Cultural Infusion theatre group entertained the Junior School Italian students with their commedia dell’arte based show named ‘Il Capitano’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/economics-at-somerset-college/ Friday, 21 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13083 Economics is life! Everything from buying a house, to investing in the stock market, to running a business, or working as a doctor, lawyer, teacher, entrepreneur, vet or dentist involves economics; regardless what you do for a job, economics will be part of your life. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-recap-of-semester-one-from-the-committee-captains/ Friday, 21 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13084 With Semester One having come and gone, it is time to reflect on some highlights from the first six months of 2017. The sheer number and breadth of activities, events and initiatives underscore the integral role of student committees in College life; now we look forward to all the great work planned in Semester Two. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/inaugural-somerset-gift/ Friday, 21 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13089 The first Somerset Gift launched to a crowd of participating athletes, students, staff and alumni. Held in conjunction with the Queensland Athletic League and inspired by the prestigious Stawell Gift traditionally held on a grass surface, the Somerset Gift displayed its own style, taking place at our world class synthetic athletics track. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/founders-day/ Friday, 21 July 2017 08:00:00 +1000 13027 Our 35th Founders’ Day was a wonderful celebration of the College’s past, present and future. It was a perfect Gold Coast day to enjoy the traditional Founders’ Day activities of swimming and running relays, Tug-o-War and the Courtyard Dash. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/code-camp/ Thursday, 20 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13076 In the recent school holidays, Somerset College hosted our first Code Camp with 69 keen coders, spread across 3 Spark classes. As you can see from the photos, the students loved Code Camp and were extra proud to show their apps to parents and friends. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/2017-south-queensland-rowing-championships/ Thursday, 20 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13013 The Somerset rowing crews shone through at the South Queensland Schools rowing championships last weekend, with more than 60 students gaining four gold, five silver and three bronze medals at Wyaralong Dam near Beaudesert. The regatta was confronted with varied weather conditions from thick fog to thunderstorms to at times, perfect. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/indigenous-artist-workshop-for-gold-coast-schools-connect/ Thursday, 20 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13040 Senior Arts students from the College took part in a workshop, creating indigenous art to gift to a Singaporean school. The project was part of the Gold Coast's Schools Connect initiative. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport-2/ Thursday, 20 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13046 This week we prepare our Athletics Team for the coming APS Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 9 August, beginning with a track meet with PBC on Wednesday after school. Meantime, Somerset Spartans secured the 1st XV APS Premiership in an epic battle at Bond University. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/tasmania-trip-2017/ Wednesday, 19 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 13012 A group of eager Year 6s headed south to experience the cold of winter and the beauty of Tasmania. Below is one student’s tale of their trip. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/readers-cup/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12969 The Readers Cup competition challenges students to read a range of books, collaborate in a team and develop a love of reading. Each team reads five novels chosen by the regional coordinators and are quizzed on them, against other schools from the region. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/welcome-to-term-three-from-the-acting-headmaster/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12982 A very warm welcome to Term Three 2017 after what was hopefully a time of rest and relaxation. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/jeans-for-genes-day/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12973 Jeans for Genes is the iconic fundraising campaign of Children’s Medical Research Institute. Each year, Australians unite by wearing their favourite jeans and outdoing each other with crazy denim outfits, and donating money or purchasing merchandise, to support genetic research. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-s-top-netballers-selected-for-qissn-teams/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12974 Two top Somerset College netballers have been rewarded for their outstanding performances at the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Tournament. The event was held in Brisbane, during the first week of the June/July school holidays. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-science-snippets-what-your-mother-calls-a-germ-or-is-it/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12975 Although Somerset College's Science Week is to be celebrated Week 2, Term Three; the Year 7 Scientists were fortunate to have two preliminary Science Week guest speakers in the last week of Term two. The following is an overview of these lectures. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-science-snippets-what-is-otorhinolaryngology/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12957 Although Somerset College's Science Week is to be celebrated Week 2, Term Three; the Year 7 Scientists were fortunate to have two preliminary Science Week guest speakers in the last week of Term two. The following is an overview of these lectures. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/1st-netball-team-place-second/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12977 Somerset's 1st Netball Team came second in the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Tournament. In the second week of the holidays, the girls travelled to Brisbane where they competed against 60 other schools from around Queensland. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/spartans-intramural-basketball-league-keeps-the-ball-rolling/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12966 Spartan’s Intramural Basketball League brings the Somerset College and Bond University communities together. Teams meet every Monday night from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at Somerset College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/1st-netball-team-win-aps-premiership/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12979 It’s been a very long time since our 1st Netball Team won an APS premiership. Going into this year’s Grand Final unbeaten all season, gave our girls the confidence and belief, we were in with a chance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/mudgeeraba-to-murgon-b1-was-a/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12968 Twenty Year 10 students, involved in service learning, headed to Wakka Wakka Country for a cultural and community outreach experience over the holidays. The aim of the trip was an initiative to close the gap with indigenous groups. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-sport/ Friday, 14 July 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12980 This week we prepare for next week’s Annual House Athletics Carnival on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 July. Over the holidays our Senior Netball team had much success at the QISSN Netball Titles, as did Josh Vuta at the Rugby Nationals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/staffing/ Thursday, 15 June 2017 13:05:00 +1000 12933 Tracey Williams will finish her employment at the end of Semester while Kerrie-Anne Neary finished her employment on Wednesday of this week. We wish both ladies all the best for their future endeavours and thank them for their work with our students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/under-14-rugby-team-takes-aps-title/ Thursday, 15 June 2017 12:50:00 +1000 12914 The Under 14 team produced a stunning upset on Friday against Kings Christian College to take the 2017 APS Premiership. Having been beaten in the regular season by Kings Christian College 31-19, the Under 14 team turned the tables on their more favoured and sizeable counterparts. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sports-news-week-9/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 14:30:00 +1000 12924 This week we played all Finals of the APS Winter Season and we had over 800 students taking part in 71 teams, with 75 coaches heading out to 21 different locations. Details of all matches can be accessed below. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-semester-that-was-starkey-house/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 13:30:00 +1000 12913 Starkey House has had a busy and very successful semester! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/spartan-s-intramural-basketball-tips-off/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 13:15:00 +1000 12908 Spartan Intramural Basketball league is a new initiative to bring together the Somerset College and Bond University communities. Team’s face off every Monday night, 6:00pm and 7:00pm, at Somerset College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/music-extension-performance/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:45:00 +1000 12903 Music Extension is a Year 12 subject that, amongst other things, encourages students to communicate and express complex ideas about music and to investigate and realise music ideas. In this subject students explore advanced performance, composition and musicology skills. Students engage with the audience to express music ideas and in turn capture the mood and character of the music. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/queensland-cross-country-relay-silver-medal/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:45:00 +1000 12892 A dozen Somerset distance runners recently competed in the State Cross Country Relay Championships at Rivermount College. It was a hilly and muddy course that truly tested athletic ability and mental capacity. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-8-ma-4/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:45:00 +1000 12885 On Tuesday 6 June, the Year 8 MA-4 class undertook an investigation to calculate the grassed area of the Somerset Towers Quad to help the Grounds staff work out how much fertiliser would be required. Armed with only trundle wheels, a tape measure and mathematical formulae, the students eagerly embraced the challenge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/mudgee-kids/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:40:00 +1000 12902 The inaugural Mudgee Kids Disco was held last week and for those who attended, a great night was had by all. Being our first disco, there were many uncertainties. But with some careful planning and meetings the organising committee of Meghan, Uni, Manasi, Charlotte and Amy were able to make it happen. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/changes-to-co-curricular-lessons-for-term-three-3/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:20:00 +1000 12886 Any changes to co-curricular lessons for Term Three must have been made by today. Notification for the cessation of lessons must be made by completing the form, Cancellation of Co-curricular Activities found here. Changes regarding the cessation of lessons not received by today will incur charges for Term Three lessons. New enrolments can be made by contacting co-curricular@somerset.qld.edu.au. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-rowers-win-point-score/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:15:00 +1000 12912 The Somerset Rowers braved strong winds at Wyaralong Dam last weekend to prevail as the strongest school taking out the Jenny Pemberton Challenge Trophy for the school point score. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/royal-australian-chemical-institute-titration-competition/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:15:00 +1000 12895 Somerset College Chemistry students have returned to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Titration Competition after a long hiatus with outstanding success, with 2 teams qualifying for the national competition later this year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/holiday-reading-2/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:05:00 +1000 12894 Holidays are (so much) better with great books! The upcoming mid-year break is the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind with a great book or three, and read purely for the pleasure of it. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/time-to-p-a-r-t-y/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12906 A group of Year 10 students are provided an insight in the effects of alcohol and risk-related trauma. On Wednesday 7 June, thirty Year 10 students piled into our mini bus convoy and made our way to the Gold Coast University Hospital. We knew the name of the program (P.A.R.T.Y.) and what its acronyms stood for, but we had no idea what to expect. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/japanese-cultural-happenings/ Wednesday, 14 June 2017 11:55:00 +1000 12896 Last week, some of the Japanese classes participated in a Calligraphy lesson with Ms. Yukiko Nihei. We were very grateful for this opportunity and her instruction and guidance were effective. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/what-talent-we-have-in-the-junior-school/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 17:45:00 +1000 12871 It is always nice to sit back at the end of a busy day and be entertained by a talented group of musicians and performers, and for those of us at last Monday night's Showcase Performance, we were in fact entertained! It was amazing to think these students were only in Prep to Year 6, as they performed with style. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/creative-commons/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 13:50:00 +1000 12855 Sharing is Caring in a digital world (but only when you adhere to Australian Copyright Laws, attribute the creator and make sure you have obtained the work from a legitimate source). Simple, right! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/headmasters-sabbatical-leave/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 12:25:00 +1000 12879 The College Board has approved leave for me from 14 June to 7 August and I am most grateful for that support. I will be visiting some schools overseas and attending a few conferences. I look forward to reporting back to the Board and our community. During this time, the Deputy Headmaster, Dr Brohier, will be Acting Headmaster and I am very thankful to him for taking on this responsibility. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/rowers-shine-at-local-regatta/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 12:05:00 +1000 12860 Close to 70 Somerset Rowers recently competed in the final Coomera Regatta for 2017. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/changes-to-co-curricular-lessons-for-term-three-2/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12880 Any changes to co-curricular lessons for Term Three must be made by the end of the term. Notification for the cessation of lessons must be made by completing the form, Cancellation of Co-curricular Activities found here. Changes regarding the cessation of lessons not received by the last day of term will incur charges for Term Three lessons. New enrolments prior to the holidays can be made by contacting co-curricular@somerset.qld.edu.au. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/chess-spartans-win-term-2-schools-teams/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12864 Somerset’s chess teams once again performed very well at the Inter Schools tournaments. Our first teams placed first for both the Secondary and Primary competitions, held at Kings Christian College on 17 and 31 May respectively https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/bond-university-to-host-upcoming-entrepreneurial-womens-series-luncheon/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 11:55:00 +1000 12877 Bond University is proud to host the upcoming Entrepreneurial Women's Series Luncheon: Inspiring Change with Baroness Valerie Amos, CH. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/anson-qu-musical-performance/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 11:55:00 +1000 12853 It is with great pride and delight that I can inform of an exceptional musical piece performed by, Anson Qu. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/trivia-night/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 11:50:00 +1000 12867 The Somerset Rowing Committee hosted another successful Trivia Night in the Great Hall in May. More than 200 adults and children had an enjoyable evening in the major annual fundraiser for the rowing club. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sports-news-week-8/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 11:50:00 +1000 12870 This week we play all Finals of the APS Winter Season and we have over 800 students taking part in 71 teams, with 75 coaches heading out to 21 different locations. Good luck to all. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/under-14-rugby-team-continues-its-good-form-in-the-aps-competition/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 11:50:00 +1000 12874 Over the last 2 Fridays the Under 14 Rugby team have dominated their opposition to earn the right at another shot at the strong Kings College Under 14 team in next week’s Grand Final. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/active-kids/ Thursday, 8 June 2017 11:45:00 +1000 12849 Active Kids is a weekly programme in which senior students facilitate motor skills sports programmes with students in the Junior School. It provides students with an opportunity to mentor and encourage younger students and develop leadership skills. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/changes-to-co-curricular-lessons-for-term-three/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 17:10:00 +1000 12827 Any changes to co-curricular lessons for Term Three must be made by the end of the term. Notification for the cessation of lessons must be made by completing the form, Cancellation of Co-curricular Activities found here. Changes regarding the cessation of lessons not received by the last day of term will incur charges for Term Three lessons. New enrolments prior to the holidays can be made by contacting co-curricular@somerset.qld.edu.au. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-students-celebrate-italian-week/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12834 For the past week, students and teachers in the Junior School have been treated to Italian Week - a weeklong festival celebrating all that is Italy! This is the second year Italian Week has run in the Junior School. The idea has come from our Junior School Italian teacher, Mrs Danielle Swainson, and she has continued to enthuse students with a range of activities throughout the week. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sports-news-week-7/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 11:25:00 +1000 12837 This week we play Coomera Anglican College in Round 7 of the APS Winter Season as we close in on APS Finals Day. The Finals Day schedule will be posted on the sports page of Schoolbox by Tuesday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/somerset-success-at-da-vinci-decathlon/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 09:45:00 +1000 12814 Last Wednesday two teams from Year 6 and one team from Year 5 competed in the annual Queensland ‘da Vinci Decathlon’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-swim-club-members-to-represent-australia-at-world-university-games/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 07:55:00 +1000 12819 Somerset Swim Clubs Ashley Callus (coach) and Ben Treffers (athlete) have been selected to represent Australia at the upcoming world university games to be held at Taipai, Taiwan in August this year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/backwards-and-forwards-passing-the-test/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 05:20:00 +1000 12809 Rugby is a game about going forward but so are the passes – and that is the problem. It is an issue that is gaining momentum in both League and Union but it is momentum, in essence, that causes the confusion over the rule. A forward pass in both our rugby codes is against the rules whereas in 1906, American football allowed the forward pass based on safety concerns. At the time, the Chicago Tribune reported that in the previous year, 25 players had been killed and 159 seriously injured on the field of play. Theodore Roosevelt, the US President at the time had even threatened to ban the game were it not made safer. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-camp/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 04:00:00 +1000 12828 As a Gappy it is our sworn duty to make sure that we pack absolutely everything needed for year 9 camp. This was our last camp that we would be preparing ourselves for mentally and physically. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/barbara-sisley-award/ Thursday, 1 June 2017 03:10:00 +1000 12821 https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-6-digital-licence/ Friday, 26 May 2017 08:00:00 +1000 12763 Somerset College is committed to ensuring our students understand and apply the skills of being safe, smart and responsible online. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/national-simultaneous-storytime-2/ Friday, 26 May 2017 07:15:00 +1000 12765 Hey diddle diddle, you all know the riddle, a cow jumps over the moon... but that is not all that happens in our 2017 National Simultaneous Storytime book “The Cow that Tripped Over the Moon” written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/parents-and-friends-mothers-day-lunch/ Friday, 26 May 2017 07:05:00 +1000 12769 A wonderful time was had for over 120 mothers at our Mothers’ Day Celebration held in the Great Hall last Friday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sports-news-week-6/ Friday, 26 May 2017 06:55:00 +1000 12776 This week we play AB Paterson College in Round 6 of the APS Winter Season as we close in on APS Finals Day. The 1st XV are one of our teams targeting the Grand Final, which will be played at Bond University on June 9 at 4.00pm. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/library-and-information-week/ Friday, 26 May 2017 05:45:00 +1000 12780 This week is Library and Information Week in Australia. The library at Somerset is a vital hub for College activities where we are constantly trying to strike the balance between providing a dynamic space for collaboration without eschewing our reputation as a refuge and a space for independent study. We identify not so much with the historic beacons of the past, but as an essential provider of free books, information, ideas and education. With ever increasing web resources, evolving formats and consumption trends that lean toward visualization, video and virtual reality our mandate is to deliver progressive practices that prioritise agility whilst keeping an eye on the emerging technologies heading our way. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/generocity/ Friday, 26 May 2017 05:35:00 +1000 12775 Last Sunday, 21 May, GeneroCity was held in the Towers Quad. This concert was produced by myself through the help of many different people and was my Personal Project. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/preparing-for-germany/ Thursday, 25 May 2017 12:05:00 +1000 12755 The 2017 German Trip is around the corner… the countdown is on! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-college-awarded-federal-grant-for-robotics-and-coding/ Thursday, 25 May 2017 06:40:00 +1000 12773 Somerset College has been successfully awarded a $50,000 Digital Literacy School Grant from the Federal Government for our project to develop a coding and robotics programme from Pre-Prep to Year 10, with a focus on best practice for teaching and learning. The grant invited schools to submit projects for a share of 4 million dollars worth of funding to implement the Australian Digital Technologies Curriculum. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/2017-wallas-bassingthwaighte-netball-cup-somerset-v-all-saints/ Friday, 19 May 2017 08:45:00 +1000 12705 This year’s annual netball contest for the Wallas-Bassingthwaighte Cup was held at All Saints Anglican School in front of a well supported Somerset crowd. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sports-news-week-5/ Friday, 19 May 2017 05:45:00 +1000 12733 This week we play Emmanuel College in Round 5 of the APS Winter Season as we close in on APS Finals Day. Our Cross Country Team ran exceptionally well at the APS Cross Country Carnival this week at Runaway Bay and all results are included here. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/living-his-dream/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 18:10:00 +1000 12694 Carter Jensen is living his dream after accepting a Student/Athlete position at Iowa Wesleyan University. A late starter to basketball at the age of 14, Carter quickly found his feet in a landscape dominated by skilled players who had been playing since they were 5 years old. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-presentation/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 17:50:00 +1000 12711 Recently, we had the opportunity to talk to Grade 11’s regarding their transition to their senior years, stress management and study strategies. The major strength of our presentation was that it was primarily based on the perspective of us as senior students. We used our personal experiences to detail some tips which we feel other people might find beneficial. For instance, we covered our strategies for tackling distractions and staying productive while working, as well as effective time management. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-sport-aps-cross-country/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 17:20:00 +1000 12702 On Tuesday 16 May we took our APS cross country team to contest the annual APS cross country carnival at Runaway Bay Sports Club. It was a fantastic day of racing and team spirit put on display by our Junior School students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/should-i-get-a-maths-tutor/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 17:15:00 +1000 12684 We are now entering the season of exams, results and feedback which inevitably raises the perennial question from parents of the need for a math tutor – whether the purpose is to help with homework, fill in some gaps, excel in the subject or simply maintain current progress. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/under-14-game-4-vs-saint-stephens-college/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 17:10:00 +1000 12703 The Year 8 Rugby team returned to the winners circle this week after a disappointing loss to Kings Christian College last week. Playing away at Saint Stephen’s College the team were a little slow to start but once they figured out that the opposition were a little flimsy in defence on the edges they used their skills and ball movement to outplay the bigger Saint Stephen’s pack. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/were-going-back-to-the-80s-in-the-kip/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 16:30:00 +1000 12681 The 80s was, in our opinion, hands-down the greatest decade in the history of modern civilization. There has never been fashion like 80’s fashion, hair like 80’s hair or music like … you guessed it, 80’s music! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/associated-private-schools-cross-country-carnival/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 16:30:00 +1000 12685 Last Tuesday one of the ‘Big 3’ APS carnivals was held at Runaway Ray sports grounds. With all Somerset students from our newest cross country recruits at 9 years of age right through to our open teams competing against the 7 other APS schools. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somersets-inaugural-netball-tour-new-zealand/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 16:10:00 +1000 12700 Over the holidays, the Somerset 1st's Netball team, our Coach Sheryl Burns and Manager Jacqui Sina travelled around the beautiful country of New Zealand on the school’s first ever international netball tour. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-12-geography-trip/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 15:50:00 +1000 12678 A planned trip to Northern NSW for the Year 12 Geography students to study coastal geography was disrupted by the end of term 1 floods, but the recent catch up excursion was blessed with beautiful weather and good conditions. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-4-beliefs-excursion/ Thursday, 18 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12710 Students in Year 4 have been inquiring into the diversity of different belief systems around the world. The students are encouraged to develop an awareness of different perspectives from major belief systems and ultimately to understand their own personal beliefs and values. As part of their study, the students were invited to experience the Chung Tian Buddhist Temple in Brisbane and the Gold Coast Islam Centre in Arundel. During their time at the temple, the students were provided a guided tour of the grounds in small groups, and were encouraged to explore the many different buildings and their offerings. It was wonderful to see the students respectfully listen and pay attention to the ways and rituals that were being modelled during their time at the temple. Whilst it was a damp rainy day, Year 4 still managed to enjoy a well-deserved lunch picnic at the nearby Temple Gardens. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-lady-with-the-lamp/ Thursday, 11 May 2017 16:45:00 +1000 12640 Florence Nightingale was born on 12th May 1820 (and I don’t mean twenty past six), so on Friday she would have been 197 years old. She gained the nickname ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ during the Crimean War where she was credited with saving countless lives (by using mathematics). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/inaugural-somerset-athletics-gift-launch-age-races-free-for-somerset-students/ Thursday, 11 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12622 The College has today officially launched the inaugural Somerset Gift, to be held at the Somerset College Athletics Facility on 15 July 2017. The Gift will provide aspiring athletes with the opportunity to compete for a prize pool of over $19,000. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/collaboration-is-key-in-ib-theatre-arts/ Thursday, 11 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12631 Rosie Bensley and Xenavee Goldsmith are in the process of completing the Theatre Arts curriculum as part of their IB Diploma. This student centred course encourages each learner to engineer their own learning experience, by selecting the practitioners, performance conventions, styles and plays they wish to study. One of the four assessment tasks the girls must submit in 2017 is the Collaborative Project and they completed the performance component on Thursday the 27th of April in the Performing Arts Theatre. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/madonna-king-being-14/ Wednesday, 10 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12595 An opportunity has arisen for parents, students and staff to attend a special event at Bond University. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/entrepreneurial-tech-innovators-somerset/ Wednesday, 10 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12590 Congratulations to the Somerset College students involved in the recent Startup Weekend Gold Coast event, hosted by Bond University. The Overall Favourite and the Crowd Favourite winning team was Waterways, a team of seven members which included Year 10 and Year 12 Somerset students: Jordan Murdock, Mitchell Murdock, Zachary Lai and Tim Shen. The High School Favourite winning team was Yetti Wear, a team of six members which included Year 11 Somerset student; Valerie Fang. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sports-news-week-4/ Wednesday, 10 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12613 This week we play St Stephens College in Round 4 of the APS Winter Season as we close in on APS Finals Day. We continue to prepare for the APS Cross Country Carnival next week which will be held at Runaway Bay. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/personal-project-lilly-thompson/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12586 My name is Lilly Thompson, and as a part of the MYP journey, all Year 10 students have to complete a Personal Project. Music is something that been a significant part of my life since I was young, as so I decided to base my Personal Project around it. I have also always enjoyed helping to lift others’ spirits, and so for my Personal Project, I set myself the goal of writing and recording an album of positive songs. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-design-classes-creating-a-buzz-around-the-school/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12584 Over the past few weeks the Year 9 Design classes have been building bee hotels. Coming in all shapes and sizes, it’s safe to say that Somerset’s bees now have some very luxurious homes https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/under-15-new-zealand-rugby-tour/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12592 During the recent Easter break 19 young men and 2 staff members from Somerset College ventured ‘across the ditch’ to take on the might of New Zealand in several games of Rugby Union. This was the very first tour conducted to New Zealand and the very first under age Rugby tour in the College’s history. Despite Cyclone Debbie’s best attempt to postpone the tour 17 of the 19 boys made it to the airport without issue, however the Hall twins, Jacob and Harry were hemmed in by flood waters and unable to make it to the airport in time. Mr Zernike cheekily suggested to parent Katie Mills, whose son Josh was also on tour that her husband Andrew could pick the boys up in his helicopter! Low and behold the suggestion was acted upon and the Hall twins arrived an hour later via helicopter from Casuarina! So 19 boys loaded onto the plane bound for Auckland. With the time difference we arrived just before midnight and quickly made our way to the hotel nearby to get some shut eye before taking on our first opponents, Auckland Grammar the following morning. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/exploring-and-investigating-mathematics-through-the-ib-diploma/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12577 One of the unique features of the IB Diploma Mathematics curriculum is its Exploration. This constitutes the Internal Assessment for the subject and is worth 20% of the final grade. The Exploration is not a project, assignment or prescriptive piece of work but allows the maths student to literally explore one area of maths combined with a personal interest. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/clover-hill-state-school-breakfast-club/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12576 Every Wednesday before school, the Year 12 cohort of Somerset College have been participating in the Clover Hill State School Breakfast Club. The Breakfast Club offers students an opportunity to give back to the community by connecting with the Clover Hill students. It is a relaxed and social environment, with each morning usually consisting of a casual chat with the primary students over breakfast and a round of board games before they go to their first class for the day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/5-somerset-students-in-under-18-rugby-union-state-championships/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12574 Over the weekend 5 Somerset students participated in the Under 18 Rugby Union Championship held at Sunnybank Rugby Club. Joshua Vuta, Kai George, E’Shea Gafa and twin brothers Charles and Lewis Pye accounted for almost one quarter of the South Coast squad and when they all started in some matches it meant that Somerset College players made up one third of the starting team - a superb statistic in itself! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/mid-year-examinations-and-what-they-mean-2/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12573 Each year at this time, the pressure intensifies as students at Somerset (and indeed in numerous other schools across the country) prepare for mid-year examinations. Whilst we – at Somerset - do place significant emphasis on our examinations, it is also important for parents and students to understand the place of exams in the learning continuum at the College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/clover-connect/ Tuesday, 9 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12585 The point of the Clover Connect program each Wednesday morning at 8am is for Senior School Somerset College students to read to Year 3 Clover Hill State School Students. During the program we get to interact with students and help them increase their learning. The best part is the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you help someone else become a better reader. In addition, there are also lots of fun moments when Somerset and Clover Hill students share stories and interact as they read together. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-hosts-rowing-regatta/ Thursday, 4 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12544 The opening regatta of the Gold Coast Schools rowing kicked off last weekend with the first regatta of the season being held at Coomera Waters last weekend. Not only was the regatta the first for the season, but the Somerset Rowing committee hosted the regatta so it was a massive effort from students, parents and staff. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/term-overview/ Thursday, 4 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12539 Last term started off with a bang as students got straight into assessment and co-curricular activities. Grade 12’s solemnly accepted their role as student leaders and had assessment thrown at them, but many younger students had the opportunity to go to camp. The aims were to explore their boundaries and socialize within a group setting. The Grade 12 leaders visited the Grade 7 camp and tested their limits with a broken-down bus and the irreverent sounds of kazoos. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/counting-on-the-jury/ Thursday, 4 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12554 In 399 BC, Socrates — the father of Greek philosophy — was put on trial for impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. The jury was comprised of 500 men, who found Socrates guilty by a vote of 280 to 220. He was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock - and the rest, as they say, is history. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sports-news-week-3/ Thursday, 4 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12547 This week we play Kings Christian College in Round 3 of the APS Winter Season as many teams bounced back with excellent performances against Trinity last week. We continue to prepare for the APS Cross Country Carnival in week 5 which will be held at Runaway Bay. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/harry-ko-personal-project/ Wednesday, 3 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12534 My name is Harry Ko and I am currently in Year 10, completing my MYP Personal Project. My project goal is to construct a First-Person View (FPV) quadcopter drone considering the following factors: costs, safety, size and function of the drone. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/music-and-anzac-day/ Wednesday, 3 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12530 A traditional part of the Anzac Day service has been the playing of the Last Post. Considered to be one of the most nerve-wracking pieces to be played by a solo bugler (or our case trumpeter) as it is so exposed and carries such significance for those listening. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/national-assessment-program-literacy-and-numeracy-2017/ Wednesday, 3 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12531 On Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 of May all Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will undertake NAPLAN for 2017. While it may appear to be over an extended period, simply put, “NAPLAN tests require less than four hours over three days, four times during a student's time at school. It is a point-in-time snapshot assessment of a student's achievements in the areas of literacy and numeracy. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-under-14s-rugby/ Wednesday, 3 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12536 Somerset under 14’s Rugby versed All Saints Green and Blue in Round 1 and Round 2 respectively, for the APS Sport Competition. Both week’s the boys took out astounding wins. Well done to all players for showing great sportsmanship and putting in serious effort on the field. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/a-snapshot-on-tech-clubs/ Wednesday, 3 May 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12528 Tech Clubs offer a great environment for students to experience and further explore their interest in IT in a social and relaxed environment. Across the College, there are Code Clubs running in Junior School and in Secondary, Tech Girls and Robotic Club. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/anzac-day-white-cross/ Thursday, 27 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12521 In ‘Individuals and Societies’, the Year 7 students filed through silently and placed a ‘white cross’, for those who so bravely fought on the battlefields of Gallipoli, in the formation of a larger cross on the school Quad. This created an area of reflection for all of those who past near it during the school day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/seniors-sports-news-week-2/ Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:15:00 +1000 12484 This week we play Trinity Lutheran College in Round 2 of the APS Winter Season and prepare for the APS Cross Country Carnival in week 5. Week two was a busy week, holding the House Cross Country. Thank you to all staff that assisted in the set up and throughout the proceedings of the day, it was a very successful event that ran smoothly. A massive thank you to those parents that attended the event, it is great to see your involvement in such events. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-8-camp-to-moreton-island/ Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12502 Last month our Grade 8 students bonded as we were challenged and pushed to our limits on the adventurous camp to Moreton Island. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/2017-musical-camp/ Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12482 At the conclusion of Week 1, the Senior Musical cast left Somerset College to travel to PCYC Bornhoffen to rehearse and perfect the most promising musical to date. On the first night, the cast battled with tiredness but still found the energy to rehearse late into the night. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/mid-year-examinations-and-what-they-mean/ Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12490 Each year at this time, the pressure intensifies as students at Somerset (and indeed in numerous other schools across the country) prepare for mid-year examinations. Whilst we – at Somerset - do place significant emphasis on our examinations, it is also important for parents and students to understand the place of exams in the learning continuum at the College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/swimming-canada-announces-commonwealth-games-training-camp-venue-students-feature-in-official-announcement/ Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12500 With the 2018 Commonwealth Games fast approaching our Swimming Pool was the perfect site for a media conference on Wednesday morning, as Swimming Canada officially announced Somerset College as their training camp venue. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/any-day-is-book-day/ Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12489 Sunday 23 April was World Book Day, which for us in Australia amongst back to school and Anzac Day, is very easy to miss so Book Week in August is the time when we celebrate all things books. Really though everyday has the potential to be Book Day and if anything, it’s a good chance for us to remember the power of reading and the impact this can have on developing intellect. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/anzac-day-and-inter-house-cross-country-carnival/ Monday, 24 April 2017 15:50:00 +1000 12467 Week one of Term Two held two significant events, Inter-House Cross Country Carnival and the ANZAC Day Service, both in which identifying true spirit and character amongst all involved. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/national-open-and-age-results-2017/ Monday, 24 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12476 The National Open Swimming Championships which doubled as the World Swimming Championships selection event was held in Brisbane from Sunday 9 April to Thursday 13 April. Somerset had 6 swimmers compete through the week; Yolane Kukla, Carlos Licuanan, James Roberts, Anarnya Berlowitz, Regan Leong, Ben Treffers and alumni student Toby Wilson. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/major-boxsell-visit/ Monday, 24 April 2017 11:45:00 +1000 12477 Last Wednesday, the Year 12 cohort was fortunate to have the opportunity of watching and engaging in a presentation by Major Simon Boxsell. Over the hour, we discussed many topics including the meaning of Anzac Day and how to critically analyse controversial points. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/strategic-plan-2018-to-2022/ Friday, 21 April 2017 12:35:00 +1000 12395 With the successful completion of the current Plan ahead of schedule, the College Board will embark on a new Strategic Plan process this year. The Headmaster invites all interested parents to Forums where the future of the College can be discussed. Please enrol for one of these sessions at your convenience and share in the strategic vision of the College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/streamlining-parental-permission/ Friday, 21 April 2017 12:15:00 +1000 12415 Since the introduction late last year of online updating for personal and medical details, we have seen over 2000 updates made by parents. This year, we are further committed to reducing parent paperwork and streamlining administrative processes. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-science-of-training-birds/ Friday, 21 April 2017 12:10:00 +1000 12390 Week 9, Term Two, Year 7 students were fortunate to have Mark Culleton speak to the cohort about being a “birdman” and how he uses science with his line of work. Mark was joined on stage by his trusty assistant and daughter Lara (who is currently in Year 7) as well as “Twinkles” the Barn Owl. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-8-camp-at-moreton-island/ Friday, 21 April 2017 12:10:00 +1000 12418 This year, the grade 8 cohort embarked on a journey to Moreton Island, to our camp. Despite the weather, this camp was definitely a good one. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-1/ Friday, 21 April 2017 12:05:00 +1000 12414 This week was a busy one in sport with Wednesday’s Annual House Cross Country Carnival and Friday’s opening of the APS Winter Season versus All Saints. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-state-swimming-results/ Friday, 21 April 2017 12:05:00 +1000 12413 The Junior School State Swimming Titles were held from Sunday 26 to Tuesday 28 March in Brisbane at the Sleeman Aquatic Centre. Somerset had 11 swimmers from both the College and Swim Club competing in the Championships. It was great to see some of the swimmers compete at this exceptional level for the first time. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-musical-and-a-finnish-educational-tour-a-busy-term/ Friday, 21 April 2017 12:00:00 +1000 12436 Whilst the end of term finished very quickly due to Cyclone Debbie, we were lucky enough to still enjoy the Year 4 to 6 Musical, Alice in Wonderland Jnr early in the final week. Our students did a marvelous job and entertained audience members over three performances. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-whistler/ Friday, 21 April 2017 11:50:00 +1000 12397 Have you heard ever heard the story of El Silbón? On Monday 20 March, the Year 11 Drama students took their audience on an eerie journey into Venezuelan folklore as they presented their Ritual Theatre Assessment Performance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/personal-project-katisha-webb/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:10:00 +1000 12396 My Personal Project is to develop and create a fully functional netball club. I have created a club called Burleigh Breakers Netball Club under the management of South Coast Netball Association. My goal is to have more than 36 players register. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-10/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12394 Week 10 we concluded our Term One Sports Programme and prepare for APS Winter Season Round 1 on Friday 21 April. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-term-that-was/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12392 Term 1 was one of the busiest terms along with being very successful; with everyone eagerly trying to get back into the GROOVE of all things Performing Arts. House Plays left the audience in awe as the directors and co-directors of each of the plays: Olivia Hodge, Sam Platt-Muniz, Abby Roach, Jess Lekich, Celeste Walsh, Joshua White, Rosie Bensley, Shannen Jones, Courtney Randall and Gina Teixeira put together outstanding and memorable shows. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-shed-builds/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12389 Somerset Shed is a Service opportunity for Year 8 students to engage in. The group meets every Monday lunchtime in Cordner 1.3 to continue to develop their carpentry skills from last year’s Sciences billy cart construction, with the vision to undertake projects to create something beneficial to help our local community. The Somerset Shed was founded in 2014 and has flourished ever since. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/wet-wet-wet/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12387 An 80s band, yes, but also the theme of this year’s Year 8 and Year 9 Camps. Rather than prove to be an impediment to the camp experience for our students, the rain proved to be an added adventure with all the students getting in, problem solving, and just “getting on with it”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/state-school-swimming-titles/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12388 The State School Swimming Titles were held from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 March in Brisbane. This is an extremely competitive event and this year, Somerset had over 25 swimmers compete combining both College students and Somerset Swim Club members with some amazing results. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-challenge-of-forty/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12391 As mentioned in a previous Somerset Times edition, some of our students are working on the forty piece challenge. There has been some great work from those students who have accepted the challenge of learning forty pieces in a year. This term they have learnt over 500 pieces between them! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-blossoming-songbird/ Friday, 21 April 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12393 Well done, Charlize Hinze! Charlize has been offered a position to participate in the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Programme (SHEP) Middle School - South-East Queensland 2017. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/right-here-write-now-2/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:12:00 +1000 12324 The 24th Somerset Celebration of Literature closed its final chapter on Friday night at the Tweed Banora Dental Literary Long Table Dinner in the surreal surrounds of Towers Quad with a full house and recognition of the talented winners of the National Novella and Poetry competitions. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/sunday-at-somerset/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:11:00 +1000 12335 Sunday 19 March saw the first of our Sunday at Somerset Concert Series take place. This concert series is organised to give our students the opportunity to perform pieces they have been working on in front of an audience of friendly supporters. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/celebrating-world-poetry-day/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:10:00 +1000 12336 With last week’s Celebration of Literature still fresh in our collective memory, the Somerset College Wordsmiths ‘Covered the KIP’ in prose in celebration of World Poetry Day on Tuesday 21 March. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/many-influences-shape-a-community-year-5-excursion/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:09:00 +1000 12328 Getting out of the classroom and heading out on an excursion is a great way to become more knowledgeable students about the world we live in. Last Friday, the Year 5s departed Somerset College bound for St Helena Island. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/pi-night-was-epic/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:08:00 +1000 12327 On Pi Day, 14 March (3/14) the annual celebration of π was hosted by the Somerset Mathematical Society (∑M∑) in the Pi-forming Arts Theatre. The motto of the ∑M∑ is “Encourage, Enlighten, Entertain” and they certainly lived up to their maxim on the night. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/creative-movement-showcase/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:07:00 +1000 12325 Here is a snippet of what the Year 6 Creative Movement showcase looked like, for those who missed the performance on Thursday 16 March. Of course, you need to imagine 111 students performing 50 balance and travel movements in unison to the song ‘Scars to Your Beautiful’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-strings-set-the-mood/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:06:00 +1000 12333 The Senior String Orchestra had its first outing on Friday evening. The group provided the background music as guests arrived for the Tweed Banora Dental Literary Long Table. It is customary to see our students sit to play but this year they have branched out to perform in the manner of ACO (the Australian Chamber Orchestra), so they were standing. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/blood-service-donation/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12326 My name is James Walsh and I am a Year 11 student who recently donated blood to the Australian Red Cross. Overall, I found it to be a fun and rewarding experience. I encourage everyone in Years 11 and 12, who is eligible, to take the opportunity to donate. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-9/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:04:00 +1000 12329 This week with Years 8 and 9 on camp, we play our Intra-mural games at Somerset. Compulsory APS practices continue every Monday and Wednesday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/it-s-raining-men/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:03:00 +1000 12331 During the Celebration of Literature, many performances took place in the quad, despite the occasional mud patch that developed. Among these performances were two groups from our dance classes. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/dance-keeps-a-hip-hopping/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:02:00 +1000 12334 Sunday afternoon, 19 March, saw our first dance workshop for the year take place. Kahlia Sulendra from Ikin Dance came to put our dancers through their paces. Kahlia is a hip-hop/street dance teacher. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/performers-to-the-fore/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:01:00 +1000 12332 As has now become customary, the Celebration of Literature has been a catalyst for our performers to ‘strut their stuff’ on the stage. Throughout the lunchtime breaks on Wednesday and Thursday, students from the College presented various performances to the lunchtime crowds at the festival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/how-do-i-get-to-carnegie-hall/ Friday, 24 March 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12330 Practise, practise, practise. Congratulations to Lilly Thompson! Lilly has been accepted as a Junior Finalist in the Honors Junior Choir for the 2017 Middle School Honors Performance Series. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/service-alive-and-well-at-somerset/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:15:00 +1000 12292 Term One has seen many of our students sign-up to a range of activities actively promoting awareness or directly raising funds for a range of charities. Similarly, our Student Committees have started in earnest and we’ve witnessed record numbers of students join these recently. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/this-week-in-global-thinking/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:14:00 +1000 12277 Global Thinking is a new Years 9 and 10 elective and this year sees our first Year 10 cohort working through the course. Global Thinking is a course that encourages critical thinking by looking at some of the key issues in our world today. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/three-billy-goats-gruff/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:13:00 +1000 12281 Once upon a time ... On Monday afternoon, during the Junior School Assembly, the Junior School Concert Band presented Three Billy Goats Gruff with a special guest narrator (this may have been the fourth Billy Goat). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/swimming-gold-coast-championships/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:12:00 +1000 12287 The Swimming Gold Coast (SGC) Championships were held this past weekend at the Miami Pool with the Clubs within our Region, one of the strongest in Australia, competing for not only individual qualifying times but individual medals and an important Team Championship. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/hayleys-cupboard-2017/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:11:00 +1000 12284 There are many starving, under-privileged people that cannot afford to feed themselves or their family. Hayley's Cupboard assists these people and provides them with non-perishable food and other appliances such as toiletries. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-sport-news-week-8/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:10:00 +1000 12286 Last Friday we had our first ‘Spartan Race’ for the season. It was a huge success with over 60 participants from the Somerset Community running. This was a new experience for some of our younger students who have not had much running or racing experience at all. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/personal-project-kevin-song/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:09:00 +1000 12289 I am Year 10 student Kevin Song and as the final year of my MYP journey, I was tasked to undertake the Personal Project. My project is on the topic of Chess which is something that has positively influenced my life significantly. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/clover-breakfast-club/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:08:00 +1000 12288 On Wednesday 15 March, our Year 12 cohort commenced their service over at Clover Hill State School. Breakfast Club provides an opportunity for our seniors to engage with students from Prep to Year 6 in an informal environment over a casual healthy breakfast. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-8/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:07:00 +1000 12278 This week we take on Coomera Anglican College in APS Winter Sport. Compulsory APS practices continue every Monday and Wednesday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-tops-term-one-junior-inter-school-chess/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:06:00 +1000 12285 Round One of the Gold Coast South Junior Inter-School Chess Competition was held last Wednesday 8 March in Caningeraba State School. Somerset’s contingent of 68 students once again put on an excellent performance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/sunday-afternoon-at-somerset/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12280 This Sunday sees the first in our Sunday Afternoon Concert series. This series of concerts is designed to provide performance opportunities for our students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/starkey-fundraiser-for-hummingbird-house/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:04:00 +1000 12290 Hummingbird House is a place where kids can be kids, families can reconnect, and precious memories can be created. At any given time around 3,700 Queensland families are living with, loving, and supporting a child or teenager with a life-limiting condition. The emotional, physical and financial struggle for these families can be immense. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/celebration-of-not-just-literature/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:03:00 +1000 12282 During the Celebration of Literature, there have been many of our students spreading their wings in the various performance arenas available at the festival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/milkshakes-for-guide-dogs-queensland/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:02:00 +1000 12291 Recently, Veivers House hosted their annual milkshake stalls to raise money for Guide Dogs Queensland. Perhaps as a result of the eye-opening awareness session with Hayden and his guide dog, Gabby, the number of volunteers to be involved was overwhelming. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-ias-study-at-coolangatta/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:01:00 +1000 12279 The Year 10 IAS students spent some very relaxing time on Thursday 9 March looking at Coolangatta and the way the local environment has been managed. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/changes-to-co-curricular-lessons-for-term-two/ Friday, 17 March 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12283 Any changes to co-curricular lessons for Term Two must be made by the end of the term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/right-here-write-now/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:11:00 +1000 12252 Next week, the 24th Somerset Celebration of Literature unfolds on the grounds of Somerset College and around venues on the Gold Coast. Widely regarded as Australia’s premiere youth writer’s festival, this is our celebration of literature and a rich annual opportunity for our students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/sandy-s-surfers-paradise-adventure/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:10:00 +1000 12250 Thank you to the amazing cast of Sandy’s Surfers Paradise Adventure – Anna Boone, Tanisha Chadha, Lilly McCoomb, Alex Ggric, Amy Jackson, Jenna Goldie, Georgina Powell and Sarah-Anne Hornsey – for their performance on Friday 24 February at Cavill Avenue as a part of the Surfers Paradise Sand Safari. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-winner-of-the-2017-house-plays-festival-is/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:09:00 +1000 12247 On Thursday 2 and Friday 3 March the House Plays Festival took over the stage in the Performing Arts Theatre. Thursday’s show entertained our appreciative audience, but left each House determined to reach a new level in their performance for the adjudication. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/welcome-ms-morely/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:08:00 +1000 12249 The Department would like to welcome Ms Greta Morely to its staff. Ms Morely is replacing Mrs Strand who is now on maternity leave. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/be-bold-for-change/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:07:00 +1000 12245 This year, 8 March was International Women’s Day. This special day is an international call for action to “... help forge a better working world – a more gender inclusive world”. The lack of diversity in leadership and in the technical industries is recognised to be a major barrier for future potential economic growth. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-7/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:06:00 +1000 12251 This week we take on All Saints Anglican School in an APS Winter Sport Practice Round in readiness for our Round 1 fixture versus Coomera Anglican College next week. Compulsory APS practices continue every Monday and Wednesday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/history-comes-alive-at-uq/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12244 Recently, the Senior Ancient and Modern History students ventured to the University of Queensland in Brisbane to sample a taste of tertiary life. We left early and made a day of it, taking in all that University life has to offer. The first thing we noticed is how amazing and huge the campus is. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/volunteer-for-ozharvest/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:04:00 +1000 12243 Over the Christmas Holidays, students from all over the Senior and Junior Schools volunteered for OzHarvest in The Kitchens, Robina. We were tasked with selling merchandise, and getting the word out about the great work OzHarvest does all across Australia. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/celebration-time/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:03:00 +1000 12246 “Pi day is approaching fast, And we must celebrate the past. Three point one four one five nine; On that number we shall dine”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-sport-news-week-7/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:02:00 +1000 12248 Last week, four of our best swimmers in the Junior School swam at the South Coast Swim Trials held at the Southport Aquatic Centre. This was a fantastic achievement in itself as students needed to qualify through the APS carnival to swim against the best swimmers on the Gold Coast. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/summer-school-debating-a-success/ Friday, 10 March 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12242 On Saturday 25 February, over 70 student debaters and their coaches attended the Debating Summer School held at Bond University. The Gold Coast Debating Summer School serves as an opportunity for both new and experienced debaters to learn about debating and adjudication. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/house-chapels/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:11:00 +1000 12205 During Weeks 4 and 5, each of the Houses in the Senior School co-ordinated a Chapel for their students, parents and staff. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-college-and-the-salvation-army-making-a-difference/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:10:00 +1000 12194 An early morning breakfast shines light on the generous spirit that is alive and well within the College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-designers/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:09:00 +1000 12197 Currently in Year 9 Design we are designing bee hotels which we will ultimately make and put up on the College grounds. Out of the four criteria, Criterion B is about developing ideas and deciding on how our final product will look. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/spartans-chess-make-the-first-moves-of-2017/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:08:00 +1000 12200 The Gold Coast High Schools Teams Chess Round One competition was held last Wednesday in The Great Hall. Somerset had an excellent turnout of 42 players. The Somerset teams performed exceptionally, winning gold and bronze in A Grade and bronze in B Grade. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-fond-farewell/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:07:00 +1000 12202 Today we bid farewell to Mrs Josephine Strand (Miss Flynn still to most of us) who is departing the College on maternity leave. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/reserve-bank-of-australia-comes-to-somerset-college/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:06:00 +1000 12198 Last Thursday, Somerset College once again hosted the annual visit by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to Gold Coast Schools. Over 200 students from nine different Gold Coast Schools attended, making this one of the biggest audiences in the 15 years that this event has been organised. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/tennis-competition-success/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12196 Over the weekend a number of Somerset College students competed at various venues throughout South East Queensland with exceptional results. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/music-medals/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:04:00 +1000 12203 Congratulations to the following students who received medals for their performances in examinations completed last year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-6/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:03:00 +1000 12199 This week our swimmers head to the South Coast Trials at Southport and we finalise our APS Winter Sports Trials in readiness for our coming practice round versus All Saints Anglican School. APS practices begin next Monday and Wednesday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-slam-dunk-at-pa-assembly/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:02:00 +1000 12204 Last Friday, the Senior School came together for the inaugural Performing Arts Assembly. In The Great Hall, students were treated to excerpts and explanations of the House Plays as well as the few quiz items regarding lyrics. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-sport-news-week-6/ Friday, 3 March 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12201 This week we congratulate our tennis players, swimmers and cross country runners on their various achievements in sport! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:12:00 +1000 12146 Last week, two of our Class of 2016 were presented with QCAA Achievement Awards for their Year 12 Outcomes. Lokman Lo and Marina Hou were two (2) of only 35 students from a State cohort of 30,000 eligible students to be presented with these awards that recognise academic achievement above and beyond the usual parameters. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/careers-in-science-somerset-alumni/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:11:00 +1000 12153 From the Smith Building Science Labs to a Veterinary Hospital in South Africa, I’m Suzie Kruse, a former Somerset Science student (Class of 2007). I enjoyed science at school, and in my senior years took Physics with Mr Jackson and Chemistry with Mrs Day. I was a member of the Sciences and Environment committees. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/resilient-year-3/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:10:00 +1000 12147 In Term One, Year 3 Students have been inquiring into how Reflection can provide opportunities to change mindsets. On Wednesday last week our students participated in a fantastic workshop about the Art of Being Resilient. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/the-rainbow-readers-and-book-worms-club/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:09:00 +1000 12142 On Valentine’s Day, 13 students who love reading came to the first meeting of our Years 3 and 4 book club. After introducing themselves and talking about some of their favourite books, the group voted on a name for the club: the girls chose Rainbow Readers and the boys chose The Book Worms. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/fitness-testing-of-physical-and-health-education-students/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:08:00 +1000 12149 Somerset College Physical and Health Education Department is committed to providing its community of learners with a challenging physical and academic curriculum that promotes an understanding of, and a passion for, the benefits of lifelong participation in regular physical activity. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/sunday-it-s-time-to-get-serious/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:07:00 +1000 12143 Last weekend our dedicated House Play Directors and Cast flocked to Somerset for a morning of intense rehearsal. With only 40 minutes per House of stage time, focus was strong and scenes were being refined at a rapid rate. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-aps-swimming/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:06:00 +1000 12150 Last Thursday our Junior School Swim team contested the APS Swimming Carnival held here at Somerset College. It was a fantastic day of fun and team spirit as our Junior School swimmers swam against the best swimmers from the seven other APS schools. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/verbal-combat-our-words-and-actions-matter/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12148 On Monday morning our Year 7 students were the audience for a powerful performance of Verbal Combat from Brainstorm Productions, with a key message that the things that you say to people face to face and online can have real consequences. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/worship-and-music/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:04:00 +1000 12145 Continuing from last week, where members of both Andrews and Franklin Houses used their music talents to add to the services of the evening House Chapels, members of Laver, Starkey and Veivers Houses were busy fulfilling the same role during the week. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/sugar-spin-you-me-art-and-everything/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:03:00 +1000 12151 Years 11 and 12 Visual Arts help celebrate 10 years of the Gallery of Modern Art. The Senior Visual Arts students walked into “a playful space of excess, colour and abundance” (exhibition curator Geraldine Kirrihi Barlow), on Wednesday 15 February. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-school-aps-swimming/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:02:00 +1000 12152 Our Senior APS Swimming team had excellent results to take out 2nd Place in what is one of Queensland’s toughest school swimming competitions. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/taking-up-the-challenge-bronze-awards/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:01:00 +1000 12144 Some of our music students have accepted the challenge of learning 40 pieces in a year. That’s right, 40 pieces in a year, so, that is one piece every 219 hours; approximately one every nine days. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/plastic-not-so-fantastic/ Friday, 24 February 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12182 The annual Clean-up Australia Day event organised by the Somerset Sciences Committee will take place on Friday 3 March 2017, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Groups of students, under the supervision of the Sciences staff, can come and help clean up Somerset and can use this activity to count towards CAS. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/welcome-to-senior-school-lets-go-camping-2/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:13:00 +1000 12102 Last week many of our long-term Somerset students joined our new Somerset students on Mt Tamborine for a week of bonding combined with adventure and personal challenge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/first-visit-to-mudgee-kids/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:12:00 +1000 12089 On Thursday a group of Year 11 students, including myself, went to Mudgeeraba Special School. As it was my first visit to the school I didn’t quite know what to expect, however I was really looking forward to the afternoon. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/holidays-at-safe-haven-orphanage/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:11:00 +1000 12090 Over the Christmas holidays I was fortunate enough to spend several weeks living at Safe Haven Orphanage. This was my third visit to this special place, therefore the children are more than just friends to me; they are family. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-12-leaders-join-year-7-at-camp/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:10:00 +1000 12093 On Thursday 9 February half of this year’s College leaders hopped on a bus and made our way to the Year 7 Camp at Mount Tamborine. The short bus ride was extended slightly because our bus did not deal the hills very well and broke down when we were 15 minutes from the camp site. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-the-top-fundraisers/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:09:00 +1000 12088 Every August in the KIP we hold our annual week-long Book Fair, where parents and students can purchase books, stationery and craft kits at great prices. This generates funds for us, which we then, in turn, “pay forward” in the form of gifts for Mudgeeraba Special School and a cash donation to the Room to Read organisation. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/welcome-to-somerset-actors-studio-sas/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:08:00 +1000 12092 Every year Somerset students gather in PA22 on a Wednesday lunchtime for one simple reason, a love of acting and performing. SAS has begun for 2017 and it has already attracted a strong ensemble of passionate thespians, brimming with ideas of what they can explore, create and perform. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/using-your-talents/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:07:00 +1000 12095 During the week, members of both Andrews and Franklin Houses have been using their music talents to add to the Services at the evening House Chapels. The members of the Houses that play instruments have provided the processional and recessional for each service as well as accompanied the hymns of the service. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-camp/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:06:00 +1000 12103 On Monday morning, 6 February, the 2017 Year 7 cohort chatted nervously. What are we going to eat? What are we going to do at this camp? How do I set up a tent? These questions undoubtedly went through each student's mind before we got on the busses. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-design-students-are-saving-australia-s-bees/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12094 In Year 9 Design we are currently working on a unit where the objective is to design and make Bee Hotels which will be installed around the College to support the native bee population. So far during this project we have inquired into why bees are so important to our world. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/sprint-meet-success/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:04:00 +1000 12087 The Somerset Swim Club held its February Swim Meet, the 2017 Somerset Sprint Meet on Saturday 4 February. The day saw over 350 competitors from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales compete. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/supporting-our-swimmers/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:03:00 +1000 12104 It has been a very busy two weeks at the pool with both the Junior and Senior Swimming Carnivals. Congratulations to Laver House, winner of the Senior Carnival and Starkey House, winner of the Junior Carnival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-4/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:02:00 +1000 12105 This week was a busy one for swimming with Monday’s Inter-House Swimming Carnival and Wednesday’s APS Swimming Carnival. Next week we recommence our APS Winter Sports Trials. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/halfway-to-the-finish-line/ Friday, 17 February 2017 09:01:00 +1000 12091 The House Play Festival rehearsals are in full swing, with energy, imagination and collaboration radiating out of each rehearsal space. The House Directors have launched head on into the process, selecting a cast, organising schedules, blocking scenes, developing characters and most importantly, bringing their artistic vision to life on stage. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-inter-house-swimming-carnival/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:09:00 +1000 12033 Once again, this past Tuesday, our Somerset Junior School students took to the pool to battle it out for the Years 3 to 6 Inter-House Swimming Carnival. With brand new House banners on show for all to see, the grandstand was awash with colour and surging with energy and enthusiasm. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-show-for-the-year/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:08:00 +1000 12023 Tuesday saw the 2017 Show Choir perform at the College Chapel Service. This is the first performance for this group with its new members. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-concerted-effort/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:07:00 +1000 12022 Last Friday saw the Senior Concert Band make their first airing for the year at the 2017 Investiture Service. The group provided the processional and recessional for the stage party as well as accompanying the hymns for the service. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-3-12/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:06:00 +1000 12020 This week we begin Winter Season sports trials and prepare for next Monday’s Inter-House Swimming Carnival. Two days after the Inter-House Carnival, we will host the APS Swimming Carnival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/scholarships-for-entry-into-years-7-10-and-11-in-2018/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:05:00 +1000 12018 Scholarship testing registrations for Years 7, 10 and 11 in 2018 are now open. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/positive-education/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:04:00 +1000 12024 At Somerset, in addition to teaching the academic curriculum, we also teach the skills that children need to optimise their wellbeing. There are two main reasons we are focusing on this area. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/add-infinitum-what-has-mathematics-ever-done-for-us/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:03:00 +1000 12025 This may well be a perennial question from some of our students struggling with those tricky algebra problems on a warm afternoon. To give them a succinct answer; Mathematics has given us most of the things we have in our Modern world although sometimes, I admit, it does take time for the maths to find its use. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/maths-and-performing-arts/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:02:00 +1000 12019 While some members of the Maths Department have a passion for Musicals and the Performing Arts, this is not an article about the singing and dancing maths teacher! Instead it’s a snapshot of an initiative the Maths Department have been developing over the past year – Maths Lectures - and the venue just happens to be the Performing Arts Theatre. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/safety-at-the-college-and-in-the-home/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:01:00 +1000 12032 Has anyone noticed those tiny labels on their products around the home? Check your Mortein cans, Draino and WD40 containers and you will notice pictograms (diamond shapes containing different pictures) that clearly deliver warning messages to us indicating that this seemingly harmless supermarket product has the potential to harm you and your family’s health, or the health of our environment. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/advancing-in-leaps-and-bounds/ Friday, 10 February 2017 09:00:00 +1000 12021 Congratulations to Alexandra Gerrard! Last year, Alex completed her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Advanced 1 examination. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/opening-of-confucius-classroom/ Friday, 10 February 2017 08:59:00 +1000 12038 Last Wednesday 1 February we saw the opening of the new Confucius Classroom at Somerset College. Our fantastic hosts Archie Jones and Amelie Martin did an amazing job; only in Year 3, they memorised their lines and presented the ceremony wonderfully. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/service-learning-opportunities-at-somerset-in-2017/ Friday, 3 February 2017 13:05:00 +1000 11978 What an overwhelmingly hot yet positive start to the year it has been! It was wonderful to welcome our new students and their families last week and we look forward to getting to know you all better in the weeks and months ahead. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-billy-carts/ Friday, 3 February 2017 12:30:00 +1000 11972 While this year I have progressed to Year 8, I look back to what may have been the highlight of Year 7! It is the activity Year 7 students look forward to all year and just thinking about it makes me want to do a second time. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-week-2/ Friday, 3 February 2017 12:00:00 +1000 11971 This week we race the 100m events of the House Swimming Carnival with the remainder of events to follow on Monday, 13 February. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-mermaid-s-tale/ Friday, 3 February 2017 12:00:00 +1000 11952 As part of the upcoming Celebration of Literature and the Sand Safari Arts Festival, Somerset student, Xenavee Goldsmith, is in the process of dramatizing the children's book Sandy's Surfers Paradise Adventure which will be launched at the festival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-gloves-are-off/ Friday, 3 February 2017 11:30:00 +1000 11963 Yes, it is that time of the year when the five houses find themselves pitted against one another in one of the most dangerous arenas there is… the Performing Arts stage. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/have-you-ever-had-a-blonde-moment/ Friday, 3 February 2017 11:30:00 +1000 11955 Last Thursday, the Senior Musical for 2017 was announced. This year, the College will be producing Legally Blonde for its Senior Show. The Show is about reaching one’s potential and resisting being ‘pigeon-holed’ by one’s looks or actions. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/s-o-m-e-r-s-e-t/ Friday, 3 February 2017 11:10:00 +1000 11948 Last Saturday saw the College host the Spartan Experience Day. On the day, members of our Junior and Senior Cheer teams performed various cheers and routines. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/welcome-from-the-college-captains/ Friday, 3 February 2017 10:40:00 +1000 11947 Welcome back, we hope you had a fantastic holiday. A special welcome to all new students to the college and the Year 7’s who have just moved into the Senior School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/our-first-week-was-certainly-a-busy-start-to-term-one/ Friday, 3 February 2017 10:15:00 +1000 11946 Mr Tony Hickey OAM, Chair of the Somerset College Board and prominent lawyer on the Gold Coast, has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the general division for services to the Gold Coast community and to charitable organisations. He was recognised for his 16 years as chairman of the Salvation Army’s Gold Coast Red Shield Appeal and involvement in other organisations. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/movement-matters-2/ Friday, 3 February 2017 09:50:00 +1000 11945 Movement matters when it comes to brain function and development. Moving your body, moving an object, moving your muscles, moving your mind. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/supporting-ozharvest/ Friday, 3 February 2017 09:10:00 +1000 11942 During the Christmas holidays, I took the wonderful opportunity of volunteering at the OzHarvest stand at Robina Town Centre, accompanied by several of my friends. I volunteered for a total of nine hours over three and a half shifts. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-10/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:10:00 +1000 11911 A very warm welcome and welcome back to 2017 for the Somerset Community. Over this week we had 200 new students begin their journey at the College and we certainly hope theirs will be as rewarding as ours. We started the year with a record enrolment of 1,510 from Pre-Prep to Year 12. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-national-champions/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:09:00 +1000 11919 It is estimated that around 7,000 teams participated in the primary open qualifying stages throughout Australia. This included over 200 teams from 35 schools on the Gold Coast, and nearly 1,000 teams from around Queensland. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-success-at-queensland-championships/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:08:00 +1000 11913 Lachlan Munro and Declan Thew starred for Somerset College recently at the Queensland Rowing Championships, which were held at Wyaralong on the last weekend of the school holidays. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/up-up-and-away/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:07:00 +1000 11921 Monday saw the Performing Arts Department sign-on occur, with large numbers of students registering their interest in the many varied opportunities. Rehearsals in all the areas, both junior and senior, are now under way, with all ensembles, bands and choirs rehearsing busily for their first engagements. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/add-infinitum-primed-for-the-new-year/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:06:00 +1000 11917 2016 was a wonderful year mathematically, as 16 is both a square number (42) and quite neatly a fourth power (24). This threw up a number of interesting dates; there was Square Root Day on 4 April (4/4/16), ANZAC Day was a Perfect Square Day (25/4/16) while 4 August was Exponent Day 22/23/24. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/summer-tennis-tournaments/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:05:00 +1000 11918 Over the holidays, Somerset College Tennis players were active in many competitions around the country. In December, Somerset College Tennis Captain Yukimaro Ii was invited to compete in the “December Showdown”, an event gathering the best age group players in the country to compete for the title as Australia’s best player. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-1-9/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:04:00 +1000 11912 Welcome back to our Spartan sporting community for 2017. This year will be an exciting one with our world-class sporting facilities and top programmes. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/keep-us-in-the-loop/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:03:00 +1000 11920 Well done to Lucas Stokes. Lucas (in Year 11 Veivers) is currently in Los Angeles completing an International Acting Master Class, for which he was offered a scholarship place. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/queensland-state-swim-titles-results/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:02:00 +1000 11914 Somerset had 38 swimmers attend the Queensland State Swimming Titles in December held in Brisbane. The Somerset Swim Club had 36 individual swimmers, and both Bianca Crisp (TSS Aquatic) and Toby Wilson (Miami Swimming Club) were also competing. In addition, the Somerset Swim Club had 11 relay teams compete. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/who-s-who-welcome-to-staff/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:01:00 +1000 11922 Welcome to Mrs Anna D'Arcy and Mr Ryaed Owens, who join the Performing Arts Department in 2017. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-ib-diploma-graduates-ready-for-the-world/ Friday, 27 January 2017 09:00:00 +1000 11915 Last year, 13 Somerset students were amongst the 16,100 students worldwide to complete their International Baccalaureate Diploma as a culmination of their secondary schooling studies. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/a-festival-of-disruptive-ideas/ Friday, 6 January 2017 09:15:00 +1000 11783 “Giving books our undivided attention is an action of loving devotion that palpably stills our bodies, opens our minds and nourishes our souls,” Jane Gleeson-White. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/welcome-from-mayor-tom-tate/ Wednesday, 4 January 2017 11:45:00 +1000 11786 As Mayor of the City of Gold Coast it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Somerset Celebration of Literature for 2017. The City of Gold Coast is proud to again support this festival as it continues to grow and become the premier youth literature festival in Australia. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-captains-dinner-speech/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:17:00 +1000 11672 Last Monday night saw the Year 6 students formally celebrate the completion of their Junior School experience at Somerset College. Our 2016 Junior School Captains – Joe Wright-Smith and Giorgi Cornford - presented this speech to a capacity crowd of parents and students in The Great Hall. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/year-5-make-christmas-cards-for-the-terraces-residents/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:16:00 +1000 11661 Year 7 continue to visit ‘The Terraces’ in Robina and connect with this Aged Care Facility on a weekly basis. This term Year 5, under the guidance of Ms Coombes, wanted to design Christmas cards for the elderly. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/foundation-thanks/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:15:00 +1000 11669 Each year the generosity of members of the Somerset Community enables the College Board to plan for the future with confidence. 2016 has been another successful year for the Foundation. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/here-we-come-a-carolling/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:14:00 +1000 11664 Last week saw the College celebrate the upcoming festive season with the Christmas Service. Throughout this service, the musicians of the College display their Christmas spirit through music, the choirs singing and the band playing. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/staff-versus-students-cricket/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:13:00 +1000 11660 When I was a teenager, I played park cricket on a Saturday. I was pretty ordinary, but I loved the game (maybe not as much as Michael Guy – but then again nobody does. Well maybe his brother and his dad. Let’s just say the Guy family and move on). My team was led by an ageing maniac whose name I cannot remember. I do remember running him out, however. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-9/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11674 Renovations to The Lamb Building are complete and the Head of Junior School, along with Mrs Brenda Millian, Mr Troy Zernike and administrative staff, Mrs Louise Woods and Mrs Linda Keefer have moved into this lovely new Junior School Reception. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/future-stars-tennis-2/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11668 On Sunday 20 November there was a Future Stars Tennis Event held at Surfers Paradise. We had two different teams that entered: Orange and Green. The Orange and Green teams both finished 3rd respectively. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-3-end-of-year-celebration/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11682 On Sunday 13 November 50 of our Year 3 students and their families gathered at AMF Robina for a very special end of year event. Jack in Year 3S recently finished his treatment for cancer and we were able to celebrate and say congratulations on the end of a very long journey. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-chairman/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11671 And it seems in the blink of an eye another year for Somerset College has almost gone! But once again, what a wonderful year! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/assessment-accolades/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11666 Congratulations to the following students and ensembles who recently completed examinations on various instruments. Well done to all! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/books-reading-and-the-holidays/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11670 Book sales are up and what is more surprising is that the sale of print books has increased and holding steady. The digital apocalypse in the literary world is not on schedule and print is proving its resilience. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/music-madness/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11665 As the year reaches its close, there have been many concerts and end of year presentations occurring. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-great-debate/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11662 During Challenge Week some very enthusiastic Year 7s in IAS nominated to partake in an interesting debate which incorporated a very complex concept-Globalisation. As part of our unit this term on Globalisation; Friend or Foe, the students were asked to volunteer to debate the topic: “Globalisation is Our Friend”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/performing-arts-captains-wrap-up-2016/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11663 The Performing Arts Department in 2016 saw many exciting events and shared many festivities as always. The year began with the annual House Plays festival, which was yet again another fabulous night of plays ranging in style and humour. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-inter-house-debating/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11675 This week saw the completion of the Junior School Inter-House Debating Competition. Andrews House took out the Year 6 competition defeating Veivers in the amusing and witty argument that ‘Mr Taylor should stop wearing cartoon ties’. As the Negative team – Phoenix Chapman, Phoebe Ross and Angus Miller - won, we expect to see the ‘Taylor Ties’ during 2017. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-8-10/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11658 This week we conclude our sporting year with House Swimming Trials on Friday. Cross Country training for 2017 will resume in Week 1. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-end-of-an-era/ Friday, 25 November 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11667 Last Thursday and Friday saw the graduating Class of 2016 celebrate both their final Chapel Service and their final dinner at the College. During their Valedictory Service, the Show Choir presented Don’t Worry About Me, selected by the seniors of the group, whilst the Senior String Orchestra provided the service music. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/our-core-business/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11643 As the school year draws to a close, the frenetic activity at the College increases. In these last two post-exam weeks, appropriately termed Challenge Weeks, students across the Year Levels are being challenged and enriched in a multitude of ways. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/art-show-caps-off-great-year-for-mudgee-kids/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11633 Just over a fortnight ago, Somerset College hosted the annual Mudgeeraba Special School Art and Photography Event in Towers Quad. The event exhibited brilliant photographs, paintings, and sculptures that were created by the students and staff of Mudgeeraba Special School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/national-short-course-championships/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11635 The Somerset Swim Club had four individual swimmers and two relays swim at the recent National Short Course Championships in Brisbane over the first week of November. This is a big step forward for the Club, having elite athletes compete at this level as well as providing depth for relays to compete. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/donald-trump-the-truman-show-and-the-class-of-2016/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11632 Last week, most of the world was invested, frustrated, hurt and passionate about the US Elections and Donald Trump’s presidency. Amongst this negativity and fear, the comments sections on social media of many people voicing these thoughts have been criticised for doing so. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/an-amazing-season-for-girls-basketball/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11637 The Open B Girls Basketball team had an amazing season this year. Throughout the season, we worked hard to see our skills improve and to see our team come together as a formidable opponent against the other schools. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5-s-retail-success/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11636 Last week, the Year 5s dazzled the Junior School with their retail expertise. It was, of course, for the annual Year 5 shop, a component of their latest inquiry, producers and consumers influence the marketplace. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/lower-junior-school-swimming-carnival-2/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11641 On Tuesday 8 November we held our annual Lower Junior School Swimming Carnival. It was a fun, fast and fantastic morning of swimming, team work and House spirit as we saw our Years 1 and 2 students splash it out from our picturesque Somerset Spartan Swimming Pool. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/newly-elected-2017-p-and-f-president-mr-justin-taylor/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11638 Your Parents’ and Friends’ Association Committee, along with Headmaster Mr Craig Bassingthwaighte, and the College Leadership Team had a wonderful time at last week's Annual General Meeting. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-basketball-2016/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11634 With the buzzer-beater dunk by Carter Jensen, for the first time in six years, our Somerset Boys' Basketball team are APS champions! The team will be taking home the APS trophy after defeating King’s Christian College in the APS finals. The 44-37 game win marked that effort beats talent, the boys played to their limits. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-7-7/ Friday, 18 November 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11639 Friday night saw the conclusion of the 2016 sporting year with the Annual Sports Awards Night. A large audience of parents, students and teachers witnessed the presentation of Half Colours, Colours and Honours awards before the various perpetual and special awards were announced. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/from-the-headmaster-8/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11628 The Class of 2016 might have begun their schooling in the Preschool classes of some fine institutions but 24 of them started here at Somerset. Thirteen years ago, when they were enjoying their first year at school, I was Principal of Whitsunday Anglican School, Mackay. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/sharing-the-planet/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11605 This term started with a BANG! A ‘Big Bang Science’ Show to help the Year 2 students investigate physical sciences. The students experienced an entertaining presentation which introduced them to the basics of forces. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/movement-matters/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11607 This Term, Year 4 students have been participating in the ‘Movement Matters’ before school motor skills programme. The programme is designed to help students get their brain ready for class and enhance their working memory, confidence, motor skills and execution and, most importantly, to get their mind and body moving and engaged before the classroom lessons begin. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/anything-s-possible/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11610 Kingsley Kelly, who is an Alumnus of Somerset College (Class of 2008) is now ‘living the dream’ as a touring Golf professional. This week he has a start in the New South Wales Open which is being held at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club. The course was opened in 2012 and is Sydney’s first Greg Norman designed golf course. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/your-invitation-celebrating-volunteering-and-kindness/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11614 Our 'Thank You High Tea' is an occasion for us to get together to celebrate the kindness and generosity of our volunteers and dedication of College staff. We hope you can join us on Wednesday 16 November, in the Pool Function room at 8.30am. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/our-academic-captains-and-their-take-on-life-in-year-12-2016/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11613 My friend walked up to me in a shopping centre the other day and exclaimed, “I’m going to get such good karma soon, I just found someone’s phone on the ground and I handed it in.” This comment was very interesting to me, and I pondered at the root of his thoughts. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/add-infinitum-don-t-mention-the-war/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11620 Next Monday will mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Gottfried Leibniz, the famous German philosopher and mathematician. He is remembered these days for the development of Calculus and the controversy and acrimony caused over whether he had plagiarised the idea from the great English physicist and mathematician, Sir Isaac Newton. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-2-strings-concert/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11606 Another exciting event involving the Year 2 students has been their Strings Concert held on Thursday 10 November. Throughout the year, our talented musicians have been fine tuning their repertoire in preparation for the day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/scholars-day-saturday-26-november-2016/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11611 Scholars’ Day is the highlight of the year for Somerset College and is a celebration of the year’s hard work and achievements. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-6-10/ Friday, 11 November 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11609 This week we play APS Summer Season Finals Round and celebrate the 2016 sporting year at Friday’s Sports Awards Night. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/educating-students-outside-of-the-classroom/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11582 Do Our Students Benefit from These Experiences? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/economics-class-visit-from-cooper-wealth-management/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11569 Last Monday the Year 11 Economics students welcomed Ms Felicity Cooper from Cooper Wealth Management, who spoke to the students about a number of aspects of the Australian Share-market. Ms Cooper is a past student of Somerset who graduated in 1992. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/the-inaugural-year-3-camp/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11571 Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it’s off to camp we go. With 72 excited and nervous students Tyalgum Ridge Retreat was the perfect setting for our first Year 3 camp. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/p-and-f-agm-tuesday-8-november/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11581 Your P&F had a very successful year largely due to the incredible efforts of the Committee and Year Level parent liaisons. We also acknowledge the unwavering support we received throughout the year from our Headmaster, Mr Craig Bassingthwaighte, the College Leadership Team, Events Office, Maintenance and other supporting staff. Great teamwork! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/music-at-somerset-count-us-in/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11578 On Monday 25 October the Junior School musicians gathered together to celebrate music education, in a performance involving all students from Prep to Year 6. Instrumentalists and choristers from Years 3 to 6 had been preparing for this event for the last term as part of Music Count Us In. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/showcase-spectacular/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11575 This coming Monday evening, 7 November, sees the members of the Junior School take to the Performing Arts stage. The evening is the Junior School Showcase concert. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-college-golf-classic-2016/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11572 There was a great turnout from the Somerset Community for the Somerset Golf Classic held at Palm Meadows Golf Course on Sunday 30 October 2016. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/gold-coast-individual-chess-age-championships/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11579 The Gold Coast Individual Age Championships were held at Emmanuel College last Wednesday. Despite having several highly ranked players missing due to a) the Year 3 Camp and b) the lead up to senior exams, Somerset achieved 6 of the 13 titles up for grabs. Well over 500 students participated. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-in-action-in-year-9-language-and-literature-classrooms/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11580 Sarah Hossy is one of the many migrants who moved to Australia from South Africa to make a new life with her family. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/prodigy-project-2/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11574 So what is it like to play with a professional orchestra, actually the State’s premier orchestra, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/intelligence-environment-over-genetics/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11577 Many research papers (even the new ones) have suggested that academic performance, reading ability and IQ have a genetic basis. Thus reinforcing the particularly popular notion that we are stuck with the intelligence we are born with and its our genes holding us back. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-5-12/ Friday, 4 November 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11573 This week we play APS Round 7 versus AB Paterson College and prepare for next week’s Finals Day. Tickets are now on sale for Sports Awards Night on Friday 11 November. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/transitions-2/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:13:00 +1000 11541 Term Four at Somerset saw our Year 12 Seniors return to complete their very last Term at Somerset College and with it a significant milestone in their young lives; the end of their secondary schooling. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/rowers-celebrate-2016-season/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11543 Over 150 rowers, parents, teachers and coaches celebrated the 2016 Rowing season. Rowing Captains Olivia Sina and Reuben Mansell did a spectacular job of emceeing the evening, recognising the students from Years 8 to 12 who competed in regattas starting in Taree in January and culminating in the Queensland Schools State Championships in Bundaberg in September. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/dance-spectacular-2/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11545 Last weekend saw our amazing Day of Dance take place. Students from Prep to Year 12 performed over the three concerts on the two days. The students performed various genres of dance, including tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, funk and cheer. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/state-athletics-2016/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11539 Congratulations to our 20 Senior School students on their performances at the recent Queensland Track and Field Championships on 20 to 23 October. Somerset students won 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze medals, as well as 2 Fourth Places and had 20 top 10 finishers. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/17th-annual-synergies-evening/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11540 Friday 21 October saw the 17th annual Visual Arts and Wordsmith evening; Synergies. The evening saw the award of the Year 12 Visual Arts prize go to Madeline Hayden-Smith, well done to the other shortlisted students; Bryce O’Hara, Finley Burns and Annabelle Trimble. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/language-and-lederhosen-2/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11536 The annual Oktoberfest for Teens event in Brisbane showcased some of Bavaria’s cultural highlights and gave our students a taste of one of the world’s biggest festivals. With the air filled with the melodies of Volksmusik and the smell of baking Brezeln, our Years 7 and 8 German students could be forgiven for believing they had found themselves at Munich’s Wiesn. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/prep-age-appropriate-pedagogies-research-study/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11542 Throughout the year Prep teachers have been involved in a research project, “Age Appropriate Pedagogies Research Study”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-girls-afl-take-on-bond-university/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11535 Last Friday night at Bond University, the Somerset Senior Girls AFL team had the opportunity to play a game against Bond University’s women’s team. The game was set to be quite an event, serving as a curtain raiser for the Bond University North versus South Men’s AFL game. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/theory-results/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11546 Congratulations to the following students who recently completed their theory examinations. Well done to all! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-new-sleep-schedule/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11534 Most people sleep in one block of 8 hours per night, but is there a better way? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/japanese-concert/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11544 On Friday 7 October the “Sound of Breeze from Japan” concert was held in the Performing Arts Theatre featuring the shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) and Taiko drum. Yasukazu Kano (shinobue) and Bashow Kanagawa (taiko) are world famous musicians who are professional musicians performing on the world stage. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/cybersafety/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11537 This term Years 3 and 4 students had the pleasure of attending a talk with Brett Lee from Internet Safe Education (not the cricketer) about how to stay safe, smart and responsible online. The Internet is a great tool for information, communicating over long distances with family and friends and most importantly, according to our students, games. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-4-11/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:01:00 +1000 11561 This week we play APS Round 6 versus Saint Stephen's College and from next week, there will be no more compulsory sports practices due to exams. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/ab-paterson-public-speaking-competition-4/ Friday, 28 October 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11538 Recently, some very talented public speakers from Years 5 to 11, represented Somerset College at the annual AB Paterson Public Speaking Competition. This popular event allows students to compete against other speakers from all over the coast. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-tropical-feast-for-the-senses/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11500 Last Friday night’s Cultural Tropicollage on Towers Quad was indeed a tropical feast for the senses. Showcasing our amazing range of Music, Drama and Wordsmiths groups, the night was one to gorge on, with vibrant and exciting music and dramatic performances to tickle the senses and make you marvel. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-drama-mixes-tequila-with-a-mockingbird/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11505 On Monday night the two drama classes headed up to Brisbane to watch the production Tequila Mockingbird by the theatre company, Shake & Stir, which was an adaptation of the very well-known novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/icas-mathematics-competition/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11506 In Term Three, students in Years 7 to 10 participated in the University of New South Wales ICAS Mathematics Competition. Students from Somerset College achieved excellent results and those students whose achievements were outstanding were rewarded with Certificates of Merit, Credit, Distinction and High Distinction. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/show-choir-at-musicale/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11494 Last Sunday, the Show Choir performed at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod Musicale concert. The Musicale concert features performances from the recent Eisteddfod that are considered to be outstanding. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/girls-shake-up-gender-stereotypes-with-physical-computing/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11502 A reason cited by girls to explain their lack of interest in IT is that computing and technology is seen as a boy’s subject. This unfortunate viewpoint is due to unconscious gender-bias stemming from a culturally defined stereotype that IT is boring, for boys only, and for ‘nerds’ and ‘geeks’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/2016-primary-school-cup-weekend/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11501 Our Year 6 Netball team just returned from Ipswich after competing in the Queensland Primary School Cup over the weekend. Somerset joined 110 other schools for a weekend that was filled with fun, sunshine and some tough netball. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/budding-artists-wow-parents-at-the-junior-school-art-show/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11504 Developing the creative side in students has always been seen as an important factor amongst educationalist. Students should be given the opportunity to express themselves creatively, whether it be through music, written literature or art. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/ballet-belles/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11496 Following from our Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) grade examinations, students have also completed examinations in the RAD Major examinations. Students have completed Intermediate Foundation and Foundation examination. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/tropicollage-the-night-that-was/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11493 Last Friday evening, Somerset College held one of its largest events in its calendar, the annual Cultural Collage. This year took a tropical and outdoor spin to this entertaining night. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/dance-spectacular/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11495 This weekend sees the Day of Dance occur with three concerts over the weekend on Saturday and Sunday. These concerts will showcase the work of the College’s dance students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-3-11/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11499 This week we resume our Summer APS Season with Round 5 versus King's Christian College and prepare for this week’s Athletics State Titles in Brisbane. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/success-for-somerset-chess/ Friday, 21 October 2016 09:01:00 +1000 11497 While many enjoyed their long weekend, the Secondary Open, Secondary Girls, Primary Open and Primary Girls teams competed at the Queensland Schools Team Championships. For me, it was my final State Championships in a Somerset uniform and I could not be more proud of the results from all teams. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/celebrating-with-year-10-personal-project-exhibition/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11459 Last week the Year 10 celebrated their Personal Project Exhibition. On Wednesday night they welcomed Year 9 students and their parents to The Great Hall where they shared their experiences and project wisdom as Year 9 themselves set off on their Personal Project journey. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/tropicollage-2016/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11465 Tonight is the night! If you find yourself at a loose end this evening, there will be entertainment galore in Towers Quad as the students of Somerset present Cultural Tropicollage 2016. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/national-school-swimming-titles/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11451 The National School Swimming titles were held in Darwin from 15 to 20 September. Somerset College students Adele Phillips, Jorja Otto and Olivia Collins were joined by Somerset Swim Club members Cameron Donovan, Anarnya Berlowitz, Jaxson Brimble and Sebastian Du Preez. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-business-trip-usa/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11458 On 17 September, a group of nine students, from Years 10 to 12, headed off from Brisbane to begin our American adventures. After a gruelling 30-hour journey, we finally arrived at the JFK Airport in New York and settled in for a well-deserved sleep. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/vicki-wilson-cup-finals-weekend/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11444 Our Senior 1st Netball Team competed in the Vicki Wilson Cup Finals over the weekend at the new Coomera Netball Centre, which will host the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Netball finals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/day-of-dance/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11467 Our next spectacular event will be occurring next weekend, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October. The Day of Dance showcases the dance students from the College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/advance-somerset-fair/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11466 Last Saturday the Show Choir performed at the opening ceremony of the Vicki Wilson cup. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/running-up-the-stairs-of-knowledge/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11449 By now, I’m sure we’ve all seen those articles linking higher physical activity to increased intelligence. But up until this point, physical exercise has been found to be a by-product of the relieving stress and adding feel good chemicals into our bodily system. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-2-10/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11469 This week we resume our Summer APS Season with Round 4 versus Emmanuel College and prepare for next week’s Athletics State Titles in Brisbane. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/jorjo-otto-national-swimming-champion/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11443 Year 6 Student Jorja Otto has returned from the Australian All Schools Swim Championships with three Gold Medals, two Silver medals and two Bronze medals and was named the 10 to 12 Year Girls Age Champion and Swimmer of the Meet. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/tour-de-valley/ Friday, 14 October 2016 09:01:00 +1000 11450 On Sunday 9 October, two Somerset cycling staff teams participated in the annual Tour de Valley held at Currumbin in the Teams Time Trial event. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-week-1-7/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11383 Welcome back! I trust you have all had a restful and refreshing break and are ready for the demands that go with the fourth and final term of the year, the absolutely final term for the Class of 2016! I’m sure you will join me in welcoming the nine new students who commenced at the College this term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-travels-to-chiang-mai-thailand-2/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11381 Over the September break 21 students from Years 6 and 9 travelled to Thailand spending time in both Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It was 10 days in total of non-stop action. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/method-to-discovery/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11382 Could scientists have discovered a new habitable planet right in our backyard? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-4-camp/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11385 Year 4 Camp was during the last week of Term Three, with students being challenged for four days and three nights at Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/dancing-dynamos/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11391 Last term, many of our Ballet students undertook examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). All of the students did exceptionally well and congratulations goes to all of them. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/state-honours-ensemble-programme/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11390 Over the Term Three holidays, I was selected to be have the opportunity to be a part of State Honours Ensemble Programme (SHEP). This musical programme was designed to widen the perspectives of youth in musical aspects and is a great starting point to a future in this industry. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-design-nadia-regli/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11380 During this semester of Design, our Year 10 class in undertaking a Free Choice Project. We must choose our own project topic and use our own educational and technological knowledge to individually complete the project. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5-camp-4/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11386 In the last week of Term Three, Year 5 students were challenged to an outdoor experience at Midginbil Hill for two nights and three very long days! I have got to say, this year’s camp was better than I ever imagined!! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/cultural-tropicollage/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11389 It is that time of the year! Time for the greatest show on earth – Cultural Tropicollage. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/out-of-this-world/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11379 On the last Thursday of term, Year 1 travelled to Brisbane to visit the Planetarium. This was a much looked-forward-to excursion by both teachers and students, as we had been learning about the solar system in our inquiry; The Earth is part of a vast and complex universe. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/rowers-taste-success-state-championships/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11387 A group of approximately 50 Somerset students represented the College at the Queensland School Rowing Championships which were held at Bucca Weir outside of Bundaberg in the school holidays. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-1-8/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:01:00 +1000 11388 This week we resume our Summer APS Season with Round 3 versus Trinity Lutheran College and have a busy weekend in Brisbane with the Open A Girls Netball in the last 16 of the Vicki Wilson Cup and our State Knock-out Athletics Teams competing at UQ. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-school-public-speaking-competition/ Friday, 7 October 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11421 There was a distinct feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air on Tuesday 15 September as 42 Year 7 students entered classrooms to present their speeches at the annual Year Somerset Public Speaking Competition. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/egyptian-extravaganza/ Friday, 7 October 2016 08:59:00 +1000 11422 In the last week of Term Three, an area of the school was transformed into an ‘Egyptian Arena’ by the Year 7 cohort. The Five Great Pharaohs had their subjects bowing to the Gods for prosperity and good fortune! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-week-10-3/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:17:00 +1000 11319 With regret I have accepted the resignation of five of our wonderful staff, two from our teaching ranks and three from our non-teaching team. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/gaining-an-enhanced-understanding-of-the-it-industry/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:16:00 +1000 11302 The Year 11 Information and Technology Systems (ITS) students attended a fun excursion to Brisbane and Yatala to explore the use of technology in industry and tertiary education. We visited Suncorp, Carlton and United Breweries, JMC Academy and The Cube QUT. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-10-6/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:15:00 +1000 11318 This week we play Intra-murals in sport as our Rowing and Senior Basketball Teams head off to State Titles. Athletics practices continue over the holidays for State Titles and State Teams Knock-out. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/seas-the-day/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:14:00 +1000 11316 On Thursday morning at 0800 hours, 16 eager sailors in matching shirts set off from Robina station for what was sure to be a whale of a time. 14 hours of card games, dancing and many hot pies later, the tired crew arrived at Rosslyn bay, Rockhampton. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-2-sleepover/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:13:00 +1000 11309 On Thursday 8 and Friday 9 September, the Year 2 students, parents and teachers (with a small amount of trepardation and fingers crossed) were all set for their first ever sleepover experience. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/investigation-into-current-and-future-possible-reporting-processes/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11304 Over the last term we have been investigating current and future reporting possibilities, specifically the manner in which we can provided timely and continuous feedback on student progress rather than point in time comments on semester reports. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-drama-excursion-viral/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11315 A piece of thought provoking theatre has the Year 9 Drama students thinking about the power to implement change through performance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/stringing-it-out/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11312 Throughout the year, members of the Senior String Quartet: Abby Hall (Year 12), Sam Stevenson (Year 11), Lillian Jai and Uni Kyeong (Year 10), rehearsed in anticipation of their Eisteddfod performance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-rowers-to-compete-at-state-championships/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11310 More than 50 Somerset students will be representing the College at the Queensland Schools Rowing Championships which will be held at Bucca Weir near Bundaberg on the first weekend of the school holidays. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/foundation-garden-party-2/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11317 On Saturday 10 September the Somerset College Foundation welcomed 120 guests to its second Garden Party on the Fitness Centre Concourse. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/changes-to-co-curricular-lessons-for-term-four-2/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11314 Any changes to co-curricular lessons for Term Four should now have been made. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/add-infinitum-the-fastest-man-on-earth/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11306 Question: Who will win the race to become the fastest man on earth? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/somerset-students-win-gold-at-south-coast-athletics-championships/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11308 Last week our best Junior School Track and Field students competed against some of the fastest, strongest and nimble athletes from across the Gold Coast at the South Coast Athletics Championships which were held at Griffith University. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-camp-fraser-island/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11305 After an early start of 6.00am on Monday morning no one expected what they would come across in a few hours, the world’s largest sand dune and probably one of its most beautiful places. It is the stunning island known to Indigenous Australians as K’gari meaning paradise, which is certainly was. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-choirs-delight-at-this-year-s-gold-coast-eisteddfod/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11307 This year, our three Junior School choirs participated in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. The Junior School choirs have been preparing for this performance for the last term, and put on an enthusiastic show. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/ruby-is-a-gem/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11311 Congratulations to Ruby Sherrington who recently auditioned for the Harvest Rain Theatre Company's all-new arena production of GREASE and was successful in gaining a position in this production. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-captains-term-three-report/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11313 Performing Arts in Term Three has been one very busy and exciting term! During Week 3, the Senior School students took to the stage, “High School Musical”, which was a great success and received positive feedback throughout all four shows. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/personalised-treatment-or-personalised-risk/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:01:00 +1000 11303 Recently, US Vice President Joe Biden launched ‘The Genomic Data Commons’, an open-access database that contains genomic and clinical data of 12,000 patients in order to better understand the development of cancer which will then help tailor treatments for each individual patients cancer. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-inter-house-tennis-tournament-makes-history/ Friday, 16 September 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11320 History was made at the Grand Finals of the Junior School Inter-House Tennis Tournament recently. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-students-speak-with-flair-and-confidence/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:22:00 +1000 11242 Standing in front of a group of peers and adults to speak for up to four minutes is not the easiest task; however, at the recent Somerset College Junior School Public Speaking Competition, our students made it look quite easy! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-nav-camp-2016/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:21:00 +1000 11238 On Monday morning, an excited bunch of Year 11s arrived at the Hope Harbour Marina anxious to begin a camp to remember! After a teacher information session on what we needed to know for the week, our group boarded our house boat, Mist Breaker, settled into our bunks and trundle beds and stocked our kitchen. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-changing-nature-of-music-studies/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:20:00 +1000 11251 The study of Music as the academic subject has changed significantly since many of our parents went to school. Many may remember the music lessons of old where students were taught the history of music through the ‘famous’ composers and the writing of music consisted of completing theory exercises. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/gifts-for-mudgeeraba-special-school/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:19:00 +1000 11229 Our annual Book Fair in Week 5 was, as always a great success. We raised enough funds to donate $2,300 cash to Tristan Banck’s Room to Read charity which will use the funds to improve the education outcomes of children in poorer countries, with a focus on girls’ education. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/prep-father-s-day-afternoon/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:18:00 +1000 11234 On Friday 2 September Fathers of Prep friends were invited to join us at the College. The students were eager to spend time together with their Dads in the classroom. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-design-day-activities-week/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:17:00 +1000 11260 With the Year 10s and Year 11s on camp, students back at the College get to do things a little differently during Activities Week. Wednesday of Week 8 was a day-long Design Challenge for students who take Design, IT, MMS and Business electives. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/congratulations-debating-students/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:16:00 +1000 11245 Once again, Somerset has had some excellent results in the Gold Coast Debating Competition for 2016. This year, Somerset entered 11 teams across 6 divisions comprising of students from Years 7 to 12. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/putting-gender-equality-in-the-spotlight/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:15:00 +1000 11256 Students from Year 5 have been working very hard over the past term to bring the Somerset College community together on the night of Friday 9 September at the Primary Years Programme Exhibition. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-trudi-morris/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:14:00 +1000 11258 My name is Trudi Morris and I am currently in Year 10. As part of the Year 10 curriculum, my cohort is required to complete a project called Personal Project. For my Personal Project, I decided to write and self-publish a novel about my Nana’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/an-evolution-in-dance/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:13:00 +1000 11249 Last weekend, the two Eisteddfod groups from the College competed in the Evolution Dance Competition. Held over two days, the competition is open to dancers everywhere from studios and schools. There were over 400 acts throughout the weekend. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/years-8-and-9-students-lift-spirits-in-local-aged-care-residences/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11247 On Thursday 1 September all Years 8 and 9 students spent the morning in the following aged care facilities: Sanbrook Aged Care, Ozcare Ozanam Villa Burleigh Heads, Galleon Gardens Currumbin, RSL Care Currumbin Waters, Cypress Gardens - Clear Island Waters, BUPA Merrimac, Hillview House Merrimac, Merrimac Park and Earle Haven-Hibiscus, Nerang. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/2016-gold-coast-primary-teams-chess-finals/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11254 Last Wednesday 80 Somerset students participated in the Gold Coast Primary Teams Finals at Carrara Basketball Stadium out of well over 600 participants. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-gone-mad/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11244 Last week, while the Year 12s were sitting QCS, the Year 11s were navigating waterways and the Year 10s were conquering mountains, the Year 9s had a MAD Day on and off campus. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-design-michael-guy/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11257 During the Free Choice Task, I decided to design and 3D print a model stadium. This was my chosen project as this field is of personal interest and my Year Level has not had the chance to use the 3D printers, as they are fairly new. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/dads-in-pre-prep/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11252 Last week we invited the Pre-Prep Fathers or other special visitors to join in the fun of Pre-Prep over three mornings. The Pre-Prep friends were very busy planning, making lists, cooking, decorating, writing, painting and finally welcoming all our special guests for our Father’s Day morning for each class! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-win-is-a-calculated-success/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11253 Recently, eight Somerset students travelled to Hillcrest Christian College for one of the highlights of the Mathematical calendar - the 2016 QAMT Gold Coast District Maths Quiz. Twenty-five mathematically talented teams from across the Gold Coast competed in a cornucopia of calculations and a nail-biting evening ensued. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/changes-to-co-curricular-lessons-for-term-four/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11250 Any changes to co-curricular lessons for Term Four must be made by the end of the term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/high-school-musical-raffle-acknowledgements/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11255 We are extremely grateful to our valued sponsors the Somerset Alumni Association and The Mudgeeraba Foundation and also our raffle donors Crema Espresso Café, Burleigh Village Green Grocer, A Healthy Embrace, GrowCa, Oscar Oscar, Grill’d Robina, Zarraffa’s Coffee and Jules Lingerie and also the Beaumont, Harris, McConnell and Phillips Families for their generous donations. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-design-rhiannon-lloyd/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11259 This term in Design, our Year 10 class are undertaking a Free Choice Project, where we are required to select our own choice of topic for our project and complete it independently. For my project, I have chosen to design and make a jewellery set to support a charity that works to preserve the Great Barrier Reef. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/years-4f-and-4m-on-the-eisteddfod-stage/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11248 On Monday 15 August Years 4F and 4M went to the Gold Coast Art Centre for their band eisteddfod and performed ‘Hot Cross Buns’, ‘Au Claire de la Lune’, ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ and ‘Lightly Row’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/science-snippets-science-museum-visit/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11246 During Activities Week, the Year 8s had a wonderful time exploring the various exhibits at the Queensland Science Museum in Brisbane. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-9-8/ Friday, 9 September 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11243 This week in the APS Summer Season we play All Saints Anglican School as our athletes compete at the South Coast Trials in order to qualify for the State titles. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-festival-for-young-performers-2/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:23:00 +1000 11201 Over the weekend of 21 and 22 August the College was delighted to welcome participants and their families to the Somerset Festival for Young Performers. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/sas-an-experience-of-a-lunchtime/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:22:00 +1000 11166 Somerset Actors Studio (SAS) is a collection of students who love getting together, learning more about acting and extending our creative abilities. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/practical-percussion/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:21:00 +1000 11175 The Somerset Percussion groups, both Blue and Green, went to the Eisteddfod on 17 August. As both groups have only limited performance opportunities during the year, including Cultural Collages and PITs concerts, this was very exciting for both of the groups. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-10-design-katie-oboyle/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:20:00 +1000 11163 My final project in Year 10 Design is a Free Choice one. My family are building an outdoor deck area which extends on to our lounge area, this decking area is made to be a communal area for my family where we can sit around a small table. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/gcssdf-intermediate-play-wolf-lullaby/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:19:00 +1000 11167 On Thursday 18 August, the Somerset College Intermediate Play cast performed their thought-provoking piece, Wolf Lullaby, at Trinity Lutheran College. The play, set in a remote Tasmanian town, was centred around a murder committed by a young girl. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/show-choir-shazam/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:18:00 +1000 11170 Once again Show Choir has had a very successful time at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. After many rehearsals and learning many pieces of repertoire the Show Choir was ready and excited to perform at the Gold Coast Arts Centre on Monday and Thursday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/queensland-short-course-swimming-championships/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:17:00 +1000 11164 The Somerset Swim Club had 29 athletes attend the Queensland Short Course Championships from 26 to 28 August 2016. The meet was one of the strongest competitions within the State this year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/pre-prep-learn-about-our-grounds/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:16:00 +1000 11160 An enormous thank you to our Groundsman staff - Chris, Stuart and Jason - who gave the Pre-Prep students an exciting and informative talk on how they care for the magnificent grounds around our College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/concert-band-spectacular/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:15:00 +1000 11172 On Thursday 18 August, the Senior Concert Band packed up their instruments and travelled to the Gold Coast Arts Centre to participate in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-joyce-louie/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:14:00 +1000 11157 My name is Joyce Louie and I'm in Year 10, currently doing my last year of the Middle Years Programme, or the MYP. Since last year in Term Four, I have been working on my Personal Project, which is to create a scrapbook exploring Hong Kong street food. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/car-park-congratulations-and-thank-you/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:13:00 +1000 11165 Congratulations to Rhyll and Michael McMullen who successfully bid on exclusive car park access in the College turning circle for the remainder of the 2016 school year. We also thank our Headmaster who has happily agreed to moving his car to provide the extra space! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/a-month-to-celebrate-all-things-reading/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11202 As we say goodbye to winter and August, it is a great time to reflect on the many activities that have encouraged students’ love of reading this month. From the Book Fair, to the Onesie Party, to Book Character Day and the Premier’s Reading Challenge, Junior School students have been so enthusiastic. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/vox-classis/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11171 Last week saw Vocal Group take to the stage for the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. The choir has spent over a term rehearsing enthusiastically, perfecting their repertoire for this performance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-kydra-walden/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11158 My name is Kydra Walden and over the past months I have partaken in the MYP Personal Project. For my Personal Project I decided to research, design and construct my own sporting stadium complete with a 1:350 scale model. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/fantastic-flutes/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11176 On Tuesday 16 August, the Somerset Flute ensemble participated in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. Conducted by Mrs Denise Collins, the ensemble performed two pieces; ‘Jelly Bean Rag’ and ‘Die Moldou’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/pyp-exhibition-update-2/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11161 Year 5 have been very busy in preparation for their PYP Exhibition. We have been meeting in our interest groups with our mentors once a week. Each group has one Junior School teacher as their mentor and they are helping us with ideas for our interactive components and how we are going to present them. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/chamber-champions/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11174 Since the beginning of the school year Chamber Orchestra has been preparing for its performance at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. We lost players in some areas but gained in others and thus accommodated for our new strengths and weaknesses. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/science-on-the-go/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11169 On Tuesday 16 August, 12 students (three teams of four) from Year 6 travelled to the Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus to defend the Griffith University's Science on the GO! Science Trivia Challenge Title - Primary School Division for the third consecutive year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-gorgeous-girls-choir/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11173 On Tuesday 23 August, the Girls’ Choir competed in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. Under the direction of Mrs Roberts, the girls performed two songs, “Safe and Sound” and “Sigh No More Ladies”. The girls put a lot of effort into their practices and were very well prepared for their performance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-business-management-excursion/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11162 Is it possible to start a world class business in your kitchen? Is it possible to make a come-back in business after your brand name has been taken over by a huge foreign competitor? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/jeans-for-genes-day-2016-2/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11159 Jeans for Genes Day is always a highlight of Term Three, where the majority of students jump at the chance to wear something a little different to school. In the lead up to this year’s Jeans for Genes Day, Laver 8 held a fundraiser stall, where a host of blue consumables were sold (blue for denim, not for Veivers!). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/darcy-does-it-again/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11177 Darcy Beynon competed in the recent Queensland Clarinet and Saxophone Society’s Annual Competition at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music on Sunday 28 August 2016. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/who-has-a-case-of-overshareitis/ Friday, 2 September 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11168 Alumnus JP Vizcay Wilson (Class of 2006) and fellow Shake & Stir thespians (Johnny Balbuziente and Amelia Douglass) return to Somerset College to present Oversharer to an audience of Year 8 students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/esmart-and-esafety/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:17:00 +1000 11140 Part of the College’s commitment to being eSmart, is supporting our students to be safe, smart and responsible online. Over the next few weeks we have presentations to all Year Levels, as well as the Brett Lee presentation to parents on Monday 29 August at 7.30pm in the Performing Arts Theatre. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/1st-netball-team-place-top-regional-school-and-vicki-wilson-cup/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:16:00 +1000 11131 Congratulations to our 1st Netball team for finishing top school in the Vicki Wilson Cup Regional tournament this week. The competition is extremely tough, with seven games played with a 20 minute break between games. Somerset was the most consistent team, finishing top school, with game 7 still to be played. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/2016-netball-dinner-and-presentation/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:15:00 +1000 11130 Our Annual Netball Dinner and Awards night was held last week in The Great Hall with our netballers, parents and special guests enjoying the season successes. Each team presented some very entertaining speeches debriefing their season and highlighting their season experiences. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-6-9/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:14:00 +1000 11126 This week in the APS Summer Season we play AB Paterson College and also begin preparing for South Coast Athletics after our victory in the APS Athletics Carnival last week. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-ella-crough-heaton/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:13:00 +1000 11122 My name is Ella, and the context for my 9-month project was ‘Inquiry into Scientific and Technical Innovation’. Established from my love and interest in both animals and construction (hands-on projects), my Personal Project is to, in the given time frame, build a customised dog kennel. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-netball-teams-win-grand-finals/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11087 Somerset’s elite Netball teams have been competing in the local Monday night Hinterland Netball competition since February. Our Senior 1st team competed in 1st division and the Academy team in 3rd division. Both teams have competed extremely well throughout the season finishing top of the table going into Grand Finals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/dance-fever/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11090 Last Friday saw our Senior Eisteddfod Dance Group take to the stage. This performance was the first of this fledgling group who have only been working together since the beginning of the year. The College now has an Eisteddfod group in both the Junior and Senior School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-play-success/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11092 Competing against 16 other Gold Coast School’s, Somerset College’s Senior Play wins the Senior Section of the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/collaborative-approaches-to-learning-in-ray-2-4/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11083 This year, a number of English classes have been moved from the Cordner Building to the newly refurbished Ray 2.4 teaching space. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/celebrating-literacy-at-somerset/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11084 August in the Knowledge and Information Precinct (Library) is always a fun and busy month. We kicked off our annual week-long Scholastic Book Fair on Monday 12 August, which was once again, a huge success. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/energy-drinks-what-is-their-secret-ingredient/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11081 The new millennium has ushered in a wave of synthetic, high-energy drinks targeted at the youth market. Over the past ten years, the consumption of caffeinated beverages intended to “energise” has increased significantly. Increasingly, toxicity from caffeine overdose is being reported to hospitals and poisons centres. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/high-school-teams-chess-finals/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11082 The Gold Coast High Schools Teams Chess Finals were held last week at Saint Stephen's College. The whole squad of 25 players put in their best performance of the year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/pretty-rad-really/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11089 Last weekend, showcasing our new ballet rooms, saw many of our ballet students undertake Royal Academy of Dance examinations. These students have been working exceptionally hard over the year to have their pointe polished, their pliés pliable and their pas de chats perfect. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-8-mathematics-beyond-the-classroom/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11086 Mathematical learning is founded on the precept that, in the face of ever-changing contexts, young people need to become authentic, autonomous learners. They need to develop an understanding of what is required to be problem solvers, who can continue to adapt to and engage with the demands of an ever-changing, complex society, within a global context. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/drop-off-donated-pre-loved-uniforms-at-events-office/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11088 Your Parents' and Friends' Pre-Loved Uniforms Pop-Up Shop at Koala House has been well supported and a hub for parents to catch up with friends. Our community is extremely grateful to all families that have donated uniforms surplus to their needs, with all funds raised used to enhance our children's Somerset Experience. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-sport-week-6-4/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11085 Last week Somerset College hosted the Junior School APS Athletics Carnival. It was so exciting for our students as they were able to represent the College on their ‘home’ turf. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-3-habitats/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:01:00 +1000 11093 Student’s ideas of habitats are usually only associated with natural and wilderness areas rather than their own environments. This concept of a habitat also influences their ideas about how humans interact with habitats. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/science-snippets-icas-science/ Friday, 19 August 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11091 The University of New South Wales invite students to participate in International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS Sciences). Over one million student entries are accepted from over 6,300 schools in Australia and New Zealand annually. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5-working-towards-exhibition/ Friday, 19 August 2016 08:59:00 +1000 11129 This week the Year 5 students created their structure for written component. Personally, I did a persuasive, trying to create awareness of the Australian Indigenous Health circumstances. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-aps-athletics-team-retain-title/ Friday, 19 August 2016 08:58:00 +1000 11132 The 120-member Somerset Athletics Team took out the coveted APS Athletics Championship for the 2nd consecutive year last Wednesday. Many thanks to our talented coaches, led by Chris Lewis, Stephanie Oppermann (Track), Phil Newton (Jumps), Kirsty Williams, Jenny Wood (Throws) and our support coaches. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/a-week-of-the-somerset-experience/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:18:00 +1000 11066 As often happens at Somerset the weeks seem to get busier and busier. The wonderful Jewel - Morocco to Mandalay evening hosted by the Parents’ and Friends’ Association provided an opportunity for parents and staff to enjoy a relaxed evening at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-erin-crough-heaton/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:16:00 +1000 11025 My name is Erin Crough-Heaton and a as a requirement of the Middle Years Programme I had to complete the Personal Project. At the end of last year we were introduced to the project and the first stage (and in my opinion one of the hardest stages) was deciding on a project idea. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-bounce/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:15:00 +1000 11010 Jumping, passing, shooting and smiling were all in abundance at the first session of Somerset Bounce, and it was to observe. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/junior-play-success/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:14:00 +1000 11019 On Saturday 6 August, the Junior Play cast entered the Somerset Drama rooms for one last rehearsal before heading up to Saint Stephen's College for their performance in the Gold Coast Secondary School Drama Festival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-lewis-and-charles-pye/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:13:00 +1000 11024 As we are very hands on and practical people we wanted to do something that would help us develop skills and knowledge that could help us no matter where life takes us. So together we decided to restore, rebuild and repair a trailer and then design and build a Stock Crate for it. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/humanities-and-business-field-studies/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:12:00 +1000 11016 The study of the different Humanities and Business subjects requires student to study the environments and society they live in. To create links between the topics studied and the real world we try to get students out on excursions when we can. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/grease-is-the-word/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:11:00 +1000 11023 Congratulations to Lilly Thompson who recently auditioned for the Harvest Rain Theatre Company's all-new arena production of Grease and was successful in gaining a position in this production. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/jewel-shines-on-parents-and-friends/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:10:00 +1000 11018 Last Saturday night, our convivial community gathered at The Marriott, for 'Jewel', your Parents' and Friends' Association's annual evening parent function. This event was proudly supported by our friends at Bond University. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/prodigies-in-the-making-perhaps/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:09:00 +1000 11022 A fortnight ago, the Senior Concert Band were fortunate to be involved in a workshop with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor, Natalia Raspopova. Whilst she was in attendance, Natalia auditioned students for positions to play with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-5-11/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:08:00 +1000 11017 This week in sport we begin the APS Summer Season versus Coomera Anglican College and also take on all APS schools in the APS Athletics Carnival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/design-technology-in-the-junior-school/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:07:00 +1000 11013 It has been a busy start to Term Three in the Junior Design Technology classroom with all students engaged and ready to learn. This term, Year 2 are developing their skills using Microsoft PowerPoint creating a presentation on a chosen country from around the world. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/eisteddfod-fever/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:06:00 +1000 11021 The next two weeks sees our Eisteddfod fever really heat up! Many of our students will be up in the bright lights. Please check the list below for the various performance dates for our groups. We wish everyone the best of luck. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/phi-nite-was-a-dephinite-phinomenon/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:05:00 +1000 11015 On Phiday Phifth August at phive 0 phive, Phi was celebrated like never before. The Somerset Mathematical Society held their own Phi Night to celebrate this remarkable number, known by the popular name of the Golden Ratio. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/environmental-scientists/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:04:00 +1000 11009 As part of our inquiry about the environment, students went on a nature walk to the school pond. We investigated; habitats, animals, insects and pollution. We were sad to find rubbish near the water. Together we problem solved and decided that the pond area needs more rubbish bins. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-news-2/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:03:00 +1000 11011 Well, we are well and truly into the second half of the year, and what a journey it has been for the Year 7s! Memories have been made, friendships have been formed and table tennis has been mastered ... nearly. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-in-action-in-year-8-language-and-literature-classrooms/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:02:00 +1000 11014 As Simon Jenkins recently acknowledged in The Guardian, “At last. Peak digital is at hand. The ultimate disruptor of the new information age is ... wait for it ... the book. Shrewd observers noted the early signs. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/are-we-alone-in-the-universe/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:01:00 +1000 11012 There’s no doubt you have heard about the plethora of planets which are Earth-sized planets in habitable zones capable of housing extra-terrestrial life. In fact, there are hundreds of billions of potentially habitable planets so it’s hard not to ask “are we alone”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/reed-music-clarinets-to-the-fore/ Friday, 12 August 2016 09:00:00 +1000 11020 Congratulations to Darcy Beynon who recently sat for his AMEB Grade 1 Clarinet Examinations and received an A – Honours for his performance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/high-school-musical/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:16:00 +1000 10996 What happens when you put together 84 singing and dancing Senior students, numerous other students in the stage and technical crews, costume and set designers, and then combine them with the talent of the staff in the Somerset College Drama and Music Departments? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-tech-girls-pitch-their-app-ideas/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10952 The importance of promoting innovation in our young people is imperative to ensure a competitively successful future for Australia. Our government recognises this and has implemented new initiatives such as the National Innovation and Science Agenda. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-4-10/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10954 This week in sport we finalise our Summer Season sports trials and move towards the APS Athletics Carnival on 10 August. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/inter-house-chess-competition-2016/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10950 Last Friday both the Senior and Junior Inter-House Chess competitions were held in the chess room. There was a very enjoyable atmosphere, being a mix of intense concentration, and fun. Excellent sportsmanship was the order of the day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-gravity-of-science/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10961 Science by Inquiry gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about their world through exploration in open-ended investigations. It is promoted and actively pursued in our MYP Sciences programme, from simple experiments to in-depth Semester Investigations and Scientific Inquiry projects. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/rugby-dinner-2016/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10949 On Tuesday evening students and parents of the Somerset Rugby Community celebrated the 2016 Rugby Season at the annual Rugby Dinner. The Great Hall certainly lived up to its name, all decked out with rugby-related paraphernalia. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/hitting-the-high-notes/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10955 Charlize Hinze (Year 7) had a very busy weekend last weekend at the Gold Coast Eistedfodd. Over the five sections in which Charlize competed, displaying a wonderful array of various styles, she was placed first in the Vocal Folk Song Section, 15 years and under, as well as placing second in the Vocal Junior Championship, 12 year olds and under. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/enrolments-have-now-closed/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10956 What an adventure the High School Musical journey has been! From starting rehearsals early in the year to producing three spectacular shows, we know we speak on behalf of the cast when we say all the tiring rehearsals were worth it! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/caffeine-how-does-it-really-work/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10951 Caffeine is a drug that is used to stimulate the central nervous system, and is widely found in many plants, including tea and coffee. It is often used as a stimulant to increase alertness and decrease fatigue. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-uni-kyeong/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10960 My name is Uni Kyeong, and as a part of the MYP Programme I was required to complete a year-long Personal Project. For my project, I have been working on raising awareness for safety on Australian beaches and Surf Life Saving Australia. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/pyp-exhibition-art/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10947 Year 5 are following a curriculum that is currently being implemented in the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, where women are taught how to create cottage industries in order to support themselves and their children out of the poverty cycle. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-in-action-and-the-mathematics-lab/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10948 Achieving academic excellence in Maths in the 21st century is a unique challenge. Numeracy remains a fundamental part of education, but the teaching of the basics has evolved considerably over the past few decades. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/prodigy-project/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10957 Last week, the Senior Concert Band had the opportunity to be part of the Gold Coast Prodigy Project. During their rehearsal time on the Tuesday afternoon the band was privileged to have a workshop with Ms Natalia Raspopova, the assistant conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/science-snippets-science-awards-evening/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10959 Somerset College celebrated our sensational scientists at the recent Somerset College Science Competition Awards Evening. With a record number of 601 entries, there was a showcase of innovation, critical thinking and problem solving. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/take-a-bow/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10958 Last Friday saw the Senior String Quartet take to the stage for our first foray into the 2016 Gold Coast Eisteddfod. The quartet (Sam Stevenson, Uni Kyeong, Abby Hall, Lillian Jai), under the direction of Mr Mario Keczan, played very well and were awarded a Very Highly Commended for their efforts. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-athletics-carnival/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10962 Our Junior School students put their skills, speed, endurance and agiity to the test as they competed in the College Athletics Carnival on Saturday 23 July. It was a fantastic day of spirit, sportsmanship and athleticism as both the Junior and Senior School students competed side by side on our beautiful new Athletics Track. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/inter-house-chess-just-as-fun-as-rugby/ Friday, 5 August 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10953 So you think chess is a boring game? Well actually it can be just as fun as playing a game of rugby. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-jason-zhang/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10905 My name is Jason Zhang and I am part of the Year 10 cohort that has undertaken the MYP Personal Project in 2016. For my Personal Project, I have chosen to create a nutritional cookbook, with the aim of allowing for those with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles to get proper nutrition. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/examination-results/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10904 Congratulations to the following students on their results in recent examinations! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/date-claimers-for-the-gold-coast-eisteddfod/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10903 The Gold Coast Eisteddfod is looming very quickly on our performance calendar. Please check the list below for the various performance dates for our groups. More details will be coming to you in the very near future. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/athletics-carnival/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10893 Last Saturday saw Somerset College hold its first combined Junior and Senior Athletics Carnival at our magnificent new Track and Field facility. It was fantastic to see our younger students competing side by side with our Senior School students, all striving to do their best for their House. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/enrolments-closing-for-high-school-musical-go-wildcats/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10890 This week the Senior Musical commenced with its preview performance High School Musical on Tuesday and performances following on Thursday, tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) nights. The cast and crew have been very busy putting the final touches onto all things connected with show. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5-pyp-exhibition-preparation/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10896 This week Year 5 have started preparing for the PYP Exhibition, which is our biggest project for the year. The Transdisciplinary Theme for 2016 is Who We Are and the Central Idea is Children worldwide encounter a range of challenges and opportunities. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-rowers-winn-medals-at-south-queensland-rowing-championships/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10895 More than 60 students represented the College at the recent South Queensland Schools Rowing Championships which were held at Wyaralong Dam near Beaudesert. The Somerset students collected 4 gold, 12 silver and 6 bronze medals with many more crews and scullers making their way to the 8 boat finals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/memorable-visit-by-boral-trucks-for-pre-prep/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10892 Thank you Mr Wade Clark (current parent) for organising a wonderful presentation to Pre-Prep this week on Boral Trucks. Pre-Prep students were able to climb up into the very large truck and sit at the realm. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/huge-week-for-somerset-netball/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10897 Our Senior 1sts Netball Team and Academy Teams competed at Vicki Wilson Cup last week continuing their fantastic season with some great results. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/we-can-still-learn-from-chernobyl-and-fukushima/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10894 Thirty years after the largest nuclear disaster in history at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant what has happened? Despite knowing the initial details of the accident, it seems the general public knows very little about the state of Chernobyl and perhaps we all need to be reminded of the absolute care we must take when managing a nuclear power plant. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/athletics-carnival-appreciating-our-communitys-generosity/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10898 Last Saturday's Athletics Day Carnival was yet another successful event, providing many long-lasting memories to share with our children, other parents, staff, teachers and friends. We are extremely appreciative to live in such a generous and supportive community. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/engaging-in-service-at-ozharvest/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10899 OzHarvest is a for-impact organisation providing food rescue services and educational programmes with the wider purpose of Nourishing Our Country! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/senior-sport-news-week-3-10/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10902 This week in sport we prepare for Summer Season sports trials and move towards the 10 August APS Athletics Carnival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/diploma-candidates-shine/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10891 Earlier this year, three of our Senior students sat for their Associate Diploma in Drama and Speech with Trinity College London. Amid their already busy schedules, these students studied hard to complete this examination. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/increasing-your-sleep/ Friday, 29 July 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10900 Getting enough sleep is one of the most important factors in staying healthy. Staying up late, whether it be to complete schoolwork or because you wanted to watch a movie, can only lead to becoming sleep deprived, which can have very serious effects over a long period of time. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/my-cancer-councils-morning-tea/ Friday, 22 July 2016 14:15:00 +1000 10840 On Saturday 11 June, I held an afternoon tea fundraiser for the Cancer Council’s annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at The Pirate Park at Currumbin. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/technologies-in-the-senior-school-classroom/ Friday, 22 July 2016 13:35:00 +1000 10836 In days gone by, the extent of Information Technology in the classroom was a calculator in Mathematics, and learning about word processing in ICT classes. Enter 2016, where Information Technologies are no longer a novelty, but rather a staple of daily life. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/gold-coast-secondary-schools-drama-festival-3/ Friday, 22 July 2016 12:50:00 +1000 10872 The Gold Coast Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival is happening in this busy Term 3, and the performance times are starting to get very close indeed. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/senior-school-musical-dont-miss-out/ Friday, 22 July 2016 12:00:00 +1000 10876 Join the students of Somerset College as they follow the hopes and dreams of Troy and Gabriella and they realise that no one needs to Stick to the Status Quo! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/athletics-day-canteen-and-pop-up-shop/ Friday, 22 July 2016 11:10:00 +1000 10855 Cash and EFTPOS only will be available at Athletics Day Canteen stall based at Koala House. Snack Bar donations are welcomed and the Pop Up Shop will be open. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/approximately-pi-day-today/ Friday, 22 July 2016 10:50:00 +1000 10851 The 22nd of July every year is known by mathematicians in the know as π Approximation Day since π has a value of roughly 22/7. Writing it as a fraction implies that it is a rational number, which is not the case. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/hands-on-minds-on-year-4-inquiry/ Friday, 22 July 2016 10:40:00 +1000 10847 We know our students learn in many different ways: visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, and social. Hands-on learning engagements obviously engage kids who are tactile or kinesthetic learners, who need movement to learn best. They also engage students who are auditory learners, who talk about what they're doing, and visual learners, who have the opportunity to see what everyone else is creating. For social learners, the time spent in small group conversation will strengthen their knowledge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/salvation-army-still-waters-donations-thank-you/ Friday, 22 July 2016 10:25:00 +1000 10846 Last term our Year 8 and 9 students had a session with representatives from the Salvation Army and Still Waters Woman’s refuge. During that session our students unpacked 'Who are the Homeless?’ and discussed contributions to homelessness in our society. They also had the opportunity to examine the issue in relation to domestic and family violence. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-sport-news-week-2/ Friday, 22 July 2016 10:25:00 +1000 10848 On Thursday we held the first half of our Athletics Carnival on the new Athletics track. There was so much excitement, energy and not to mention nerves as our young athletes put the new track to the test. It was a successful day had by all and we can’t wait to see the rest of the Carnival on Saturday 23 July where Age and House Champions will be decided. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/a-fine-founders-day/ Friday, 22 July 2016 10:05:00 +1000 10843 Last Friday saw the College’s celebration of Founders’ Day. For all involved this was an interesting display of logistics in having both the Senior Concert Band and the Vocal Group perform outdoors at the sports precinct https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/founders-day-an-alumni-perspective/ Friday, 22 July 2016 10:05:00 +1000 10844 Founders' Day is one day of the year when Towers Quad turns into a colosseum and the cheering from students can be heard from Somerset Drive as Houses compete against each other in the All Age Relays, Tug-o-War and the Courtyard Dash. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-2-9/ Friday, 22 July 2016 09:35:00 +1000 10839 This weekend in sport we compete at the House Athletics Carnival on Friday and Saturday and prepare for next week’s Summer Season sports trials. We look forward to many parents joining us to support students on these highlight days in the College calendar. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project/ Friday, 22 July 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10828 My name is Alexandra Gerrard, and this year I have been working on completing my MYP Personal Project. We were introduced to the Personal Project at the end of Year 9, and since then have been working hard to achieve our goals and finish our final year of MYP. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-week-1-6/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:18:00 +1000 10787 A very warm welcome to Term Three 2016 after what was hopefully a time of rest and relaxation. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-8-design-students-level-up/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:17:00 +1000 10764 There are an estimated 15 million active gamers in Australia. Gaming is addictive because it can make the gamer feel great about the ‘work’ and the successes that they experience in a game. Games reward the gamer and give immediate feedback, which engages and motivates the gamer to play more. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/1st-vii-netball-team-shine-at-qissn/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:16:00 +1000 10755 During the second week of the holidays our Senior 1st VII Netball team headed to Rockhampton to compete in the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball tournament. The opening ceremony was held on Sunday at the host school, Cathedral College, with 48 netball teams (480 netballers) in attendance. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-sciences-grow/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10782 In Term Two, Year 7 Sciences learnt about renewable and non-renewable energy sources. We discovered information that lead us to believe that renewable energy resources are the right decision. We worked in small groups and created our own wind anemometer as an investigation to help us understand renewable energy. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/tassie-trip-2016/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10769 Tasmania - previously called Van Diemen’s Land; also called the Apple Isle; its inhabitants called Taswegians - is a fabulous island to the south of mainland Australia. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-rio-2016-olympics-not-all-fun-and-games/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10754 The 2016 Olympics are already quickly approaching us and for many around the globe, it’s an exciting time to be proud and cheer on our respective home country. Above all, there is always a sense of unity at the Olympics, where race, age, wealth and sexual orientation do not matter. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/italian-friends-spend-time-at-the-college/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10771 On 2 June, 26 Italian students (between 16 and 18 years of age) and their accompanying teachers (Giacomo Carbonella e Mauro d’Orsi) arrived to spend three weeks with Somerset College families. All of the students are from the province of Verona, and attend the schools Educandato Agli Angeli and Scientific Liceo Girolamo Fracastoro. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/gold-coast-secondary-schools-drama-festival-2/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10776 In the final weeks of last term, casts were finalised for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Play entries into the Gold Coast Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival, and rehearsals are now well and truly underway. Congratulations to all students who have been cast, and also to all those who had the courage to audition. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/holiday-tennis-tournaments/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10770 The holidays provided Somerset Tennis players with opportunity to compete in a number of tournaments with some fantastic results. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/haven-t-you-always-wanted-to-be-in-a-high-school-musical/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10780 During the holidays and over the next few weeks, the Performing Arts Theatre will be transformed as the cast and crew of the musical are putting together the final touches for the show. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-1-7/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10753 This weekend in sport we head to Runaway Bay for the annual Athletics Camp and prepare for next week’s Inter-House Athletics Carnival on Friday and Saturday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/an-opals-experience/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10768 The Somerset College Community had the pleasure of hosting the Australian Women's Basketball Team in their last training camp before the Olympic Games. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/performing-arts-captains-term-two-report/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10777 It has been another wonderful term in the Performing Arts Department. Every Tuesday lunchtime, we were all lucky enough to enjoy our lunch whilst listening to various musical numbers, performed by our talented students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/state-honours-ensemble-programme-representatives/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10778 Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent the College in the State Honours Ensemble programme to be held later in the year: https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-college-mooting-news/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10781 Last Term, six students from Years 11 and 12 competed in the Bond University Mooting Competition for 2016. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/dont-miss-out-on-jewel/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10752 We hope you can join your Somerset friends at 'Jewel - Morocco to Mandalay' being held on Saturday 6 August at the Marriott, Surfers Paradise. This year's parents evening event will take you on an exotic journey through a feast of the senses. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/get-your-creative-shoes-on/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10779 The last day of Term Two saw House Activities take place. Throughout the afternoon, students were involved in various performing arts activities, from creating iced cookies to represent the members of their Pastoral Care group through to making a throne fit for a king and choreographing their own dance moves to perform while students were singing. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/add-infinitum-fun-with-flags/ Friday, 15 July 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10786 Vexillology, or the scientific and scholarly study of flags, flew in the Senior School Maths classroom recently as the Year 8s calculated the areas of the shapes on a variety of flags from around the world. There was a plethora of rectangles, triangles, trapezia, circles and rhombuses (or is it rhombi), to analyse and compute. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-senior-ball-2/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10699 The limos, the red carpet, the flashes from cameras, the gasps of delight from adoring crowds – yes this year’s Senior Ball had it all. The Mantra on View offered the longest red carpet experience in recent times – spanning two levels of the hotel! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/not-that-kind-of-p-a-r-t-y/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10695 On Wednesday 1 June, a group of Year 10 students - including myself - gathered onto a bus, on our way to the Gold Coast University Hospital. We were all thoroughly warned that the content of the discussions we would be having would be confronting, but we (as the infallible fifteen-year-olds we thought we were) argued that we could take it. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/your-invitation-to-jewel-join-us-on-an-exotic-journey/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10703 We hope you have received your electronic invitation to join your community on Saturday 6 August at the Marriott, Surfers Paradise to 'Jewel', where you will experience an exotic journey through a feast of the senses from Morocco to Mandalay. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-rowers-come-agonisingly-close-to-victory/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10704 The Somerset rowers competed in the final regatta of the local Gold Coast schools rowing season at Wyaralong Dam on the weekend. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/future-stars-tennis/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10701 On Sunday there was a Future Stars Tennis Event held at Beenleigh. We had three different teams that entered: red, orange and green. Our Red team happened to win the event. The Orange and Green teams both finished 3rd. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-college-tech-girls-are-superheroes/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10691 How do we increase the number of women studying and working in Information Technology (IT)? The lack of diversity in the IT industry has been a hot topic for decades and many strategies have been implemented to increase the number of women in this exciting and innovative industry. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/wordsmiths-camp-2016/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10689 On the weekend of 3 and 4 June, the 2016 Wordsmiths Camp took place. On Friday afternoon, 80 budding authors and poets set off to QCCC Mount Tamborine for a weekend full of all things literature. Starting on Friday night with a music-inspired session from Dr Brohier. This was followed by a seniors-only session, which eventuated into an intense debate about all things stories and fiction. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/jsm-junior-school-magazine/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10690 Around two years ago, Mrs McDonald (Junior School Teacher Assistant) spoke with me about the possibility of starting up a Junior School Magazine, showcasing the writing and artistic talents of Junior School students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/flesh-eating-bacteria-in-year-7-science/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10692 On 1 June, Year 7 was fortunate enough to be visited by Dr John Gerrard, a biologist who investigated an uncommon disease that occurred in parts of Australia and the United States of America. For around a decade, Dr Gerrard passionately examined this unknown disease, until he found the cause of this flesh-eating bacteria. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/laver-house-term-two-wrap-up/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10696 Laver has had a striking term! We continued our ever-growing sense of team spirit with the Inter-House Cross Country Carnival. It was great to see so many people keen to improve on last year’s placings and our massive improvement in participation enabled us to jump to second place this year! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/21km-from-chinderah-to-murwillumbah/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10702 Somerset rowers and parents decided to finish off Term Two with a blast, by competing in the 21km half-marathon from Chinderah to Murwillumbah on the stunning Tweed River, the morning after the Gold Coast Schools Trophy Regatta at Wyaralong Dam. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-10-4/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10700 Today sees the conclusion of a reasonably busy Term Two. Hopefully, all will have a restful and enjoyable holiday and return refreshed and ready to tackle the new term. Term Three will present us with various challenges including the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, the Senior Musical, the Festival for Young Performers and the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival just to name some. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-10-5/ Friday, 17 June 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10693 This week we celebrate our APS Winter Season results at a Sports Assembly and finalise House Athletics Trials. Athletics practices continue over the holidays, leading to Week 1’s Athletics Camp and Week 2’s Athletics Carnival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-students-dazzle-at-showcase/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10656 Last Monday evening, Junior School staff and parents were treated to a superb evening of entertainment by a large group of incredibly excited students from Prep to Year 6. The first of two Showcase evenings highlighted the talent of our students, along with those staff who work with them. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/grand-finals-netball/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10646 Congratulations to our Grand Final winners and to all our students and coaches who have played APS Netball this season. You have performed and represented Somerset admirably. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/jeans-for-genes-day-2016/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10647 Jeans for Genes is the iconic fundraising campaign of Children’s Medical Research Institute. Each year, Australians unite by wearing their favourite jeans and outdoing each other with crazy denim outfits, and donating money or purchasing merchandise, to support genetic research. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/heartbreaking-loss-in-the-aps-grand-final/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10643 The 1st XV suffered a heartbreaking loss at the hands of a committed and determined All Saints Anglican School team. Despite inclement conditions the crowd turned up in numbers as Bond University hosted the APS Final between the two schools. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-scope-of-languages/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10642 Across the whole Australian Curriculum, Inter-cultural Understanding involves students learning about and engaging with diverse cultures in ways that recognise similarities and differences, create connections with others and cultivate mutual respect. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-biology-excursion-to-hastings-point/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10641 At 8.50am on 2 May, while all Somerset students were well into their first period, looking forward to another typical school day after the conclusion of the exam period, the Year 11 Biology cohort was doing something starkly different. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/some-tips-for-choosing-a-university/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10649 Whether you’re in Year 10 or Year 12, it’s always good to just think about any possible studies you might like to do that will enable you to go into a job with passion and drive. For students in Years 9 and 10, selecting electives aligned with your planned future may help you determine what the right course is for you when selecting your subjects for Years 11 and 12. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/italian-week-2016/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10644 The “Festa della Repubblica” is the Italian national holiday celebrated on 2 June. It commemorates the institutional referendum of 1946 when the Italian population was called to decide what form of government (monarchy or republic) to give to the country after the Second World War and the fall of Fascism. Italy became a Republic, and the monarchs of the House of Savoy were deposed and exiled. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/cutting-hair-for-charity-wigs/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10651 My name is Ayla and I am in Year 3. Two weekends ago, I cut 30cm of my hair to donate to the Variety’s Princess Charlotte Alopecia Programme that turns donated hair into wigs for children with alopecia. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-jessica-lekich/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10650 My name is Jessica Lekich and for my MYP Personal Project, I have created a short film on the effects of domestic violence on children and their families. Being very passionate about film creation and equality in society, I felt that a year-long project would be the perfect forum in which these two ideas come together. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-hosts-qhta-modern-history-student-seminars/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10648 This article starts with a historical question: What do the first presidents of Israel, Kenya and a united South Africa have in common? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/oliver-phommavanh-author-talk/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10645 Last Wednesday, students in Years 3 and 4 attended an author talk with Oliver Phommavanh, a renowned children’s writer, as their prize for being the school last year in Australia with the second highest donation to the Room to Read charity. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-9-7/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10638 This week we move to Week 2 of our Athletics Season and celebrate our APS Winter Season results at a Sports Assembly. Inter-House Athletics Trials will also be held on Friday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-9-7/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10640 The term is drawing swiftly to a close with only one week remaining until the holidays. Term Three is always an exceptionally busy term. All students should be ensuring now that they are aware of their performance commitments for the upcoming term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/pop-up-shop-open-friday-17-june/ Friday, 10 June 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10655 Are you tired of washing clothes often and need some good quality pre-loved uniforms as spares? For your convenience, our Pop-Up Shop and complimentary cafe will be open on Friday, 17 June, which is the last day of term, between 7.30am and 10.00am. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-examinations/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10619 Congratulations to all Senior students for the way in which they completed their examinations this semester. Our students are to be praised for their conduct during this period. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-michael-guy/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10597 My name is Michael Guy and as part of my final year in the MYP, I have been completing my Personal Project. I chose to complete an inquiry into Personal and Cultural expression. This led me towards my goal of creating a comprehensive pictorial review of international cricket in 2015. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/da-vinci-decathlon/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10604 The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic inter-school competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics and Chess, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Philosophy, Creative Producers, Cartography and General Knowledge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-1st-xv-versus-ab-paterson-college/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10600 The 1st XV produced another dominant display of Rugby in the last round of the regular season to easily account for their AB Paterson College counterparts. The 1st XV racked up their highest score of the season in a clinical 55 minute display to head into the APS final next week with a degree of confidence. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/aps-cross-country-and-national-golfers/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10596 Our Junior School Cross Country Team competed at the APS Carnival last Tuesday and impressed us all with some outstanding results and sportsmanship. For some of our Year 4 athletes it was the first of many APS Carnivals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/national-simultaneous-storytime/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10598 At 11.00am on Wednesday 25 May, in primary schools, childcare centres and libraries all over Australia, the book “I Got This Hat” was read aloud to groups of young children, as part of the National Simultaneous Storytime. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-8-8/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10605 With Years 11 and 12 students completing their examinations this week, the Department is now working full steam ahead for the upcoming events that occur early in Term Three. Such events as Founders’ Day and the Senior Musical are first on our calendar, followed hot on the heels by Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival and the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/add-infinitum-journey-to-the-centre-of-the-earth/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10603 Can we measure the measure the circumference of the Earth with just a metre rule, a piece of sting and a calculator? Well, if we consider that the shape of the Earth as spherical, then all that is required is to use the equation C = 2πR where C is the circumference of the earth and R is its radius. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-8-9/ Friday, 3 June 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10601 This week we began our Athletics Season and concluded the APS Winter Season with the APS Finals Day on 3 June. Next Friday we will present award winners and premiership teams at the Sports Assembly and begin House Athletics Trials. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-week-7-2/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10573 In a number of forums, our Facilities Manager, Mr Damian Flint, has reported on the growing subscription to and use of the new Fitness Centre, Courts and Track. There are over 800 registered members of Spartan Fitness who are variously huffing, puffing, running, rowing, lifting, stretching, cycling, Pilating, Zumbafying and Boxercising! (I’m mainly doing the first two!). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/1st-xv-rugby-and-mudgeeraba-state-special-school-join-forces/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10561 On Tuesday 17 May the Somerset 1st XV Rugby team showed they are more than just good Rugby players, they are engaged and active members of our wider community. The 1st XV has embarked on a five-week volunteer programme in association with Mudgeeraba State Special School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/winners-everywhere-at-trivia-night/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10572 With many teams going all out to fulfil the “Everything Olympic” themed trivia night, leading the way with their fancy dress to take the prize of “Best dressed table” were the “Bolivian Conchita Women's Wrestling Team” which was made up of parents, teachers and was led by Somerset Alumna and current rowing parent, Emma Rudkin. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-3-risk-takers/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10570 For our current Unit of Inquiry – Family Histories Provide an Insight into Culture, Family and the Individual, Year 3 are being Risk Takers and are working with a new application, Quiver. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-madizen-wilkins/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10562 My name is Madizen Wilkins, and I am a Year 10 student undertaking the last year of the Middle Years Programme and with this I am required to take part in the Personal Project. Near the end of Term Four last year, our Year Level was introduced to the Personal Project, and one of the hardest parts of the project was easily making a decision on what to do. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/ladies-day-at-rowing-regatta/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10571 The Somerset Senior girls crews dominated proceedings at the recent Saint Peter's Lutheran College regatta which was held at Coomera Waters, led by Katherine Plume who won the Under 17 Single scull, the Year 10 Double and Quad Sculls as well as the Open Eight. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/how-human-made-systems-connect-people/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10565 Year 2 have been learning about how human-made systems connect people. Our Unit of Inquiry is part of How We Organise Ourselves and the key concepts we have been exploring are connection and borders. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-school-aps-cross-country-2016/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10563 Tuesday 17 May saw the Somerset College Cross Country team compete at the APS carnival at Runaway Bay. Our team consisted of a total of over 70 runners. Each race had over 60 runners competing from the eight APS schools. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/help-somerset-sporting-clubs-raise-funds-from-your-business-referrals/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10568 Your P&F has proudly extended this successful fundraising initiative to each of our sporting clubs, including Rowing, Basketball, Swimming, Netball and Rugby. This year, net profits from any advertising referral will be directed to the nominated Club. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-7-6/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10564 This week we play APS Winter Season Round 7 versus AB Paterson College and continue to prepare for the APS Finals Day on 3 June (the 1st XV Rugby Grand Final will have a delayed start at 4.00pm at Bond University). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-7-7/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10569 Whilst our Year 11 and 12 students continue to complete their Semester One examinations, Years 7 to 10 students have started to move back into their rehearsal regime along with their Junior School counterparts, who have continued working in their various scheduled rehearsals, preparing for our upcoming events. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/chocolate-the-sweet-key-to-academic-success/ Friday, 27 May 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10566 It’s hard to avoid the articles telling us that ‘eating chocolate improves brain function’ and that it helps protect against ‘normal age-related decline’. It sounds too good to be true right? Before we all go tell our parent to grab a box of chocolates for our studying, let us step back and think critically about this sweet conundrum. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-importance-of-educating-the-whole-child/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10498 At the College, where we advocate the importance of educating the whole child, we cannot shy away from helping our students understand many of the complex issues that exist in society. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/inspiring-information-and-technology-systems/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10503 The Year 11 Information and Technology Systems (ITS) students have been busy learning and gaining new technical skills in the Graphic Design topic. In Term One the ITS students improved their knowledge and understanding of graphic design principles, concepts and terminology. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/can-you-have-more-than-five-friends/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10514 What do the Rolling Stones, One Direction and Guns ‘n’ Roses have in common? The social brain hypothesis is a theory that states humans are capable of maintaining close relationships with no more than five people, of which all these bands are perfect examples. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/unique-opportunity-to-promote-your-products-and-business-to-the-somerset-community/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10506 The 2016/2017 Somerset Business Directory is a unique way for advertisers to gain greatly from exposure to our significant numbered parent body who are appreciative of high product and service standards. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/annual-naplan-tests-2016/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10505 Last week students of the College in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participated in the annual National Assessment Programme known as NAPLAN. Students complete tests of reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy in all the above Year Levels. Our younger students in Years 3 and 5 approached the assessment confidently. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-6-8/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10508 This week we play APS Winter Season Round 6 versus Coomera Anglican College and continue to prepare for the APS Finals Day on 3 June (the 1st XV Rugby Grand Final will be held at 4.00pm at Bond University). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-4-belief-excursion-2/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10507 Year 4 have been studying in their unit of inquiry “People around the world have different belief systems”. As a culminating excursion, all Year 4 students travelled to local places of worship to inquire, ask questions, find out, sort out and go further to understand the impact of beliefs in our society. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-6-8/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10509 The Department will soon be starting to come out the mid-year examination block, with rehearsals commencing for the younger members in Years 7 to 10 whilst the Years 11 and 12 students are still in examinations. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-sport-week-6-3/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10504 Congratulations to the following Junior School students on their external sporting achievements! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-1st-xv-versus-saint-stephens-college-1st-xv/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10512 Saint Stephen's College were yet to concede a point in their APS campaign and this clash promised to be a closely fought affair. On offer was a third trophy for the season for the 1st XV. The Arnison-Rowe Shield was introduced in 2001. Since then Saint Stephens have just had the edge over Somerset, leading the score tally 8 to 7. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-reeco-lo/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10515 I am Recco Lo from Year 10 Franklin. My Personal Project is about gymnastics, and I have spent the majority of the time investigating and training more advanced moves, such as the front tuck and backhand spring. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/inspiring-inclusivity-in-our-mudgee-kids-programme/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10513 During 2016, approximately 90 Year 11 students will walk through the doors of a Mudgeeraba Special School classroom. The opportunity sees Somerset students interact with the Mudgee Kids every Wednesday during lunch over a five week period. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/add-infinitum-testing-time-for-teachers/ Friday, 20 May 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10511 NAPLAN testing has come and gone and now students are involved in subject–based exams, not to mention the MYP Personal Project in Year 10. But now spare a thought for future teachers. From July 2016, education students will have to pass a new literacy and numeracy test if they are to be registered as teachers. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/parent-communication-via-schoolbox/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10425 Within the classroom, Schoolbox certainly offers flexibility for communication and collaboration. In the same way, it also offers parents the choice of how they would like to receive communication from the College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/drama-bringing-the-classroom-to-contemporary-theatre-spaces/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10424 Drama in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme engages students in an active relationship with the theatre. This theatre space allows Drama students to develop confidence, creativity, communication and critical thinking skills, whilst also encouraging the exploration of identity and individuality through our ever changing social and global contexts. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/girls-talk-mothers-day-celebrations-an-unforgettable-event/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10420 This year's Parents' and Friends' Mother's Day Celebration, 'Girls' Talk with Madonna King', was truly unforgettable! For guests lucky enough to have secured a ticket, there was plenty of laughter and we all enjoyed precious time with friends at the retro and relaxing surroundings of the Bazaar Restaurant within the QT Hotel. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-1st-xv-versus-kings-christian-college/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10423 The Gold Coast continued its run of great weather by providing another unusually warm autumn day to play Rugby. Unfortunately, King's came to Wyangan under-manned and a little battered and bruised having played All Saints and Saint Stephen's in the previous rounds. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/a-nuclear-fusion-of-scientific-minds/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10427 The world is currently evaluating other energy sources to replace fossil fuels as they will eventually run out, as well as to reduce the devastating impact it will have on climate change. Our current options include nuclear power, solar power, and hydroelectricity just to name a few. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/pre-prep-mothers-day-afternoons/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10419 Last week, over three afternoons we had the Pre-Prep mothers join us for celebrations in our Pre-Prep area. On Tuesday Mrs Spanner’s Pre-Prep Red friends welcomed their Mums, on Wednesday Mrs Vizcay-Wilson’s Yellow friends welcomed their Mums and on Thursday the Pre-Prep Blue Mums joined us. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-jade-mansell/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10428 My name is Jade Mansell, and I am a Year 10 student midway through my Personal Project. The most difficult part about the Personal Project, is deciding what to do. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/2016-impact-dinner/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10426 At the College we aim for all of the service opportunities that our students engage in to evolve beyond simply doing good for others; to them engaging in meaningful dialogue with our highly valued community partners in order to identify genuine actions through which a shared common good can be achieved. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-1-celebrate-mothers-day/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10418 Year 1 celebrated Mother's Day last Friday. It was a great chance for Mums to catch up with each other as well as share some special time in the classroom. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/mr-barry-wows-year-5-with-amazing-presentation/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10422 Last Friday, Mr Barry (Amy Barry’s father) came in to speak with the Year 5s about his incredible work in Papua New Guinea (PNG). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-5-9/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10417 This coming week our rehearsals in the Senior School start to shut down with our Semester One examination block commencing on Thursday 19 May. There will be no music rehearsals until the following week when we will recommence with Years 7 to 10. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-5-10/ Friday, 13 May 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10421 This week we play APS Winter Season Round 5 versus Saint Stephen's College and continue to prepare for the APS Cross Country Titles at Runaway Bay on 17 May. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/important-assessment-times-for-the-college/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:17:00 +1000 10399 Examination time tables have been emailed to all Year Levels and I urge parents to familiarise themselves with these examination dates. In Week 6, Term Two Examinations will begin for Senior School. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-enjoy-science-week/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:16:00 +1000 10375 After long hours of anticipation, the Year 7s were certainly rejoicing when Science Week came around! It was finally the time to ask science-related questions, participate in science activities and make bad science jokes, all in the name of Science. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/snapshot-of-year-6/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10382 Term Two is a big one for Year 6. Students are becoming familiar with the MYP expectations and assessment criteria, and we go away for six nights and seven days to a cold, yet beautiful place, quite unlike the Gold Coast. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/add-infinitum-the-man-who-knew-infinity/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10383 Last week saw the general release of the movie, The Man Who Knew Infinity, about the Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan. This is the 100-year-old story of a humble Indian clerk, played by Dev Patel, who was invited to study at Trinity College, Cambridge, the alma mater of Isaac Newton. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-4-9/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10377 Next week sees the Senior School section of the Performing Arts Department take a brief hiatus towards the end of the week whilst examinations are being conducted. Students need to keep a keen eye and ear on the regular Notices appearing in Schoolbox and on the DVC screens around the College. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-visual-arts-students-visit-goma/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10385 Years 11 and 12 Visual Arts students were fortunate to visit the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT8) at Queensland Art Gallery - Gallery of Modern Art. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-sonia-louis-punch-and-ingrid-eksteen/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10389 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-irene-merriman-and-bianca-arace/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10388 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-it-students-create-e-commerce-websites/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10381 The Year 9 Information Technology (IT) subject has been updated this year to include units on website development using Adobe Dreamweaver, android app development using MIT App Inventor, and Python programming. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-4-9/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10379 This week we play APS Winter Season Round 4 versus King's Christian College and continue to prepare for the APS Cross Country Titles at Runaway Bay on Tuesday 17 May. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-students-compete-at-queensland-all-schools-cross-country/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10376 Last Saturday we took a bus of enthusiastic young runners to Brisbane to contest the Queensland All Schools Cross Country Championships. It was beautiful running conditions at Kedron High School as our students ran against some of Queensland's best middle distance runners. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-information-literacy-focuses/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10380 With Term Two already under-way, there are a number of literacy focused events on this term for the Junior School students and parents to participate in. The value of reading can never be underestimated and there is an event to suit everyone over this term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-blake-mills/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10387 My name is Blake Mills and as a part of completing the final year of the Middle Years Programme, I have had to undertake a Personal Project where I complete a project of interest to me. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-word/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10384 You’ve probably been using Microsoft Word for longer than you can remember, ever since you started writing assignments, but do you really know the ins and outs of Word? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/p-and-f-meeting-tuesday-10-may-6-30pm/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10386 The next Parents' and Friends Association meeting is being held in The Arnison Boardroom on Tuesday 10 May, at 6.30pm, usually concluding by 7.30pm. Every parent is a member of the P&F and welcome to attend. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-college-regatta-2016/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10378 The 2016 rowing season started with a flourish last Saturday at Coomera, with more than 30 students representing the College for the first time and some of them tasting victory. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/what-s-for-breakfast/ Friday, 6 May 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10374 Breakfast is indeed a very important meal. A good breakfast fuels you up and gets you ready for the day. In general, kids and teens who eat breakfast have more energy, do better in school, and eat healthier throughout the day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/rounded-pi-day-round-up/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:17:00 +1000 10123 Pi Day was again celebrated in style this year with the date 3/14/16 representing the famous number rounded to 5 significant figures (or 4 decimal places if you see the point). This year, therefore, was Rounded Pi Day but if you missed it, it will be repeated all over again in 100 years. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/wallas-bassingthwaighte-cup-2016/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:17:00 +1000 10343 All Saints Anglican School and Somerset College Senior netball teams kicked off their first encounter of the APS season on Friday, competing for the inaugural Wallas-Bassingthwaighte Cup. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/hickey-fradgley-cup-2016/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:16:00 +1000 10344 The delayed 4.00pm kick-of allowed spectators from both schools to attend the annual Hickey-Fradgley trophy game between Somerset College and All Saints Anglican School. Last year’s APS Champions always field a good side and this year was no different. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/how-objects-move-prep-science-show/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10331 This week Prep friends enjoyed being involved in the hands-on 'Big Bang Education' Science Show. This show relates to our current inquiry into how objects move in different ways. This inquiry comes under the transdisciplinary theme, “How the World Works”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-3-9/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10338 The Performing Arts Department has continued busily throughout the week with its various rehearsals as preparations are now under way for Eisteddfod performances that will occur next term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-danielle-swainson-and-nicola-boone/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10332 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-jessica-jackson/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10348 When we were introduced to the Personal Project at the end of Year 9, I had a few ideas to choose from. Designing and building a treehouse was one of them, and to start with this seemed like an awesome but totally unachievable idea. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-college-hosting-gold-coast-schools-rowing-regatta/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10340 Saturday 30 April will see the first regatta for the Gold Coast Schools season and the Somerset College Rowing supporters will be hosting the regatta which will be held at Coomera. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-3-9/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10337 This week we play APS Winter Season Round 3 versus Trinity Lutheran on Saturday, our Cross Country Team make their way to the Queensland All-Schools Cross Country in Brisbane in preparation for the May 17 APS Cross Country Titles. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/the-correlation-between-sleep-and-your-grades/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10334 With assignments and semester exams this term, there is a lot of school content you have to cover. So it’s tempting to stay up late to cover more work, however, studies have found that in the long term, it might be more harmful than it is helpful. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/myp-personal-project-anna-harris/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10333 Hello, my name is Anna Harris and I am in Year 10 finishing my final year of the Middle Years Programme. As a part of this we were given the task to complete a Personal Project, which is undertaking a project of your choice. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/chess-news-week-3/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10345 The past week has been very exciting for chess at Somerset College. Last week we announced the winners of the Term One lunch time Chess Club. Oliver Marment from Year 1E placed first amongst the Year 1 and 2 students, whilst James Kirk from Year 3M won the overall tournament. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/starlight-fun-run-2016/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10347 After a two year break, last Friday saw the rebirth of the annual Starlight Run. With almost 150 people participating, the acclaimed overnight event on the brand new Athletics Track was more successful than our "Incredibly well planned, Ryan didn't just make all of this up at recess” assembly performance suggested. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/starkey-takes-out-inter-house-rowing-regatta/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10339 Starkey rowers dominated across the board at the Annual Inter-House Rowing Regatta which, most importantly, saw the opportunity for a large group of Somerset rowers to compete in their very first rowing regatta. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/life-of-language-parlez-vous-francais/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10341 Learning other languages changed my life – sounds dramatic doesn’t it, but it did; well, changed the course of my life at any rate. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/inter-house-cross-country-2016/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10335 Congratulations to Starkey on taking out the Annual Inter-House Cross Country on our new course last week. Starkey’s previous victory took place exactly 30 years ago and featured a youthful Mr Paul Taylor (Head of Junior School, Class of 1990) in the team. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-inter-house-cross-country-carnival/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10346 Last week we saw all students from the Junior School participate in the Inter-House Cross Country Carnival. This carnival is the only sport carnival of the year where every student gets a chance to participate on the same day. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-5-mastering-learning-styles/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10342 Everyone learns in different ways and this is certainly a celebrated difference in Year 5. In 1983, Dr Howard Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences and since this time educators all over the world have marvelled in the benefits it can have on classroom practices and the positive effects it can have on student engagement and enjoyment of the taught curriculum. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/finance-initiatives/ Friday, 29 April 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10366 One would think that having just completed our largest capital building project in the College’s history that we would be all out of ‘cash’, never mind more initiatives! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/anzac-day-commemorations-and-senior-school-cross-country-carnival/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10318 With 2016 being the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, our students, staff and parents were involved in a myriad ways within the College and the local community. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/sad-news-for-the-somerset-community-rev-geoff-beel/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10321 Many of you will remember Rev Geoff Beel, who was the Associate Chaplain at Somerset College from 1990 until his retirement in 1999. We are saddened to advise that, after a long battle with cancer, Rev Beel passed away peacefully on Saturday 16 April. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/impact-cambodia-trip/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10286 On 27 March, six students from Years 10 and 11 along with Mr Grainger and Ms Connell embarked on the first Somerset College Cambodia trip that was partnered with RAW Impact. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/celebration-of-life-sally-smith/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10296 Many of you will remember Mrs Sally Smith who commenced at Somerset in 2009 teaching Year 4. Mrs Smith then moved to teach Year 6 from 2010. At the end of 2012, Mrs Smith left Somerset to focus on fighting her illness. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-2-8/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10291 This week we play APS Winter Season Round 2 versus All Saints Anglican School and all results of Wednesday’s Inter-House Cross Country Carnival will be on Schoolbox. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/15-of-our-very-best-memories-from-the-very-best-musical-camp/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10288 Last weekend saw our annual musical camp take place at Camp Bornhoffen in the Numinbah Valley. Whilst there was plenty of rehearsing, and eating and fun had along the way, here are a 15 of our very best memories from the very best musical camp. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-compete-in-armidale-rugby-carnival/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10294 During the holidays we took the Under 12 Rugby team to Armidale to contest the The Armidale School's annual Rugby carnival. This was the third year we have sent a team down to the New England Region and the boys exceeded our expectations with their courage, co-operation and sportsmanship. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-annette-tayler-leesa-eastwell-and-rachel-skyring/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10289 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-2-9/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10295 The next few weeks sees the Department consolidating its rehearsals in order to have as much in place prior to the student examination session. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/cufflinks-are-back-in-style/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10293 Somerset College has just received our custom Australian-made order and these are now available to purchase at the Bird and Bush (Retail Centre). https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-1st-xv-versus-emmanuel-college-2/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10287 The opening round of the APS competition saw the Somerset 1st XV at home to the Emmanuel 1st XV. With many of the starting team fresh off a tour to Canada expectations were high for a good victory. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-swim-club-national-age-championships/ Friday, 22 April 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10297 The National Age Swimming Championships were held in Adelaide during the Easter holidays. The Somerset Swim Club had its largest contingent of swimmers to date attend the National Age Championships with 17 swimmers qualifying for the meet as well as three Relay teams. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-week-1-5/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10274 A very warm welcome and welcome back to Term Two especially to all the new families and students. We bid farewell to Dr Andrew Cousins and welcomed Mrs Karen Crowley into the new role of Dean of Studies. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/did-we-really-do-all-this-in-one-week/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10252 Term One was a shorter week than normal, being only nine weeks; however, in true Somerset style, we took on the challenge to continue with our normal Term One events even though we had one week less to prepare for them all! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/girls-talk-mothers-day-celebration-nearly-sold-out/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10243 The excitement is building for our annual Mother's Day Celebration on Thursday 5 May, aptly called 'Girl's Talk' with special guest Madonna King, proudly sponsored by Bond University. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/city-coast-physio-arrives-at-somerset-college/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10247 What an exciting start to 2016 the College has had! The opening of the new sports facilities have not only allowed for additional student engagement opportunities to be created, it’s also been the catalyst for new partnerships to be formed. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/add-infinitum-all-is-number-pythagoras/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10246 Over the Easter break there was a special date with a numerical significance that all mathematicians (well, perhaps some) celebrated (well, perhaps acknowledged). It is known as ‘Square Root Day’ where the day and month in the calendar are the square root of the year – and it works in either the US or European format. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/doeberl-cup-chess-tournament-2016/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10245 On behalf of Gardiner Chess, Mr Doug Williams and myself, plus several parents took an enthusiastic group of Somerset College students to the famous Doeberl Cup Chess tournament at the Australian National University in Canberra over the Easter long weekend. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/holiday-sport-training-and-saturday-morning-park-runs/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10248 Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7.00am a group of bright eyed students and parents met down at North Burleigh for Cross Country training. The training sessions were a huge success with around 30 students participating each day! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/use-of-the-kip-after-school-for-homework/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10242 Within the College, many students choose to make use of the Knowledge and Information Precinct facilities after school. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/hairspray-the-big-fat-arena-spectacular/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10240 ‘Hairspray - The Big Fat Arena Spectacular’, produced by Harvest Rain, was an amazing experience which we (Candice Taylor - Year 9 Starkey, and I) would do again in a heartbeat. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/school-state-swimming-results/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10244 The State School Swimming Championships were held in Brisbane for both the Junior and Senior School swimmers before the Easter Holidays. The Somerset Swim Club had its largest contingent of swimmers attend these two meets with some outstanding performances. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-kate-grigg/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10249 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-1-6/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10250 This week we begin eight consecutive weeks of the APS Winter Season, with Round 1 versus Emmanuel College on 15 April. Cross Country practices will continue as we prepare for next Wednesday’s Inter-House Cross Country Carnival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-1-7/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10241 Welcome back everyone to an exciting and busy Term Two. Hopefully all had a restful, yet enjoyable holiday. It is quite amazing how quickly all settle back into the term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/will-artificial-intelligence-erase-humanity/ Friday, 15 April 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10251 Google’s AlphaGo AI has recently beaten the grandmaster of Go, Lee Se-Dol, 4-1. While this is a just a game, it’s clear that AI is starting to outsmart humanity. However, such defeat from an AI is not something new, with AI leaving chess players in the dust. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/activities-galore/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:16:00 +1000 10175 That was the busiest nine weeks ever, I think! We have had three camps, a rugby tour leaving tonight and a gym opening, to name a few of the major activities that have happened this term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/ben-lee-song-writing-workshop/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10170 As part of the Bleach* Festival, five keen Somerset students were fortunate to attend a song writing workshop by renowned artist Ben Lee. He taught us to challenge contemporary song writing techniques by questioning the virtuosity of our music. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/my-experience-at-somerset-college/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10174 Australia is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to in my entire life, especially the city of the Gold Coast. It’s very green and what fascinates me the most are the tall buildings near the coast. Also, the people living here are really nice, they always smile and would always help you. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-2-excursion-to-currumbin-wildlife-sanctuary-2/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10179 On Tuesday 8 March, Year 2 headed off to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The excursion was part of our current Inquiry into ‘How The World Works’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/eight-exciting-things-that-happened-this-term/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10166 Term One is almost over and who can believe all that has happened since we began just a few (or nine!) weeks ago - the Seniors certainly can’t! In order to reflect on such a busy term, we decided to go through all the fun stuff that has happened in case you missed any of it... https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/chess-news-week-9-3/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10182 Round one of the Gold Coast Primary Schools South Region Teams Chess was held at William Duncan State School on Wednesday. Our top team were convincing winners ahead of Hillcrest Christian College and King's Christian College in the Premier Division. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/holiday-reading/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10167 Wherever your Easter holiday break takes you, it will be much more enjoyable with a great book. Here at Somerset, we actively encourage students to borrow books over the holiday breaks as they are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and read purely for pleasure. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/retail-trading-hours-and-uniform-requirements/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:09:00 +1000 10178 Please note the uniform requirements for Terms Two and Three, as these differ to Term One. Trading Hours for the Bird and Bush (Retail Centre) over the Easter Holidays are also different to term time hours. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/looking-for-good-service-and-possible-bargains/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10172 Our Business Directory can help. The 2015/16 Somerset College Business Directory has been a huge success with your Parents' and Friends' Association partnering with 67 businesses. We thank them all for their support as every dollar raised is used to enhance our children's Somerset Experience which includes the Celebration of Literature and Knowledge and Information Precinct. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-9-6/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10173 Today sees the conclusion of quite a busy Term One. Hopefully, all will have a restful and enjoyable holiday and return refreshed and ready to tackle the new term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-9-6/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10168 Next week we break for holidays and return for eight consecutive weeks of the APS Winter Season, beginning with Round 1 versus Emmanuel College on 11 April. Cross Country practices will continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.00am at North Burleigh Hill. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-choirs/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10181 It has been an enjoyable term working with the Years 1 and 2 Choir, the Cool Cats, and the Years 3 and 4 choir, the Melodic Mynas. Our College choir rehearsals work to a routine, and students know that when they enter that they need to warm up their voices. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/prep-disco-event/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10176 We hosted a successful first Prep event for the year. On Friday 11 March over 70 children attended the disco and fun was had by all! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-shed-a-valuable-learning-experience/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10169 Founded in 2013, the Senior School witnessed the welcomed addition of Somerset Shed, a year-long programme aimed at giving Year 8 students the chance to explore various arrays of craftsmanship and skills needed to plan, cut and construct different projects. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-captains-recap-of-term-one/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10177 What a busy term it has been for the Performing Arts Department! Firstly, we’d like to thank everyone who was involved in the House Plays festival this year as without the relevant staff and students, it would not have been possible. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/pre-prep-mums-enjoy-relaxing-high-tea/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10171 Although the picnic had to be moved indoors due to inclement weather, Pre-Prep Mums and their children had a wonderful time in the tranquility and ambience of Teavine House set in the picturesque Tallebudgera Valley. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/consciousness/ Thursday, 24 March 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10180 Consciousness is defined as the state of being aware of and responsive to one’s surroundings, but what really makes us conscious, and how can we quantify that? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/rounded-pi-day-round-up-2/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:39:00 +1000 10124 Pi Day was again celebrated in style this year with the date 3/14/16 representing the famous number rounded to 5 significant figures (or 4 decimal places if you see the point). This year, therefore, was Rounded Pi Day but if you missed it, it will be repeated all over again in 100 years. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-2/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10113 The semester is quickly drawing to a close and this week has seen students busily preparing for the final performances of the term whilst the Junior School Students have been working at capacity to have everything in readiness for their three shows of Shrek starting on Sunday. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-school-sport/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10115 Next week we break for holidays and return for 8 consecutive weeks of the APS Winter Season, beginning with Round 1 versus Emmanuel on 11 April. Cross Country practices will continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.00am at North Burleigh Hill. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/changes-to-co-curricular-lessons/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10114 Any changes to co-curricular lessons for Term 2 must be made by the end of the term. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/farewell-to-our-german-exchange-students/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10107 It will be with fond memories and tissues on-hand that we farewell our German exchange students tomorrow. There is no doubt that they have become much more than just visitors, but indeed friends and a part of our Somerset family. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/the-year-6-author-safari-was-awesome/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:07:00 +1000 10134 Between the classes, Year 6 were able to see several Authors: Tristan Bancks, Andy Jones, Dave Hackett, Luka Lesson, Jacqueline Harvey, Deborah Abela, Francis Watts, C.M.Gray and Leanne Hall. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-jane-gazal-honey-gardiner-daina-mcfarland-and-josh-stafford/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10111 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-surfer-and-the-mermaid/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:03:00 +1000 10110 Throughout the Celebration of Literature, a talented group of Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students performed an adapted for stage version of Tim Baker’s gorgeous story “The Surfer and the Mermaid”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/parents-and-friends-pop-up-shop/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10112 Pop Up Shop Open Twice Next - Wednesday 24 March, 8:00am to 10:00am and 2:00pm to 5.30pm https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/so-what-is-your-story/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10127 ‘Shrek Jnr’ is a funny show - but have you ever really listened to the lines and considered the element of self-analysis that Fiona goes through? She talks about waiting all her life for what she thought should happen and then she realises - that in fact - that was never her story. By the end of the show Fiona knows herself well and helps the Fairytale creatures do the same. Those in Duloc remain perfect – but conformist – and are they really happy? https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/schoolbox-a-snapshot-a-term-on/ Friday, 18 March 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10149 Within a short term, Schoolbox has become central in the online environment of the College. There has been a fantastic uptake of either accessing Schoolbox via the website or the app by students, staff and parents. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/senior-sport-news-7/ Friday, 11 March 2016 14:48:00 +1000 10092 This week the Senior School plays AB Paterson in the opening round of the APS Winter Season. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-celebration-of-literature-2/ Friday, 11 March 2016 10:12:00 +1000 10066 The 23rd Festival of Words (the Somerset Celebration of Literature) has just about come to a close. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-college-car-parking/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:41:00 +1000 10067 Please note that with the opening of the new Sports Precinct, the car parking arrangements will revert back to those prior to the works. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/ozharvest-service/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:30:00 +1000 10061 On Sunday 28 February Aidan Chan and Sebastian Leat joined OZHARVEST at the Gold Coast Arts Centre for the special premiere of Lady in the Van. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-mel-framp-melissa-black-and-john-mitchell/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:15:00 +1000 10060 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-4-band-a-student-s-perspective/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:14:00 +1000 10059 Having the opportunity to start band in Year 4 has been exciting. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-9-studies-in-commerce/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:13:00 +1000 10058 Last week Year 9 Studies in Commerce students met with Division 9 Councillor Glenn Tozer. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-sport-week-7-4/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10057 Congratulations to our swimmers in the Junior School who have recently competed at the South Coast Swimming Championships and have now qualified for the Queensland All Schools Championships to be held at Chandler Aquatic Centre in March. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-power-of-prayer/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:11:00 +1000 10052 When thinking about prayer, one is forced to consider why we need to pray. If God is all powerful and all knowing, all he needs to do is metaphorically ‘wiggle his nose’ and the problems of the world would be over. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/film-industry-classroom-visit/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10056 On Wednesday 2 March the Year 11 and 12 Film, Television and New Media students were lucky enough to receive a classroom visit from a very special guest, Nick McKinnon. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/p-and-f-proud-sponsors-of-the-celebration-of-literature/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10051 Your Parents' and Friends' Association are very proud sponsors of the Celebration of Literature and this year, the Committee had the pleasure of granting a $5,000 donation for this wonderful festival. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-design-technology/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10055 We have had a really busy start to 2016 in the Junior Technology classroom with all students eager to develop new skills and showcase their many talents. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/daniel-george-visits-andrews-house-for-the-still-i-rise-foundation/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10053 On Thursday of last week, Andrews House was lucky enough to be joined by a very special guest for our House Meeting. Daniel George who is the son of Year 6 teacher Mrs George, graciously came to talk to us about the Andrew’s House charity, Still I Rise. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/australian-council-of-educational-research-acer/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10050 Parents may recall that over the last five years, students in Years 7, 9 and 11 have completed the ACER Wellbeing Survey. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/house-plays-festival-2016-2/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:04:00 +1000 10049 The annual House Plays Festival wrapped up last Friday in a maelstrom of existentialism, veganism, zombies, pop culture references and fairytales. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/byod-software-available-for-students/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10048 Just as technology doesn’t stand still, software licensing for education in the last few years has moved as well to support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). As part of the College’s software licensing, there is a range of software available for student devices and information on these, and other IT updates, can be found on the Student IT Help Desk page on Schoolbox. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/the-week-that-was-all-about-literature/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10047 In a week that has been so special and in so many ways – and all in the name of literature – we thought we’d let the students’ words capture a little of the week. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/clean-up-australia-day/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10043 On Friday 4 March, a group of Junior and Senior School students along with the Somerset Science Committee gathered after school to clean up the College environment. This initiative was in conjunction with the nationwide ‘Clean Up Australia Day’. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/verbal-combats-powerful-message-against-cyber-bullying/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10044 On Thursday 3 March, Brainstorm Productions performed a play to Year 7 about verbal and cyber bullying. Brainstorm productions are an organisation that raise awareness for cyber bullying and emphasise the importance of bringing bullying to a halt. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-7-6/ Friday, 11 March 2016 09:00:00 +1000 10046 The Performing Arts Centre has been busy this week with the Celebration of Literature. Students have been involved in many performances throughout the week. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/house-plays-festival-2016/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:14:00 +1000 9998 As the purple haze of the House Swimming Carnival fades, the competition reignited this week with the annual House Plays Festival. The last five weeks has seen a flurry of student directed thespian activity in the Performing Arts Theatre, as each of the House Play Directors prepared their House to take to the stage. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/the-celebration-of-literature-is-social/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:13:00 +1000 9999 With the Celebration of Literature less than a week away, following the Festival’s social media accounts is a great way for parents to connect to the Festival and share in all the fun and experiences, both student sessions and our community events. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-aps-swim-carnival/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:12:00 +1000 10003 On Thursday 18 February, 42 of our best swimmers represented Somerset College at the annual APS Junior Swimming Carnival here at Somerset College. Our students did well, placing sixth overall. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-12-sciences-extended-experimental-investigations/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:11:00 +1000 9991 The Year 12s have just wrapped up the data collection phase of their final Extended Experimental Investigations. Both Physics and Chemistry finished last Friday and now the Year 12s are all crunching the numbers to discuss and analyse the trends they have found. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/urban-survivor/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:10:00 +1000 10005 On Wednesday 24 February the Year 3 Students took part in the Urban Survivor team building workshop. Events were designed to get students active and co-operating in small teams. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/pre-prep-teddy-bear-picnic/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:09:00 +1000 9990 If you go down to Pre-Prep this week, you’re sure of a big surprise. If you go down to Pre-Prep this week, you’d better go in disguise! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/studying-well-and-stressing-less/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:08:00 +1000 10001 It’s that time of the semester where you will be sitting several exams for your various subjects. A big part of doing well in exams is understanding how you best learn and using that to your advantage in order to maximise your marks. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/shrek-coming-to-a-swamp-near-you/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:07:00 +1000 9988 The love story that is Fiona and Shrek’s is not your standard one. There is not really a sweet princess who meets a handsome prince who has saved her in some way from the clutches of an evil stepmother or a maligned and enraged fairy. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/somerset-basketball-news/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:06:00 +1000 10000 Friday night was a momentous occasion for the Somerset College community with the inaugural club Basketball games being played in our fantastic new facility, and it was a sight to behold. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/fiji-cyclone-appeal/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:05:00 +1000 10004 As you are all well aware, recently there was a devastating cyclone that hit Fiji. Cyclone Winston was a Category 5 cyclone with wind speeds of up to 325km/h. Many homes, buildings and schools were damaged and destroyed. In addition, 42 lives have been lost so far. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-6-7/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:04:00 +1000 9989 The Performing Arts Centre has been busy this week preparing for the House Play Festival on Thursday and Friday evenings. As we move into future weeks, students are busy preparing for performances during the Celebration of Literature as well as various upcoming practical assessments. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/rounded-pi-day/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:03:00 +1000 9993 The Somerset Celebration of Literature is an iconic feature of our calendar and its importance cannot be over-estimated. However, it is surely rivalled in the following week by the Somerset Mathematical Society’s (∑M∑) Celebration of Pi, a number that represents the oldest, unsolved mathematical problem, which has been worked on since antiquity. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/gold-coast-high-schools-teams-chess-round-one/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:02:00 +1000 10002 Round One of the Gold Coast High Schools Teams Chess was held in The Great Hall on Wednesday. There was an excellent turnout of 34 players from Somerset College in a field of 152. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/coffee-food-and-retail-hours-during-celebration-of-literature/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:01:00 +1000 10027 We will open the Retail Centre doors for a short period in the afternoons to assist parents and students purchasing uniforms and stationery items during the festival. Please note that the Bird and Bush Café will be closed, as all food and drinks are to be purchased from the Hardback Café and Café MacKenzie during these times. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/many-influences-shape-a-community/ Friday, 4 March 2016 09:00:00 +1000 9992 Getting out of the classroom and heading out on an excursion is a great way to become more knowledgeable students about the world we live in. Last Friday, the Year 5s departed Somerset College bound for St Helena Island. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/sports-precinct-open-day/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:13:00 +1000 9956 The transition into the new Sports Facility is well under way and, despite a few minor delays, the Somerset College Community will have the opportunity to explore the new facilities and programmes with the Sports Precinct Open Day taking place on Saturday 5 March from 10.00am to 1.00pm. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/national-assessment-programme-literacy-and-numeracy-2016/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:12:00 +1000 9933 On Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May all Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will undertake NAPLAN for 2016. While it may appear to be over an extended period, simply put, “NAPLAN tests require less than four hours over three days, four times during a student's time at school." https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/world-read-aloud-day/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:11:00 +1000 9940 On Wednesday 24 February our Junior School took part in World Read Aloud Day. World Read Aloud Day is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries. It was established in 2007 with the aim of motivating children, teens and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-kylie-russell-and-lauren-wood/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:10:00 +1000 9930 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-vicki-fuller-and-vicky-speight/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:09:00 +1000 9931 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-camp-4/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:08:00 +1000 9932 First, there was getting used to the Senior School: all the different timetables, buildings and teachers. Then, there was learning the names of all the new, seemingly hundreds of students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/mothers-day-lunch-thursday-5-may/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:07:00 +1000 9928 Many of you will recall last year's 'Unforgettable Mother's Day' lunch that sold out several weeks prior to the event. Exciting preparations for this popular event are now underway and the venue and further details will be promoted in the coming weeks. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/ice-skating-outdoors-a-life-of-language/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:06:00 +1000 9929 Words are powerful. It only took two. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-school-musical-update/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:05:00 +1000 9934 The Junior School production of Shrek The Musical JR. is certainly shaping up to be something spectacular. Students from Years 4 to 6 have been rehearsing between 2 to 3 times weekly, preparing their voices, choreography and acting to 'wow' audiences. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-5-9/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:04:00 +1000 9925 This week the Senior School enters week three of Winter Sport trials, with official practices beginning on Monday 7 March. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/photography-permissions/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:03:00 +1000 9935 As explained in the Somerset College Information Collection - Privacy Notice, each year Somerset College publishes various magazines, including the Somerset Times, our weekly newsletter. These publications are included on the College website and social media accounts. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/literacy-data-analysis/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:02:00 +1000 9927 This year, two members of the Somerset College English Department, Mrs Sarah Hossy and Mr Chris Enwright, will be involved in a project which aims to further raise the literacy standards of Middle Years Programme (MYP) students. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-5-8/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:01:00 +1000 9926 This week has seen the conclusion of the House services for the Senior School and the Performing Arts stage start to take shape for the Junior School Musical, Shrek The Musical JR. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/the-mozi-run/ Friday, 26 February 2016 09:00:00 +1000 9954 International mindedness and the service of others are core values of Somerset College. In recent years there has been a significant focus on raising the profile of these values through the Service Learning programme, Impact. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-12-exit-survey-2015/ Friday, 26 February 2016 08:59:00 +1000 9957 Late last year, the College conducted a School Results Survey (through MYP Corporation) with final year students of Somerset College in November 2015. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/the-cubby-project/ Friday, 26 February 2016 08:58:00 +1000 9958 It started with a drawing, a plan for a cubby. Riley was concerned that the Year 1 playground had no cubby. We tried making one from wood pieces but it didn’t quite work. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/welcome-to-senior-school-lets-go-camping/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:14:00 +1000 9884 Last week many of our long-term Somerset students joined our new-to-Somerset students on Mt Tamborine for a week of bonding, combined with adventure and personal challenge. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/prep-discover-who-they-are/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:13:00 +1000 9881 Prep friends have started the year by learning more about who they are and what they can do for our first unit of inquiry related to the transdisciplinary theme, “Who We Are”. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/overwhelmed-by-somerset-communitys-generosity/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:12:00 +1000 9883 Community spirit is alive and well at Somerset! The Parents' and Friends' Association has been very busy over the last couple of weeks organising the Junior, Senior Inter-House Swimming Carnival and Junior APS canteens. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-11-visual-arts-explore-identity-and-culture/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:11:00 +1000 9879 On Wednesday 10 February, the Year 11 Visual Arts class were privileged to work with local indigenous artist Lisa (Sorbie) Martin. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/maths-tutoring-2/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:10:00 +1000 9880 The Somerset College Maths Department runs a one hour session each week for students seeking assistance with maths outside of class. Students are welcome to bring along any questions they are struggling with or want to explore further. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-camp-a-year-12-perspective/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:09:00 +1000 9872 On Thursday 11 February, 16 eager and enthusiastic Year 12s ventured up to Mount Tamborine to become better acquainted with over 100 Year 7s. Immediately upon arrival, many of us travelled back in time to our very own camp at Mt Tamborine. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/a-leap-of-faith/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:08:00 +1000 9878 At the end of the month, an extra day is added to the calendar to incorporate 29 February. This means that 2016 will be comprised of 366 days, making it a leap year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/meet-eat-drink-speak-german/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:07:00 +1000 9873 Willkommen zum Kaffeeklatsch! Kaffeeklatsch is an informal lunchtime gathering for German students in Years 10 to 12. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/acing-your-assignments/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:06:00 +1000 9875 It’s that time of the year where the assignments are flooding in and occupying your time. But you want all of that time to be used as effectively as possible so that you have some free time to enjoy. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/uq-library-cyberschool-visit/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:05:00 +1000 9889 Somerset College subscribe to databases through The University of Queensland Cyberschool and as part of their Outreach Programme, staff from Cyberschool will be in attendance at Somerset College on Wednesday 24 February. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-4-8/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:05:00 +1000 9874 This week has seen the close of auditions for the Senior School Musical. Casting is now in the process of happening. These auditions were for principal roles only. Any students are more than welcome to join the cast at the Thursday lunchtime and Thursday after school rehearsals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-4-8/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:04:00 +1000 9876 This week saw Somerset host both the Senior School Inter-House Swimming Carnival and the Junior and Senior APS Swimming Carnivals. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/from-broadway-to-somerset-college-junior-musical/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:03:00 +1000 9871 Don’t be surprised if you see big, bright green ogres walking around Somerset College! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/wellbeing-programme-5/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:02:00 +1000 9869 On Thursday this week, students in the Senior School engaged in the first of at least seven special sessions planned this year which, together, form part of our Wellbeing Programme. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/starlight-fun-run/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:01:00 +1000 9870 To support the children's charity, Starlight, the IB cohort organises a fun(draising) run at night. It's happening again this year, and we'd love for you all to join us! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/silver-medal-for-rowers-at-nsw-championships/ Friday, 19 February 2016 09:00:00 +1000 9890 The Somerset Girls Under 16 Double Scull of Jade Mansell and Madizen Wilkins led the way, bringing home a silver medal from the New South Wales Rowing Championships last weekend. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-linda-keefer-catherine-mcdonald-and-louise-woods/ Friday, 19 February 2016 08:59:00 +1000 9895 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/years-3-to-6-inter-house-swimming-carnival/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:10:00 +1000 9824 How exciting it was this past Tuesday to stand on the edge of the pool and experience the atmosphere around us! Eager and excited students and parents sitting at our brand new grandstand, ready to watch and participate in the first Inter-House Carnival for 2016. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-community-celebrates-2016/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:09:00 +1000 9815 The Parents’ and Friends’ Association’s first event for 2016 was its annual Celebration of the New School Year, held last Friday in the beautiful surroundings of Towers Quad. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/shrek-and-donkey-two-stalwart-friends-off-on-an-adventure/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:08:00 +1000 9811 Many students in Years 4, 5 and 6 are adventuring together creating Shrek Jnr for performance at the end of March. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/somerset-college-approved-school-bags/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:07:00 +1000 9814 Please note that the Retail Centre no longer stocks or sells the Blue Junior School backpack; this has now been replaced with a Green backpack. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-troy-zernike-and-andrew-michael/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:05:00 +1000 9819 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/meet-the-staff-paul-taylor-and-brenda-millican/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:04:00 +1000 9820 Over Terms One and Two 2016, we'll ask our Junior School staff a few questions about themselves. We invite you to learn what they have to say in their answers below! https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/chinese-new-year-celebrations/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:03:00 +1000 9818 On Monday 8 February, it was Chinese New Year Day. Chinese New Year is an important Chinese holiday that was traditionally celebrated from Chinese New Year’s Eve - the last day of the last month, of the Chinese lunar calendar - to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-3-8/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:02:00 +1000 9816 The Department has been a little quieter this week with the Year 7 students away on their camp. We look forward to being regaled by their tales of adventures on their return and to their return to rehearsals next week. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-3-8/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:01:00 +1000 9810 Each day our students have increased access to our new sporting facilities. Students are urged to check Schoolbox and the daily notices for all upcoming events. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/paul-dillon-2/ Friday, 12 February 2016 09:00:00 +1000 9812 We were thrilled to have Paul Dillon visit us again this week. In many ways, his was a “good news story” as the proportion of young people taking drugs is continuing to decline in most areas of concern. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/junior-sport-news-week-3-2/ Friday, 12 February 2016 08:59:00 +1000 9844 Early Bird Swimming training has been very popular with our younger athletes here at Somerset College. Its great to see so many of our Years 3 and 4 students attending training and giving it 100%. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-week-2-2/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:09:00 +1000 9777 This week, we celebrated the Cum Laude Award winners from Junior and Senior Schools for Semester Two 2015. The Cum Laude Awards were introduced in 2009 to recognise those students who achieved at the highest level in at least half of their subjects. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/scholarships-for-entry-into-years-7-10-and-11-in-2017/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:08:00 +1000 9778 Scholarship testing registrations for Years 7, 10 and 11 in 2017 are now open. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/from-the-college-captains/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:07:00 +1000 9776 Hello everyone and welcome back! We trust you all had a relaxing holiday and are ready for another busy year. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/clover-connect-6/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:06:00 +1000 9771 Clover Connect continues in 2016. Aimed specifically at our Year 10 students, the Ready Reader programme sees your son or daughter sitting with a child from Clover Hill State School (Wednesdays 8.00am to 8.30am) to support them with their reading. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-2-7/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:05:00 +1000 9772 The start of the year is a busy time for Hinterland Trials. Students are urged to check Schoolbox and the daily notices for all upcoming events. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-2-8/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:04:00 +1000 9774 As with all the other areas of the College, the Performing Arts Department started at full steam ahead and has continued that way throughout the first fortnight. Rehearsals for all the ensembles and House Plays are underway and both the Junior and Senior School Musicals are already in the throes of rehearsal for their shows. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/great-demand-for-pre-loved-uniforms/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:03:00 +1000 9773 Thank you for your support! 2015 has been a very successful year for our community and one of the highlights for your P&F was to see the concept of a second hand shop, manned by volunteers, become a reality. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/year-4-orientation-day/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:02:00 +1000 9775 On Friday 29 January, the Year 4 classes spent the day having an Orientation Day. They started the morning with a Bootcamp challenge from Urban Survivor, followed by four rotations around the Year 4 teachers in mix and mingle groups. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/achieving-balance-for-academic-performance/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:01:00 +1000 9770 Many of the seniors and staff at Somerset College will encourage you to participate in co-curricular activities at the College, but what do you have to gain from this? At first glance many co-curricular activities may look like huge commitments which will get in the way of your academics. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/state-titles-results-december-2015/ Friday, 5 February 2016 09:00:00 +1000 9779 Somerset Swim Club had an outstanding State Swimming Titles in December with more swimmers than ever making finals, winning medals and contributing to the Club’s highest result on the team point score. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/from-the-headmaster-week-1-4/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:16:00 +1000 9733 A very warm welcome and welcome back to 2016 for the Somerset Community. Over this week we had 182 new students begin their journey at the College and we certainly hope theirs will be as rewarding as ours. We started the year with a record enrolment of 1,485 from Pre-Prep to Year 12. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/junior/welcome-back-to-2016/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:15:00 +1000 9726 It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome back staff and families to this new year! It has been wonderful to hear stories from our students about the exciting things they have experienced over the holidays and I am pleased to see that they are so excited to return. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/pan-pacific-school-games/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:14:00 +1000 9716 Somerset Swim Club had 13 swimmers represent Queensland at the recent Pan Pacific School Games in Adelaide. This is an outstanding representation for Somerset at such an elite level. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/new-rowers-start-with-a-splash/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:13:00 +1000 9723 More than 20 new rowers have taken to the water for the first time through the Somerset College Learn to Row Day, with many more registered for the next session on Saturday 30 January. Students from Years 8 to 12 spent the day learning how to prepare themselves and the equipment for a rowing session. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/school-transport-at-somerset-college/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:12:00 +1000 9721 Welcome back and we hope everyone is getting their transport solutions in place for the coming year. We hope that with the soon-to-be-open sports facility providing more supervised hours on site, parents will have increased flexibility regarding drop-off and pick-up arrangements for their children. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/chess-holiday-news/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:11:00 +1000 9727 On the weekend after Scholars' Day in December, Somerset College sent a record three teams to the Australian Inter-school Teams Chess Finals at Melbourne High School to represent Queensland. No other school in Australia has ever achieved this. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/senior-sport-news-week-1-5/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:10:00 +1000 9717 Welcome back to our Spartan sporting community for 2016. This year will be an exciting one with the completion of our world-class sporting facilities. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/german-exchange-programme-2/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:09:00 +1000 9731 The partnership between our own College and Dusseldorf’s Comenius Gymnasium, has long allowed Somerset students to enrich their language learning experience through our reciprocal exchange programme. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/dont-miss-out-celebration-of-the-new-school-year-welcome-to-2016-event/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:08:00 +1000 9730 We hope you can join your community for it’s annual and ever popular “Celebration of the New School Year – Welcome to 2016” event. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/performing-arts-news-week-1-6/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:07:00 +1000 9729 Welcome everyone to 2016 and once again to the very busy Performing Arts Department at Somerset College. This year, as usual, promises to be full of various exciting events for all our students and we hope all are looking forward to the excitement and challenges the year presents. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/brisbane-international-tennis-schools-challenge/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:06:00 +1000 9725 Over the holidays, Somerset College had 20 students compete in the State Finals of the Brisbane International Tennis Schools Challenge event, held under the Hotshots Red, Orange and Green ball format. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/taree-rowing-regatta/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:05:00 +1000 9728 The 2016 Rowing season started off with bang as a group of 25 Somerset Rowing students headed off to Taree, for the annual Rowing Camp and Taree summer regatta. The camp started off with the group jumping straight into rigorous training sessions. The three days all seemed to blur into one another and it seemed all we were doing was eating, sleeping and rowing. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/cum-laude-winners-for-semester-two-2015/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:04:00 +1000 9732 Congratulations to students in Years 7 to 12 who achieved a Cum Laude award for their academic work in Semester Two 2015. There will be a special Academic Assembly on Tuesday 2 February at 12.50pm in The Great Hall where Cum Laude winners will be presented. Parents are cordially invited to this assembly. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/year-7-camp-3/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:03:00 +1000 9722 I hope all Year 7 students are excited and looking forward to our camp on 8 to 12 February. We have a number of meetings with the Year 7 group in the next two weeks where hopefully all questions can be answered. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/college/add-infinitum-teaching-times-tables/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:02:00 +1000 9719 The perennial debate over Times Tables teaching has been re-energised in England with the recent announcement that all Year 6 students will be expected to know their tables up to 12 x 12 and will be tested, against the clock, using an online test. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/head-of-the-clarence-regatta/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:01:00 +1000 9724 The first weekend of the holidays saw a group of about 25 Somerset rowers brave the heat in Grafton for the inaugural ‘Head of the Clarence’ Regatta. Being the first regatta of the summer training programme, the competition was largely a learning experience - we had the opportunity to race new clubs and schools and develop goals and aspirations for the upcoming season. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/welcome-from-the-academic-captains/ Friday, 29 January 2016 09:00:00 +1000 9734 Welcome back to the New Year! I hope you all had an amazing holiday, whether you travelled somewhere exciting or just relaxed at home. Kenta Arichi and I (Catherine Gerrard) are your Academic Captains for 2016 and we will be writing an article each week about various things like studying, school life, and generally interesting topics about the world. https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/news/senior/meals-that-make-a-difference-2/ Friday, 29 January 2016 08:59:00 +1000 9763 Term One has begun and we are once again in full swing providing meals for the Salvation Army to deliver to the homeless on the southern Gold Coast.