During Weeks 8 and 9, all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 were privileged to attend workshops with our Neuroscientist-in-Residence, Dr Jared Cooney Horvath. The sessions focused on developing the students’ application of the knowledge they have acquired during recent years with Dr Jared on the neuroscience of brain function, with a particular focus on driving their own learning.

Year 10 cohort reviewed the key concepts covered in the Cognizance Project during Year 9, including an overview of how our brains operate and the principals of memory. The sessions looked at how to leverage the science of the brain for their classroom learning and how to better understand the process of learning.

Year 11s had two one-hour workshops on preparing for, and succeeding in, the VCE. The sessions explored topics such as brain thresholds, the importance of attention, memory, note-taking, priming, skills transfer, the importance of sleep and many other topics. They explored how the world of neuroscience can provide them with key principles for their studies in the VCE and beyond. The students were prompted to not only appreciate that there are ways to advance their own learning, but also to take responsibility for shaping a disciplined, efficient and effective study regime.

Our Year 12 students recapped some of their learning from last year, and then spent time looking at the topic of stress.  Beginning their work with Dr Jared 4 years ago in Year 9, the students enjoyed a final chance to learn from him. Our College Captains had organised an electronic card for Dr Jared to thank him for his work with them.

With our focus on building students of agency and empowering them to understand their own learning journey, we are thankful for the work that Dr Jared has led with our students. His workshops are always engaging, practical and have the students’ own futures as the focus.

Emily FitzSimons, Director of Teaching and Learning.

Reflection from working with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath from 2019 to 2022

As has become a yearly tradition for the Class of 2022 during our time at Senior School, on Tuesday the 22nd of March we were treated to our final presentation from the much loved Dr Jared Cooney Horvath. Along with the other 3 senior year levels, we were a captive audience as Jared shared his past scientific research and experiences with us as we delved into the true functioning of the human brain. Through this, Jared ultimately explored the most effective way to study and retain information as well as techniques and practices that are beneficial in reducing stress levels.

Although the world certainly looks different from when we first met Jared, we greatly appreciate his continued commitment through these uncertain times and indeed the lengths he went to ensuring his availability to present to us each year. This yearly progression has gifted us a special connection with him and also allowed us to share in an eye-opening journey that has and will continue to help us in our senior studies.

He has made a lasting impact on all of our peers; particularly with his tips on effective and efficient study. His mix of passion and enthusiasm coupled with his incredible knowledge meant that his sessions were always keenly anticipated and Dr Jared himself admired. We can confidently say every one of our peers has taken away something meaningful from his presentations that will undoubtedly hold them in good stead for future education and life itself.       

Emmy Bowyer and Oscar Dowling, 2022 School Captains.