Academy Learning Conferences

This year marked the 11th year Concordia has hosted Academy Learning Conferences by Julie Arliss, a highlight on our academic calendar. The conferences challenge and inspire our highly able students from Years 7 to 12. For over a decade, these events have offered students a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of topics designed to stimulate thought beyond the traditional curriculum. Julie Arliss, a renowned international educator specialising in gifted education, once again led the conference with her signature fast-paced, university-style lectures. Her impressive credentials— Farmington Scholar from the University of Oxford and a member of the examining team for Cambridge International Examinations.

This year, we were thrilled to welcome over 90 students from Concordia, along with peers and staff from schools across South Australia. There was energy in the room as students had rich discussions and spirited debates, expanding their knowledge and honing their critical thinking skills. The Julie Arliss Academy Learning Conferences continue to be a pivotal event for our students, offering them a glimpse into the world of higher education while fostering a love for lifelong learning. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, curiosity, and intellectual growth.

Tuesday 13 August: Junior Academy Learning Conference Year 7–9

Some of the topics we explored:

• Genetics, Epigenetics and Transhumanism - A thought provoking exploration of the frontiers of genetics
• Interactive Guided Community of Inquiry - The Task: The Ring of Gyges Challenge
• Unlocking Virtue: A Journey into Aristotle’s Philosophy

Wednesday 14 August: Senior Academy Learning Conference Year 10–12

• Discover the Foundations of Modern Philosophy: Descartes’ Cogito Ergo Sum
• Oxford / Cambridge University standard thinking tools: introducing fundamental rules of logic and strategies for cultivating advanced lateral thinking skills.
• Exploring the ethical implications of artificial Intelligence in the modern world
• Community of inquiry: What is fair?
• What Dreams May Come?

Thursday 15 August: Gifted Symposium

This year, our commitment to nurturing gifted minds extended beyond our students as we proudly hosted a dynamic Gifted Symposium, dedicated to the professional development of teachers working in gifted education across South Australia. This was not just another professional development day — it was a vibrant exchange of ideas, strategies and resources tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with teaching highly able students. Throughout the day, educators were immersed in exploring the "meta questions" that gifted students often pose — those big, thought-provoking inquiries that push the boundaries of traditional learning. These deep dives into philosophical and intellectual exploration provided teachers with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to bring back to their classrooms. The day also provided teachers with an invaluable opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues, share experiences and build a collective resource bank that will undoubtedly enrich their teaching practices.

Brain Bee State Final at Flinders University

We had a fabulous day at the State Final of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge. This was held at Flinders University – supported by leading neuroscience academics from both Flinders University and the University of Adelaide. Over 3,000 students took part in Round 1 of the competition in Australia and New Zealand.

A total of 40 students, representing nine schools, qualified for the South Australian State Final. To prepare for this competition, our hardworking team of six students answered over 18,500 questions about the brain. They had to master terms like the suprachriasmatic nucleus, the glossopharyngeal and the abducens nerve, neurofibrillary tangles and the difference between afferent and efferent neurons.

It was a brilliant day. Our students were exceptionally prepared and highly motivated. They took part in a neuroscience experience and were lucky enough to be used in a demonstration – the rubber hand experiment. It was exciting to see two Concordia students, Annabel and Cate, place in the top 10 in the State.

Congratulations to our State Finalists:

• Annabel 10JDIV
• Mariette 10JMCP
• Lila 10VNAR
• Cate 10JROB
• Samuel 10BWHA
• Claire 10SSCH

If you are in Year 9 and would like to prepare for this competition next year, please contact Mrs Rieger to register your interest.

Care @ CC

Organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives, restores health and improves the quality of life for thousands of Australians each year. But did you know that only 2% of people who die in hospital each year can be considered for organ donation? One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and help many more through eye and tissue donation. 

Our CARE@CC guest this week shared with students her experience of receiving a donor kidney. We explored the myths and facts of organ donation and learnt about the immense impact of receiving such a life-changing gift.

Emma Rieger
Enrichment and Extended Learning