Prep School

Aggregation of marginal gains

Atomic Habits is one of my favourite books. The first chapter is about how habits compound over time and why making small improvements daily can lead to a significant difference in the long run. It is about the philosophy of continuous improvement. I often speak to the boys about doing the one percenters well, attending to the many and varied little things that lead to success. In the book, the author shares the story of the British Cycling team. The team coach had expressions he used to attribute to the team’s success. It was the ‘aggregation of marginal gains’ or doing all the little things well. You don’t need to engage in big gestures or commitments to get big results. Doing the little things well, attending to the details and consistently applying this is what brings results.

The British Cycling team, under the leadership of Sir Dave Brailsford, is a prime example of doing the little things well to achieve the desired result. In 2002, he took charge of the British Cycling team. At this time, they had only won one gold medal in 76 years of cycling competition. In 2008, British Cycling collected 10 gold medals and won three Tour de France titles.

Sir Dave’s philosophy was that the aggregation of marginal gains would lead to the desired result—gold medals. He didn’t make sweeping changes to staffing, training techniques or equipment but rather committed his cyclists and staff to do the little things well. Sir Dave had his team paint the inside of the mobile workshops white so they could see any dirt and grime in the workshop. This enabled them to be able to keep a pristine environment so none of the dirt would get into the bikes. All cyclists took their own pillows and mattresses to international competitions so they could enjoy the same level of sleep comfort they enjoyed at home. He made the cyclists thoroughly wash their hands during competition to avoid any unnecessary illness, and the cyclists, for the same reason, were not allowed to shake competitors’ hands. Sir Dave changed the seat positioning on the bikes, made small changes to the aerodynamics and even had professional cooks prepare and handle the food for the cyclists. As you can imagine, this was the tip of the iceberg in all the small changes he made. Yet these small changes yielded significant results.

The same applies to our students’ academic goals for this semester. Outlining specific times to do homework, reading every night before bed, being organised for class, being on time, having laptops charged, having neat bookwork, asking questions when you are unsure of something … the list goes on. Small changes yield significant outcomes.

Term 3 is the engine room or championship quarter of the academic year. This is the time when academic heavy lifting is required, showing perseverance, grit and determination. During the first half of the year, consolidating the previous year’s work and foundational skills took place along with the exploration of new material and curriculum content. This semester, our boys begin their transition to the following year. It is during this term we look at furthering their academic engagement so that our boys can act more purposefully with their disciplinary knowledge, understanding and skills across the eight learning areas of the curriculum. We are constantly challenging students to broaden their skillset around critical thinking, problem-solving, reasoning and the ability to collaboratively work in teams. The aggregation of marginal gains, and being disciplined and consistent will lead our boys to achieve their personal best. I challenge the boys this term to look for ways, small ways, to implement change and be the best they can be.

Prep value of the week: humility

Being humble is considering others as important as yourself. You are thoughtful of their needs and willing to be of service. You don’t expect others or yourself to be perfect. You learn from your mistakes. When you do great things, humility reminds you to be thankful instead of boastful.

Attribute of the week: principled

When you are principled, you act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. You take responsibility for your actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Year 1 excursion

On Friday, 12 July, the Year 1 classes visited Caboolture Historical Villageas part of their unit of inquiry. Through the central idea, ‘Comparing similarities and differences when exploring the past can help us to understand identity’, the excursion was an effective platform to further inquiry.

Throughout the day, the boys were immersed in educational and entertaining experiences centred around developing an understanding and appreciation of early Australian history. They had the opportunity to experience what life was like as a school student in the early 1900s, participated in a washing demonstration, observed a ‘pumps and power’ workshop, and rode on a small train, which was held up by a bushranger.

The boys thoroughly enjoyed their day out. Thank you so very much to Mrs Guy and Mrs Kiem for joining us on our special outing.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

Keep the fire burning. Blak, loud and proud.

Students throughout the Prep School engaged with NAIDOC Week in the spirit of celebration and reconciliation. In RE lessons, time was spent finding out about this year’s theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning’,andthe winning poster. Many students used research skills to gather information about some of the NAIDOC Week award finalists. We wondered about what actions could be taken to keep the fire and passion of culture burning and created flames to display in the chapel and library. Junior Choir, conducted by Melissa Black and accompanied by Ben Hooper, sang the peaceful ‘Ngaree-ka Kaba Lullaby’, in Yuggera language, and we thank Gaja Kerry, Elder and Yuggera language expert, for her encouragement to do so. Jayden Ah Boo (Year 10) spoke at our Prep Assembly sharing history, culture, knowledge and pride with our Prep School community. Isaiah Missen (Year 8) played the didgeridoo, accompanied by a four-piece string quartet. Their involvement and generosity led the Prep School Assembly and created an atmosphere of respect and celebration.

Around the grounds

Prep Support Group meeting

The next Prep Support Group meeting will be held on Thursday 1 August commencing at 8:30 am in the Brenan Pavilion, and all parents are welcome.

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) holiday

Wednesday 14 August is a public holiday for the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). There will be no school on that day.

Messages to boys

If you need to get a message to your son during the school day regarding afternoon arrangements or activities (or anything else), please direct your message to the Prep School Office, either by email at prepschool@churchie.com.au or by phone on 3896 2219. Emails sent to teachers during the day may not be read and conveyed to the boys in time due to the teachers’ timetables and commitments.

Mark Wyer
Head of Preparatory School