“Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
For Year 10 students today, this vision is more relevant than ever. Standing on the brink of their final school years, students are about to enter a stage of their education that demands greater independence, faster-paced learning and resilience in the face of new challenges. While much attention is given to supporting students through exams and preparing for life beyond school, the transition into these crucial years can be just as daunting and often overlooked.
That is where Lift Week, short for Learn, Inspire, Flourish, Thrive, comes in. Delivered in the last week of Term 2 at the Duncraig Campus, the program is designed to smooth the transition from Year 10 to Upper School, preparing students for the academic challenges ahead while equipping them with the personal and practical skills to thrive in and beyond the classroom.
Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary (Care) explains:
“Students are offered multiple activities from different learning areas and courses offered by tertiary institutions. We take student voice into account by reviewing their preferences and feedback from past years.”
LIFT week encourages students to think deeply about their future. What do they want to do after school? What pathways align with their strengths and passions? It also prepares them for key milestones such as learning road safety and obtaining their learners permit through the Keys4Life program, often a highlight with all students.
This year’s program offered a diverse range of experiences including university and TAFE open days, the Keys4Life program, Armed4Life sessions focused on self-belief and stress management, curriculum-based activities such as forensic investigations and photography workshops in the Perth CBD, HASS excursions to Perth Zoo and service learning opportunities supporting the Balga Salvation Army. Students also explored the future of work through micro-credentialling and discussions on how having diverse skills and passions can help them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
One of LIFT Week’s defining features is encouraging students to travel independently to and from most activities. This fosters self-reliance but also a sense of ownership over their day. Students are expected to check uniform requirements, manage schedules and report to designated teachers each morning, developing practical skills they will need for life beyond school.
By the end of the week, the goal is for students to walk away feeling confident in their ability to make informed decisions as well as being prepared for the academic and personal challenges ahead.
Russell Gilchrist reflects “The importance of being responsible and keeping safe on roads, that their choices in life matter, and that the future is exciting. Every opportunity offered at school should be grasped with both hands. Future jobs require creative thinkers who are independent, reflective and adaptable.”
As Year 10 students take their next steps into upper school, LIFT Week serves as a powerful reminder that education is about more than exams. It’s about building character, resilience and a mindset ready to embrace a world of opportunity.