International Grammar School students recently took part in G.A.T.E.WAYS’ Teacher Nominated program, a day designed to stretch high-ability and enriching learners through two challenging and engaging workshops.
In The Curious and Courageous strand, students explored big questions through two distinct sessions. In Pinocchio’s Secret, Clinical Psychologist Ksenia Zinoviev guided students through the invisible world of other people’s thoughts, encouraging them to look beyond appearances and consider what others might be thinking or feeling. In What Strange Creatures!, Katrina Sims invited students to view everyday human behaviour and technology use through the eyes of astronomers observing Earth for the first time, sparking discussion on communication, connection and how we relate to the devices around us.
Days like this bring several of our IGS Values to life. Students approached each puzzle and question with vibrancy – curiosity sparked, energy flowed and ideas came to life across both workshops. They were also asked to sit with uncertainty and search for answers honestly rather than reaching for the easy or expected response – a small but meaningful practice in authenticity, staying true to their own thinking even when a question had no obvious solution. And in reflecting on how people think, feel and connect with one another – whether through Pinocchio’s search for the invisible key or the astronomers’ puzzling over human behaviour – students engaged with the deeper idea of connectedness that shapes how we learn, relate and grow together.
Introducing these ways of thinking early in Years 1 to 3 is important because this is when children are building the foundations for how they approach learning. Encouraging young students to ask thoughtful questions, consider other perspectives and solve problems creatively helps them develop confidence in their own thinking from the outset. These are habits of mind that grow stronger over time and shape how students engage with more complex ideas as they progress through school.
By taking part in workshops like these young learners are also given the chance to connect with like-minded peers and see that curiosity and imagination are valued and celebrated. This sense of belonging alongside intellectual challenge supports both academic growth and personal achievement in these early and formative years.
We thank the facilitators and teaching staff for making this day possible for our students.
