Somerset College

Four Year 10 students recently had the opportunity to broaden their Global Outlook by taking part in an online debate with students from New Caledonia on the topic of mining. 🌏

Xanthe, Ailin, Emma and Annabel represented Somerset, exchanging ideas and perspectives with Year 11 and 12 students while developing their communication, critical-thinking and debating skills.

The experience provided a valuable opportunity to consider different perspectives on a global issue and connect with students beyond the College community.

Congratulations to Diella, Austin and Nathan on an incredible month of musical achievements! 🎻

Throughout July, the siblings competed across the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod, AUSTA Queensland String Concerto Championships and Redlands Eisteddfod, earning an impressive collection of awards across violin and cello events.

Diella was named Junior Championship Winner at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, alongside multiple first and second-place finishes and a Highly Commended at the AUSTA Queensland String Concerto Championships. Impressively, she received a placing in all 13 sections she entered throughout the July eisteddfods.

Austin achieved Second Place in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod Junior Championship, as well as several podium finishes across solo and duet events, including performances alongside Diella.

Nathan also enjoyed a fantastic month, earning two First Place awards at the Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod and podium finishes at both the Gold Coast and Redlands Eisteddfods.

A wonderful month of performances and achievements for Diella, Austin and Nathan. Congratulations! 👏

It was wonderful to welcome Daniel Principe and Emma Tarabacu back to Somerset College to speak with our Years 6, 7 and 8 students.

Through engaging sessions and discussions, Daniel and Emma encouraged our students to think about friendships, respect, kindness and the way we treat ourselves and others.

Their ability to connect with young people and create space for open and meaningful conversations always makes their visits valuable.

Thank you, Daniel and Emma, for once again sharing your time and insights with our students.

A fantastic few weeks on stage for James, with outstanding success across two major performing arts competitions. 🎭

James recently won the Junior Musical Theatre competition at the prestigious Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge (BPAC), earning a number of national bursaries to further develop his talent, along with performance opportunities across Queensland.

He followed this achievement with another successful weekend at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, achieving fantastic results across his solo performances and receiving the Drew Anthony Award for Most Promising Tapper 12 Years & Under.

At just 10 years old, these opportunities to perform, learn from leading industry professionals and continue developing his craft are wonderful recognition of James’ hard work, passion and commitment.

Congratulations, James! A wonderful example of Personal Success beyond the classroom. 👏

Today, with our community, we celebrated the achievement of 147 students from Year 10 and Year 11 who received a Cum Laude Award.

"Cum laude" a Latin term that translates to "with praise" or "with distinction" is used to designate students who have achieved an exceptional academic performance in the majority of their subjects, in Semester One.

Congratulations to all recipients – we applaud your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence!

Today, our Somerset College community swapped school uniforms for denim to support Jeans for Genes Day👖.

Students and staff came together to raise awareness and funds for the 1 in 20 children affected by a birth defect or genetic disease, helping researchers work towards life-changing treatments and cures.

A huge thank you to everyone who wore their jeans, made a donation and got behind this important cause. Every contribution helps support the scientists at the Children's Medical Research Institute as they work towards finding treatments and cures, giving more children the chance to simply be kids.

If you'd still like to support Somerset College's fundraiser, donations are still open via the link in our bio or here:
https://fundraise.jeansforgenes.org.au/fundraisers/SomersetCollege/wear-your-jeans-2026

Twelve hours, one incredible challenge📚✍️ .

Today, a team of Somerset students took part in the Write a Book in a Day challenge, spending 12 hours creating an entire book from scratch. From developing the story and illustrations to designing the cover, writing the blurb and finalising every page, everything had to be completed between 8.00am and 8.00pm.

The challenge raises funds for The Kids' Cancer Project, supporting vital childhood cancer research. Once submitted, each completed digital book is added to the Write a Book in a Day library, where it can be read by children in hospitals and those recovering from cancer, offering comfort, distraction and a little joy through storytelling.

This year, our team is aiming to raise $10,000 to support this incredible cause. If you'd like to help them reach their goal, you can donate here:
https://writeabookinaday.com/sponsor-a-student/

Congratulations to our students for embracing this challenge with creativity, collaboration and compassion. We can't wait to see the finished book.

Science Week Day 1 went off with a bang... literally. 💥🔬

Science Week is officially underway at Somerset, with today's spectacular live science demonstration capturing students' attention and sparking curiosity.

Throughout the week, students will enjoy a series of exciting science demonstrations that bring scientific concepts to life and inspire a deeper appreciation for discovery and innovation.

The celebrations continue this Thursday at our Science Fair, where students will showcase their own investigations, experiments and scientific thinking.

We look forward to a week of curiosity, discovery and celebrating the incredible world of science. 🧪✨

Year 10 student Elijah has become the first Somerset student to progress to the second round of the Australian Junior Science Olympiad, earning a place among fewer than 150 students nationwide.

The competition attracts approximately 8,400 entrants each year, making Elijah’s achievement an exceptional one.

The second round, held in early August, will test students across Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science and Physics at a level well beyond the Year 10 curriculum. Elijah has dedicated several hours each week to independent study alongside his regular schoolwork, demonstrating remarkable commitment, curiosity and determination.

A strong result could see Elijah invited to the Spring School residential program in September, reserved for the top 24 students nationally and the final stage before selection for Australia’s Junior Science Olympiad team.

Congratulations, Elijah. We are incredibly proud of this historic achievement and wish you every success in the next round.