On Tuesday, the school conducted a World Cup Day during which classes were themed around the world game of soccer and the nation hosting it.

From African drumming in music class, to using soccer statistics in maths and taking time in science to learn about the knee – the body part most injured in the game – the school came together in an all-out collaboration of learning.

From the time the first bell rang, year 12 students busied themselves painting the faces of students in the colours of the country assigned to them – for a small donation to the charity they support, Telstra Child Flight – while others dived into class.

Principal Peter Mowbray said the inspiration came from an idea put forward by a teacher.

“It actually came from Mark Turner, he’s a keen soccer player,” Mr Mowbray said.

“With soccer being the world’s most-watched and played sport, we thought it would be a good idea to expand the students’ knowledge about other countries.”

Each student was assigned a participating World Cup country to study for the day.

“To look at countries as a part of the day was to give the kids an opportunity to learn about them, not just what they see on television, but where they come from, what they do and what their lives are like,” Mr Mowbray said.

“It was an alternative way of learning to engage students in learning in a practical sense.”

While the idea was born from the mind of just one, all teachers jumped onboard with ideas.

“It was a lot of collaboration for a really successful day for everyone,” Mr Mowbray said.

During the lunch period staff and students took to the soccer pitch in a match normally reserved for Education Week.

But to keep in theme with the day, the annual grudge match was brought forward for everyone to enjoy.

No doubt the whole school will now be looking forward to the Socceroos taking on Serbia in the hope the Aussies will push through to the Cup’s second round.