Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Welcome back for 2024! I am delighted to see that students have returned equipped for lessons and prepared for learning. Long may it continue! Thank you to all parents who have supported their children to ensure they are equipped for learning. We know this is a team effort between home and the College and we are thrilled to be on the journey with you.
Year 11 and 12 Study Periods
We have scheduled a whole year group study lesson for both Year 11 and 12 each week. This will be a valuable time for the students to meet as a year group and be provided with additional intervention on a range of topics. This week Year 11 were onboarded for the program Atomi which will support their study skills during Year 11 and 12. These lessons will also provide opportunities for wellbeing support for the students as they face their final years of school; years that can be stressful and challenging.
Atomi
As mentioned above, the whole of Year 11 and 12 have access to Atomi. Not all subjects are on the platform as it is mainly for exam based subjects, however all students have access to the Study Skills lessons. Your children are encouraged to be using this platform to support their learning throughout their HSC period.
Year 11 and 12 Assessment Blocks
This Term the Year 12 students will have their Assessment Block in Week 8 and the Year 11 students will have their Assessment Block in Weeks 9 and 10. It is imperative that students are preparing for these assessments as soon as the notifications are released, which is during Week 3. If they prepare in advance they will be able to give appropriate time to each assessment without cramming at the end. Please support your children by encouraging them to use a study plan and dedicate appropriate amounts of time at home to each subject.
Give Something Up!
I have spoken to many Year 12 students already this Term about the fact that this is their final year of secondary education. To allow them to be successful in this HSC endeavour they may need to prioritise some study time at home that they haven’t done before. It is wonderful that our students are such all rounders - in the areas of sport, part time work and community involvement. However… to give their HSC the best shot, they may need to give something up. This may mean reducing shifts slightly, tailoring back some commitments, or just sacrificing a little bit of social time. We don’t want them to study like hermits! Just reduce some other commitments so they can give their best to school.
Attendance
Please remember that a strong start to the year with attendance sets your child up to succeed! At this crucial period in the Term the students are getting to know their new teachers and the expectations for each subject. Any unnecessary absence makes things more difficult on return.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the learning for your students.
Ms Kate Fullbrook - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching