Term 2, Week 6

Upcoming Assessment

Year 10 Assessment Block Expectations

Year 10 students will receive their exam block schedule early next week. As this is their first blocked assessment session, it is important that they have a clear understanding of our expectations. These will be communicated following the release of the schedule. We certainly appreciate your support in reinforcing these actions with your son.

Study Tips

Below is an abridged version of my suggested student study tips outlined throughout previous newsletters. You and your son might find these useful to prepare for upcoming assessment.

1. Start writing/typing…..anything. I used this technique when I had writers block throughout my doctoral studies. Some academics often term it as ‘spewing’ on the page. An interesting analogy, but one that suggests if our boys can just start, the shaping and editing can come later.
2. Prioritise. Students must prioritise their assessment. There is little value in studying or completing assessment for a subject that is due last.
3. Chunk. I also advise students to chunk their study in order that they can maintain interest throughout their study period.
4. Rest. I advise rest at least every 60-90mins of study. Students should grab a healthy snack, go for a walk or play some sport (or even help around the house with chores)!
5. Sleep. Students are much better off with a good night’s sleep, then studying all night. Research suggests that students who are able to obtain a good night’s sleep perform better on exams the following day. Retention of knowledge is difficult late at night when students are tired.

Study Starter

A reminder that students requiring extra assistance with their study, are very welcome to attend study starter, which is a free tutoring service, run by library staff, academic prefects, and old boys. It is conducted every Monday and Wednesday after school from 3:10pm-4:30pm in the Library.

Highlighting our Agreed Practice through Learning Walks

This week I was thrilled to be invited into the Technology’s workshops and a Primary English lesson. In every part of the lessons, teachers and students worked collaboratively in order to ensure that students learnt in a respectful environment where they were challenged.

Primary - Explicit Teaching of paragraphs. Students enthusiastically shared ideas in a positive and supportive environment.

Design – Devising sustainable solutions. Students were challenged to think for themselves in a creative and calm design space.

Engineering – Programming to Problem Solve. Students were ready to learn, collaborating to achieve success.

MS KIRSTEN WARDROP

Dean of Teaching and Learning (Acting)