As we move into Semester Two, parents and students are reminded that Term 3 will go in a flash. While this is true for Year 12 students, all cohorts are encouraged to view their Mid Year Report as an opportunity for organised goal setting and strategic revision, as well as the completion of all the tasks that await.
It is important for Year 12 and Year 11 students to remain on track and aim for Grades which enhance their ATAR or competitive advantage for TAFE or employment.
Recently, I communicated to parents of students whose Semester One results flagged a concern. These included students who currently are at risk of not gaining the required ‘C’ Grade minimum to achieve their WACE; results which demonstrate inconsistent effort at School and at home; students who are not meeting deadlines for assessed work; and/or students who are not meeting Work Place Learning commitments in attendance hours and/or logbook completion.
It is important for students to deliberately set goals and work with their teachers to eliminate the roadblocks leading to successful WACE achievement. Whilst the forthcoming Mid Year Report provides your child with specific areas for focus and development to better their performance, the points made in my communication to those parents are applicable to the wider group of students.
• Students have the opportunity to attend an after-school study sessions from 3.00pm to 4.00pm for English and Mathematics. For other subjects, students should organise to meet with their teacher during the school day when an academic tutorial which coincides with that teacher’s non-teaching period, at Lunchtime or after school if the teacher is available.
• There are many staff experienced in providing strategies to assist with organisation, goal setting, techniques for improving examination performance and study skills.
• This year, the School has offered subsidised professional examination preparation programs for five days in one week of the April holidays and, now again, in the July holidays.
• Students should make the most of their class time by initiating persistence and determination to achieve marks that match their potential. Strategies include being actively focused in class, making study notes, seeking clarification from teachers, revising past concepts, completing practice papers, utilising the Library’s study guides and past papers and using course resources located on Canvas.
All students should seek to balance their social activities and other responsibilities. This includes limiting off-task behaviours, such as excessive use of social media and screen time; disproportionate socialising; and working too many shifts. At this stage in a student’s development, maintenance of a healthy diet and sleep patterns are vital.
Parents are directed to discuss their child’s progress with their child’s Head of House or their House Tutor to continue the three-way support of your child’s academic progress.
Written by Natalie Shaw, Associate Principal – Senior School