Leader of Teaching & Learning

Year 12 English Students intensive preparation for HSC Exams

Last week McCarthy Catholic College Year 12 students attended the Peel Valley English Study Day at Farrer Memorial High. The day brought together over 750 students and 80 teachers, with 17 schools attending. It was an exciting opportunity for Year 12 students from across the region to attend lectures/workshops on all of the texts they have studied this year. The goal of the day was to ensure country students have access to the latest advice and tuition for their upcoming HSC English exams with a range of experienced presenters from across the state working with students.

Students were recognised by a number of presenters including Leonil Peppingco from Queanbeyan High School “The kids were amazing ambassadors for their school”. Emily Bosco, from Into English also commented on social media stating “It was a delight to work with such well-mannered and conscientious young people ”.

Our students found the day to be a valuable experience helping to 'polish our ideas and arguments' and giving them 'the confidence to study well before our exams.'

Year 11 English begin HSC Course work

Students will begin their HSC coursework next term and are expected to read their texts over the holidays. This will allow them to launch straight into their studies next term.

Advanced English are reading the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Students can also listen to a recording of the play at https://soundcloud.com/saladfacefingers/the-crucible-audio The play, considered one of the greats of western literature, tells the story of the Salem Witch trials exploring the cost of fear, hysteria and oppression in society.

Standard English - students should purchase a copy of the novel Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett from Collins Booksellers. To help students actively read they have been issued with a logbook (on Google classroom or paper copies) which they should complete after each chapter. The novel is set in the wild coastal terrain of south-eastern Tasmania in the 1980s, it is a raw and compelling story of the bond between young brothers as they deal with harsh treatment and their mother’s death.

How can you support your students?

Encourage your son or daughter to find a regular time to read their texts and record their thoughts.
Ask them questions about the characters and events of the play/novel.
Discuss their reactions to the stories - the HSC encourages personal observations.

What can you do if students need assistance?

Please contact your student's teacher. Mel Thompson -Advanced. Kerry Ackhurst, Nicole Anderson/ Sophie Cottrell , Heather Burke, or Rebecca Hannan- Standard
encourage your student to access material on Google classroom
an English teacher is available at Homework Club every Wednesday afternoon

We look forward to working with you to help your student achieve success in the HSC.

The McCarthy Catholic College - English Team

Learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.

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Mrs Raelene Maxworthy - Leader of Teaching & Learning