KLA Feature - Year 11
It has been another busy and rewarding term for our Year 11 students as they work towards completing their Preliminary year. Throughout the term, the girls have embraced a range of challenges and opportunities, continuing to develop their independence, resilience and commitment to their learning.
We congratulate the number of Year 11 students who were selected to participate in the Step Up into Teaching Program with Australian Catholic University (ACU). This exciting initiative provides students with the opportunity to take their first steps towards a career in education, gaining valuable insight into university study and the teaching profession while still at school. The program commenced during the July school holidays, with students spending a week at ACU completing their first university subjects in teaching. Their willingness to challenge themselves and embrace this opportunity is a wonderful reflection of their commitment and enthusiasm for their future pathways.
Our VET students have also been gaining valuable real world experience through work placements in Hospitality, Business Services and Fitness. Over recent weeks, a number of students have stepped into industry environments, developing practical skills, building confidence and gaining a deeper understanding of their chosen fields. These experiences provide an important connection between their learning at school and the world beyond the College, helping them to develop skills and knowledge that will support their future aspirations.
Year 11 students have also been given the opportunity to support and celebrate the talents of our current Year 12 students by performing as part of their HSC Major Works in Dance and Music. It has been wonderful to see our students contribute to these important performances while gaining insight into the creativity, dedication and preparation required to complete HSC Major Works.
Congratulations also to the Year 11 students undertaking the accelerated Primary Industries and Studies of Religion II courses. These students have now completed all of their school based HSC assessments for these subjects, a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work, commitment and perseverance. We wish them every success as they prepare for their final HSC examinations in Term 4, Week 2.
Supporting Your Daughter Through Preliminary Examinations
As Year 11 students complete their Preliminary examinations, the support and encouragement they receive at home can make a real difference. While it is natural for students to experience some pressure during this time, we encourage parents to remind their daughters that examinations are an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and identify areas for growth. Supporting healthy routines is equally important, including getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying active and taking regular breaks. A calm and supportive home environment, combined with encouragement to maintain a balanced approach to study, will help students approach their examinations feeling prepared and confident. Most importantly, remind your daughter that her results do not define her and that there will always be opportunities to learn, improve and grow.
When Results Are Returned
When results are returned, take the time to celebrate your daughter’s effort, commitment and progress, regardless of the mark she receives. Encourage her to reflect on what went well and identify areas for improvement. Questions such as “What are you proud of?”, “What did you find challenging?” and “What could you do differently next time?” can help shift the focus from the result itself to the learning that comes from the experience. Encourage your daughter to seek feedback from her teachers and use this to set realistic goals for Year 12. If a result is not what she had hoped for, reassure her that one assessment does not determine her future. A calm, positive and encouraging response can help her develop resilience, learn from setbacks and approach the challenges ahead with confidence.
The College is incredibly proud of the way our Year 11 students continue to ‘step up and embrace the journey’, making the most of the many opportunities available to them. Through VET experiences, university programs, leadership, performances, work placements and opportunities beyond the classroom, our young women are developing the skills, confidence, independence and resilience that will support them well beyond their school years. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow as they move towards Year 12 and beyond.
Keep working hard, Year 11 — we are very proud of you!
Mrs Natasha Harper
Leader of Learning Year 11
