Curriculum & Data

I am thrilled to be joining The Brigidine community as the Director of Curriculum and Data. I am eager to contribute to the continued success and growth of our school.

First and foremost, congratulations are in order for the outstanding Higher School Certificate (HSC) results achieved by the Brigidine students last year. These remarkable achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of both students and staff at The College. As we celebrate these accomplishments, it is essential to acknowledge the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence that defines this school community.

As we commence the new academic year, I am excited to share some key initiatives that will shape our educational journey. One of our primary focuses is the implementation of a literacy program. Literacy is the cornerstone of academic success, and we believe in empowering our students with strong literacy skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life.

To underscore the significance of literacy, we are integrating it into our assessment marking guidelines across all subjects. This ensures that literacy is not only a standalone skill but an integral part of academic proficiency across the curriculum. By doing so, we aim to create well-rounded individuals equipped with the ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively.

To support this initiative, our teachers will engage in explicit teaching strategies aimed at enhancing literacy skills. These strategies will provide students with the tools and techniques needed to excel in reading, writing, and critical thinking. Through targeted interventions and tailored instruction, we are committed to fostering a culture of literacy excellence within our school community.

In a bid to encourage regular writing practice and enhance literacy skills, students will be expected to bring their notebook to each class, as this year they will be using it to write notes, rather than typing on their laptop. Writing rather than typing will improve many areas such as their grammar, punctuation, legibility and speed of writing. They will still use the laptop for research, collaboration and accessing their textbook.

Furthermore, I am excited to announce the reinvigoration of our Accelerated Reading Program for students in Years 7 to 9. This program has proven to be instrumental in fostering a love for reading, improving comprehension skills, and expanding students' literary horizons. Through a curated selection of engaging and challenging texts, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for learning and exploration through the world of literature. If parents could encourage their daughter to read for 15 minutes each night, this would complement the reading program.

Students and parents will be receiving the 2024 assessment booklet shortly. The booklet contains important information about our assessment policies and guidelines to ensure a smooth and fair evaluation process.

Key inclusions in the assessment booklets involve:

• Clear guidelines on what to do when a student is unwell for an assessment task.
• Information on special considerations and accommodations for students with diverse needs.
• A detailed assessment schedule outlining important dates for in-class and hand-in tasks and weightings for each task.
• A reminder to all students about the importance of maintaining academic integrity during assessments.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to review the contents with their daughter/s to ensure a shared understanding of the assessment policies.

We believe that clear communication is essential for a successful academic environment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the assessment booklet or its contents, please feel free to contact myself, the relevant Head of Department or the classroom teacher.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in making our assessment process transparent and effective. 

I look forward to an exciting and successful year ahead.

Patricia Smith

Director of Curriculum & Data