Learning & Teaching
Term 1 Reports now Available on Compass
Student learning behaviours are reported on each term and give parents information about student levels of engagement, work ethic, organisation and attitude to learning. Both the student and the teachers rate their learning behaviours. The Overall Learning Progress rating out of 4 is an excellent reflection of the students' performance in each subject and a good conversation starter with your child.
The learning behaviours data is also available in the Maestro Student Dashboards - Attached is a guide for parents about these dashboards.
Academic Review Conferences
Our Semester 1 conferences were held today and provided parents and students the opportunity to discuss all things learning related with their Transition Support Mentor or Explore Mentor. The three-way conversations enabled mentors to share current information about learning performance, growth and behaviours. It was great to observe students presenting their own reflections on engagement and learning through the PowerPoint presentations that they prepared. Students were also asked to write 2 goals to improve their engagement both in and out of classes, based on their reflections from term 1. These goals will be available to parents and students to view in the Maestro dashboards next term. It will help to keep these important goals front of mind.
The structure of the ARCs are different to the traditional short interviews parents had in the past with subject teachers. This format focuses on reflection on student's learning and engagement in all their subject areas. The Maestro data dashboards provide very helpful evidence about learning performance, attendance, learning behaviours. The structure of the ARC ensures that students are actively, reflecting, engaged and taking agency over their learning.
Just 37% of students participated in the traditional parents’ teacher interviews this time last year and 64% of our students participated in the ARCs held today. This is a significant improvement in engagement. Another advantage of the ARCs is that it provides an opportunity for parents and students to book additional interviews with our many sub-school staff, wellbeing and inclusion support staff and pathways staff. This group has been very busy today and value the opportunity to engage with parents about health, wellbeing, learning and future pathways.
College Coffee Van
A lovely addition to this year's ARCs is our very own Coffee Van making its first appearance at a school event. Our VCE student Baristas were flat-out all day making hot delights for our staff and parents throughout the day.
Mr Doble and Mr Hoogkamer have done a great job in sourcing the van and training our students to learn the craft of coffee making. Look out for it at the Open Night next week.
Have Your Say
We are always keen for parent feedback on how we can improve. We would really appreciate your thoughts on the Academic Review Conferences. Please provide feedback through this short survey: ARC Feedback Form
VCE THRIVE Study & Lecture Series
The ARC Day provided a great opportunity for the year 12 students and VCE teachers to participate in a whole day alternative learning program this year we called the 'VCE THRIVE Study & Lecture Series'. The program was organised to ensure that year 12 students did not miss out on valuable learning opportunities. The theme of the day was - Review, Retrieve and Revise on the content covered so far this year.
It was fantastic to see so many of our students benefit from the 10 different subject -specific lectures, and to engage in revision and study throughout the day.
Many thanks to the Explore teachers and subject teachers who supervised and put together lecture/workshops for the students to participate in. A big shout out to Ms Roper too for her organisation and management on the day.
Natalie Manser
Assistant Principal
mar@wantirnacollege.vic.gov.au