Senior School

The winter school holidays will arrive shortly and many of us are thinking about what we are going to be doing during this time. I ask all parents/carers assist our Year 11 and Year 12 students to use these two weeks to make sure their study notes are up to date. For Year 12 students I strongly encourage them to sit timed past papers, in preparation for the Trial HSC Examination in Term 3, Week 3 and Week 4.

The timeline for Year 10 subject selections has begun! Year 10 students have much to think about and decide on, in the next few weeks. The key dates are detailed below. I encourage all students to ask their teachers many questions.

Year 10

If you missed my email, it has been, and will continue to be, a busy time for our Year 10 students.

Date / Timing	Event	Key information
Thursday 25 June	Subject Selection Booklet issued	Students receive the 2026 Year 10 into 2027 Year 11 Subject Selection Booklet, outlining Stage 6 subjects and NESA requirements.
Term 2, Weeks 9–11	Stage 6 Subject Taster Sessions	Students attend sessions to learn about course content, expectations and subject pathways.
Ongoing / next semester	NESA Minimum Standards Tests	Students who were absent or did not meet the standard will have another opportunity next semester. Relevant parents will be contacted next term.
Tuesday 21 July, 5:00pm–6:00pm	Careers Expo	Year 10 students attend before the Subject Selection Evening.
Tuesday 21 July, 6:00pm	Subject Selection Evening	Parents/carers and students are strongly encouraged to attend. The evening covers HSC requirements, senior school expectations, subject selection processes and faculty information.
Wednesday 22 July	Semester One Report	Reports will be available in Term 3, Week 1.
Thursday 30 July, from 4:00pm	Parent/Teacher Interviews	Interviews will be held in Term 3, Week 2.
Term 3, Week 3	Subject Selection Interviews	Students meet with key staff during school hours to discuss strengths, interests, goals, pathways and suitable subject choices.

Year 10 Parent Teacher Interviews

All parents and their sons are strongly encouraged to attend. These interviews are a terrific opportunity, with your son AND his teacher, to discuss the year ahead to maximise your son’s potential and gain greater insight of potential subject selection.

Year 11

Year 12

Stay on Track, you are almost there!

Maximising Study Efficiency: The 80-20 Rule

Are you tired of spending countless hours on assignments only to realise that much of that time was wasted on unnecessary tasks? It's time to work smarter, not harder, and the key lies in understanding the 80-20 rule.

The 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of results come from just 20% of efforts. How can you apply this principle to your studies? Let's break it down.

Choose the Right Goal: Before diving into any task, it's crucial to identify your goal. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this assignment? Focus on the 20% of goals that will yield 80% of the desired results. For instance, if your goal is to write a persuasive essay, identify the key points or arguments that will make the most impact.

Choose the Right Task: Not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks contribute significantly more to your goals than others. Prioritise tasks based on their importance and relevance to your objectives. If research is consuming too much of your time, consider focusing on the essential sources and information that directly support your main arguments.

Choose the Right Action or Strategy: Once you've established your goals and tasks, it's time to determine the most effective actions or strategies to achieve them. Break down your tasks into actionable steps and concentrate on the 20% of actions that will generate 80% of your desired outcomes. For example, if you're studying for an exam, identify the key concepts or topics that are likely to appear and allocate more time to mastering them.

Remember, every task consists of three components: the destination (goal), the route (plan), and the action (steps). By focusing on the critical 20% of each component, you can optimise your study approach for maximum efficiency and results.

In your academic journey, prioritise activities that align with your goals and contribute the most to your success. By adopting the 80-20 mindset, you'll not only save time but also achieve better outcomes with less effort.

So, the next time you embark on a study session or tackle an assignment, think about the 80-20 way of working smarter, not harder. Identify the tasks and actions that truly matter, and focus on these.

Elizabeth Meek

Head Teacher Senior School