Curriculum and Learning
St Patrick's College
Year 12 Assessment Block – 2 to 11 March 2026
The Year 12 Assessment Block will commence next week on Monday 2 March with English Advanced, English Standard and English Studies. It will conclude on Wednesday 11 March with Mathematics Extension 1 and Drama in the afternoon session.
The assessments are varied in type, structure and format and include, but are not limited to, written responses to pre-published stimulus materials, written tests, essays, oral presentations and practical examinations.
The Assessment Block timetable has been issued to Year 12 students. Students are reminded to familiarise themselves with, and abide by, the Assessment/Examination Block Rules for Senior Students, which have also been distributed.
Parents/carers and students are reminded that, in the event of absenteeism due to illness or misadventure during the Assessment Block, a telephone call to the Year Coordinator, Mr Biviano, must be made by 8:00 AM on the morning of the assessment. Students must then follow the College’s illness/misadventure process as outlined in the Year 12 Assessment Handbook on pp 8-11.
A valid medical certificate or independent supporting evidence must be obtained.
If illness or misadventure prevents a student from attending an assessment, or affects their performance in an assessment, it is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit an illness/misadventure application (not a parent/carer or relative), unless the student is physically unable to do so. This process is also outlined in the Year 12 Assessment Handbook on pp 8-11.
Please note that illness misadventure documentation must be current, specific to the date and time of the assessment, and submitted with the illness/misadventure application form.
A medical certificate that merely states “illness” and/or “unfit for work/study” is not acceptable. The College will not consider an illness/misadventure application without sufficient evidence supporting a genuine reason.
Finally, please remember the intent of the Assessment Block is to provide students with objective feedback on their progress so they can identify the steps needed to improve.
I wish all our HSC cohort well for the upcoming Assessment Block and every success as they work towards achieving their personal best so that the feedback they receive is accurate, meaningful and useful.
James Martin
Director of Curriculum
Year 7 Study Skills Evening – Building Foundations for High School Success
Last Thursday, 19 February, we welcomed Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) as our guest speaker for Year 7 parents/carers and students. The event proved to be a valuable opportunity for families to explore practical strategies for optimising study habits and maximising academic potential.
The evening began with Denzel Tan, our 2026 Learning and Technology Prefect, who spoke about the importance of developing effective study habits for success in high school and then warmly welcomed our guest speaker.
Throughout the evening, families engaged in discussions that encouraged a thoughtful assessment of the changes that could be implemented to help students move confidently and efficiently toward achieving their personal best. Dr Salter's expertise provided valuable insights into key areas, including the home study environment, systematic organisation and management of resources, techniques for successful home-based learning, handling distractions, and managing the high school workload.
The session emphasised the importance of creating structure and routine in a student’s daily life. Families examined how effective time management and thoughtful planning can reduce stress and allow students to approach their workload with confidence. Practical tips on breaking assignments into manageable tasks highlighted how students can take control of their responsibilities, ensuring they meet expectations without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the key benefits of the evening was the meaningful discussions between parents and students about how to move forward in their high school journey with a shared understanding. By identifying areas for improvement and creating action plans together, families can support their students' journey toward independence and self-regulation. We encourage parents/carers to review the session's slides and handouts with their students, focusing on the identified areas that may benefit from positive changes.
Families have also gained access to a video to watch together at home, outlining essential steps for studying for tests in high school, covering topics such as making study notes, self-testing to reinforce learning, and practicing effectively.
All families at our school also have access to a comprehensive study skills website aimed at further developing students’ academic skills. Simply visit www.studyskillshandbook.com.au, enter the username: SPCS2232, and use the password: SPCS2232 to unlock a wealth of resources that can contribute to improving academic results.
Thank you to Dr. Prue Salter for an informative and inspiring session equipping families with tools to help students thrive in high school and beyond.
Gillian Carpenter
Director of Innovation and Learning
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